22 E-Commerce Design Trade Programs Worth Joining, According to the Pros

Memberships to design trade programs can be some of the best tools in an interior designer’s arsenal, rivaling evergreen essentials like a sketch pad, measuring tape, or top-tier software. Fortunately, you don’t have to look too far to find the right options to satisfy your decorating needs. Nowadays, everyone from big-box retailers like Williams-Sonoma to virtual showrooms like 1stDibs offers designers no-cost benefits such as storewide discounts, product recommendations, and dedicated customer service representatives. All you have to do is present a business license or designer certification to prove your professional status. A no-brainer, right?

But with so many design trade programs to choose from, finding the best benefits is easier said than done. To help, we tapped the industry’s top talent to share the trade memberships they return to time and time again. Not only that, but we also explored a few more options that are worth trying.

1. Williams-Sonoma

Benefits: Enjoy at least 20% off Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s fleet of brands like Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Rejuvenation. No minimum quantities, and tax exemption on online purchases.

Professionals say: “It makes our clients happy that we can extend incredible discounts,” says New York–based designer Morgan Woodcock, who adds that her discount increased from 20% to 30% when she worked for a previous employer. The program has also been quick to fix errors. Once, after Williams-Sonoma shipped Woodcock the wrong lampshades, the company overnighted the correct order.

Website: wsib2b.com

2. Design Within Reach

Benefits: Trade discounts and special offers for members, access to custom offerings, personalized service from DWR’s account executive team, and exclusive access to previews, launches, and member-only events.

Professionals say: Bay Area designer Kriste Michelini loves her DWR representative. “When a product ships, she sends us a personalized email to let us know,” Michelini says. “She’s lent us products for install when something was back-ordered. Once, we were doing a showcase house and needed a lamp, and she drove one over for us because the one we ordered wasn’t going to make it in time. That’s really going above and beyond.”

Website: dwr.com/trade-member-program-page.html

3. 1stDibs

Benefits: Up to 30% off net price discount and tax-exempt purchases. Receive $50 and $125 cash back for every 5,000 points, editorial and marketing coverage to the site’s affluent customer base, and guaranteed seven-day return policy, regardless of the seller’s policy to send back qualifying items.

Professionals say: This is another instance where the service advantages outweigh the discount. “It’s like having a partner. They ask you questions like time frame, period, size, and price range, and then they curate a folder,” says Illinois-based designer Tiffany Brooks. “You put in a sourcing request and hear back in a day or two, and you see a little discount there as well.”

Website: 1stdibs.com/info/trade/benefits

4. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Benefits: Members receive 35% off retail, which is 10% more than Comfort Club members. Also, members are eligible for an additional 5% rebate if they spend $50,000 in a quarter after those discounts.

Professionals say: “They give me the same service I would get if I were customizing a piece of furniture from a well-known trade showroom,” says New York–based designer David Thiergartner, a frequent user of MGBW’s COM program. “It allows a client to get a fair price and not be limited by the fabrics that exist. I was doing a chair with a very large repeat fabric, and we came up with a couple different ways to bring the cost of the yardage down so that it was viable. That’s surprising from a mass production company making tons of furniture.”

Website: mgbwhome.com/to-the-trade.html

5. Jenni Kayne

Benefits: A 20% discount, early access to new product launches, complimentary styling services with the Jenni Kayne design team, and invitations to members-only events.

Professionals say: Though an annual membership to Jenni Kayne home costs $150, the brand’s West Coast cool makes this a no-brainer for designers. “Our California clients love a Jenni Kayne moment,” Oakland-based designer Susie Novak says. “They offer an incredible trade program and an awesome in-store trade experience.”

Website: jennikayne.com/pages/trade-program

6. Article

Benefits: Like several others in its class, Article has a dedicated Article for Trade support team, as well as tools like cut sheets, swatch kits, and 3D models. They also offer direct-to-consumer value and volume discounts.

Professionals say: Starting at 5%, with the opportunity to save up to 15% on orders above $25,000, the discount you’ll receive after signing on is relatively small. But what the program lacks in financial benefits, they make up in service: “Article allowed me to capture a somewhat boho vibe for one of the three models, and a more organic, textural, monochromatic look for another one,” says Teresa C. Moxon, owner and designer at Virtu Designs.

Website: welldesigned.article.com

7. Serena & Lily

Benefits: Trade member benefits include a 25% discount, access to an exclusive COM program, complimentary swatches, and support from a dedicated trade team. That’s in addition to extended returns, tax-exempt purchases, and flat-rate delivery.

