Fabric Faults Policy

Circular Sourcing works with surplus, deadstock and circular textiles. This means some materials may contain minor faults — and in many cases, those characteristics are part of what makes these fabrics usable, affordable and creatively valuable.

This policy explains what is considered an acceptable fault, what is not, and how faults are handled on the platform.

What we mean by “faults”

A fault is any irregularity or imperfection in a fabric. Faults can range from very minor and cosmetic, to serious issues that affect the integrity or usability of the material.

Acceptable (minor) faults

Minor faults are small enough to cut around or work with and do not affect the integrity of the fabric.

Industry standard acceptable limits are generally:

• up to 7 minor faults per 100 metres.

Examples of minor faults may include:

• small holes or marks;

• minor discolouration or spotting;

• weaving irregularities such as barre or spirality.

Where minor faults exist, they must be accurately disclosed in the product listing.

Many designers actively seek out these materials for creative use, toiling, or experimental applications, and we encourage these materials to stay in circulation.

Non-acceptable (integrity-based) faults

Some faults are never acceptable on Circular Sourcing.

Fabrics must not be listed if they show signs of:

• deteriorating or degraded fibres;

• dry rot, brittleness or loss of tensile strength;

• mould, mildew or active biological damage;

• damage that makes the fabric unsafe, unusable or materially compromised.

If a fabric is found to have integrity-based faults:

• the listing may be rejected or removed; and

• buyers will be eligible for a return and refund.

Seller responsibilities

Sellers are responsible for:

• inspecting fabrics prior to listing;

• accurately describing any faults in listings;

• ensuring faults shown in images, video or notes match the actual material supplied.

Repeated failure to disclose faults accurately may result in listings being removed or seller accounts being restricted or closed.

Buyer responsibilities

Buyers are responsible for:

• reviewing listings carefully, including images and video;

• ordering swatches or viewing fabrics in the showroom where required;

• understanding that surplus materials are sold as-is, subject to accurate disclosure.

Faults that are clearly and accurately disclosed in the listing are not grounds for return.

Colour and visual variation

Colour variation is not considered a fault.

Differences in screen calibration, lighting conditions and personal perception mean colour appearance may vary. Returns based on colour judgement will not be accepted.

If something isn’t right

If you believe a fabric:

• has faults beyond acceptable limits; or

• contains undisclosed integrity-based faults,

you must contact the seller via your Circular Sourcing dashboard within the timeframe set out in the Refunds & Returns Policy.

If a resolution cannot be reached, the Circular Sourcing team can assist.

Why this policy exists

This policy is designed to:

• protect buyers from genuinely unusable materials;

• give sellers clear, fair listing standards;

• support the reuse of valuable surplus textiles; and

• reduce misunderstandings and disputes.

This policy should be read together with the Buyer Terms & Conditions, Seller Terms & Conditions and Refunds & Returns Policy.