I would like to spend a little time here talking to you about the value of creating solid relationships with suppliers and vendors. If you are a hobbyist or you want to take your acquired skills to a different level you will need to find vendors that will sell to you. There may be some vendors located near you. Some smaller suppliers will sell to some at the retail level. There are also fabric outlets that sometimes carry not only fabrics but supplies i.e. cotton, poly foams, thread, twine etc. Of course there is the internet where you can purchase items. But if you are going to want to make some kind of “profit” from your work you will need to buy wholesale. Today the supplies are expensive even at the wholesale level. There are various ways to contact suppliers. Most, particularly if you are a “new” account the vendor is going to require the usual information from you i.e. DBA or business name, location of your shop, bank account information, some may even want to do a credit check on you. To start you out the supplier may request payment by a credit card, cash or a money order or COD. If you can, get them to at least accept your check. Begin to cultivate this relationship. A solid relationship with your vendors will be a valuable tool. I have been dealing with my vendors for over 28 years. Some of the same vendors did business with my Father before that. They know me by name. They know that I am not going to boink a check on them. They know that I am a little cranky at times but on the other hand they know that I am going to be a consistent customer. The vendors supply me with the tools, fabrics, supplies and at a price that is competive. Some vendors that I deal with, schedule either monthly or bi-monthly delivery visits to my area. With a minimum purchase they will deliver the products that you need at little or no charge. Saving me a ton of money on UPS fees. Because most every product that you deal with in this industry is a petro-chemical product the prices continue to go up. I have found most vendors are very competitively priced. I believe the value with the vendor is the relationship that you cultivate compared to shopping around to save a nickel. Be very aware of the cost of supplies to do the job. The cost of those supplies can add a substantial cost to the job, especially if you’re purchasing poly foam for the job. In subsequent posts I will talk to you about estimating a job. Next up finishing the seat cushion and on to the back.