This guide walks you through the trade accounts, from who qualifies, what proof suppliers typically request, how trade pricing actually works, how trade terms differ from retail, and why having a trade account with Lorna Syson is beneficial for you and your customers.
What a Trade Fabric and Wallpaper Account Actually Is
A trade account is a contract, not a coupon; the intro sets out the bundle; this section explains the structure.
A trade account is for interior designers, stylists, house builders, and businesses that will place repeat orders for client projects.
The structure runs in a straight line: application, verification of trade status, an agreed price list or discount band, sample access, then order, payment and lead-time terms reviewed annually.
If you are sourcing fabric for a client scheme, need samples and advice, even advice on paint colours to match our fabrics are wallpapers, a trade account is perfect for you.
Who Qualifies for a UK Trade Fabric and Wallpaper Account?
So who actually qualifies? Typical applicants include interior designers, curtain makers, soft furnishing workrooms, upholsterers and homeware retailers. A homeowner buying one pair of curtains for their own sitting room is not, however polite the enquiry; we will happily recommend tradespeople in their local area who will happily use our fabrics.
Like most suppliers, we would need evidence of your trade: a business name, a working website or portfolio, some trading history, and trade references, but unlike other larger fabric companies, I do not hold clients to a minimum spend or set restrictions around how and when my customers can buy. I want to work with my trade accounts in a collaborative way, supporting where I can.
Proof of Trade: What We Usually Ask For
Once you clear the first enquiry, the paperwork starts. We ask you to fill in our trade account application, which includes business details; we then request proof you trade: a portfolio, live website or social account showing completed rooms, or two references from suppliers or workrooms you already buy from.
I love to know more about your projects, favourite fabric weights and whether you work residential or contract. Any information you can share helps me be able to support you in the best way possible.
Trade Pricing: How the Numbers Actually Work
With your trade status confirmed, we have two types of trade discounts depending on if you invest in a book or not. Sometimes if you’re looking at a large order, it’s more economical to buy a book for the larger discount, but I like to be clear and transparent with the numbers so you can work out what is best for you and your business
I am VAT registered, so VAT is on top, as well as delivery. We send with DX, and unfortunately they’ve built in a surcharge for non-business addresses, so please let me know where the delivery is going so we can quote appropriately.
Samples, Swatches and Sample Books
Price is only part of it. Samples and sample books are what make your job easier. If you have an account with us, you can request free samples of any of our fabrics and wallpapers. Where possible, we can also provide larger returnable samples for fabrics so you can see more of the pattern repeats. Our standard size is A5 for fabric and A4 for wallpaper. We also provide wallpaper and fabric books to support your clients
If you are evaluating fabrics, request a physical sample pack before you specify. Screen colour will not tell you how a cloth drapes, how a print sits in daylight, or how wallpaper reads in a north-facing room.
Lead Times and Minimum Orders
Lead times vary depending on the product; some of our fabrics are printed to order and others we have in stock. Please see the price list; I have specified which is which to help with your planning, and this should be confirmed in writing. Lead time starts from when a proforma invoice is paid, or if on a credit account, when your order has been confirmed from us.
The minimum order for fabric is 1m, and for trade you have the option to increase this in 10cm increments. For wallpapers, the minimum order is one roll, which is 10m long; we are unable to split rolls
We print in small runs and batches; we always have the batch number on the wallpaper so we can match this. For printed-to-order fabric, if you need more, there may be slight variations between print runs. Please keep this in mind when deciding on quantities to order
