Comments on: Industry Partners Keep Talking, But Are Designers Listening?

By: Patty Williams

Patty Williams — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:39:57 +0000

There seems to be a communication gap between designers and Industry Partners. We want to work with each other, but almost don’t know how.

I agree with free design being a major issue. Why send your clients into a business that will potentially steal your client? Everyone is looking for ways to save money these days, but the industry needs to stay wise to the fact that most consumers are one-time sales. Their real customers are the ones that come back frequently – designers, architects, and contractors.

To Industry Partners: Developing relationships takes time, and just starting the dialogue sometimes takes longer. We must empathize with our prospects, and exercise patience. Sometimes designers are just plain busy, or maybe they already have a source they are satisfied with. Be okay with “no” for an answer, and welcome them when the time comes that they are ready to give you a try. After the sale, get their feedback to ensure you exceeded their expectations… then, you’ll be on the road to having a customer for life.

By: Pangaea

Pangaea — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:40:44 +0000

The comment “designers don’t seem to be very loyal to the people supporting them” really got my attention. Because designers think that the vendors are not being very loyal to the people bringing them business.It used to be that I could make some money via my designer discount. I could even share a bit of that discount with clients so they saved money – I made money – and the vendor got more business. A win-win for everyone. But over the past couple years I have found vendors offering the same discount to consumers that is being offered to me. By doing so, they take away my incentive to guide consumers to a specific vendor.

And how about the vendors that have begun offering free in-home interior design services? When a vendor offers that, do they really wonder why I wouldn’t bring my clients their way?

As for how to get in front of me … reach out to more associations than just ASID. I’m not a member of that group, but I am a member of IDS. What do designers want to know? … product education is helpful, but we really need to know how we can make money with your product and if there is any way you can help us get clients.

By: Barbara Segal

Barbara Segal — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:06:21 +0000

This is a great Topic for Interior Designer Chat. A weekly chat every Tuesday at 6p EST for Interior Designers, Interior Architects, Decorators, and anyone who is in the Home Furnishings Industry. Listen in or join us! Industry Partners scramble no longer ask us directly on twitter. Branding now is about engaging and influencing.
Of course we would love for you Fred to be a Guest Host. BTW twitter is about conversation. Klout matters.

http://www.furnituretoday.com/blog/Retail_Ideas What Do Consumers Designers Care About