During my lunch, I headed over to the Laguna Design Center. It's open to the public, so I thought it may be a helpful resource to find some fabric that I'm looking for.
Ugh, I was wrong. I had a pretty bad experience and I would like to vent about it.
First let me start off by saying - I'm am not a designer. I have never been to school for interior design. I do have a design degree, but in graphic design and advertising. I do tend to use phrases like "interior design" and "interior designer", but I do not have qualifications. My clients who do work with me are fully aware of this. I do have plans in the near future to take some classes and get certification as well as establish my business as an LLC. I do plan in the near future to get my tax ID # so I can purchase to the trade. With all this being said, let me also say....
Great design does not have to be expensive and exclusive.
I walked into that design center and knew right away everything was way above my budget and my client's budgets. But I drove 14 minutes from my work to this place, so I walked into one store that has fabrics. Let me tell you - it was beautiful. I died and went to fabric heaven. But the issue I had was not with the fabrics, it was with the employee.
Unfortunately for me, I found a fabric that was exactly what I needed. Exactly. And found it right away, I was so excited! The shop keeper was eating lunch so I went to inquire about the fabric. The conversation went as follows...
Me: Hi, I've never been here before, I have a question about your fabric
Her: Sure
[we walk over]
Me: I really do like this one, how much is it?
Her: Are you a designer?
Me: No. [It is much easier to just say no rather than explain my situation, especially since I don't have my tax ID which is the only reason she was asking]
Her: Do you know a designer?
Me: Not really....
Her: Well, see this price? This is retail.
[The "price" was listed 66/10... which I had no idea what that meant]
Me: So the price is $66?
Her: Yes.
Me: What is the 10 stand for?
Her: Oh, don't worry about that number
Me: Is it how much the fabric is to the trade?
Then she laughed at me, and not a friendly type of laugh. And walked away.
(It wasn't even high quality fabric... imagine the texture of cotton duck cloth.)
Yes, I am uneducated about this process. No, I've never been to a "to the trade" store before... I do this as a hobby and I buy everything from Salvation Army, Home Goods, Ikea, online and big box stores. But here is the thing that really bugged me - she laughed at the fact that I thought the fabric would have been $10. However, I should have been the one laughing because I get the exact same quality of fabric for less than $10/yard.
So this is my vent - I do know that there is a market for very high end materials and design and I hope to some day be able to work with clients who can afford $66/yard fabric. But why is low end design looked down upon in the design world? Why shouldn't people who can't pay $66/yard be able to have good design AND good designers to work with? Today was a milestone, so to speak, in my new "career"... it makes me happy that even though I am not trained, and I don't shop at the fancy design stores, that I can still create great designs for my clients and save them thousands of money while doing so. I hope that I can help change the interior design world so that it will no longer only be for the wealthy and exclusive.
Anyway, I don't normally do vents like this on my blog, but I just had to give my two cents.
After my depressing stint at Laguna Design Center, I headed down the road and stopped at Old Navy. I bought four shirts, one skirt and a jean jacket for $46... that's $20 less than one yard of that fabric. ha!
Also - any real designers out there know how much a $66/yard fabric would cost to the trade? Just guesstimate it... I'm curious.
3 days ago
Good for you! Your doing great work. Don't be discouraged!!
ReplyDeleteA lot of the employees at those design centers are snobby...which is stupid because I bet they can't even afford a $66/yd fabric either. I've had my experiences with them too and I've learned to just laugh it off.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
xo,
Arianna
P.S. The to the trade price is $56.00/yd ;-)
Oops scratch that -I messed up...it's $61/yd
ReplyDeleteOh man. I had one of those situations when I moved to Chicago and started Jess LC full-time. I had a similar embarrassing situation which resulted in me first crying, and then making a line list (which was what she refused to see my line without). I made the list and went down the street to another store who picked up the collection --- for all 7 of their stores! Needless to say, it hurt at the time, but I was much better off in the long run. I hope somehow your experience becomes a launching point for something great up ahead.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Talk about unprofessional! Karma's a boom-a-rang, she'll get hers.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine someone would be so snobbish and unsympathetic to any customer. I'm disgusted at that. I don't comment on your blog much, but I read it daily, and I sincerely hope your weekend is awesome. I also hope you find that same fabric for your regular price point. Have a good one!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who's managed a store (clothing) in the past, I am embarassed for that sales associate you encountered. There is no excuse for that. Is SHE even a designer?! Someone should knock her off her high horse.
ReplyDeleteYou'll find something better elsewhere!
How rude of her! Don't let comments like goes ruin what you're doing. You're way more savvy and sophisticated than she'll ever be!
ReplyDelete66/10 may be $66 per yard, minimum order 10 yards?
