21 E-Commerce Design Trade Programs Worth Joining, According to the Pros
Professionals say: “They give me the same service I would get if I were customizing a piece of furniture from a well-known trade showroom,” says New York–based designer David Thiergartner, a frequent user of MGBW’s COM program. “It allows a client to get a fair price and not be limited by the fabrics that exist. I was doing a chair with a very large repeat fabric, and we came up with a couple different ways to bring the cost of the yardage down so that it was viable. That’s surprising from a mass production company making tons of furniture.”
Website: mgbwhome.com/to-the-trade.html
5. Jenni Kayne
Benefits: A 20% discount, early access to new product launches, complimentary styling services with the Jenni Kayne design team, and invitations to members-only events.
Professionals say: Though an annual membership to Jenni Kayne home costs $150, the brand’s West Coast cool makes this a no-brainer for designers. “Our California clients love a Jenni Kayne moment,” Oakland-based designer Susie Novak says. “They offer an incredible trade program and an awesome in-store trade experience.”
Website: jennikayne.com/pages/trade-program
6. Article
Benefits: Like several others in its class, Article has a dedicated Article for Trade support team, as well as tools like cut sheets, swatch kits, and 3D models. They also offer direct-to-consumer value and volume discounts.
Professionals say: Starting at 5%, with the opportunity to save up to 15% on orders above $25,000, the discount you’ll receive after signing on is relatively small. But what the program lacks in financial benefits, they make up in service: “Article allowed me to capture a somewhat boho vibe for one of the three models, and a more organic, textural, monochromatic look for another one,” says Teresa C. Moxon, owner and designer at Virtu Designs.
Website: welldesigned.article.com
7. Serena & Lily
Benefits: Trade member benefits include a 25% discount, access to an exclusive COM program, complimentary swatches, and support from a dedicated trade team. That’s in addition to extended returns, tax-exempt purchases, and flat-rate delivery.
Professionals say: “They’re really collaborative with designers,” Michelini says. “We can send clients into the showroom, and they’re respectful of that relationship—they don’t try to take over and be the designer.” That said, she notes there could be more ease in getting samples. “There’s a one-week lead time that drags things out, whereas other companies might take two days,” she says.
Website: serenaandlily.com/designer-circle/trade-lp.html
8. RH
Benefits: Look forward to access to a dedicated representative, 25% off full-price items and an additional 20% off sale items, tools like CAD floor planning, and, of course, a comprehensive multicategory assortment.
Professionals say: “We’ve been working with our representative for years,” Michelini says. “She comes to the studio and drops off fabric swatches, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming products. And if she knows a product has a longer lead time, she might guide us towards a different one—we don’t want our client to fall in love with something we can’t deliver. She’s great to work with. We even invited her to our Christmas party.”