EP 446 | Procurement for Profit: How Interior Designers Maximize Margin & Service with Jennifer VanderMeer
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.
About Jennifer VanderMeer
Jennifer VanderMeer leads Aquavato and The House of Rohl Studio, a plumbing showroom reimagined for the design trade. Her team partners with interior designers and industry-leading manufacturers to deliver concierge-level service—because trade pricing shouldn’t mean trade-offs.
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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Aquavato!
Aquavato is a trade-focused plumbing showroom in Toronto designed to support interior designers with expert product guidance, educational support, and concierge level service. Inside, the House of Rohl Studio has curated selections of Perrin & Rowe, Rohl, Shaws, Victoria + Albert, Emtek & Schaub.
Learn more about the Aquavato Trade Program at aquavato.com.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
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