ReplyDeleteThat type of person, sadly, are not uncommon in places like that.
that's disgusting. i would have karate chopped her though.
ReplyDeleteSorry you had such a bad experience! I've sort of had to get used to those kinds of attitudes at design centers, unfortunately. Usually 66/10 means the retail price is $66 per yard and the designer discount is 10 percent off of that. Hope that helps! A lot of times, design centers don't explain that to the public because it is up to the individual designer to decide how they will (if at all) pass that discount on to their clients.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great idea for your business to be catered towards clients with budgets-especially in this economy! I have the same ideas for my business, although it would be fun to design for higher-end clients someday too.
Don't be discouraged and keep up the good work! Good design can be accessible to all!
You and your blog are both lovely, and I get a lot of inspiration from your posts.
ReplyDeleteThat woman was truly a jerk. Don't you hate it when people like that catch you off guard with their rudeness, and then, two hours later, you think of the perfect thing to say that highlights just how tacky and common they really are?
The average family is on some sort of budget. I think it's awesome that you cater towards real people. Honestly, your gift of finding great finds at even greater prices is what attracted me to your blog and keeps me coming back. Truly inspirational! Don't let others drag you down. Hold your head high, smile, and be confident in your gift!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI was actually just at the San Francisco Design Center today for work, so I thought it was funny that you wrote this post today. The design world is very sneaky! That is one thing I have learned from working for a designer for almost 3 years. All showrooms do it differently, but they usually hide the actual price in some obscure manner so that "non-trade" people can't figure out what the price is. While it seems annoying, it is actually very useful for designers when they have that occasional sneaky client who secretly goes to the design center to figure out how much the designer marks up their fabric/furniture etc. I do agree that there tends to be a lot of hype about things sold only to the trade, but hey, that's what the client is paying for! Not to mention, marking up prices is another way a designer makes money.
ReplyDeleteI do completely agree with you on the fact that great design doesn't have to be expensive! Keep doing what you're doing, you have great taste and I have no doubts that you will quickly rise in the sneaky world of interior design!
I think you should always, always be proud of a great deal! Why would you want to spend more when you can get the same for less?
ReplyDeleteIt always amazes me when you go into high end design/fashion/furniture stores the way some employees will treat you. I also always laugh a little inside because in most cases they are sales people (not the designer or store owner) and therefore most likely cannot afford any of the items themselves but still love to have that attitude. Sorry that happened to you, it always makes me feel really awful when this happens as well. I'm not a designer of any type but always am tempted to go into these types of places just to look, but stories like this scare me off. Keep up the beautiful, wonderfully priced work!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that happened to you. Just think of it as your Julia Roberts 'Pretty Woman' moment ;) Even when you become a "real" designer, I hope you always hold on to the idea that good design shouldn't be expensive or elitist. Your clients are lucky to have someone who is careful to spend their money wisely.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. Just wait until you have a big portfolio of work you've done for much less and yet looks like a million bucks. I think alot of people(including myself) are afraid of interior design because of the money that would have to go into it and I'm so glad to see you change that perception!
ReplyDeleteI love your look Bryn. And I adore your design philosophy - to cater to those who don't need bragging rights about their fabric, paint or furniture choices. I think your type of designing involves a LOT of talent - you're able to make fleamarket finds and commonplace items look just-right and high-end. Fill your mind with thoughts of peace and love towards the snobby sales lady. Power in positive thoughts! It will infuse your thinking, your design and your countenance. You will come out the winner! xoxo MMW
ReplyDeleteI just cannot STAND snobby people. I think you should go back, ask for the owner, and introduce yourself. Surely the owner was once starting out. If they can't give you the time to help out, well, then their loss! It costs nothing to be gracious...
ReplyDeleteAww, what a sucky experience. Some more similarities between us?: I, too, got my degree in graphic design (and studies advertising), AND spend a good portion of yesterday's lunch break at Old Navy!!! :)
ReplyDelete-Jessica
Oh my word that lady was so rude! Well, now you know where you will NOT be taking your future clients I guess! LOL She obviously doesn't know how the business world works! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my god, I hate snobby sales people! My husband and I were out at the farmer's market one day, and while I was dressed cute I was not dressed "nice" like I normally would be. On a whim I saw some black pearls in a window display at one of the nice jewelry stores in the town (we were in England at the time). I went in to try them on and decided that they were too grey black and I like them either grey or black, but not in between. I then asked the sales lady about a cultured set that were darker and while she was getting them for me she said something about how, "and these are less expensive" in a tone of voice implying that was why I wasn't getting the others!
ReplyDeleteI reference it as the Pretty Woman moment when the lady says, "It's very expensive." The lady was a snobbish idiot, and lost the sale that day. If only she had known that rarely do I try on anything I am not considering purchasing, and that day was not an exception!
