• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Melissa Galt

Interior Design Business Coach

  • Meet Melissa
  • Work with Me
  • PODCAST
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Contact

Interior Design Sourcing in Less Time

Interior design sourcing in less time means you have more time for design, more time for marketing, more time for client care, and more time for your life! And it’s not about hiring a team or short changing your client selections by using the same old resources all the time. In fact, when you smart source you’ll have access to more resources in less time and professional assistance for free to help you find exactly the right pieces for every project. Sound too good to be true?

As a former purchasing agent in hotels (if you ate it, drank it, wrote with it, or slept on it, I bought it), I learned the power of great vendors early and brought that into my design practice. Whenever a client has asked, “how big is your firm?” I’ve always replied “how big do you need me to be?” I have the world at my fingertips with my suppliers and see them as an integral part of my talented team, instead of just another supplier.

Here are 4 home furnishings and decor one stop shop resources exclusively to the trade that you can count on to accomplish your interior design sourcing in less time.  I’d love to hear which one’s you already knew about and which one’s you use and recommend in comments. Leverage these resources to not only save you time and money, but also to expand your product horizons and project visions. Often the best finds are the ones you didn’t know you were looking for.

Interior Design Sourcing in Less Time with Steelyard Access

Steelyard Access, formerly TODL (Trade Only Design Library), was the original one stop to the trade resource online, launched in 1997. Over 20K designers are on board using the service regularly and saving huge amounts of time. There are thousands of trade only brands available and search is easy by brand, by product, by style, even by color. You can save any piece to a project file or a favorite file and get full details including a specification sheet and pricing in just minutes.

You eliminate all the drive time, wasted weeks in traffic, and frustration of not knowing if it’s in stock or not, in just a few clicks of your keyboard. As a qualified interior designer, your account is free. And Steelyard Access provides one click service so you can be in touch with the right person at any given brand to get all the information you need including information and details about customizing your pieces.

Interior Design Sourcing in Less Time with Designer Inc

Designer Inc is the proverbial new kid on the block having launched in 2017. Led by CEO Heather Gillette and Chief Designer Mark Cutler, their mission is to cut your sourcing time in half. To date they have over a thousand brands available at your finger tips and several thousands designers raving about the ease of use.

Interior design sourcing in less time is particularly important for designers located beyond major city centers whose access to design showrooms and galleries is location limited. While we all know nothing beats a good sit test, many clients will trust your knowledge and enable you to save them the time of long trips to out of the way trade showrooms and let your fingers do the walking online.

Interior Design Sourcing in Less Time with Design Trade ServicesDesign Trade Services was launched in 2015 by two experienced home furnishing manufacturers and retail experts who wanted to deliver a more streamlined solution for trade resourcing. They have over 50 manufacturers catalogs available on the site and have the unique ability to customize a catalog for your own design practice. You can then provide this catalog on your site for both clients and potential clients to browse, it’s a great selling feature.

They offer two tiers of membership, one is free and the second is $29.95/month providing deeper discounts and perks if you purchase over $500/month. Interior design sourcing in less time is facilitated by these online one stop resources being available 24/7, so if you’re a late night browser or early morning (that’s me) specifier, you can source at your convenience instead of scheduling your day around showroom hours.

Interior design sourcing in less time with Eporta.com Eporta was founded by two friends in design who’s mantra is “meritocracy in design and transparency in business.” They now have a team of 15 millennials ready to assist in search, order, project management and delivery and installation. They focus on residential as well as commercial and hospitality design.

Eporta offers a wide range of brands including many European and smaller boutique vendors that are sure to keep your projects fresh and original. They provide the lens of completed projects by designers who use them as an easy way to see how powerful less time sourcing and more time designing can be.

The resources suggested here are to the trade only, the public have no access beyond landing on the site but unable to get beyond the velvet rope. In my next post, I’ll share consumer resources that offer trade services and can also save you significant time in sourcing.

And remember….DESIGNERS DON’T SHOP, THEY SOURCE! Your clients shop, use the right language to set yourself apart as the talented design expert and professional you are.

Grab your FREE copy of “20 Time Management Tips for the Trade” just click HERE. 

Follow me on social media @melissagalt on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the latest strategies, tips, and tools to keep you earning more in less time with clients who absolutely love you!

