Last week I was looking for a particular fabric for an upcoming project and was having a hard time finding it anywhere. I checked online and it was available at Fabric.com. I added a half yard to my cart and this popped up.
See the note in red that says “Buy at least 1 yard for our best price”? Then look above that where it says $10.95 per yard or $8.21 for a half yard. What the heck?? A surcharge for cutting a half yard? And that’s quite a surcharge! After realizing this wasn’t some flukey error, I googled it and found many people complaining on Fabric.com’s Facebook page. Their response is that all fabric must be hand cut and it isn’t cost effective for them to sell half-yard cuts. Doesn’t every fabric store hand cut every piece? I tend not to buy large cuts of fabric, but instead purchase lots of smaller cuts since I love scrappy quilts. Happily there are still many, many fabric stores both online and brick and mortar that will cheerfully cut less than a yard.
Over the years I’ve bought a lot from Fabric.com but this new policy is pretty much the last straw. I’ve noticed a trend toward declining customer service. My most recent order took three weeks to arrive and when it finally arrived, it was the wrong fabric. This was not an isolated incident as my last few orders have had errors in what I ordered and what was shipped. They also recently discontinued their frequent buyer loyalty program so I cashed in my points and will purchase elsewhere from now on. I’m sure Fabric.com won’t miss my business but I do hope the Amazon.com power behind them doesn’t push this trend in the fabric retail industry.
I used to buy from them, too, but not after what you have posted. Too bad, because they really had lovely bargains.
I used to love Fabric.com But they never have 15-20% off general sales anymore. And their prices have increased. After they took off the loyalty points, I just don’t order there anymore.
Years ago, when it was Phoenix Textiles, I bought from them a lot and prices were great. I haven’t bought lately, and I wouldn’t pay that price for a half yard of anything, even Liberty of London!
I purchase from them one time a couple of years ago and never would do it again no matter how good of a sale they have. Their sloppy packaging tells me they don’t care about their materials or customer.