When we first shared the idea for Source4Style with our designer friends in the industry, the first comments were both inevitable and understandable.
“I’d love to search for new, inspirational fabrics online, but I need to touch and feel samples.”
So we knew early on that we needed to find a way to give designers immediate access to sample swatches.
When we dug a little deeper, we learned that not only do designers require more efficient access to samples – but that sometimes they have trouble getting their hands on swatches altogether.
To address this sourcing gap, and service our rapidly growing global community of designers, we asked our first suppliers to send us samples of all the materials they were showcasing on Source4Style to our NYC HQ. We then put it all into inventory – everything from beautiful alpaca wool from Bolivia to batik silk from Thailand.
Our swatch warehouse in midtown New York now houses thousands of material swatches from our network of suppliers in over 32 countries. Each swatch is just $4 and includes shipping within the U.S. Next day delivery is available for all orders placed before noon EST.
Each swatch is clearly labeled with the material name, composition, fabric weight & country of origin. And when you order a swatch, we also recommend that you also save it in your Source4Style virtual swatchbook for easy access later.
But if you forget to do that, don’t fret because each swatch is clearly labeled with the SKU and material name. Simply type in the SKU or material name into our search bar, and you can easily re-locate the swatch you ordered.
We know this is a new concept, and we also hope it’s a concept that makes your sourcing journey just a bit easier. Here are just a few questions we’ve received on our sampling service:
Q: How do you guarantee immediate access to swatches?
A: Each of our suppliers is required to send swatch samples of each material they are showcasing on the marketplace to Source4Style’s swatch warehouse. It’s serves as yet another way for us to curate the most trusted network of suppliers from around the globe.
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Q: How large are the swatch samples?
A: Our standard swatch size is 6″ x 6″.
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Q: Can I order swatches from different suppliers in one shipment?
A: Yes. Because we inventory the swatch samples from every supplier, you can bundle your swatch sampling from all the suppliers on Source4Style. Get samples from over 32 countries in one domestic shipment.
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Q: Do I have to be a member of Source4Style to order swatches?
A: All designers who create a free account on Source4Style can order swatches.
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Q: I’m used to getting swatches for free. How come Source4Style charges $4 for each swatch?
A: Source4Style’s swatch sampling service gives you immediate access to swatches from around the globe in one domestic shipment. The $4 swatch charge covers our cost of ordering swatches from our suppliers and keeping them in inventory. Shipping within the U.S. is also included. Save yourself a trip to a showroom, or having to wait until the next show to see new materials!
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Gone are the days of requesting costly courier shipments, cumbersome swatch books and chasing new suppliers to track down your samples.
It’s never been easier to sample leading textiles from around the globe in one simple shipment – and 365/days a year.
