Acquiring a fabric line-two part question

[angelalovesart]

I am pretty new to the upholstery trade and really want to carry a fabric line. I am afraid of sounding like a real rube when I call a salesperson at Duralee, Robert Allen,etc., what do they need/require of my business? How do you ask to carry their fabrics?

Also, does anyone know of any affordable (i.e. lower than $50 customer cost) fabric lines? I know there are some from Greenhouse but I am not impressed with anything they carry. I prefer bright and modern prints for my business.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Angela

textilecustomupholstery.com

[sofadoc]

It's a lot trickier than it used to be. I've never had to seek out a supplier. They always found me. But nowadays, most of them want you to buy the initial load of sample books. In 30+ years, I've never paid for a sample book.
When you contact a wholesaler, they will have you fill out an application, and provide a taxID#. They will probably ask for some type of company letterhead to verify your business. Once you start buying a lot of fabric from them, the free books will start rolling in.
I carry several lines, such as Greenhouse, Robert Alan, and Charlotte to name a few. I'm surprised that Greenhouse doesn't have what you want. They have by far the largest selection in my shop. They account for about 70% of my fabric sales, while about a dozen other suppliers share the other 30%. Having said that, I must admit that their prices aren't anything special. Most of their fabrics retail from the low 30's on up.
Good luck in getting established with a supplier.