Background:
My partner and I need fabric to use in the manufacturing of a home
decor product. We are a start up company with no experience in this
field. We are looking for sources for both high quality 100% linen and
100% cotton dyed to our color specifications. We will initially need
small amounts of fabric for our sample making, rather quickly. Then,
during the initial
manufacturing phase, as we will be starting small, we could need only
1200 or so yards of two or three main colors and smaller amounts,
300-400 yards, of our 5-6 accent colors. (That is the minimum we would
need, it could be more.) We expect our business to grow quickly,
increasing our sourcing needs over time.
What we have done thus far:
Extensive Internet searching on free databases such as alibaba and
apparel organization search programs. These programs are great at
providing contacts to mills, but aren't very helpful for people with
little knowledge of the industry. I attempted contact with several
companies, and only received one response. He needed more information
and I don't know enough technical terms and such about fabric
purchasing to feel comfortable with proceeding.I am also wary of
depending on a company across the world that has been randomly chosen
off of a database.
What I want to know:
Would I be better off finding a buying agent to help with meeting our
sourcing needs? How does this generally work? How can I find someone
willing to work with a small company? How much should I expect to pay,
or how much will this service add to my fabric costs? Ideally, I would
love to find someone who would be more of a consultant and help us
this first time around so that in the future we would have the
knowledge and confidence to find our own textile manufacturers. In
addition to the above questions about how this process works, I would
like contact information for several trustworthy consultants or
textile buying agents who will work with start-up companies. Please
provide only contacts that are known to meet my requirements or you
have spoken to directly. We are located in the southeastern region of
USA, but could travel within the country. Information about any
educational resources about this process (textile sourcing, importing
fabric) would also be very helpful.
What I don't need:
information about manufacturing, links to online sourcing databases,
textile trade show information. Also, I have the information that was
given in question 368456.
Thanks so much!!!!!

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Clarification of Question by dib321-ga on 26 Mar 2005 07:47 PST

This isn't a question clarification, just wanted to say thanks to all
the people who have posted comments!

Good luck on your start up! 

I?m assuming that you wish to source your fabric overseas due to the
low cost. If this is the case a buying agent is an excellent choice,
if you can trust them. Once you have decided where you want the fabric
from, China, Pakistan, India, etc. you can source an agent in that
region. You will need to be able to tell/show them exactly what fabric
you are looking for. For example, the cotton could be combed or
uncombed, mercerized, 190gsm or 210gsm, each variable will
significantly affect your price. The best way would be to cut pieces
of the fabric needed and send them out to the agent to source it. A
skilled agent will be able to weigh and color match fabric with
similar treatment. Better yet, give the Agent/mill pantone numbers
(color numbers) and construction specifications of the fabric needed,
if possible. Each agent/sourcing company has a set minimum when
dealing with fabric orders, especially if it has to be weaved instead
of located in the local market of that country. If you?re dealing with
a strong enough sourcing company, they have the power to persuade the
mills to give fabric at lower yardage minimums. It will be difficult
to hire an agent as a consultant and expect them in turn to give you
their source for future orders. Most likely they will quote you a
price for the fabric, by the yard, which includes their commission
(5-15%). The great thing about a good sourcing agent is that they
insure the goods are up to quality and delivered on time. Further
more, they in most cases, have an established relation with the
factory and can secure pricing that is significantly lower than you (a
new face) going to the mill direct. Finally, by building a
relationship with an agent or sourcing company, you can later use them
to source your product manufacturing once your start up gets moving. I
do work for a sourcing company that produces apparel in several
countries, we are based in LA. Contact me if you would like more
information or would like to discuss potential quotes for the fabric
you are looking for. If I can?t help I can refer you to another
sourcing company that I have worked with.  I hoped this helps.

Best regards,
Ray 
P.S. the below link has information on finding agents and mills, but
you're kind of shooting in the dark with it.
http://www.apparelsearch.com

You can visit website http://www.PartsChina.com to get mills you are requiring.

I've had the same struggles with [Ali Baba, Global Sources, etc]. 
I've sent out 25-30 emails per project and gotten limited responses. 
The conclusion that I've come to is that the best places don't have
websites and speak little/no English.

I'm an American live in Shanghai and have some great fabric markets
that I frequently shop at.  I've made and sold a few high-end bags in
the US and have contacts with a really good sewing factory in southern
China should you need it.

If you're interested in seeing what we can do together, let me know.

The best place for this type of sourcing is India. I have some
contacts who work on this line and please let me now if you wish to
pursuit the option.

Too funny...

...the best is India
...the best is...

And yet, the cotton "capital" of the World is Turkey!
:)

Hello,

I have a similar question to the original one, if you could pass on
your learnings, or alternatively if anyone else can help that would be
appreciated.  I too am looking to source fabric - cotton (in
particular) japara cotton for a product I am getting produced in
China. I am based in Australia.  If anyone could inform me of a good
reputable agent that would be able to source on my behalf that would
be great. Also colaryan-ga you mentioned you were based in Shanghai
and are able to source fabric through the markets is that right?
Any information would be appreciated, as I am ready to produce my
product, I just need to source some interesting, fashionable fabric.
Thank you
Tash

Hii,

Iam working in a textile firm from India so if you specify your exact
need i can help ur sourcing.