We highly recommend that you order samples before purchasing any of our fabrics, so you can decide if it is right for you.
There are many advantages to being able to see and feel the fabric before making a larger purchase. If you order a sample it could save you time, money and possible disappointment if it’s not quite what you expected.
What will you learn from ordering samples?
- Type of the fabric (cotton, wool, suede, leatherette ect).
- Weight of the fabric – (lightweight, medium weight, heavyweight).
- Texture of the fabric – (smooth, rough).
- Weave of the fabric – (plain or twill).
- True colour of the fabric.
- Pattern and design of the fabric.
Some real-life examples of customer messages and results
From time-to-time we are approached by customers who haven’t ordered samples, but have been disappointed when their fabric is delivered. Below are just some examples of customers who have come back to us needing to swap their orders, usually at extra cost.
“Am I able to return? The fabric is the wrong colour and a bit light in weight”
The customer in this case was able to return her fabric. She decided to arrange the return of the fabric herself so had to wait for her refund. After the fabric was returned it was inspected and put back into stock she was refunded. (This can take extra time during busy periods)
“Recently bought fabric in navy blue. The material arrived and is too dark for my needs. How can I arrange a return or exchange for a more suitable navy blue colour?”
The customer in this case was sent samples of navy blue ranges that we offer and chose a great match for his canopy. We arranged a collection of the unwanted fabric which cost him an extra £15.
“Hi, I ordered some fabric from you guys and it’s come and doesn’t look like the picture. I was wondering if I could send it back for a refund or swap for another fabric?”
The customer in this case was a student and needed the fabric for a project, so couldn’t afford any mistakes. He was sent samples of the other colourways of the fabric and swapped it for a more suitable option for his project. He returned the unwanted fabric at additional cost.
The problem with returns
We will always accept returns within 30 days of delivery (so long as the fabric itself is unused and uncut). As we can see above the problem is obvious – it will always end up costing you more, in time and money and inconvenience to send fabric back.
Rolls of fabric can be particularly tricky – measuring 150cm on the longest side, couriers may charge a small fortune to bring the fabric back to us.
Ordering samples
We offer up to six standard samples (usually measuring around 5cm x 4cm) absolutely free of charge This is usually enough to gauge the true colour and feel of our fabrics. If this isn’t enough we also offer larger 15cm x 15cm samples at 50p each.
Some fabrics, usually ones with patterns and repeats are only available as large samples. This is because it can be impossible to get a proper idea of patterned fabric from our smaller samples.
Ordering samples won’t cost you much in time as we usually send out sample requests the next working day by first class post. Enabling you to make your decision and order your chosen fabric quickly.
All sample requests are subject to a postage and packing fee of £1.50.
