What Is Standard Markup for Interior Designers? 

Interior designers price their services based on the cost of materials, the scope of service, location, room size, reputation, and more. Most designers charge per hour, while others offer a flat fee or hourly rate plus product markup. If you run a design business, consider professional bookkeeping for interior designers to help you calculate the markup. Although standard percentages exist, businesses need independent calculations based on their needs and targets.

Calculating Markup for Interior Design Businesses

Interior design markup involves calculating how much it costs to deliver the client’s needs to make room for overheads and profit. As a design firm, you must cover various costs like rent, utility bills, insurance, security, and marketing. The amount you charge clients must cover these expenses for the business to be profitable. 

Working with accounting firms offering bookkeeping for interior designers is the best way to calculate your markup. The accountants can work out the commissions from vendors and manufacturers and markup the price to help your interior design business stay afloat. Here’s an overview of popular fee structures:

1. Hourly Design Fee & Markup 

Interior designers can charge per hour, depending on their experience, location, and scope of service. The hourly cost is for the design services and doesn’t include the cost of products or materials used in the project. Manufacturers and vendors offer discounts on the products they sell to interior designers. The designers then markup the price depending on how much of a discount they received. Price markups can be a percentage of the purchase price.

2. Cost Per Square Foot

Cost per square foot or room is commonly used when pricing commercial projects. This method is simple and eliminates ambiguity regarding the fees. The pricing structure involves setting a fixed rate for every square foot worked. Rooms require different services, so the kitchen isn’t priced the same as the master bedroom. The fee covers designer charges plus project management elements.

3. Fixed or Flat Fee

A flat or fixed fee structure is one of the most complex. Not all clients are decisive, so things don’t always stay on track. Some clients can change their minds and extend the scope and timeline of the project, resulting in higher costs. You can add a clause in the agreement to protect your firm against such unknowns. Determining a flat fee calls for business experience and professional accountants who can review your books and competitors for benchmarking.

4. Percentage of Project Cost

Many interior designers prefer to calculate their markup based on the percentage of the project cost. The fee structure is straightforward and offers complete transparency to your clients. You can provide an estimate of the project, including the furnishings, installations, fixtures, finishes, logistics, contractor fees, and more. Once you calculate the project estimate, you can establish a percentage for your design fees and bottom line. 

5. Commissions On Purchases

Interior designers can charge a commission on purchases, separate from the hourly rate. Since designers receive a trade discount, they pay less upfront but charge you the retail cost. The discount from the vendor covers the time and effort it takes to coordinate the purchase. Some designers charge a higher commission, which involves marking up items above the retail prices. The invoice will feature an hourly rate, furniture cost, and purchasing fee.

Use Professional Bookkeeping for Interior Designers

Interior design markup is easier to calculate once you choose a pricing structure. Each structure has unique pros and cons. An hourly rate is great if you know how many hours the project will cost, but you may have to extend the timeline. Fixed cost per square foot allows for transparency with clients, but you risk losing project management elements.

Consider hiring a professional team of accountants with experience in bookkeeping for interior designers. Working with professionals can help you identify the best pricing structure for your services and clients. You can also use sophisticated tools and technologies to increase profitability, accuracy, and price tracking.