Guide · Trade accounts
How interior designers open a trade account for designer furniture in London
By Faura Editorial · · 7 min read
To open a trade account for designer furniture in London, an interior designer typically needs three things: a company website or portfolio of live or completed work, a UK or overseas trading address, and a current project to specify against. Most trade accounts are free to open, are approved in a few days, and unlock trade pricing, sample access and specification support at the showroom. Below is what to prepare, what to expect, and how to use trade access well.
Who qualifies for a trade account?
Trade accounts are opened for practising interior designers and studios, architectural practices, property developers, main contractors, specialist FF&E procurers and hospitality operators. Freelance designers qualify on the same basis as studios, provided they can evidence live or recent professional work.
What documents do you need?
- A company website or portfolio (PDF is fine).
- Registered business address, or trading address if sole trader.
- VAT number if VAT-registered (not required to open the account).
- Optional: a short brief for the current project you plan to specify.
Most showrooms — Faura included — will not ask for professional body membership. Practising work is the primary evidence.
How long does approval take?
Approval is typically same-day or within 48 hours. At Faura, a first appointment can be booked in parallel with the application, and the account is opened on the day of the visit so trade pricing applies immediately.
What does trade access give you?
| Trade benefit | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Trade pricing | Project pricing below RRP, applied consistently across brands. |
| Sampling | On-site sample library, cuttings, memos and finish boards. |
| Technical files | CAD blocks, fire & contract ratings, drawings on request. |
| Specification support | Written schedules with lead times and pricing indications. |
| Coordinated delivery | Single point of contact for orders, production and site delivery. |
How to use trade access well
- Send a short brief in advance — room count, budget band, programme, key references.
- Ask for specific pieces or finishes to be staged for your appointment.
- Leave with cuttings, memos and a written schedule you can share with the client.
- Consolidate the order through one showroom account rather than splitting across five suppliers.
- Feed back on delivery and site performance — a good trade relationship is worth more than any single discount.
Common questions
Do I need to be VAT-registered? No. VAT registration helps with pricing but is not a requirement to open a trade account.
Do I need to bring a client? No. Trade appointments are for the designer; client-facing visits can be booked separately once the account is open.
Can I use trade pricing for my own home? Trade pricing is for client projects. Personal purchases are handled case-by-case; ask directly.
To open a Faura trade account, complete the designer application or book a private appointment and open the account on the day of your visit.