One Art in Choosing the Perfect Bed Sheet: Insights from a Luxury Hotels Supplier

One Art in Choosing the Perfect Bed Sheet: Insights from a Luxury Hotels Supplier

Tuesday, 18th of June, 2024

The everyday consumer's common buying habit when it comes to bed sheets, would perhaps be simply walking into a department store, picking a beautiful printed sheet, by just touching and feeling the material.

But how do hotels pick sheets for guests? Are sheets in hotels special? What makes a hotel bed sheet different?

These are all questions that we hope to shed light on in and endeavour to help you find some of the best sheets on the market.

When choosing a bed sheet a number of technical factors come into play, that can alter the look, feel, and experience of the sleeper.

For now, we'll look at just two:

  1. Cotton vs Polyester-Cotton (Polycotton)
  2. Thread Counts

So what's the difference between Cotton and Polycotton, and why does it matter?

Well, to put it simply, a 100% cotton bed sheet is cooler than a polyester-cotton mixed bed sheet.

That means, in a bedroom setting that is not quite cool, a 100% cotton bed sheet would likely be a better option to purchase, than a polyester-cotton bed sheet.

However that said, a polyester-cotton bed sheet may appear neater to the eye, and potentially make the bed and bedding look more higher in quality.

Hotels invest in both options. They both have a balance of feel vs look, and from the right supplier or brand, can both be exceptional pieces of bedding.

So then what's thread count? And why does that matter?

Thread Count or commonly abbreviated as TC, is the number of threads woven into a single square inch of fabric.

To give it perspective, a fabric with a higher TC would be thicker and heavier than a fabric that is lower in thread count.

Now, does that mean a fabric that is higher in TC is essentially better in quality?

Absolutely not. A 300 TC sheet from a good manufacturer could be a better choice than a 1000 TC sheet from a not so good manufacturer,

In other words, when trying to measure a fabric's comfort, it's softness, or breathability, thread count would not be measure that can tell you this.

So a fabric's quality of threads, what they're made of and so on, matter, than simply the number of threads in a square inch.

So what should you choose?

"Gentelle Hotel Supplies Co Ltd" - One of the top hotel suppliers for bed and bath linens in Saudi Arabia, supplies hotels with sheets in different configurations including the following:

  1. 300 TC 100% Cotton Sheet
  2. 250 TC Polyester Cotton Sheet

For hotel procurement teams, buying offices, hospitality CEOs, or anyone with a requirement for premium linens, these are two options that can likewise be considered. Yet, again, the quality of threads do matter, and reaching out to Gentelle's team for expert advise, could be starting point for obtaining some hotel linen buying insights, even if you're not planning on making any immediate purchases.

What is GSM in Fabrics: Understanding Fabric GSM for Making Informed Purchases

What is GSM in Fabrics: Understanding Fabric GSM for Making Informed Purchases

Monday, 22nd of January, 2024

WHAT

WHAT
IS GSM
IN FABRICS

IS GSM

Summary: GSM, or grams per square meter (as it stands for), measures the weight of fabric. The GSM metric helps decision-makers in choosing the right fabrics on a use-case basis, allowing for smarter procurement choices.

#WhatIsFabricGSM #TowelGuide

what-is-fabrics-in-gsm-towel-picture

is GSM
in Fabrics

in Fabrics

Understanding Fabric GSM for Making Informed Purchases

In the world of textiles, consumers who come across the GSM tag, may grapple with deciphering the label when shopping for clothing or linens. So let's delve into what GSM in fabrics really means. So what is GSM in fabrics?

GSM, or grams per square meter, is a metric measurement defining the weight of a fabric. This measurement aids decision makers in making intelligent procurement decisions when selecting fabrics, due to the multiple types of uses.

"The higher the GSM number, the denser the fabric becomes."

The higher the GSM number, the denser the fabric becomes. For instance, a piece of clothing in the range of 180-200 GSM implies a thick material suitable for cooler temperatures (depending on the geographic location). Conversely, a shirt in the range of 130-150 GSM could be much airier and perhaps more suitable for warmer days, offering a lighter and more breathable feel.

For businesses looking to procure more budget-friendly options like promotional shirts for example, might choose a shirt in the range of 100-110 GSM, acknowledging their limited usage.

This principle extends to towels, upholstery linens, and various clothing items used in different seasons.

Here's a simple categorized breakdown of fabric GSMs to enhance clarity:

Light Weight Fabrics

Chiffon, linen, organza, cheesecloth, lace, voile, mesh.

