Sourcing Fabric and Trims — A Merchandiser's View

Learning objectives

• Score vendors objectively
• Reduce late-material risk

Steps

1. Vendor scorecard: on-time %, quality %, communication
2. Dual-source high-risk items
3. Pre-book long-lead trims
4. Test at nomination, not at bulk

Factory example

A metal trim delay averted by dual-sourcing after a 3-month reliability trend — factory kept its shipment date.

Common mistakes

• Vendor loyalty without data
• Testing only at bulk arrival