In interior design, trust is everything. It’s what turns first-time clients into lifelong advocates. And the faster you can build that trust, the stronger your business will be.

One way to do that? Consider what matters most to your clients. For many, it’s not just the end result—it’s feeling confident in the process. They want to know they’re making smart decisions, that their money is well spent, and that their designer is acting in their best interest.

Personally, I choose to pass 100% of my trade discounts to clients. Not because I have to, but because pricing transparency is a tool I use to build trust. Instead of marking up furniture, I charge a higher hourly rate and make the entire process clear and straightforward.

The result?
✔️ Clients see me as a partner, not just an expense
✔️ They understand exactly where their money is going
✔️ They feel confident in the investment they’re making

This approach isn’t about dismissing markups—it’s about using transparency strategically to strengthen client relationships and increase referrals.

Next, let’s talk about why your service—not just the products you source—should be the foundation of your business.