Medium Weight Fabrics

Face towels, hand towels, bath towels, pool towels, sateen, oxford, velvet, taffeta, charmeuse

Heavy Weight Fabrics

Face towels, hand towels, bath towels, pool towels, upholstery fabric, canvas, brocade, poplin, denim

"Does GSM impact the price tag? Absolutely. Because Fabrics with higher grams per square meter (GSM) require more raw materials in production."

Therefore, when assessing the GSM value, it's crucial to consider the intended purpose of the purchase.

Now, let's tackle a crucial question: Does GSM impact the price tag?Absolutely.

Because Fabrics with higher grams per square meter (GSM) require more raw materials in production. And is why a 210gsm luxury linen shirt could command a higher price than its 130gsm beach shirt counterpart.

gsm-chart-price-vs-weight-vs-product

Also, a fabric that is thicker (higher GSM) does also mean that the durability of the material increases. Heavier fabrics are built to withstand the rigors of washing, drying, and regular wear.

fabrics-gsm

Which is why when hotels purchase towels for example, an intelligent buying decision they can make is to purchase towels at a higher GSM. Reputed hotels put their towels through industrial wash cycles after use, thereby requiring products that can withstand longer use. This in return impacting the hotel's profitability on the balance sheet.

While metric measurements like GSM are very common for fabric weight assessments, some parties prefer to express weight in ounces per square yard, known as Imperial weights (oz/yd2).

Whichever the measurement, when making intelligent procurement decisions, always understand the use-case of the fabric, and it's durability. At the same time, not every fabric has to be of a huge GSM number for it to be good.

To make it clear, a 900 GSM fabric would probably be a terrible choice as a towel. But could be a pretty good choice as a bathmat instead.

B2B Procurement Negotiation – Finding the Best Prices for B2B Buyers: And how negotiation, sampling, and quality play pivotal roles.

B2B Procurement Negotiation – Finding the Best Prices for B2B Buyers: And how negotiation, sampling, and quality play pivotal roles.

negotiating-best-price-b2b

Wednesday, 18th of October, 2023

A paramount requirement of businesses in the B2B space, is the sourcing of quality products and components at competitive prices. In a marketplace as competitive as today's, optimizing costs is part of maintaining a profitable operation. Of course, price isn't the only consideration for B2B (business-to-business) buyers.

And part of a good procurement process is the sampling of the product, and quality that translate to finding the best value for a investment / bulk purchase. In this piece, we're going to look at how B2B buyers can find excellent prices, while emphasizing on the quality of the product.

Skip to sections:

  1. Research & Negotiation
  2. Bulk Purchasing and Long-term Contracts
  3. Leveraging Technology & Platforms
  4. Sampling
  5. Quality Assuarance

A critical factor in product procurement is understanding what you're buying. A product on a technical level has a host of specifications that perhaps very few people would actually understand.

For example, the bed linens that hoteliers buy have specifications such as thread-count, sateen weave, percale weave, striped/non-striped, sanforisation, mercerisation, and so on. The thread-count on a fabric, tells the buyer the number of threads per inch on a fabric. To the non-expert, and to many people this translates as a higher quality. However this is not always the case.

Rather, a 300 thread-count sheet that has been sanforised, mercerised, and is 100% cotton, woven with the sateen method of weaving would give the sheet a more luxurious look and be cooler, than a sheet that is sanforised, mercerised and is 100% cotton but of the percale weave. Therefore, technical specifications in products can play a pivotal role for decision makers.

This means, prior to purchasing any product at just about any price, the intelligent procurement specialist should perhaps begin with expert product and market research, and skilled negotiation.

We can therefore initiate the break down in purchasing process as follows:

Research & Negotiation

Securing excellent prices like we said always should start with understanding the product. Some verticals of research would therefore include:

  • Market Research - Understand market conditions, industry standards, product/service technicalities, and the pricing ranges and structures. Identify at least 4 potential suppliers and understand their offerings, preferably with the help of an expert procurement specialist or product consultant for said product or service. - Hire an expert by posting a request here.
  • Supplier Assessment - Evaluate potential suppliers based on their reputation, their track record and credibility, and how long they've been in the field manufacturing or providing that said product or service. Make a list of reliable suppliers and understand who you're working with. Honesty and integrity do matter.
  • Request Quotes & Samples - Part and parcel of the procurement process is requesting quotes. Alongside quotes, it is vital to study multiple samples from the various vendors. Products with the same apparent technical specifications from two different vendors may still appear different to the touch and feel. Further, if it is a product such as textiles, it's a good idea to run it through a multiple tests, including a wash test which will help understand shrinkage, dye-run-off, shedding and so on. Also, be clear about the requirements, quantities, and other specifications.
  • Comparison - Compare the quotes you receive, not just on the factors of price, samples, and product specifications, but also on the terms and conditions laid in the deal, the delivery timelines, payment structures, conditions for the return of goods, and other related factors that can affect your decisions post-purchase.
  • Negotiation - This is a skill that people may sometimes mistake for begging for a price reduction. There's always room for negotiating price reductions. But a skillful negotiator will also be focused on obtaining favourable terms on the long run. Pricing in B2B purchasing is a critical factor. But a long term strategic trading partner is likewise intelligent. For example, a company based in KSA looking to source product may consider 2 manufacturers. One in Saudi Arabia, and one in China. The product from China may be less pricier with the same specifications. And the product from Saudi Arabia may be costlier. However, if the company in KSA is looking to bring added value to consumers in KSA, the KSA product can claim "Made in Saudi Arabia" to consumers, thereby adding value to a consumer's purchase. So negotiation isn't always about price.

