With the launch of our first e-commerce template, The Amelie, we have been thinking and talking about online interiors shops almost constantly!
I specialize in helping small shops take their in-store experience online, and many of the steps I take with my clients translate to opening a new shop as an extension of an existing business. If you’ve been dreaming of opening an online store of beautifully curated home goods under the umbrella of your interior design brand, here’s how to get started:
If you haven’t already, it’s time to open up trade vendor accounts. It sounds so much more difficult than it actually is. You’ll need to show your business license and complete their application. Then, you’ll be assigned a sales rep (usually by region) who will be your point of contact for all orders moving forward. We have a handy post with more information about trade accounts here.
Once those accounts are in place, ask your trade vendors if they allow e-commerce. Most of them will!
via McGee and Co. | Photography: Kate Osborne
Once your trade vendor accounts are in place, ask what their opening order minimum is (how much money you have to spend with that specific vendor to establish an account). Minimums vary, but most range from $500-$1500.
Your second question should be about their re-order minimum. When it’s time to restock shop, you need to know how much you have to spend to place your next order. This amount should be much lower than the original order minimum, like $150 or some vendors might not have a re-order minimum at all.
Once you’ve selected the inventory that will fit your vision for your shop, ask what the per-item minimum is. Depending on how they’re packaged, items might come in multiples of 2, 4, 6, or even 12.
Our recommendation is to start small with inventory numbers, and instead, focus on growing your inventory range. It’s more important that your store look fully stocked and offer multiple purchase opportunities than to have large quantities on hand, since re-ordering usually isn’t a big deal. You want clients coming back for more and checking in for new products regularly. A shop with 10-12 products leaves a lot to be desired.
We’ve made this part easy! Just purchase your e-commerce template, like the Amelie, and set up your store. The Amelie was created with this exact purpose in mind—helping interior designers launch or enhance their online shops. Just FYI: You will need your product weights and dimensions on hand to calculate shipping costs.
Once you have your inventory loaded and shipping set up, you will need to connect your preferred payment processor. We like to use Stripe and Paypal, and have found those to be great options! This is important: establish and publish your return policy on your site before you launch and don’t forget your privacy policy while you’re at it!
A few tips for your launch:
If you already have an established brand and following, opening an online shop is a great way to expand your offerings and grow your business without a huge time trade-off. We can’t wait to see the gorgeous goods being sold on the Amelie template!
For more tips on elevating your interior design business, be sure to check out these posts:
Meet our Newest E-Commerce Template, The Amelie
12 Unique Instagram Content Ideas for Interior Designers
Systems and Processes for Interior Designers
How to Say No to Projects that Aren’t Right for You
IDCO Studio is a full-service creative studio for interior designers and boutique lifestyle brands. Offering bespoke branding, web design and social media content creation, we help brands built around beautiful living elevate their digital presence to represent the physical spaces they design. Our recently launched limited-release website templates are the perfect way for interior designers to get a luxury website on a budget. These templates allow designers to maintain control of their content. Want to work together? Shoot us an inquiry here.
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I want to start online selling products of interior decoration. Please help me out I am from India. I don’t have products.
HI,
I’m naman goel from panipat
I provide you high quality curtains , pillows ,cushions any many more product for home decor
Hi Naman
I have setup an online store for home decor items. Send me your product images and we can collaborate
Priyam Narain
7032015161
Hi, my name is Tope from Nigeria i want to start this business. How where can i get products for my store?
Kindly get back to me
Thank you
Hello…. M Interior designer and oi want to start online business…… From home….. How can i start…… Pls suggest
Anyone who want to Start a online business and is lacking for product can text me in whatsapp & ig
Am a Luxury interior Bathroom acessories dealer
Contact- +918001974180
IG – Itz_Darius.xo
We Provide world wide delivery
Hi, how much is the initial capital we have to put together in order to start a shop.
Where do we get suppliers or vendors? Do you have recommendations who?
Do you also recommend getting imports?
Thanks
Hi, I want to set up a online business which will enable me to work from home.
Selling interior design products, how do I start my journey?
Please can you help me with the info I need to get started.
Thanks
I want to collaborate with people producing interior decor items
priyamnarain@gmail.com
7032915161
Good morning
My name is Jenny Padayachee from South Africa. I want to open and Interior decor shop from home,vause I dont have funds to rent a premises. Like to sell cushions and arts and crafts from recycled materials. Please help with ideas and advice.
Kind regards
Jenny
Good morning,
I have been hoping to find a site like this one . I am not an interior designer, what I do is design and sew my pillows. I had my pillows on Etsy many years ago. My question is what are my options when it comes to selling my products to decorators. I am starting a new Spring line and this is what I I envision on an e-commerce site. I don’t know the first thing about how to proceed moving forward and actually learned a few things from reading the what to do’s on this site.
Thanking you in advance for any information you might have for me.
Sincerely,
Carmen Quirindongo
Judem from Nigeria I want to start the interior business but am new to it…how much do I need to start the business, who are we to get connected to..
Thanks
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