How to Source Fabric Like a Pro

HOW TO SOURCE FABRIC LIKE A PRO

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Sourcing “wholesale” is an entirely different ballgame.


You know that saying, “The customer is always right?”

Unfortunately, that doesn’t apply to this game.


The good news is: it’s an industry that depends a lot on your attitude and how

you’re able to work with others.

If you’re professional, friendly and persistent, your chances of success are much higher.


Here’s how to go through the process and do it right the first time:


Before you start calling suppliers, you’ll first want to send out an inquiry email.


The main reason for this is so your name appears in the supplier’s inbox.

That way, even if they don’t respond to you, they’ll at least see your name.


When you hop on the phone to make your first inquiry call, there is already subconscious name recognition.

If they remember your email coming through it will show that you’re a serious

and persistent potential client.


What’s the key to sending an effective email to a supplier?


In the words of the great Michael Scott, regional manager of Dunder Mifflin —


“Keep it simple, stupid.”


Not the time to go into an explanation of your company mission, your core values or

your plan to single-handedly change the fashion industry.


So, what does the supplier care about?

Sales.


What does he or she need to make a sale from you?

A very specific one-sentence description of the exact fabric you’re looking for.


What should that sentence include?

The fiber, the type of fabric, the weight and the color.


• The fiber refers to the material that the fabric is made from.

• The type of fabric refers to whether it’s a woven or a knit.

• The weight refers to the fabric in ounces.

• The color is self-explanatory but make sure you’re very specific.

SO LET ME BREAK THIS DOWN FOR YOU


Expert tip!

Include a HEX code or Pantone color as a link in your email. The supplier can simply click on the link and see the exact color you’re looking for.

Even better? If they have a website, check it out to see what colors they already have.


This is what a really good fabric inquiry would look like:

“I’m looking for an organic cotton interlock knit with a weight of 5-6 oz

in cobalt blue (here is an example of the color.)”


It’s always better to start specific,and then you can add a sentence to say you’re

open to suggestions and briefly describe what type of product it’s for.


What do you do if you don’t get a reply?

You pick up the phone and cold call.


Without hitting the phone lines like a madman, you won’t find the fabric you need for your

product and then your product won’t get made.


Suppliers aren’t typically known as being the most friendly of voices.

Don’t take it personally.


How long should you wait to call after sending your first email inquiry?

Two days.


1) Once you get on the phone and someone answers, ask to speak with the sales department or a sales rep.


2) You’re balancing a fine line of friendliness and relationship building while also being respectful that for them, time is money.


3) Tell the rep exactly what you’re looking for.


4) While you’re talking to the rep: • Don’t ask what their minimums are. • Don’t ask if they have fabric that another

designer uses. • Don’t ask about their prices.

• Heads up! You may hear the term “MOQ” — it stands for “minimum order quantity.” In other words, the minimum yardage they require you to buy of one type of fabric.


5) If they have what you’re looking for, ask him/her to send swatches.


6) Before hanging up, make sure you ask for the rep’s direct line and contact information.


7) Be sincere and generous with expressions of gratitude. Thank them for their time.


8) When you receive the swatches in the mail, put them through the wash and see how they react, make sure you spend a lot of time mulling over your options.

Note: Many suppliers will send entire books of swatch cards for you to look at — you may find something in there that you hadn’t thought to use before.


9) If you see something you like, follow up by calling the rep to let them know you received the swatches and you would like to order sample yardage.


10) If you don’t see something you like, it’s still worth calling the rep to thank them and to see if they have any other suggestions to look into.


AN IMPORTANT NOTE:

I find that some people delay this process or put off contacting suppliers because

they aren’t exactly sure what type of fabric they want or need.

The truth is —


— the only way to really know what you need is to see lots and lots of swatches.


Tip!

If you have absolutely no idea what type of fabric you need, then go into your closet and look

through your clothes.

Once you pick a few options you like, look on the inside tags. There will be a

description that says what type of fabric it is.

That description gives you a baseline for what you need.


Entrepreneurs who go through Factory45 are given:

• Further instruction on sourcing

• Exact email templates

• An overview of sustainable fabrics

• A database of over 100 suppliers


BONUS:

If you apply to Factory45 today before midnight….

I’ll include a free one-on-one consulting call.


APPLY HERE: www.factory45.co

MY EMAIL: [email protected]

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How to Source Fabric Like a Pro

Small Business & Entrepreneurship

Transcript of How to Source Fabric Like a Pro