Fabric Faults Policy

At Circular Sourcing, we recognize that surplus and deadstock fabrics may contain minor imperfections. This policy establishes clear standards for fabric quality and fault disclosure to ensure transparency between Sellers and Buyers.

All fabrics sold on the platform must meet the quality standards outlined below.

1. Industry Standard for Fabric Faults

Maximum of 7 minor faults per 100 metres

This is the accepted industry standard for commercial textile quality.

Fabrics with faults within this standard are considered acceptable for sale
Faults must be clearly disclosed in the product listing
Buyers should review fault descriptions before making purchases
Swatches may be requested to assess material quality before ordering

2. What Constitutes a "Minor Fault"?

Minor faults are small imperfections that do not significantly affect the fabric's usability or integrity. Examples include:

Acceptable Minor Faults

Small holes (under 5mm diameter)
Minor discolouration or staining
Slight weaving irregularities
Small knots or slubs
Printing misalignment (minor)
Yarn irregularities
Small pulls or snags
Minor shade variations within a roll

Non-Minor (Major) Faults

Large tears or rips
Significant staining or discolouration
Major printing defects
Extensive damage affecting usability
Structural integrity issues
Mould, mildew, or water damage
Severe fading or colour inconsistency
Strong odours or contamination

Note: The classification of faults may vary depending on the intended use of the fabric. Sellers should err on the side of disclosure.

3. Integrity vs. Non-Integrity Faults

Integrity-Affecting Faults (Must be Disclosed)

These faults compromise the fabric's structural integrity or usability:

Tears, holes, or rips that affect the fabric's strength
Structural weaknesses that could worsen during use
Damage that reduces the usable area significantly

Materials with integrity-affecting faults must have these clearly described in the listing with photographic evidence.

Non-Integrity Faults (Can be Sold with Disclosure)

These are cosmetic imperfections that do not compromise usability:

Minor colour variations
Small cosmetic marks or blemishes
Slight texture inconsistencies
Minor printing imperfections

Fabrics with non-integrity faults CAN be sold on the platform, provided they are accurately described.

4. Seller Responsibilities

Sellers MUST:

Inspect all fabrics before listing them on the platform
Accurately count and document any faults present
Clearly describe all faults in the product listing (type, size, location)
Provide clear photographs of any significant faults
Include fault information in the material description field
Disclose if the fabric exceeds the 7 faults per 100m standard
Mark the fabric as "sold with faults" if it exceeds acceptable standards
Offer swatches that are representative of the overall material quality
Answer Buyer questions about faults honestly and promptly

Sellers MUST NOT:

Hide or conceal faults in photographs or descriptions
Misrepresent the number or severity of faults
List fabrics with major integrity issues without clear disclosure
Send swatches that do not represent the overall condition of the material
List contaminated, damaged, or unsellable materials

5. Buyer Rights and Responsibilities

Before Purchasing

Review all product descriptions and fault disclosures carefully
Examine product photographs for visible faults
Request swatches to assess material quality (especially for Business Account holders with 10 free swatches/month)
Ask Sellers questions about specific faults or concerns
Understand that surplus/deadstock fabrics may have minor imperfections

After Receiving Materials

Inspect materials within 48 hours of delivery
Compare received materials against the product description and photos
Document any undisclosed faults with photographs
Contact the Seller immediately if materials do not match the description
Initiate a return within 15 days if materials are not as described

6. Returns and Refunds for Faulty Materials

Grounds for Return:

Undisclosed faults: If the material contains faults that were not described in the listing
Misrepresentation: If faults are more severe than described
Exceeds standard: If the material exceeds 7 minor faults per 100m without prior disclosure
Major integrity issues: If the fabric has structural problems not disclosed

Return Process:

Contact the Seller within 48 hours of delivery with photographic evidence
Describe the specific undisclosed faults
Allow the Seller 2 business days to respond
If unresolved, contact Circular Sourcing support for mediation
Return materials in original condition within 15 days
Refund will be processed once materials are received and verified

Note: Returns due to Buyer preference or change of mind are subject to our standard 15-day return policy. Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs unless materials are faulty or misdescribed.

7. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute regarding fabric faults:

Buyers and Sellers should attempt to resolve the issue directly through the Platform messaging system
If unresolved within 5 business days, either party may escalate to Circular Sourcing support
Our team will review all evidence (product listing, photos, messages, returned materials if applicable)
We will mediate a fair resolution based on this Fabric Faults Policy
Repeated violations by Sellers may result in account suspension or termination

8. How to List Faults Correctly

Example of Good Fault Disclosure:

Material: 100% Cotton Canvas, Navy Blue, 50m roll

Condition: Surplus material with minor faults

Faults (4 total in 50m roll):

1x small hole (3mm) at approximately 12m mark
2x minor discolouration spots (5mm each) at 28m and 35m marks
1x small yarn slub at 42m mark

Photos show representative areas including visible faults. Swatches available upon request.

9. Contact Information

For questions about fabric quality standards or to report undisclosed faults, please contact:

Circular Sourcing Support

Email: [email protected]

Last Updated: December 2024