Converter

Definition and Overview

A converter is a business that plans and sells textiles by combining thread, greige fabric, and processing factories, even when it does not do weaving or knitting and dyeing itself. It leverages the techniques of each production area and factory to supply textiles suited to different applications and price ranges.

It may also be called a textile wholesaler, but the term converter is used when the company handles not only wholesale of in-stock textiles, but also development of custom-made textiles, production management, and quality checks. However, the name and scope of work vary by company.

Role in Textile Trading

Apparel manufacturers and designers check swatches and sample rolls during seasonal planning and consult converters about arranging in-stock items or custom orders. The converter selects the weaving mills, knitting mills, dyeing and finishing factories, and others that match the requirements, and coordinates production conditions.

For custom orders, it organizes the material composition, structure, color, pattern, processing, and quality standards, then connects them to production. During mass production, it manages the delivery date and lot size for rolls, and as needed serves as the contact point for inspection, defect notifications, and confirmation of whether additional production is possible.

• Planning proposals and textile design
• Arranging greige fabric and processing factories
• Checking color samples and lab dips
• Coordinating delivery dates, lot sizes, and quality conditions for mass production
• Selling and arranging shipment of stock rolls and sample rolls

Specifications and Reference Figures to Check

In business discussions, share not only the product number, but also the blend ratio, structure, finish, fabric width, fabric weight, color number, and applications as specifications. It is important to confirm whether the width is the usable width or the full width including the selvage, and whether the fabric weight is the mass per unit area in the finished state, so that comparison conditions are consistent.

For quantity, confirm not only the required yardage, but also the minimum lot, the length per roll, whether the roll can be divided, and the extra allowance. Since the minimum lot for custom orders and the lead time for prototyping and mass production vary greatly depending on the material, processing, production area, and factory operating conditions, present the required quantity and desired delivery date early in the planning stage.

Points to Note When Placing Orders

Do not make the final judgment on color or texture based only on a screen or a small swatch; if possible, confirm with a sample roll close to the mass-production version. Even with the same color number, color variation and differences in texture may occur by lot, so for products expected to be reordered, also confirm the lot control method.

Before placing an order, document the order quantity, the conditions for applying the unit price, the date from which the delivery date is counted, cancellation conditions, acceptable fabric defects, and inspection standards. For functional and quality requirements such as water repellency and colorfastness, agreeing on the required test method and acceptance criteria helps reduce misunderstandings.

Difference from a Weaving Mill

A weaving mill primarily refers to a producer that weaves fabrics. A converter differs in that it arranges dyeing and finishing processes for greige fabric woven by a weaving mill, and handles planning and sales as textiles. In knits, it may also work with businesses that perform knitting.

A converter does not always keep inventory, and in some cases a weaving mill sells directly. When choosing who to consult, individually confirm whether they handle stock sales, custom orders, the materials and processes they can handle, the minimum lot size, and the scope of quality control.

Frequently Asked Questions