Tuesday, February 19, 2008

This perplexes me

Why do some textile makers only sell their wares to designers and/or wholesalers? Is there a disadvantage to selling directly to the public?

It is seriously frustrating when I find a fabric that I LOVE and want to make a quilt or recover a chair and I can't get it because I'm not in the industry.



So, I figured there must be a good reason they are limiting their customers, right? Any ideas?

8 comments:

Courtney said...

Very weird. I can only imagine that the industry folks have some sort of contract with the textile makers... which then forces you to buy from the designer. Also, it could be that the textile makers just don't really have the business savvy to sell to the general public. The general public is pretty demanding... you usually need a store front, and customer service, etc... it's pobably just easier for them to deal with the same old designers they've always dealt with. Not the best business decision, probably, but it's easy for them.

In other news, Derek Wright tells me (via facebook) that it's hug-a-mormon day. Because "Who says there shouldn't be a day for hugging your Mormon buddies?" :) Consider yourself hugged.

Katie said...

Well, thanks! I didn't even know that day existed. I'm pretty sure Derek made it up, but I'm down with it.

TRS said...

I suppose it's an agreement to give designers some exclusivity. If they can find/use the same ol' fabrics that YOU can find - then what makes the designer so special?

Maybe you can make friends with a designer who can get her hands on such fabrics for you.

poodle said...

no, derek didn't make it up! one of my students told me about hug-a-mormon day. he was so excited about it. i think it's a fabulous idea!

Maggie said...

What's the fabric?

Anonymous said...

Didn't you mention a freind that is a designer? Maybe she can order the fabric you want.

Bree said...

You are so witty! I love it! Thanks for the link of your sidebar! :)

chloe said...

It's all about exclusivity and marketing. Those contracts save buyers lots of money and ensure that they keep coming back. The beauty is, knock offs are always around the corner!