Home improvement designer earns $700,000 from shady

The practice of designers receiving rebates has become a widespread issue in the home improvement and building materials industries. It’s something that everyone—from consumers to companies and dealers—dislikes. Many professionals feel uneasy about it, but for years, this has been an accepted norm in the industry. Recently, a designer who once claimed to have "regained his conscience and couldn't watch the industry's storm" revealed how he managed to earn over 700,000 yuan annually through kickbacks. "I made a lot of money through these rebates, but I always felt guilty," said Gao Jieping, a designer at a well-known design institute. "My first rebate was 5,600 yuan, which was four times my salary at the time. The reason? My team recommended a single cabinet, two tiles, and one sanitary ware to the client." Gao used that money to buy a new phone and rent a better apartment. When his father found out, he joked, "That’s like getting a half-headed cow." Over the course of four years, Gao managed to buy two houses, get married, have a child, and even purchase a car. He jokingly called it “Five Children,” using the local term for a comfortable life. Meanwhile, many of his classmates in other fields were still renting homes and riding electric scooters to work. Gao explained how the system works: "Every rebate is seamless. If a homeowner wants to buy materials outside of the designer’s network, the designer will tell them it doesn’t fit the style or warn them about potential quality issues. Most people fall into the trap." Even if a client refuses to use the designer’s recommended products, they might still end up paying a hidden fee. "Designers and suppliers often have secret agreements. As long as the materials are part of the design plan, the designer gets a cut regardless of whether they were directly involved." According to Gao, the rebate rates vary depending on the product: 10% for flooring, 30% for tiles, 30% for cabinets, 20% for lamps, and as high as 37.5% for wallpaper, curtains, paint, wardrobes, and sliding doors. In this business, earning five digits a month is common, and some so-called "masters" can make six figures each month. This system not only exploits homeowners but also perpetuates a cycle of corruption that few dare to challenge. While some designers may feel guilt, the financial incentives are too strong to resist. And for many, the question remains: is it worth it?