Procurement Pitfalls for Interior Designers: Why Your Contract Matters

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Procurement Pitfalls for Interior Designers: are you protected?

Sharon Givoni recently wrote a guest article for The Design Coach that shines a light on one of the most commonly overlooked risks in interior design businesses: procurement.

In her piece, “Procurement Pitfalls: Are You Protected?”, Sharon explains how designers who “just help” clients order furniture, lighting or finishes can, often without realising it, end up being treated like retailers under Australian Consumer Law. And with that comes serious legal responsibilities — including being on the hook for defects, replacements, refunds, and more.

The article breaks down the different ways designers approach procurement — whether it’s:

• Buying items and on selling them to the client,
• Facilitating purchases in the client’s name, or
• Simply recommending suppliers.

Each of these approaches has different legal consequences, particularly around liability, warranties, insurance, and how payments are handled.

Sharon also discusses how consumer protection laws and fair trading guidelines are changing, and how this is raising the bar on what’s expected in client agreements — especially around procurement. She explains why relying on vague terms or patchy contracts is no longer enough, and how clear, specific clauses can help protect designers legally, not just make their brand look polished.

In short:

If you “just help” a client buy something, you’re not just a designer anymore.
You could also be legally seen as a retailer — and unless your contract is solid, you carry the risk.

This is a must-read article for any designer involved in sourcing or supplying goods for clients — whether you’re ordering items directly, assisting with purchases, or offering recommendations.

Read more:

Procurement Pitfalls: Are You Protected?

Please note the above article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.

Please email us info@iplegal.com.au if you need legal advice about your brand or another legal matter in this area generally.