Image Source: Vitaly Gariev, Unsplash
Thanks to the internet, sourcing materials from an extensive range of fabrics and brands has never been easier. You can even source materials on the Subway during NYFW, securing quality fabrics for your next collection.
Just like you would never sacrifice a collection to poor fabric quality, you shouldn’t source materials from sketchy links, either. Even that fabric “discount” that feels a little too good to be true could be a phishing attack.
Here are a few ways to spot and avoid suspicious links.
Inspect the URL Itself
Wait! Don’t click on that link just yet. Sleuth mode starts with the URL address itself.
First, assess if the URL is typosquatting. Scammers may register domains that look similar to reputable brands, but there may be a hyphen, a sneaky typo, or an “O” swapped out for the number zero to fool you.
If the site doesn’t have an SSL certificate, that’s a red flag. Sites with SSLs will have “https” in the URL, not “http.”
Before clicking, ask yourself again: Is this URL safe? To be sure, use a secure link checker that scans for threats. Remember this tip when sourcing fabrics from websites you’ve never used before.
You can also use WHOIS lookup tools to verify the URL’s owner. An established supplier wouldn’t have a domain that was registered just months ago.
Check Content Carefully
You’re not out of the woods just yet. Even if a URL clears, the site itself may lack the type of industry legitimacy you want. Even poor-quality fabrics can be purchased through a site with a renewed SSL.
Assess the quality of the web design. Does it look professional or hastily built?
What does the content say? Does it reflect the language of the industry? Look for terms like:
- Grams per square meter (GSM)
- Bolt widths
- Fiber percentages
Check out the About Page to review the supplier’s credentials. For instance, a boutique supplier may list where they went to fashion school.
Review past work and clients. Portfolio photos should be crisp and clear. Keep an eye out for AI-generated photos.
Questionable Pricing and Stock Quantities
Since the textile market has established price floors, you can tell when a luxury fabric is priced too affordably, even when it’s deadstock. Scammers may also claim to have an unlimited stock of a rare or limited-run fabric, which is never the case with a credible supplier.
Assess Samples and Payment
Before you pay, remember it’s industry standard to receive samples first. Don’t use a supplier that doesn’t adhere to that standard.
While you wait for your samples, review the supplier’s payment gateways. Do they offer multiple forms of legitimate payment?
Of course, make sure the samples are high quality before moving ahead with a purchase. Don’t hesitate to ask the supplier any questions that can help you make an informed, secure decision.
Bring Your Collection to Life (Safely)
Don’t let a web security oversight derail the timeline of your next collection. Remember to check the URL, website content, and sampling and payment process for legitimacy. Also be cautious of sites created mainly to game search results, such as private blog networks, which can host deceptive links.
Industry trend-watching is another excellent way to spot legitimate names from suspicious players. Follow our blog to keep up with the pulse of the fashion industry.
