The Pros and Cons of Online Fabric Shopping

by Diksha ECF Lifestyle Blogger | Content Creator

Online shopping has become an inevitable part of busy city life. Whether it's groceries or online sewing fabrics, we like to get everything right at our doorstep. It has added many layers of comfort and convenience to our lifestyle. Online fabric hopping is not a trend anymore. It has become a reality for fashion designers, home decor enthusiasts, and sewing hobbyists. With many added advantages and cost-effective fabrics, people prefer online fabric shopping while sitting on their comfortable couches. However, every coin has two sides. With the endless benefits of buying cheap online fabrics come some disadvantages too.

Today, this article will take you through the advantages and disadvantages of buying online fabrics. These points will help you make the right decision. Whether you are an experienced sewer or a beginner, it is necessary to consider the benefits and drawbacks of cheap fabric shopping before making a purchase.

Advantages of Online Fabric Shopping

Convenience

Convenience and comfort are essential needs of a busy human. The flexibility of shopping anytime from anywhere is the most significant advantage of online fabric stores. It means you are no longer required to deal with the crowd and busy streets. You can enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience and browse thousands of fabrics online without visiting the physical store.

Variety

When you shop for fabrics online, you can access more inventory than in a physical store. You don't have to ask a specialist to show some more styles. You have the luxury of browsing through thousands of patterns and styles. It increases the possibility of finding the perfect match for your next sewing project.

Affordable prices

Shop your fabrics from online stores if you need competitive pricing because they do not have the overhead costs that physical stores have. They can pass on the savings to their customers, making it a more affordable option. Moreover, there are many discounts and regular sale offers.

Access to reviews

Everybody likes to get a product review from fellow buyers, and you get it when you shop at an online store. There are product reviews from other customers that you can refer to before the actual purchase.

Comparison

You can avoid the awkward situation of moving out of a store without making a purchase. You can compare the prices and fabrics from different fabric stores online and choose the most affordable option.

Disadvantages of Buying Online Fabrics

No Tangible Products

If you like to get the touch and feel of your fabric before you buy it, avoid shopping online. Some fabric swatches or trial options are available at some stores, but there is still a limitation. So, the major disadvantage of online fabric shopping is that you cannot touch and feel the fabric before you buy it.

Color discrepancies

In product photography and the actual product, a slight variation of color is possible. Therefore, there is a chance that the product delivered to you might be slightly different from what it was online. External conditions like lights and screen colors are responsible for such discrepancies. So, avoid buying online textiles when you are particular about a color tone.

Shipping Time

With the flexibility to order anything from any part of your country sitting at home comes a shipping time. The process of dispatch and delivery takes a few days. Therefore, if you need something instantly, head to your nearest store.

Shipping Cost

Though most of the fabric stores are offering free delivery, there are chances you might have to bear the shipping cost. It generally happens when your minimum order is less than a certain amount.

Limited selection for specialty fabrics

Although online fabric stores offer a wide range of fabrics, they may not have a vast selection of specialty fabrics. If you need a specific type of fabric, you may have to visit a physical store.

In a nutshell, online fabric shopping is a great experience with minimal disadvantages. To make this experience great, never ignore the reviews and do some research online. Check for the return policies and try to order trials when you purchase from a new store.