Are you into sewing and decorating? If so then I am sure you have spent countless hours visiting local fabric shops.
Until now, maybe you have never even considered buying fabrics online.
I'm here to tell you to take the plunge! Buying fabrics online can be a rewarding and informative experience.
I'll review a few of the factors that have influenced my online fabric shopping and provide some sound advice for the online fabric shopping novice.
While saving money may not be the most important factor when selecting fabric, it is helpful to know that buying online can save money.
While all online fabric stores are not discounters, you will find several stores that offer online exclusive specials and deeply discounted promotions.
Aside from saving money, fabric quality should be the most important factor when making an online purchase.
You will find many of the leading fabric brands offered online, from Waverly to Sunbrella all the brands you are looking for.
Also, as new brands and fabrics arrive you are likely to find these contenders online too.
Concerning selection, online fabric choices are often times overwhelming.
Online stores will have a number of categories to choose from: fabric, vinyl, leather, drapery, accessories, notion, and trim categories.
Some web sites are organized by brand or fabric type.
For example categories may include listings for embossed fabrics, hair-on-hides, velvet, metallic, pillow, printed, woven and so many more choices.
One notable vendor even categorized fabrics by use which covered aircraft, auto/vehicle, contract, hotel/restaurant, marine and residential products.
Educated consumers are great customers, so take time to read the frequently asked questions (FAQs) pages of the prospective online fabric store.
If you can obtain a comfort level by reading the store's frequently asked questions, then you are likely to find their shopping experience to be favorable.
Progressive online fabric store owners will take time to share their customer service and return policies with prospective customers.
What is the return policy and are the shipping costs included? If you don't see the store policy pages, then keep surfing and look for an alternative online fabric store.
Also, look for a phone number on the store's homepage.
You are going to want to know who to contact if something goes wrong with your order.
With so many local fabric stores closing you may feel apprehensive about buying fabrics online but remember convenience is another important reason to shop online.
Online fabric stores will accept all major credit cards and offer excellent customer service.
In addition you will enjoy many of the benefits you would from retail stores including the offering of other colors and coordinating items.
If you are accustomed to picking up fabric swatches at your local retailer, then you will be pleased to know that many online fabric stores offer fabric swatches too.
Ordering swatches online will give you the chance to touch and feel the fabric you are interested in prior to its application.
If swatches are not offered; buyer beware! The look and feel of the fabric you are investigating could be dramatically different from what you purchase.
Making the move to buy fabrics online may simply be a change in behavior for some and a giant leap for others.
Overall, be smart about making your first online fabric purchase.
Do your homework, read the customer service and FAQ pages, then take the time to search their inventory for your favorite types of fabric.
With just a little bit of preparation, you will be on your way to having a story to share with another online shopper.