EP 446 | Procurement for Profit with Jennifer VanderMeer
September 16, 2025
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In this episode of Business of Design®, we sit down with Jenn Vandermeer, a veteran interior designer who’s now making waves on the supplier side of the industry. After years of applying the BOD™ strategies in her own design practice, Jenn has joined Aquavato, a world-leader in plumbing supplier, with a mission to help interior designers thrive while making more money. Jenn shares how we can deliver concierge-level service without sacrificing profit. From navigating MAP pricing to forging powerful vendor relationships,
In this episode we learn:
- understanding the difference between MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) and MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) can change the way you approach pricing and profit in your design projects
- trade pricing doesn’t mean trade-offs
- building strong partnerships with your suppliers can help you avoid costly mistakes, speed up sourcing, and improve your project outcomes
- design is about offering solutions, relationships, and exceptional value
- concierge-level service can be profitable
- consider using disbursements as an additional way to profit from your sourcing efforts while keeping your business transparent.
DESIGN INTERVENTION
Service is a noble gesture—delight is the reward. Service is the product we’re selling. When we treat service as noble, not servile, we stop apologizing for our value. We set better boundaries, attract respectful clients, and charge for the invisible work that makes everything run smoothly.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used for any legal decisions. Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc., Kimberley Seldon Design and Media, Inc., Business of Design™, or any of its affiliated companies or staff is not responsible for any errors or omissions effecting accuracy in any content, and they will not be held liable for the use or misuse of information, facts, details or any other aspects should there arise any defects, errors, omissions or perhaps inaccuracies. Extensive research has been conducted to put this podcast together for the purpose of educating our industry in order to better serve the public. Care has been taken to acknowledge ownership of copyrighted material. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is offered with the understanding that we do not render any legal, accounting or other professional advice. Seek the advice of a lawyer and/or other competent professional person in all matters of law. Further, listeners should be aware that internet websites mentioned may change or disappear between when this was recorded and when it was listened to.