Posted by Kathleen Fasanella on Sep 20, 2005 at 3:41 pm / Sourcing / Trackback
Jinjer has generously offered to share her fabric source with all of you. He’s an independent fabric rep with low minimums and his name is Bob. Call me cranky but I’m not going to publish his email address (yet) because Bob has offered to answer questions for us on the blog. While he could answer your questions individually, the rest of us would learn nothing from the experience. Therefore, comments are open so let’s get the ball rolling by posting your fabric sourcing questions.
To add a bit more detail, does Bob deal in stretch knits designed for fitness/aerobic/yoga type applications?
We’re currently using mostly branded fibers (e.g. Supplex/Tactel) though we have some French terry blends that are generic.
One of the issues we’ve had before with low minimum purchase requirements is that there is no continuity of fabrics. We need to be able to re-order fabric from time to time and it needs to be the same as what we’ve gotten before – both in terms of content and color.
Marilyn
September 21st, 2005
3:11 PM
Bob, tell us what kinds of textiles you rep, what your minimums are, etc. I’m interested in fashion-forward wovens in the 20 yard range. What timelines do you work with? Also, tell us your beefs about DE’s so we won’t make the same mistakes. Thanks
John Clancy
January 1st, 2006
9:50 PM
How does one become an independant sales rep for fabrics?
I don’t know John but if -you- were serious about doing it, becoming one…I know I’d throw some resources your way. Other people here know other resources, companies they’d like to buy from. It could work out.
Patty Dunn
February 26th, 2006
9:26 PM
I would love to learn about repping for fabric companies and how to go about this? I have 25+ years sales experience in advertising and marketing. I am ready to make a change and would love to sell fabrics . Any input or advice? Minnesota area
Thanks so much,
Patty
Patty Dunn
February 26th, 2006
9:29 PM
I also have ideas for a cottage industry and would need to learn about hiring contract sewers and how to go about finding them and how this process works. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Patty
Gail
February 27th, 2006
8:53 PM
I am seeking an opportunity to sell small quantities of high quality fabric to individuals or small groups as an independent rep. I am seeking a situation like a trunk show and have had difficulty finding one. Can anyone help me?
Elizabeth
April 15th, 2008
12:05 PM
Hello,
I am looking for a good fabric company with deals with wholesaler/Manufactures like myslef. I am hoping to find a rep who can meet with me and bring a supply of new fabrics that are not on the market yet. I am located in Michigan. Does any one know anyone who reps a manufacture?
Nadine
January 3rd, 2009
4:09 PM
I am trying to start up a handbag business and would like to know if there is a fabric rep in the Encinitas, CA area. I am only getting started, trying to create prototypes, so would also like to order smaller quantities right now.
We need someone who is currently visiting the interior design industry for the tri-state area. We have decorative leathers and vinyls. If you have multiple product lines and existing customers in this industry please apply.
Cilia
June 4th, 2009
2:07 PM
How do you go about locating a sales rep for fabric designated for the garment industry? I am specifically looking in the NY area.
[...] meaning my site becomes more valuable too. Here’s an example from Mike Benjamin who posted to A Fabric Sales Rep. I couldn’t publish his entry (below) but I really wanted to help him so I passed his [...]
Mike Benjamin
October 2nd, 2009
2:48 PM
Becoming an independent sales rep for fabrics involves Knowledge public relation and dedication and certainly having contacts with key buyers of clothing manufacturers and fabric stores in your area is a big plus). An ideal candidate has 5 years experience but it depends on several factors like his or her specialties on type of the fabrics dealt before,size of the manufacturers and the volume of the their production. As a matter of fact, I have an opening now for an independent sales rep in any territory. Our product line consists of apparel fabrics knit and woven in solid color, in large selection of colors in stock for immediate delivery (on consistent bases) . Feel free to call me @ 213 892 0585 or email me (textilecity@sbcglobal.net) if you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity.
I am trying to find a fabric rep or person who can source all the materials needed for an outerwear garment. However, I have no idea how much somebody like that would cost. First, does such a person exist? Second, how much would he/she cost? Third, Is there someone local, like in the midwest. I live in Madison, WI.
Midori, the best place to ask these questions is on the Forum. All you need to do to join is to buy Kathleen’s Very Useful Book (see the right side of the page, near the top).
Kathleen
February 4th, 2010
4:15 PM
Midori, usually you don’t pay a fabric rep directly. If you were paying someone, this is a little different, you hire someone to “source” for you. It’s not very common. Sometimes consultants do it as a part of their services. Sometimes a contractor can, or even a pattern maker. It will help if you know the name of the fabric. You may end up with a “jobber”, I wrote about that before too. Mostly, you get suggestions from associates and will eventually have to go to a show at some point.