 

Filed Under: Best Business Practices, Time Management Tagged With: Business Tips, Interior Design Sourcing, Success Habits, Time Management

Previous
Next

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brandonnardy says

    June 28, 2023 at 12:27 am

    meclizinex

    Reply
  2. meclizinel says

    June 30, 2023 at 1:24 pm

    antivert

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar


I’m Melissa!

Tough-love Business Coach. Marketing Magician. Inner Imposter Buster. Cocktail Connoisseur. And Queen Of Unpopular Opinions.

TELL ME MORE

Search the blog

Crowd Faves

How to Find the Best Interior Design Business Coach for You

Outsourcing is the answer to ditching deadly distractions when you want to grow your interior design practice.

7 Deadly Distractions Stopping Your Interior Design Business Growth

6 Ways to Calculate Interior Design Fees with Transparency

Recent Posts

  • 053: Unlocking Business Growth with Effective Design Contracts: An In-depth Guide
  • Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take The Lead!
  • 052: What To Do When Inquiries Aren’t Coming In
  • Where Your Focus Goes, Finances Grow
  • 051: Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take the Lead

Recent Comments

  1. Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take The Lead! | Melissa Galt on 051: Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take the Lead
  2. Lori LaRochelle on 051: Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take the Lead
  3. Where Your Focus Goes, Finances Grow | Melissa Galt on 050: Where Your Focus Goes, Finances Grow
  4. Get Your Team to Get More Done | Melissa Galt on 049: Get Your Team to Get More Done
  5. Your Permission Slip to Play (for More Profit) | Melissa Galt on 048: Your Permission Slip to Play (for More Profit)

Archives

  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • April 2017
  • November 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • April 2016
  • February 2016
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • March 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008
  • March 2008
  • February 2008
  • January 2008
  • December 2007
  • November 2007
  • October 2007
  • September 2007
  • August 2007
  • July 2007
  • June 2007
  • May 2007
  • April 2007
  • March 2007
  • February 2007
  • January 2007
  • December 2006
  • November 2006
  • October 2006
  • September 2006
  • August 2006
  • July 2006
  • June 2006
  • May 2006
  • April 2006
  • March 2006
  • February 2006
  • January 2006
  • December 2005
  • November 2005
  • October 2005
  • September 2005
  • July 2005
  • May 2005
  • April 2005
  • January 2005

Categories

  • Affluent Creative Articles
  • Best Business Practices
  • Business Development
  • Client Acquisition
  • Content Creation
  • Conversion Strategies
  • Customer Service
  • Developing Your Brand
  • Facebook Marketing
  • Gratitude
  • Instagram Marketing
  • Life/Work Balance
  • LinkedIn Marketing
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Melissa Galt
  • Mentoring
  • Mindset
  • Motivation
  • My Life's Adventures
  • Naked Marketing ~ Authentic Marketing
  • Podcast Episodes
  • Popular Posts
  • Prosperity Mindset
  • Public Relations Marketing
  • Referral Marketing
  • Retail Marketing Strategy
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Success Habits
  • Time Management
  • Twitter Marketing
  • Website Design & Marketing

Footer

GET MORE OF MELISSA, ON THE PODCAST!

Subscribe to the podcast, “The Affluent Creative,” and get the best in smart systems, proven processes, and the right strategies and resources to take your design practice to the next level.

START LISTENING

LET’S GET SOCIAL

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

FREE RESOURCES TO SCALE YOUR BUSINESS

SUCCESS GUIDES, RESOURCES, TOOLS & EVENTS TO GROW YOUR DESIGN BUSINESS

DOWNLOAD >>

➡️ When it comes to crafting project agreement ➡️ When it comes to crafting project agreements with clients, I want you and your bottom line protected. 

I also want you to have peace of mind with every single client, and I want your clients to feel confident about working with you. 
This security can be provided with the right letter of agreement. 

🎙️So today, I am diving into how to craft a clear and cohesive letter of agreement that will provide the protection and clarity needed for a great working relationship with your clients.

Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#designcontract #letterofagreement 
#interiordesigncommunity #interiordesignpodcast #successcoaching #successbydesign #bestpodcast #podcastrecommendation #designinfluencer #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #commercialdesigner #residentialdesigner #creativebusinesscoach #instapodcasts #interiordesignbusinessmentor #melissagalt #theaffluentcreative #interiordesignerlifestyle #interiordesignerlife❤️
The right letter of agreement will outline✍️al The right letter of agreement will outline✍️all stipulations, clauses, and information that you and your client need to set up a positive and professional project timeline. 

