What to look for in a furniture trade program: a 10-point checklist

A good furniture trade program gives you a meaningful discount and makes it easy to buy, specify and deliver furniture for your clients or customers. A trade program, also called a trade account or designer program, is a supplier's offer to approved businesses. Comparing programs on discount alone misses the terms that decide whether you actually use one.

1. How big is the discount, and on what?

The discount should be stated as a number and apply across the range. Designers generally treat 10% as too low, 20% as a floor and 25% as a strong standard trade discount. Check whether it applies to sale items and every collection, and whether bulk orders earn more.

2. Is there a minimum order or annual spend?

The best programs for small businesses have neither. Look for opening-order minimums, per-order minimums and yearly spend targets that could cost you your pricing.

3. How fast can you see trade prices?

Some suppliers make you wait days for approval; others show prices at sign-up. Fast access lets you quote a client the same day.

4. Are trade prices private?

Trade pricing should sit behind a login, and quotes and paperwork should be available without retail prices or supplier branding, so clients can't easily price-shop.

5. Where is stock held, and what does delivery cost?

Stock in Canada avoids duty, brokerage and border delays. Check whether delivery is free, which provinces it covers and whether it reaches residential addresses.

6. Can it deliver straight to your client?

Direct-to-client delivery saves a second handling. Ask which delivery level is included: curbside, room of choice or white glove.

7. Is the product data good enough to specify from?

You need full dimensions, materials, spec sheets, CAD and SketchUp files, and white-background images for presentations.

8. How is sales tax handled?

The supplier should record your GST/HST number and, in BC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, accept your PST or RST number for resale purchases.

9. How do you get help when something goes wrong?

Look for a named account manager and a stated response time, not a general inbox.

10. Is the range distinctive?

Designers accept a smaller discount only for product their clients can't find elsewhere. Handmade or exclusive pieces protect your margin.

How does Artisan Furniture Canada measure up?

Comparing named programs

This checklist works for any supplier. To see how specific Canadian programs compare on discount, minimums and approval, read furniture trade programs in Canada compared.