And I agree, interior design and high fashion should not just be for the rich. We're purchasing our first home right now, and I am making plans for the rooms. I cannot wait to blog about how I did it without spending crazily.
The way the woman acted is the exact reason so many people are intimadated by Interior Designers. I graduated with a degree in Interior Design but hate hearing those kind of stories. I hope you keep up what you are doing bringing affordibiltiy and something beautiful to so many people that can't afford $66 a yard fabric!
ReplyDeleteBryn, you are awesome and have a natural gift of design. No degree needed. You have been so fabulous with our space, we couldn't have done it without you. Had we been shopping together, I would have had some words to say to this lady, WORDS. Keep up the good work and boycott this store. :)
ReplyDeleteIt would probably run you about half if the price they quoted you was retail.
ReplyDeleteBoy, do I feel you!! I am currently an interior decorator as I haven't quite finished my interior design degree, though like you I have a degree in design (studio art) and have a ton of experience in the interior design field.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm still not a "designer" yet and I am constantly running up against snobby, better-than-you designers that make me want to scream. I'm so over it.
Even when I am finished and can call myself an official designer I don't care about a ton of to-the-trade choices. Don't get me wrong, it will be nice to go to market more and not have them question me, but I love thrift stores and sources goods that real people can afford. So I appreciate your rant and fully support it!
I hate that you had such a rotten experience. Even as a designer- with a degree and tax ID and after having worked at ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center) I've been snobbed at simply because of my age. Do NOT take it personally. There are just plenty of people out there that NEED to feel more important and plenty that are just plain rude. And P.S. the showroom pricing is alwasy retail/percent of discount to trade. Just go in with an air of confidence and you'll be just fine!
ReplyDeleteArianna is right, the 66/10 translates to $61.00. It's called something like the 5/10, you take $5 off the first number and $10 off the second number.
ReplyDeleteIn some places, designers (with an ASID certification) get a discount, but that's something that's not available to the public. That 66/10 pricing is to distinguish the 'designers' from the public! Still, no reason for them to be rude to you!
I tell you...she better be glad I was not in the store. Not only would she have been told off in a good way. I would have talk to her manager, and called the corp office. I dont play with people when I am spending my money. I tend to get that attitude when I walk in on the weekends in sweats. I wear dress clothes all week, so shopping for me is dressed wwaaay down and in comfort. Do take it run with it. I would let her manager know. She needs to be aware to treat all customers the same. I did a post on bad serivce at a high end clothing store and the CEO emailed me back and sent us a $150.00 gift card.
ReplyDeleteRead here: http://getitgirlstyle.blogspot.com/2009/07/customer-service-act-ii-do-tell.html
Ugh, you're so not alone. I had too many situations like that happen to me here at the D&D in New York. It's so unfuriating, isn't it? Don't be intimidated one bit by those sales people. The majority of them aren't designers themselves. I have a handful of sales associates that I'm loyal to because they were beyond nice to me from the very beginning. Now I do most of my business with them over the snobs at the other showrooms. You're awesome and don't you forget that! : D
ReplyDeleteBryn - soo sorry to hear that this happened! In the words of Stephanie Tanner "HOW RUDE!!!".
ReplyDeleteXO - Katie
Ugh, you're so not alone. I had too many situations like that happen to me here at the D&D in New York. It's so unfuriating, isn't it? Don't be intimidated one bit by those sales people. The majority of them aren't designers themselves. I have a handful of sales associates that I'm loyal to because they were beyond nice to me from the very beginning. Now I do most of my business with them over the snobs at the other showrooms. You're awesome and don't you forget that! : D
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that happened to you. Just think of it as your Julia Roberts 'Pretty Woman' moment ;) Even when you become a "real" designer, I hope you always hold on to the idea that good design shouldn't be expensive or elitist. Your clients are lucky to have someone who is careful to spend their money wisely.
ReplyDeleteSorry you had such a bad experience! I've sort of had to get used to those kinds of attitudes at design centers, unfortunately. Usually 66/10 means the retail price is $66 per yard and the designer discount is 10 percent off of that. Hope that helps! A lot of times, design centers don't explain that to the public because it is up to the individual designer to decide how they will (if at all) pass that discount on to their clients.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great idea for your business to be catered towards clients with budgets-especially in this economy! I have the same ideas for my business, although it would be fun to design for higher-end clients someday too.
Don't be discouraged and keep up the good work! Good design can be accessible to all!
As someone who's managed a store (clothing) in the past, I am embarassed for that sales associate you encountered. There is no excuse for that. Is SHE even a designer?! Someone should knock her off her high horse.
ReplyDeleteYou'll find something better elsewhere!
Good for you! Your doing great work. Don't be discouraged!!
ReplyDelete