✅ Having one is so crucial for a smooth design process, yet creating the right agreement can be overwhelming. 

In today’s episode of The Affluent Creative, I will walk you through my process for what to include in your letter of agreement to protect your profits while providing the clarity and confidence that your clients need.

➡️Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#designcontract #interiordesignerslife #interiordesignerslifestyle #designagreement #businessofhome #businessofdesign #interiordesigncommunity #interiordesignpodcast #ASID #IDS #IFDA #iloveids #interiordesignbusinesstips #interiordesignbusinesscoaching #interiordesignbusinesscoach #interiordesignbusinessmentor #interiordesigncoach #scopeofwork #peaceofmind #interiordesignreels #businessreels #melissagalt #interiordesignscottsdale #arizonainteriordesigner #chicagointeriordesigner #newyorkinteriordesigners
When client inquiries start to dry up, the kneejer When client inquiries start to dry up, the kneejerk response for many designers is to go straight to panic mode. Economic uncertainties are bound to happen, but they shouldn’t dictate the trajectory of your creative business. 

➡️ What you think about you bring about–and if you’re thinking only about the worst, that is all you’ll see! 

Tune into today’s episode of The Affluent Creative for my strategies for maintaining positivity and stability even in an economic downturn.

🎙️Listen In → Episode 52. 
Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#interiordesigncommunity #interiordesignpodcast #successcoaching #successbydesign #bestpodcast #podcastrecommendation #designinfluencer #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #commercialdesigner #residentialdesigner #creativebusinesscoach #instapodcasts #interiordesignbusinessmentor #melissagalt #theaffluentcreative #interiordesignerlifestyle #interiordesignerlife❤️
In an ever-changing world, understanding how to th In an ever-changing world, understanding how to thrive as a creative in any economy is essential. 

➡️ This week on The Affluent Creative, I am diving into the importance of networking, knowing your numbers, and staying positive when you are faced with an inquiry dry spell. 

Tune in to learn how to navigate economic uncertainty and emerge victorious.

Listen In → Episode 53. 
Listen wherever you find podcasts!
.
.
.
.
.
#referrals #businessreferrals #interiordesignpodcast #referralsarethebestcompliment #designinfluencer #interiordesignbusinesscoach #interiordesignbusinessmentor #interiordesignpodcast #interiordesignfirm #interiordesignbusinesstips #podcastrecommendations #tothetrade #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #residentialdesigner #commercialdesigner #bestpodcasts #podcastersoninstagram #melissagalt #theaffluentcreative
🗣️Word of Mouth marketing is limited and unpr 🗣️Word of Mouth marketing is limited and unpredictable particularly when economic uncertainty is happening. 

Igniting reliable marketing engines that run inside your business 24/7/365 is the key to keeping your profit pipeline filled. 

Find out how you can claim your very own marketing scorecard and take charge of your pipeline here.
.
.
.
.
.
#interiordesignpodcast #interiordesignbusinesscoach #creativebusinesspodcast #businessofcreativity #businessofdesign #podcastlife #podcaster #instapodcast #instapodcasts #theaffluentcreative #successcoaching #interiordesigncommunity #designinfluencer #melissagalt #interiordesignmarketing #interiordesignbusinesstips #interiordesignfirm #marketingfordesigners #marketingdesign #marketingdesigner
➡️ There are 20 Keys to Effective Client Commu ➡️ There are 20 Keys to Effective Client Communication. You’re likely doing over half of them already, but ARE YOU USING ALL OF THEM? 

Check and see by tuning into Episode 34 on the podcast, The Affluent Creative. #linkinbio 
.
.
.
.
.
#clientcommunication #interiordesignclients #interiordesignbusinesscoach #interiordesignerlifestyle #interiordesignprofessional #interiordesignhelp #kitchendesigners #bathroomdesigners #residentialdesigners #designquotes #designentrepreneur #interiordesigncompany #atlantainteriordesigner #newyorkinteriordesigner #cincinnatiinteriordesigner
#theaffluentcreative #melissagalt #interiordesignpodcast
Follow on Instagram
  • Home
  • Work with Me
  • About
  • PODCAST
  • Terms
  • Blog
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 · Melissa Galt · Site Design by FGD