Favorite Fabrics

For those of you who buy fabric online... do you check to see what a store's return policy is before placing an order?

For the shops that you've purchased from, do they accept returns?

Have you ever sent anything back? If so, who paid the postage?

dakotamaid

I never return anything unless they sent the wrong order. Than it is their money to return, not mine. I've only returned once. Yes, I do check the return policy.

It is really difficult to match colors online so it is a gamble when I'm trying to match something. Sometimes it is easier to order from the same fabric line so it will match.

katier825

To be honest, I don't usually check the return policy that closely. I have not returned anything, nor have I been unhappy with my purchases. If I got something defective or the wrong item/order, then I would expect the store to make the appropriate exchange for me and expect the store to pay the shipping.

On a side note, I'd like to bring up how I feel about backorders. I don't usually mind if something is backordered and I am given an approximate delivery date. If the item will not be available for several months, I would want to be contacted to see if I still want it. I had this issue with Hancocks of Paducah. An item showed up several months later without warning. I had read on other sites that the item I ordered was being discontinued. I never expected to get it. I think it's important to keep the communication open. :)

shaverg

Most of the time once it is cut it is yours unless there is something wrong with the fabric, then they will usually take it back. But not because you just don't like it.

Boston1954

I have never checked, but I have been lucky. I have not had to return anything.

beachlady

I guess I have never checked the return policy. Never had to return anything, but would hope that if the fabric was defective, they would take it back. I have gotten fabric that was not the color I thought it was, but I kept it as I figure I would use it eventually!

LucyInTheSky

I don't check return policies. I bought the I Love Lucy fabric, first line, from 2 different websites. Fabric was absolutely awful. Creepy faces. Both sites took it back. They both said they'd refund return shipping. One sent me $, the other forgot (and for $5, I'm not going to worry about it). But wow was that fabric ugly.

amma

I have never had to return any fabric...
If I am trying to match a color, either I buy from the same fabric line, or I take the fabric with me to shop in person.
I would hope that they would pay for return shipping if there was a problem with the fabric itself, though :D:D:D

wishiwerequilting

I think most online stores have a no return policy on cut fabric. However, if there is a defect, they will certainly help you with a return. If there is an error on the part of the store, they will usually make it right without any additional charges to you (paying postage for whatever is necessary). If it does not match what you were trying to match or it does not suit your needs, if you must return, you would be responsible for shipping. However, it is very difficult for most online stores to help you with something that does not match. If they took returns on all fabrics, then how would they sell the return? Not as easy as you may think!
If you are having a problem with a particular shop, I would certainly correspond with the owner by email to see if you can work out an arrangement which is comfortable for you both. And as for patterns and books, never returnable due to the fact that many purchase, copy them and return, which is a copyright no-no.
Does that help?

oldswimmer

I have ordered from Fabric.com and they will let you return fabric, at their expense within 30 days. They dont refund your original shipping charge though. I also think that Hancocks of Paducha has a similar policy. I have never had to send anything back, but its nice to know I could.