Guide
Furniture trade account: what it is and how it benefits your business
A furniture trade account, also called a wholesale account, retailer account or designer account, is a business account with a furniture supplier that unlocks trade pricing and support. It's how professionals buy furniture below retail to resell, specify or install for clients.
This page explains how trade accounts work, who qualifies, what they include and how to compare them. For the sign-up steps and documents, read how to open a furniture trade account in Canada.
How does a furniture trade account work?
You register your business, the supplier confirms you're a trade buyer, and you then see and pay trade prices. Most accounts also give access to product catalogues, technical files and a sales representative or account manager. Some charge a fee or require a minimum annual spend; others are free.
Who can open a furniture trade account?
Any business buying furniture to resell or specify can usually open one:
- Furniture retailers and homeware stores
- Online stores and dropshippers
- Interior designers and decorators
- Home stagers and property stylists
- Builders and developers
- Hospitality buyers and short-term rental operators
In Ontario you don't need to be an ARIDO member to qualify for most trade programs, including Artisan's.
What are the benefits of a trade account?
| Benefit | What it means at Artisan Furniture Canada |
|---|---|
| Trade discount | 25% off MSRP for trade, dropship and designer accounts |
| Bulk pricing | Up to 50% off MSRP for wholesale bulk purchases |
| No minimum | No minimum order and no annual spend requirement |
| Visible prices | Trade prices show as soon as you sign up |
| Product data | Spec sheets, CAD and SketchUp files, images |
| Support | Tickets routed to a named account manager |
| Delivery | Free delivery to residential addresses in all 10 provinces |
| Customization | Custom finishes and sizes on the handmade range |
What types of trade accounts are there?
| Type | Built around | Typical terms |
|---|---|---|
| Designer account | Specifying for clients | Trade discount, delivery to client |
| Retailer account | Buying stock | Trade discount, volume tiers |
| Dropship account | Online selling | White-label shipping |
| Wholesale account | Volume | Deeper discounts, larger orders |
Some suppliers run separate programs; Artisan uses one trade account for all trade buyers, with bulk orders qualifying for the deeper wholesale tier.
How do you compare trade accounts?
Compare on the discount, minimums, delivery terms, product data, support and how quickly you can see prices. A bigger headline discount isn't better if a minimum order ties up cash or freight eats the saving. The trade program comparison and the 10-point checklist lay out the details.
Do trade accounts help margins?
Yes. Buying at 25% off MSRP and selling at MSRP gives a 25% gross margin; buying at up to 50% off widens it considerably. The MSRP discount and margin guide works through examples, and sales tax on trade furniture explains how GST, HST and PST work on trade purchases.
How do trade accounts help supplier relationships?
A trade account gives you a named contact who learns your business, faster answers and earlier news about new ranges. Over time, that relationship matters as much as the discount.
What do you need to open one?
Typically a business name and address, a CRA Business Number and a GST/HST number, plus provincial sales tax numbers where they apply. See how to open a furniture trade account in Canada.
Shopping for your own home instead?
A trade account is for business purchases only. If you're buying for your own home, shop the retail range at ArtisanFurniture.ca.
Frequently asked questions
What is a furniture trade account?+
A business account with a furniture supplier that gives retailers, designers and other trade buyers discounted pricing, product information and account support.
How do you apply for a trade account?+
Sign up with your business details, usually a business name, address and tax numbers. At Artisan Furniture Canada you see trade prices as soon as you sign up, and the account is reviewed within one business day.
What are the benefits of a trade account?+
Discounted pricing (25% off MSRP at Artisan, up to 50% for bulk wholesale), product data such as spec sheets and CAD files, a named account manager and, at Artisan, no minimum order or annual spend.
Is a furniture trade account free?+
Many are. Artisan's trade account is free, with no minimum order and no annual spend requirement. Some suppliers charge a fee or require minimum spend.
Do you need to be a registered designer to open a trade account?+
Not usually. Most trade accounts, including Artisan's, accept designers, decorators, stagers, retailers and other businesses buying to resell or specify.