InteriorDaily recently interviewed Bedrich Stastny, key account manager at DESIGNlink. The company specialises in facilitating direct container purchases for clients, importing directly from factories to customer warehouses. By cutting down on intermediary costs, the company ensures competitive pricing and efficient operations. From item development to quality control, production, and delivery, DESIGNlink handles the entire process, alleviating concerns for clients new to this procurement model. We talk about DESIGNlink's operations, the challenges in the current market and their participation at imm cologne.
With nearly two decades of collective experience as buyers, category managers, and purchase directors in various countries, DESIGNlink brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. 'All our trade with Asian producers, huge business challenges, cultural barriers, and business strategies brought us where we are today. I can't even express how many various challenges we have been through, but that's the journey,' Bedrich explains.
Direct container purchases made simple
DESIGNlink specialises in facilitating direct container purchases for clients, importing directly from factories to customer warehouses. By cutting down on intermediary costs, the company ensures competitive pricing and efficient operations. From item development to quality control, production, and delivery, DESIGNlink handles the entire process, alleviating concerns for clients new to this procurement model. 'For new customers it's difficult to step into the Asian market. This market is very different and risky. So this is a crucial moment. And our advantage is that we have strong and long-term partnership with Asian factories. We have been cooperating with them for many years. We went through of a lot of these difficult situations. It wasn't easy, but we paid the price and learned from them, so our customers don't have to,' says Bedrich.
The company takes responsibility for clients' orders and maintains robust relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products. With an office in Vietnam overseeing production chains and stringent quality control measures, the company minimises risks and provides clients with peace of mind throughout the procurement process.
The Christina sofa by DESIGNlink at imm cologne.
Customisation for unique solutions
Recognising the need for differentiation, DESIGNlink offers customisation options for clients, allowing adjustments to materials, colours, sizes, and even enabling the development of bespoke designs. This flexibility empowers clients to tailor furniture solutions to their specific preferences and market demands.
But not only their products are customisable, also the way they help customers: 'We approach each customer with a personal touch. Every country has its own specifications. Different customer behaviour, items, market positions... That's why, before we do business, we always analyse customers assortment and his market. We need to understand their target group. Because that's the most important thing. We go through a whole SWOT analysis before we make the right offer. Customers also tell us what they are looking for themselves: is this well-known and tested best-sellers or something totally new? This is what we need to know. This is quite a process, but it is worth it.'
The Lyon table and Everly, Winona and Bella chairs by DESIGNlink at imm cologne.
Expanding horizons in challenging times
While primarily active in Central, Western, and Northern Europe, DESIGNlink is expanding its presence across the continent. 'In general, the furniture industry is going through a challenging time. Markets still haven't fully recovered from the COVID years. There is a high quantity of unsold products left in warehouses, bought at a high cost, caused by incredibly high freight costs and raw material prices.' Despite challenging market conditions stemming from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company remains resilient, striving to support clients amidst industry fluctuations.
Presenting at imm cologne
At the imm cologne fair, DESIGNlink showcased its 2023 bestsellers and unveiled new concepts for 2024, focusing on dining items, sofas, and hallway furniture. 'We have had really great feedback,' Bedrich says. 'From existing customers and from new ones. For us it's a great opportunity to meet our current customers and also meet new ones. We appreciate this, as we always prefer to do business in person and this is perfect opportunity. It's about showing who we are, what we do and giving customers the opportunity to get to know us personally.'
More information:
DESIGNlink
Central- Czech Republic
Na Strži 1702/65, 140 00 - PRAGUE 4.
Empiria Tower
+420 725 845 724
[email protected]
www.dsgnlink.com