Professionals say: “They’re really collaborative with designers,” Michelini says. “We can send clients into the showroom, and they’re respectful of that relationship—they don’t try to take over and be the designer.” That said, she notes there could be more ease in getting samples. “There’s a one-week lead time that drags things out, whereas other companies might take two days,” she says.

Website: serenaandlily.com/designer-circle/trade-lp.html

8. RH

Benefits: Look forward to access to a dedicated representative, 25% off full-price items and an additional 20% off sale items, tools like CAD floor planning, and, of course, a comprehensive multicategory assortment.

Professionals say: “We’ve been working with our representative for years,” Michelini says. “She comes to the studio and drops off fabric swatches, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming products. And if she knows a product has a longer lead time, she might guide us towards a different one—we don’t want our client to fall in love with something we can’t deliver. She’s great to work with. We even invited her to our Christmas party.”

Website: restorationhardware.com/trade-sales

9. Trnk NYC

Benefits: You can get 15% off Trnk Collection products and 10% off all other brands, a dedicated trade service team, and exclusive access to product previews and events.

Website: trnk-nyc.com/pages/trade

10. Interior Define

Benefits: Members get a discount upwards of 20% as well as free shipping. (Even more discounts are available during special promotions.) Designers can also exclusively access unlimited samples of the full textile collection and enjoy a dedicated and trade-only customer experience team.

Professionals say: Though lead times can be long—just like any upholstery company—Jessica Davis says Interior Define’s offerings are well worth the wait. “They are generally on target and have tons of custom options,” the Atelier Davis founder explains.

Website: trade.interiordefine.com

11. Thos. Moser

Benefits: Exclusive trade pricing, dedicated sales support team, alternative wood sourcing, and a wide range of upholstery options. Designers can also craft custom furniture, and the company will waive the $200 drawing fee for the first three consultations.

Website: thosmoser.com/capabilities/working-with-designers

12. CB2

Benefits: Enhanced customer service, 20% discount, exclusive access to community, brand experience, and collection previews, and in-house business sales designers who can help with mood board inspiration as well as 2D and 3D renderings.

Professionals say: For Connecticut-based designer Billy Ceglia, CB2’s discount is only scratching the surface of its offerings. “CB2 puts the customer experience at the forefront, and their friendly staff will go the extra mile to make something happen [such as] searching the stock room for that perfect candleholder that you desperately need to wrap up an install,” he says. “They are [also] super strict about who is allowed to use it: Their 19-digit account numbers and request for ID at time of purchase ensure that the discount really is reserved for the trade only.”

And, of course, the retailer’s trend-conscious wares cannot be beat. “CB2 is so on the mark with an eye on trends and their quality that is better than most larger retail outlets,” designer Amy Sklar adds. “They are my go-to for on-trend accent pieces. Another plus is that their inventory changes fairly frequently for collabs, so not everyone in the world will always have your favorite piece.”

Website: cb2.com/trade-program

13. Crate and Barrel

Benefits: Just like sister brand CB2, Crate and Barrel offers designers a 20% discount; enhanced customer service; plus exclusive access to community, brand experience, and collection previews. There are also in-house designers who can help with mood board inspiration as well as 2D and 3D renderings.

Professionals say: Just like CB2, Crate and Barrel provides a lot more than a lower price tag. “Not only do they help us maximize our profit margin, they also keep us updated on the latest trends and new products coming down the pipeline,” explain Janelle Hughes and Kim Williams, principal designers and co-owners of KJ Design and Mortar Styling, LLC. “And let’s not discount their awesome styling team. We are often inspired by the vignettes featured on their site and love the way they illustrate how modern and classic pieces can blend beautifully.”

Website: crateandbarrel.com/trade-program

14. EQ3

Benefits: Upon registering, designers are assigned a local trade representative who can help make sure they’re getting the attention they deserve and advice on issues ranging from product selection to installation. As a member you’ll be the first in line to know about new collections, events, and special offers. The Canadian furniture company has also worked to make it easy for designers to spec their next upholstery or finish: Pros can purchase a Designer Kit tricked out with hundreds of fabric, leather, and case goods swatches. (COM is also available.) Although the company did not disclose the percentage trade members receive, they state that it is “one of the deepest discounts for trade members” among competitive brands.

Website: eq3.com/us/en/aboutus/eq3-trade

15. Weezie

Benefits: Though Weezie generally offers a 20% discount to designers, the brand launched a summer-long promotion in 2022, and members can save 30%. Other highlights include free shipping, dedicated account support, applicable tax exemption, plus sneak peeks and early access.

