We do small-batch canvas bags. Supplier has a 15% off sale on a fabric we use a lot, but we won't have the final product ready for another 6-8 weeks. Is it dumb to buy now and store it? Cash is a bit tight but we have a small storage unit.
Inventory
Should my company purchase fabric before products are finished?
15% on fabric is not nothing, but 6-8 weeks of storage plus tying up cash? I'd skip it unless you're sure you'll actually use every yard. We bought ahead once and ended up with three bolts of a color nobody wanted.
Do you have the cash to cover it without a credit card? If yes, maybe. If no, hard no.
This is the classic trap. 15% sounds great until you factor in storage, potential damage, and the fact that your product might change. Six weeks is short enough that I'd consider it only if the fabric is a core staple you'll definitely use within 3 months. Otherwise, pass.
Wait, 6-8 weeks is nothing. Are you sure you're not overthinking this? Buy it.
Storage unit = moisture = mold. Unless it's climate controlled, I'd be hesitant. We had a whole roll of waxed canvas get that weird white bloom from a damp garage.
Actually, if you're using a storage unit for other stuff already and it's dry, the incremental cost is near zero. The real question is whether that cash could go toward something that makes you money faster.
I'd buy half. Test the quality and see how it holds up in your space before committing to the whole run. If it's a staple, you can always buy more later. But a sle isn't a reason to overextend.
Good points about the the moisture. The storage unit is climate controlled, which is why it's not free. I'm leaning toward buying a smaller amount and seeing. The 15% is tempting but not life-changing.
also, check the supplier's return policy or if they'll honor the price later. Sometimes they'll do a rain check on sale pricing if you're a regular.
One more thing: if you buy now, you're also locking in the dye lot. If you need more later, you might get a mismatch. That can be a headache for canvas bags. For me, that's a bigger risk than the storage.
I still say buy. 6 weeks is not 'before products are finished' in the grand scheme. If it's a fabric you use constantly, why not?