Some fabrics are available from more than one vendor, and they’re called jobber fabrics, and the mills that make them sell to more than one supplier. Those types of fabrics, which typically are more basic fabrics, I buy from vendors who are going to give me the best customer service, and take care of problems when they happen.
For fabrics that are only available from one vendor, I buy from that vendor. I might have a customer who wants a specific color and a specific pattern or weave and in that case, there's little choice -- we’re going to buy from that exclusive vendor. Sometimes these exclusive lines are not so well-organized. When this is the case, I let the client know to manage expectations.
As far as other vendors go, like upholsterers and window treatment workrooms, or plumbing suppliers, In general, I continue to do business with people who
• Offer good customer service
• Do quality work
• Fix problems and return phone calls
• Help me and make my clients happy.
Unless items are exclusive, I stop working with vendors who cannot help me do my business well.
One thing I have found is that choosing vendors purely on price is a futile experience. You get what you pay for. Ever tried to return plumbing supplies to an online source? Ever try to find a sales person who can give expert advice on the difference between two products from a big box store?
All it takes for me to get help is a phone call.