Website: weezietowels.com/pages/interior-design-program

16. Arhaus

Benefits: In addition to product customization (down to the nail head), the Arhaus trade program offers a 7% commission on cumulative referred sales up to $50,000, and a 10% commission on cumulative referred sales over that. (Commissions are paid out quarterly based on delivered sales and reset each year on January 1, so plan accordingly.) The retailer also lists marketing across brand channels, anniversary rewards, and first looks at new collections as benefits of the program. Handily, Arhaus has an online dashboard where designers can learn about products, generate wish lists for clients, track orders and more. The program is free to join and open to pros in design and real estate in the U.S., its territories, Mexico, and Canada.

Professionals say: Jennifer Johnson, a trade member in the D.C. Metro area, highlights the program’s ease of use on the client and professional side. “I love the fact that my clients can make their own purchases without me as a trade member being present,” she says. Plus, she adds, the in-store experience is well above average: “The design consultants in the stores go above and beyond to help the clients through the entire buying and design experience, as well as the complete follow through all the way to the delivery.” Johnson also praises the website’s Trade Dashboard.

Website: arhaus.com/pages/trade-services

17. Minted

Benefits: Art lovers in the trade can enjoy a 20% discount on fine art products, as well as complimentary art proposals from in-house curation experts. Members also receive free domestic shipping and no order minimums.

Professionals say: When curating a collection, Susie Novak always mixes in original works from local galleries, vintage pieces from Chairish, and photography from Minted. “[It] offers an amazing trade discount,” she says. “I love the artists they carry, and their affordable prices make building a complete and beautiful collection so much easier.”

Website: minted.com/lp/trade

18. Flor

Benefits: First orders receive a 30% discount as a welcome, and other orders receive 20% off. Also on the table: half off shipping, additional discounts during promotion periods with best offer for industry professionals, dedicated Flor consultants for rug design support and project management for large-scale installations, tax exemption, and free samples.

Professionals say: Looking for a speedy and seamless process? That’s exactly why Khristian A. Howell says she uses Flor. “The customer service is fantastic, and the product ships quickly,” she shares. “They are also great about working with you and marrying trade discounts with any standard promotions running at the time of ordering.”

Website: flor.com/design-trade-join

19. Chairish

Benefits: The online marketplace gives members net pricing up to 30% off, entry to a loyalty program with cash rewards, 48-hour hold requests, and a trade-only hotline for customer service. They also boast a worry-free return policy.

Professionals say: Vintage shopping can often feel like a time-sensitive treasure hunt, but Chairish’s design trade program provides some added peace of mind. “When you find the perfect vintage item and send it to a client to get their feedback, it’s a terrible feeling to have no guarantee it will still be available hours later,” designer Tara McCauley explains. “With a trade account, Chairish allows you to not only see net pricing instantly, but also request a hold, which is so important with one-of-a-kind pieces!”

Website: chairish.com/trade

20. Lulu & Georgia

Benefits: Members enjoy 20% off all orders, tax-exempt purchases, exclusive previews of new collections and collaborations, and dedicated sales and support teams.

Professionals say: Designer Kelly Martin has had only positive experiences with Lulu & Georgia’s trade program. “Its discounts are strong compared to other trade-friendly retailers, and their customer service is really good,” she says. “And the selection they have is well curated and true to brand, so I like using it if it fits appropriately with the project.”

Website: luluandgeorgia.com/pages/trade

21. The Local Vault

Benefits: Early access to shop new arrivals, enhanced rewards program, participating designers retain 65% of net sale price versus The Local Vault’s usual 60% of the net sales, dedicated trade liaison, prioritized shipping and logistics, and access to special events. 

Professionals say: Not only does The Local Vault have a great selection of pieces, but its trade program also simplifies the process for designers. “It’s the ideal resource for consigning. They are knowledgeable, have amazing service, and help take the headache out of moving,” designer CeCe Barfield says. “I often suggest their services to clients. In addition to being a great resource for consigning, they are also fabulous for acquiring pieces.”

Website: thelocalvault.com/to-the-trade

22. Wayfair Professional

Benefits: Members of Wayfair’s trade program—which is free to join, and extends across the entire Wayfair family of brands as well as luxury-focused Perigold—receive exclusive pricing, plus an added 10 percent off of AllModern, Joss & Main, and Birch Lane products. And it may not surprise Wayfair fans that delivery on millions of products happens at warp speed (read: two-day shipping). Financing options, customer support, and other perks are also available.

Website: wayfairprofessional.com