Furniture sourcing and procurement can be one of the most time-consuming parts of running an interior design firm. From tracking orders and coordinating freight to chasing down vendors and filing damage claims, the administrative work can quickly take over your week.

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Sara Carroll of Sara Carroll Home to talk about the realities of furniture procurement and why interior designers don't have to manage every detail themselves.

With a background spanning residential interior design, furniture manufacturing, sales representation, and showroom ownership, Sara has seen the industry from just about every angle. She shares why she created her trade program to help designers streamline sourcing, simplify purchasing, and get the support they need after an order is placed.

Michelle also shares her own experience using Sara's program at ML Interiors Group and why having a trusted procurement partner has made such a difference for her team.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why furniture procurement is so much more complicated than simply finding beautiful pieces and placing orders.

• The hidden administrative work that happens after a furniture order is submitted.

• How outsourcing procurement can save you from tracking shipments, coordinating freight, and fighting damage claims.

• Why opening direct vendor accounts isn't always the advantage you think it is.

• What to look for in a furniture trade program and how to evaluate the service behind the pricing.

• Why vendor relationships and industry experience matter when sourcing high-end custom furnishings.

• How to delegate procurement without losing control of your projects.

• Which interior design firms can benefit most from outsourcing their procurement.

• Why your time is better spent designing, developing client relationships, and growing your business instead of chasing furniture orders.

The big takeaway: You didn't get into interior design to spend your days tracking shipments, organizing freight, and filing damage claims. Delegating procurement isn't a weakness. It's a smart business decision that allows you to focus on the work that actually moves your firm forward.

Connect with Sara Carroll

Interested in learning more about Sara Carroll Home's trade program?

Visit SaraCarrollHome.com and explore the Designer Trade section to learn more about the program and apply.

• Website: https://saracarrollhome.com

• Instagram: @saracarrollhome

• Email: [email protected]

Sara works with interior designers nationwide, not just those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Connect with Michelle Lynne

Learn more about coaching, resources, and support for growing your interior design business.

https://thedesignbakehouse.com/

Remember, your business is your own masterpiece. Work on it!