Designing a bedroom should be exciting. It’s your sanctuary, a space to reflect your personality. But when it comes to fitted wardrobes, the process often feels overwhelming—pushy salespeople, confusing pricing, and strangers in your home for hours.
What if we told you that up to 12% of your quote goes straight to the designer’s commission and survey fees? Or that local carpenters can offer similar quality for less? Let’s break down the numbers, compare your options, and show you a simpler way to design your dream wardrobe—without the stress or hidden costs.
The Designer Commission Trap: Sharps, Hammonds, and the 12% Surcharge
Big companies like Sharps and Hammonds charge designer commissions and survey fees that quietly inflate your bill. Here’s how it works:
- Designer Commission: 7% of your order value.
- Surveyor Fee: 5% of your order value.
- Total Added Cost: 12% before materials or installation.
Let’s see what this means for your budget:
£2,000 Order
- Designer + Surveyor Fees: £240 (12% of £2,000).
- What You’re Really Paying For: 2 hours of design time and a 30-minute home survey.
£5,000 Order
- Designer + Surveyor Fees: £600.
- That’s enough to buy a high-end mattress or a weekend getaway—gone before you even pick a handle style.
£20,000 Luxury Wardrobe
- Fees: £2,400.
- For perspective, a local carpenter could install a similar wardrobe for £12,000–£15,000 (see below).
Local Carpenters: A Transparent (But Flawed) Alternative
Many homeowners turn to local carpenters to avoid corporate markups. Here’s how their pricing works:
- Carcass Cost: They buy wardrobe “carcasses” (the basic structure) from wholesalers like Howdens or Lux Group for £500–£1,500.
- Markup: Add 30–50% profit margin.
- Design Fee: Some charge £100–£300 for drawings.
Example: £5,000 Wardrobe
- Carcass: £1,200
- Markup (40%): £480
- Design Fee: £200
- Total: £1,880 + labour (£1,000–£2,000) = £2,880–£3,880
Pros:
- Lower prices than big brands.
- More personalized service.
Cons:
- Limited design expertise.
- You still need to manage quotes, timelines, and multiple home visits.
The Stress-Free Third Option: Let Us Help You Without the 12% Commission
We get it—you want a beautiful wardrobe, not a sales pitch. Here’s how we’re different:
- Zero Commission, Zero Survey Fees
- We don’t take 12% from your budget. Ever.
- Instead, we show you ALL your options: quotes from Sharps, Hammonds, and vetted local carpenters.
- No Strangers in Your Home
- Hate sitting through hours of sales calls? Us too.
- Our platform lets you compare designs, materials, and prices online—no home visits required.
- Keep Your Budget Where It Belongs
- That £240–£2,400 saved on commissions? Spend it on handles you love, extra storage, or a cozy rug.
Why This Matters
Fitted wardrobes shouldn’t cost you time, sanity, or a hidden 12% surcharge. Whether you choose a big brand or a local carpenter, you deserve:
- Transparency: No sneaky fees.
- Control: Compare options your way.
- Peace of Mind: No pressure, just practical choices.
Conclusion
Your bedroom should be your happy place—not a battleground for sales tactics and confusing quotes. By understanding the true cost of designer commissions and exploring alternatives (like local carpenters or our comparison service), you can reclaim your time, money, and sanity.
Ready to Start Stress-Free?
[Explore Your Options Here] – *No commissions, no surveys, no pushy salespeople. Just you, your vision, and the best prices in the UK
