The business between designer / fabricator to the interior design showroom.

I am emerging from design and fabrication of industrial products to design and fabrication of furniture on a limited edition basis. My next step will be to get a few select items out of the computer and into a 3D reality. I believe that representation of my products can be best accomplished through select interior design showrooms. However, before I approach any of these professionals, I need to have some information on how the relationship between designer / fabricator to interior designer showroom works. I realize that furniture designers and products are flooding about.  But I need to give it a try.

I have looked all over for this information, and short of actually contacting these professionals, it seems unavailable. Does one offer her product as a prototype / floor sample to the designer free of charge, or does the interior designer pay for that floor sample from the designer / fabricator just as would a retail establishment?  Does the interior showroom pay only for the shipping, handling of the free product from my studio? What is the customary way, or dynamics of this relationship?

Aside from appeal, mix fit, quality, value and customer service, what does the interior designer look for from the furniture designer / fabricator? How can business done between designer and interior showroom be the most mutually beneficial? Any help with information in this area, or referring me to another source will be sincerely appreciated.

regards,

Gina Brassano

San Francisco