How Interior Designers Charge – Part 2: Understanding Handling Fees & Trade Discounts

When people start thinking about working with an interior designer, one of the biggest questions they have is: How much will it cost? At Kinder Design, we believe in being open and transparent about how we charge, so let’s talk about something that comes up often -handling fees and trade discounts.

Beyond the design phase (where we develop your concepts, layouts, and colour schemes), many clients also ask us to purchase furniture, fittings, and materials on their behalf. And that’s where this next layer of pricing comes in.

So, what is a Handling Fee?

Purchasing furniture and finishes isn’t as simple as adding things to an online cart. It’s a time-intensive process that includes everything from researching options and managing quotes to placing orders, handling invoices, arranging deliveries, managing lead times, and overseeing installation.

To cover this admin-heavy part of the project, most interior designers charge what’s called a Handling Fee. At Kinder Design, our Handling Fee is 15% - this covers our time and expertise in managing the entire procurement process for you. And what about Trade Discounts?

As an interior designer I’ve built strong relationships with trusted suppliers over the years. This means I have access to trade accounts that typically offer discounts of around 10-20% on furniture, fabric, lighting, finishes, and more.

At Kinder Design, we pass on 100% of those trade discounts to our clients. This means you can access beautiful, often bespoke, high-quality pieces at better prices than retail - all while we manage the process from start to finish.

Why this is great news for you

When you balance the trade discount against the handling fee, working with an interior designer can become relatively cost-neutral during the purchasing phase. So not only are you getting expert help choosing the right pieces, but you're also saving time, avoiding headaches, and getting access to products that are often not available to the general public.

Think of it as having an expert in your corner—one who knows the best suppliers, can source special items tailored to your space, and ensures that everything arrives on time, in the right finish, and fits beautifully into your home. A real-life example

The photo featured here is from a family home where I helped create a calm, cosy sitting room - an escape from the hustle and bustle of family life. By using my trade discounts and handling the purchasing process end to end, I took all the stress off the client’s plate and ensured everything was delivered and installed smoothly. The result? A space that looks and feels just right.

If you're renovating and want an interior designer to take the stress out of purchasing while adding magic to your home, get in touch with Kinder Design - we’d love to help!