Upload
shannon-whitehead
View
78
Download
4
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
© Copyright Factory45 2015
HOW TO SOURCE FABRIC LIKE A PRO
FACTORY45 | FREE SPREECAST
© Copyright Factory45 2015
© Copyright Factory45 2015
Please feel free to ask any questions by typing into the chat.
I’ll answer them in the last 15 minutes of the Spreecast : )
© Copyright Factory45 2015
Sourcing “wholesale” is an entirely different ballgame.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
You know that saying, “The customer is always right?”
Unfortunately, that doesn’t apply to this game.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
Here’s how to go through the process and do it right the first time:
© Copyright Factory45 2015
Before you start calling suppliers, you’ll first want to send out an inquiry email.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
What’s the key to sending an effective email to a supplier?
© Copyright Factory45 2015
In the words of the great Michael Scott, regional manager of Dunder Mifflin —
© Copyright Factory45 2015
“Keep it simple, stupid.”
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
So, what does the supplier care about?
Sales.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
What should that sentence include?
The fiber, the type of fabric, the weight and the color.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
• 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
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.)”
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
What do you do if you don’t get a reply?
You pick up the phone and cold call.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
Suppliers aren’t typically known as being the most friendly of voices.
Don’t take it personally.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
How long should you wait to call after sending your first email inquiry?
Two days.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
1) Once you get on the phone and someone answers, ask to speak with the sales department or a sales rep.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
2) You’re balancing a fine line of friendliness and relationship building while also being respectful that for them, time is money.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
3) Tell the rep exactly what you’re looking for.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
5) If they have what you’re looking for, ask him/her to send swatches.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
6) Before hanging up, make sure you ask for the rep’s direct line and contact information.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
7) Be sincere and generous with expressions of gratitude. Thank them for their time.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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 —
© Copyright Factory45 2015
— the only way to really know what you need is to see lots and lots of swatches.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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.
© Copyright Factory45 2015
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
© Copyright Factory45 2015
BONUS:
If you apply to Factory45 today before midnight….
I’ll include a free one-on-one consulting call.
© Copyright Factory45 2015