Fabricbook Aims to Be Craigslist for Fabric, Trim, Apparel
Designers and piece-goods buyers have a new online resource for finding in-stock fabrics.
Founded by the I Envision Group, Los Angeles–based Fabricbook.net provides an online venue for fabric vendors and apparel makers to post, sell, buy or trade fabric inventory.
“The apparel industry is still working like it did 40 years ago,” said Paola Borja, coordinator on the launch. Before joining Fabricbook.net, Borja worked as a childrenswear designer, sportswear sales representative and fabric sales rep in the Los Angeles apparel industry. The name of the site is taken from manufacturers’ practice of keeping a physical log—called a fabric book—of yardage in inventory.
“We’d say, ‘What do we have in stock? Look at the fabric book,’” Borja said.
The site is similar to Craigslist, the online classified ad site. Fabricbook.net listings can be browsed for free. Sellers can post information about yardage for sale for $25. Listings can include a photo and information about the fabric, yardage available, requested price and location. Fabric sellers can post listings for any quantity.
“We provide a platform; suppliers provide as much information as they want,” Borja said.
The site is built on a PHP platform that allows buyers and sellers to access and use the site on a desktop computer, mobile phone or tablet. Visitors can email, print or share listings on social-networking sites such as Facebook, Borja said.
The site can help potential buyers quickly locate specific fabrics and new suppliers. “Back when I was manufacturing, there were always last-minute orders—you want it yesterday,” Borja said. “This can avoid so much chaos. This will facilitate the way business is done.”
Buyers can purchase online using a credit card or PayPal, or they can privately contact the seller to negotiate price and discuss delivery. Fabricbook.net also has a message board, where potential buyers can post photos and information about specific fabrics needed, as well as about quantity and delivery. Accessing the site is free for buyers, although registration is required to contact suppliers, receive weekly updates on fabric information or to post on the message board.
The site is scheduled to launch this month, although visitors can watch a video demo online.
Fabricbook.net is the first of a three-phase project. A second site for trim inventory, called Trimbook.net, is scheduled to launch in March. And a third site, Apparelbook.net, is expected to launch in April.—Alison A. Nieder
