Finding the right fabric wholesaler for your business is a key component to keeping your bottom line healthy. Your fabric distributor must be able to provide you with quality fabric goods at a price you can afford to purchase and sell competitively in your market.
You also need to consider the types of fabric you want to sell. That greatly influences the types of fabric wholesalers you'll deal with. For example, some fabric distributors only deal in specialized fabrics, while others offer all types of fabric. Depending on your business, you may want to find fabric distributors and wholesalers who specialize in one or more of the following areas:
1. General fabric distributors, who sell basic fabric types used to make clothing.
2. Fabric suppliers who specialize in fabrics used in home decorating.
3. Fabric wholesalers whose main product is specialty fabrics.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Determine the type and quantity of fabric you wish to purchase from fabric wholesalers
Consider the size of your shop. Also take into consideration the types of fabrics that your customers prefer to purchase. If you run a fabric shop that sells all sorts of dry goods, you may need to contact general fabric brokers, as well as upholstery fabric wholesalers and a whole host of other dealers to get the range of products your customers want.
I recommend: A fabric wholesaler that offers a full line of products is a good place to start.
David Textiles, Inc. offers a wide line of fabric at wholesale prices.
Nick of Time Textile, Ltd. is another wholesale fabric distributor that offers a full line of fabrics.
Find textile distributors who specialize in home décor
Depending on your business, you may want to offer fabrics for upholstery and other home decorations. Or, you may want to limit yourself to lighter weight fabrics that are suitable for drapery and curtain material.
I recommend: To get a feel for what upholstery fabric wholesalers have to offer, look at
800 Fabrics.com. Another option is
House Fabric.com. They specialize in fabrics for window treatments and offer their goods at wholesale prices.
Locate fabric distributors who offer specialty fabrics
If you have a make particular item, such as sports clothing, or your customers request the necessary fabric, you may want need to go beyond a generalized wholesale fabric distributor. The same is also true if your fabric shop specializes in a certain type of sewing, such as sewing bridal fashions.
I recommend: Bear Paw Quilting, in addition to quilting supplies, offers specialty fabric for almost every American sports team.
OnlineFabricStore.net sells fabrics used in the creation of wedding gowns and clothing for the bridal party.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Be wary of textile distributors that seem to offer too good a deal. Ask to see samples. Some fabric makers dye the pattern on top of the fabric rather than weave the pattern in. Unfortunately, this type of fabric tends to wear out quickly and lose its original color. If you intend to sell quality material to your customers, start with a quality product.
The official source of Fabric Distributors and Wholesalers is
the Fabric Distributors and Wholesalers page at Business.com
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