I have never heard that being done. I have have bought wholesale from Hoffman, RK and P&B. I do know that RK gives their leftover scraps to charity organization with the correct credentials. My church group leader has to pick them up. P&B also use to donate to charities with their leftovers. The salesman carry around sample cards to show owners of quilt shops the actually fabric in order to pre-order a collection. That may be what you are referring to. I use to get them from someone who worked for RJR. I see them occasional for sale on eBay.