EP 502 | The Procurement Problem: How Interior Designers Can Protect Profit with Kathy Kuo
High Point Market is where interior designers discover what’s new, meet vendors, and source the pieces that bring projects to life. But what happens after the order is placed? Procurement, freight, receiving, storage, damages, and installation can quickly become some of the most time-consuming—and expensive—parts of a project.
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon talks with Kathy Kuo, founder of Kathy Kuo Home and one of this year’s High Point Market Trend Spotters, about the business side of procurement. They discuss the hidden costs of shipping and receiving, why drop-shipping directly to clients can create major headaches, and how better systems can protect both the client experience and your profit margin.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why drop-shipping directly to clients can create costly problems
- The hidden costs of freight, receiving, storage, damages, and claims
- Why procurement needs to be part of your project pricing strategy
- How outsourcing procurement can give interior designers valuable time back
- How to protect your profit margin without giving up vendor relationships
- Why better procurement systems create a better client experience
About Kathy Kuo
Kathy Kuo has 20+ years of experience in design, manufacturing, and global distribution. She founded Kathy Kuo Home in 2012 to democratize access to designer-quality goods. The brand is now a leading luxury e-commerce destination for curated furnishings and décor from over 600 high-end vendors. Today, Kathy Kuo Home spans e-commerce, design services, and a Trade Program, with a flagship studio in Tribeca. A frequent industry speaker, her work is widely featured in leading design publications.
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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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