When it comes to sourcing fabric for your small business, buying in bulk can offer a wide variety of advantages. And as a small business, every advantage you can get counts.
However, navigating the wholesale fabric market can be daunting, especially when faced with choices between different suppliers and distributors. Understanding your options and the customization possibilities available to you can help you make informed decisions that align with your business goals and operational needs.
Supplier Vs. Distributor
If you’re purchasing bulk fabric in wholesale quantities, you typically have two
options available to you: A supplier or a distributor. Each offers distinct advantages and challenges.
Purchasing directly from wholesale fabric suppliers often means lower costs since you bypass additional markup from intermediaries. Working directly with suppliers can foster a more personalized service and potentially better terms, along with more flexibility for custom orders.
However, this approach can come with higher minimum order requirements, which might be challenging for smaller businesses with limited storage space or cash flow.
On the other hand, distributors act as intermediaries between fabric suppliers and businesses. They buy large quantities of fabric from suppliers and sell it in smaller quantities to businesses, which often means lower minimum order requirements. This makes it easier for small businesses to manage their inventory.
Distributors typically offer a wide range of fabrics from various suppliers, providing convenience and variety. However, this convenience comes at a cost, since distributors add their markup to the fabric prices, resulting in higher costs compared to buying directly from suppliers.
Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision that best suits your small business’s needs and goals, whether you choose to work directly with suppliers or through distributors.
Yes, Bulk Fabric Can Be Customized
When buying fabric in bulk quantities, you may think customizations are limited. However, one of the significant advantages of purchasing bulk fabric is the ability to customize it to meet your specific needs.
Contrary to the common perception that bulk purchases are limited to off-the-shelf options, many suppliers and manufacturers offer various customization services that allow you to tailor fabric to your exact specifications.
You can customize your order through:
- Colors
- Printing
- Backing
- Protective coatings
- Fire coatings
Colors
When buying bulk fabric wholesale for your small business, it’s important that you do not rely on the manufacturer’s website for color. Instead, request a color swatch or sample so that you see a more accurate example of the color you will receive. Dye lot variations are common in the textile industry, and color shifts can happen with “stock” colors. The result is repeatable and reliable with a maximum variation of 3% to 5%.
Printing
Custom printing services include rotary/flat bed printing and digital printing.
Rotary/flat bed printing is a direct-to-fabric printing technique where the image is engraved on precision cut stencils known as screens. Multiple screens can be used to create a multi-color design and can produce vivid colors and intricate designs on your upholstery fabric. Crisp lines and detailed images are created using screen printing, allowing inks to penetrate the fabric and hold color better and longer.
Digital printing on fabric is also known as DTG, or direct-to-garment printing. Digital printing is any ink-jet based method of printing colorants onto fabric. This process allows for lower minimums, eliminates screen charges and removes the need for screen storage.
Backing
Particularly for furniture upholstery fabric, backing helps prevent seams from slipping and to add durability.
Different backing can provide different advantages. For example, latex backing is commonly used on furniture upholstery. The coating helps prevent soil from sifting through the fabric.
Knit backing can make lighter weight fabrics more durable, while backings that darken rooms are popular in residential and commercial properties. Backings can block most or all of the light that enters through a window, ensuring quality sleep. Some backings can even provide noise-dampening and temperature-regulating properties.
Protective Coatings
Protective coatings help lengthen how long furniture, draperies and other fabric pieces last. A popular protective finish is a nano coating, a very thin transparent plastic polymer film coating that helps to repel dry particles, water, oil and dirt. Other options include Scotchgard and Alta treatments, which protect the fabric against dirt and spills.
Ask your manufacturer about applying antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal treatments to prevent the buildup of bacteria, fungi and dust mites as well. If your clients are schools, hospitals or have outdoor environments, these treatments can be particularly beneficial.
Fire Coatings
In the state of California, furniture in a commercial environment must comply with TB117-2013. This fire rating regulation requires that upholstery fabric pass smolder cigarette tests.
Fabrics used in public places must also meet fire safety standards regulated by the National Fire Protection Association. Fire retardant applications are required under California law for public spaces as well. Fire retardant applications can be sprayed on or brushed on and help limit the spread of a fire. Rather than igniting, the fabric is protected under intense heat.
Finding The Best Bulk Fabric Wholesale
When looking for the best bulk fabric wholesale supplier, working with American manufacturers offers several advantages. One of the primary benefits is better lead times. Domestic suppliers can often deliver orders more quickly than overseas manufacturers, reducing wait times and helping you meet your production deadlines more reliably.
Working with local suppliers also minimizes the risk of communication barriers, customs delays, and other complications associated with international shipping and regulations.
Beyond choosing American manufacturers, there are several other critical factors to consider when selecting a wholesale fabric supplier:
Quality and Consistency: Ensure that the supplier consistently provides high-quality fabric. Request samples and, if possible, visit the supplier's facility to inspect their production processes. Consistency in fabric quality is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your products.
Range of Fabrics: Look for a supplier that offers a diverse range of fabrics. This variety allows you to source different types of fabric from a single supplier, simplifying your procurement process and ensuring you can find everything you need in one place.
Customization Options: As we mentioned above, customization can be a significant advantage. Check if the supplier offers custom printing, special textures or custom fabric blends to meet your specific needs. Customization can give your products a unique edge in the market.
Minimum Order Requirements: Evaluate the supplier’s minimum order quantities to ensure they align with your business needs. Some suppliers may be more flexible with minimum orders, especially for repeat customers or larger, ongoing orders.
Customer Service: Good customer service is essential for a smooth business relationship. Choose a supplier that is responsive, reliable and willing to work with you to resolve any issues that may arise. Good customer service also includes taking the necessary steps to protect your shipments when in route. Excellent communication can help prevent misunderstandings and delays.
Reputation and Reviews: Research the supplier’s reputation in the industry. Look for reviews and testimonials from other businesses that have worked with them. A supplier with a solid track record of reliability and customer satisfaction is more likely to meet your needs effectively.
Sustainability Practices: If sustainability is important to your business, consider suppliers that offer eco-friendly fabric options and demonstrate commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Sustainable sourcing can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and enhance your brand’s reputation.
By considering these factors and prioritizing suppliers that align with your business values and requirements, you can find the best bulk fabric wholesale partner to support your small business’s growth and success.
