Fabric Distributors and Wholesalers Key Terms

Knowing fabric distributors and wholesalers key terms allows for informed small business decision making
By Trish Popovitch Whether you are a fabric distributor or a fabric wholesaler or just do business with fabric suppliers, it is important for the integrity of your business to know the key terms dealing with the different aspects of the fabric distribution industry. Awareness of industry slang now only helps with ordering supplies competently but increases confidence on the networking scene.

It doesn't matter if you are ordering wholesale terry cloth fabric or a furniture supplier dealing with upholstery fabric wholesalers, you have to know how to talk the language of your industry and peers. When learning the lingo of fabric distributors and wholesalers keep in mind that you should:

1. Know the key differences between the types of fabrics you carry in your inventory.

2. Connect with leading fabric wholesale distributors to learn the industry slang of the moment.

3. Review industry blogs and articles for new fabric distributors and wholesalers key terms.

Get clear on the textile distributors terms that relate to your fabric

Fabric wholesalers and textile distributors carry large inventory of fabrics. The fabrics are of course different weights, colors and textures. Knowing the basic information for your chosen fabric is important. For each fabric type you carry know: weight,weave, nap, color, texture and washing instructions. Fabrics are sold in bulk by weight not length.
Try:  Fabrics Manufacturers has a complete and detailed glossary of the types of available fabrics with solid definitions. Dress King offers a fabric glossary that describes how each fabric should look and feel as well as its basic uses.

Review fabric wholesale distributors terms to help with ordering and supplies

Visiting the sites of fabric wholesalers lets you become familiar with how members of the distribution and wholesale industry communicate with their peers. Established sites offer glossaries to help learn industry terms as well as information articles full of industry slang.
Try:  InfoMat offers several term glossaries as well as textile and fashion industry trends and definitions. Apparel Search Company is a great industry term resource site with everything from fabric definitions to wholesale suppliers and their lingo.

Stay current on key terms by subscribing to cloth distributors feeds and blogs

After learning the basic terminology for your specific fabrics and ordering needs, stay abreast of changing terms by subscribing to fabric wholesale sites that update on a regular basis. New terms often include the names of the latest ordering and inventory software as well as the names of new companies and fabrics styles.
Try:  Billian Publishing offers subscription to the Textile World magazine and website that includes information on industry trends, news, changes and a directory of suppliers. TechExchange.com is a great source for the latest news and article on the fabric and textile industry from a variety of perspectives.

• Fabric brokers have terms and slang that differs slightly from fabric distributors and wholesalers and may require a little additional research on your part.