The process of finding the right fabric supplier can be overwhelming. A simple Google search can often lead to pages and pages of options that can make the decision-making process difficult.
Some fabric suppliers offer their fabrics, while others purchase unfinished or “greige” material from fabric mills and then convert and finish the fabric before selling it to smaller manufacturers. This type of fabric supplier is called a wholesaler.
Know Your Requirements
Fabric suppliers vary in their types and how they operate. Some fabric mills provide made-to-offer fabrics with substantial minimum order quantities (MOQ). Others, known as converters, purchase unfinished or greige material from the mill and finish it by dying, printing, or washing.
Many reputable fabric suppliers like Lycra have online fabric catalogs where you can request fabric hangers, a.k.a. swatches or samples, and can be reached via email. When ordering samples and bulk fabric yardage, you identify the fabric article number (found on the swatches).
Know Your Budget
Whether sewing for your brand or as a freelancer, you must know how much to spend. Tracking expenses and budgeting is a great way to do this.
Fabric pricing can vary per yard or meter depending on market conditions and the cost of resources. Ask potential suppliers for their sample and bulk prices.
Usually, the bigger the order size, the lower the price. Find ways to meet your minimums by working collaboratively with other brands or small brands. You can also work with factories that allow you to use a sample order as your bulk order.
Know Your Limits
When you negotiate with a fabric supplier, knowing your limits is essential. This will help you determine whether or not a particular offer is worth your while.
Look for Fabric Suppliers that Offer Quality Accountability
A quality supplier will assume accountability for any mistakes during production and provide a detailed quote upon request. This will ensure you receive a product that meets your standards and specifications. In addition, you should also consider the quality of their communication skills. This is especially important when dealing with overseas suppliers.
Be Open-Minded
Open-minded people are receptive to new ideas and are willing to change their views. However, being open-minded is challenging because it can create cognitive dissonance when further information contradicts one’s beliefs.
Take some time to think about things you have firmly held opinions on, such as religion, political views, or parenting styles. How do you feel about someone who disagrees with you? Can you discuss it rationally? Is it an argument or a discussion? Do you find yourself getting angry?
Be Prepared to Negotiate
Fabric suppliers may impose minimums on orders. Understanding why the supplier has set these minimums can help you negotiate a deal.
For example, if the fabric you want is sold in small quantities by the mill, and your production requires large amounts, it may be worth considering going with another manufacturer with a lower MOQ.
It’s also essential to understand fabric delivery lead times and payment terms. This will make determining if the fabric is suitable for your business more accessible. Asking for quotes from multiple manufacturers can help you get the best pricing and terms.
Check the Supplier’s Reputation
It’s critical to check a supplier’s reputation and past performance. Ask around, read reviews online, and find out how long they have been in business.
There are different types of fabric suppliers. Some suppliers offer made-to-order fabrics with substantial minimum order quantities (MOQs)—others stock material from mills, such as retailers, wholesalers, and jobbers. Traders may also have limited stocks of fabrics and work on commission. They will often buy from multiple fabric suppliers. This may lead to better prices. They are a good option for new brands looking to save time and effort.
Visit the Markets
Fabric markets are a vital part of the textile industry. They allow wholesalers to connect with suppliers and find high-quality fabrics at competitive prices.
To avoid being scammed, make sure to always do your research before purchasing. You can also look for reviews and ratings online.
To get the best prices, compare prices and ask about bulk discounts. Also, avoid working with fabric suppliers that are difficult to contact and do not answer inquiries. This could be a red flag that they need to be more trustworthy.
Verify the Supplier’s Certifications
Having a strong fabric supplier partner can help make the process of getting your brand up and running as smooth as possible. So, checking the supplier’s reputation and ensuring they have the certifications you need is essential.
Converters, fabric sourcing agents, and factories do not usually keep fabrics in stock, so they operate on a make-to-order basis. Ask for production and shipping lead times to determine whether their timelines will match your product release schedule. Also, ask about the minimum order quantity (MOQ).
Visit the Supplier’s Factory
Once you’ve narrowed down the list of potential suppliers from the replies to your requests for information, it’s time to visit their factory. Alternatively known as a plant tour, site visit, or factory audit, it’s a great way to understand the supplier’s operational capabilities and manufacturing processes.
A tour also lets you see their warehouse and raw materials storage areas. This indicates how big their production capacity is and whether they can handle seasonal orders without issues.
