EP 446 | Procurement for Profit: How Interior Designers Maximize Margin & Service with Jennifer VanderMeer
September 16, 2025
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Procurement shouldn’t be a financial burden—it should be one of the most profitable parts of your interior design business. In this episode of Business of Design®, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Jennifer VanderMeer, a longtime interior designer who now works on the supplier side with Aquavato, a global leader in luxury plumbing. Jennifer shares the procurement strategies that allow designers to offer concierge-level service while increasing profitability—not sacrificing it.
From understanding MAP vs. MSRP to strengthening vendor relationships, Jennifer reveals the insider knowledge most designers never get access to. You’ll learn how trade pricing really works, how strong supplier partnerships can help you avoid costly mistakes, and why procurement is ultimately about delivering exceptional value through solutions, relationships, and expertise.
If you’ve ever struggled with pricing, felt unsure how to protect margin, or wondered how to deliver white-glove service without eroding profit, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.
In this episode you will learn:
- How understanding MAP vs. MSRP can transform your pricing and profitability
- Why trade pricing doesn’t mean trade-offs
- How strong supplier partnerships prevent mistakes, speed up sourcing, and improve outcomes
- Why procurement is fundamentally about solutions, service, and value
- How to deliver concierge-level service and remain profitable
- How disbursements can create an additional, transparent profit center in your business
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.