Often described as the garment industry “blue book”, the most highly rated book in the business is guaranteed to get you off to a solid start or your money back. Many service providers require you read this before they’ll work with you. Learn more »
18 Responses to “A Fabric Sales Rep”
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September 21st, 2005
7:52 AM
Does Bob deal with stretch knits?
September 21st, 2005
10:30 AM
To add a bit more detail, does Bob deal in stretch knits designed for fitness/aerobic/yoga type applications?
We’re currently using mostly branded fibers (e.g. Supplex/Tactel) though we have some French terry blends that are generic.
One of the issues we’ve had before with low minimum purchase requirements is that there is no continuity of fabrics. We need to be able to re-order fabric from time to time and it needs to be the same as what we’ve gotten before – both in terms of content and color.
September 21st, 2005
3:11 PM
Bob, tell us what kinds of textiles you rep, what your minimums are, etc. I’m interested in fashion-forward wovens in the 20 yard range. What timelines do you work with? Also, tell us your beefs about DE’s so we won’t make the same mistakes. Thanks
January 1st, 2006
9:50 PM
How does one become an independant sales rep for fabrics?
January 1st, 2006
10:29 PM
I don’t know John but if -you- were serious about doing it, becoming one…I know I’d throw some resources your way. Other people here know other resources, companies they’d like to buy from. It could work out.
February 26th, 2006
9:26 PM
I would love to learn about repping for fabric companies and how to go about this? I have 25+ years sales experience in advertising and marketing. I am ready to make a change and would love to sell fabrics . Any input or advice? Minnesota area
Thanks so much,
Patty
February 26th, 2006
9:29 PM
I also have ideas for a cottage industry and would need to learn about hiring contract sewers and how to go about finding them and how this process works. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Patty
February 27th, 2006
8:53 PM
I am seeking an opportunity to sell small quantities of high quality fabric to individuals or small groups as an independent rep. I am seeking a situation like a trunk show and have had difficulty finding one. Can anyone help me?
April 15th, 2008
12:05 PM
Hello,
I am looking for a good fabric company with deals with wholesaler/Manufactures like myslef. I am hoping to find a rep who can meet with me and bring a supply of new fabrics that are not on the market yet. I am located in Michigan. Does any one know anyone who reps a manufacture?
January 3rd, 2009
4:09 PM
I am trying to start up a handbag business and would like to know if there is a fabric rep in the Encinitas, CA area. I am only getting started, trying to create prototypes, so would also like to order smaller quantities right now.
Thank you for your reply.
Nadine
January 7th, 2009
4:29 PM
We need someone who is currently visiting the interior design industry for the tri-state area. We have decorative leathers and vinyls. If you have multiple product lines and existing customers in this industry please apply.
June 4th, 2009
2:07 PM
How do you go about locating a sales rep for fabric designated for the garment industry? I am specifically looking in the NY area.
Thank you
July 1st, 2009
1:13 PM
[...] meaning my site becomes more valuable too. Here’s an example from Mike Benjamin who posted to A Fabric Sales Rep. I couldn’t publish his entry (below) but I really wanted to help him so I passed his [...]
October 2nd, 2009
2:48 PM
Becoming an independent sales rep for fabrics involves Knowledge public relation and dedication and certainly having contacts with key buyers of clothing manufacturers and fabric stores in your area is a big plus). An ideal candidate has 5 years experience but it depends on several factors like his or her specialties on type of the fabrics dealt before,size of the manufacturers and the volume of the their production. As a matter of fact, I have an opening now for an independent sales rep in any territory. Our product line consists of apparel fabrics knit and woven in solid color, in large selection of colors in stock for immediate delivery (on consistent bases) . Feel free to call me @ 213 892 0585 or email me (textilecity@sbcglobal.net) if you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity.
February 4th, 2010
1:20 PM
I am trying to find a fabric rep or person who can source all the materials needed for an outerwear garment. However, I have no idea how much somebody like that would cost. First, does such a person exist? Second, how much would he/she cost? Third, Is there someone local, like in the midwest. I live in Madison, WI.
February 4th, 2010
3:59 PM
Midori, the best place to ask these questions is on the Forum. All you need to do to join is to buy Kathleen’s Very Useful Book (see the right side of the page, near the top).
February 4th, 2010
4:15 PM
Midori, usually you don’t pay a fabric rep directly. If you were paying someone, this is a little different, you hire someone to “source” for you. It’s not very common. Sometimes consultants do it as a part of their services. Sometimes a contractor can, or even a pattern maker. It will help if you know the name of the fabric. You may end up with a “jobber”, I wrote about that before too. Mostly, you get suggestions from associates and will eventually have to go to a show at some point.
February 8th, 2010
6:13 AM
Bob are you looking to rep another line? If so where are you located?