Bulk Purchasing and Long-Term Contracts

B2B buyers can often secure a better deal with a good pricing structure and payment plan by making a commitment to purchasing a large quantity, or securing a long-term contract. When trying to find the best price for a product, suppliers will likely want to offer discounts and other incentives like private labeling and so on, to buyers who can commit to providing consistent business. For a supplier to better understand the buyer's capability, it's a good idea for a procurement specialist to have a suitable web presence for the represented company, that gives the supplier the confidence of a good buyer. This approach can lead to substantial cost savings, and better terms.

Leverage Technology and Platforms

Leveraging technology can significantly aid B2B buyers in finding the best prices and products. From utilizing e-procurement tools, online marketplaces, and procurement software to streamline your sourcing process, to compare prices, and identify cost-effective suppliers. These platforms can provide valuable tools for conversation and communication, supplier performance metrics and insights that aid decision making. Here on SupplierValley, one of our flagship tools like the Buyer Requests feature, allows Merchants to respond directly to Buyer Requests, opening the door to direct-to-business B2B communication and transparency.

On the other hand, the simple Job Board feature on SupplierValley allows Buyers to find procurement specialists and experts in particular fields. Whether it be procurement specialists based in China to assist foreign businesses with procurement and product sourcing, or finding experts in textile manufacturing to aid in procurement decision making. The Job Board allows Buyers to simply spell out their requirements for people with specific skillsets and experience in particular fields.

Sampling

We spoke a bit about Requesting Quotes and Sampling above in the Research & Negotiation phase. To expand on that, sampling can be a very critical aspect to some if not all B2B purchasing decision makers. Procurement specialists especially when dealing with physical products, will need to see if the product or service aligns well from function to finish. Some of the top reasons sampling is an essential part of the procurement process is,

  • To ensure the quality of product, as sampling allows purchasing departments to verify and validate the quality and consistency of products before committing to a large purchase. This helps to prevent or minimize costly mistakes down the line.
  • An intelligent decision made means that waste can be lessened or avoided. When large quantities of subpar products don't enter the supply chain, this can reduce product call-backs or returns to a huge level, which can sometimes otherwise be costly and time-consuming to rectify.
  • Sampling can help ensure compatibility and functionality of products for businesses looking to integrate them into their existing processes or machinery.
  • And in a product development process, sampling helps a business to test integrations in prototypes, to make necessary improvements, and give feedback to the suppliers for a modification and adjustment requirements.

Quality Assurance

Quality is perhaps a non-negotiable factor in B2B transactions. Buyers cannot afford to compromise on the quality of products or services they purchase. Although certain scenarios would require the purchase of sub par products/services depending on the use case. Here's why quality is crucial:

  • Reputation and Trust - Consistently delivering quality products or services helps build trust and a strong reputation, both of which are essential part of the fabric in a good B2B relationship.
  • Risk Mitigation - Quality assurance measures can mitigate potential risks associated with product defects, service disruptions, and other costly issues that could later come to light.
  • Customer Satisfaction - Without a doubt, quality directly impacts the end-customer. Satisfied customers are likely to become loyal, repeat buyers. Even if the price of product is slightly more expensive, the relationship built is an important factor in making strategic purchase decisions.
  • Cost Savings - High-quality products can often have longer lifespans and may require fewer repairs or replacements, resulting in cost savings over time.

So there you have it. Finding the best prices for B2B buyers requires understanding supplier, product, negotiation and leveraging technology. Yet, the quest for lowering costs mustn't overshadow the crucial factor of product sampling and quality. Start by adding a Buyer Request here, or finding verified Merchants / Suppliers here, then request prices, samples, and other technical details to ensure compatibility and functionality. You can also look for procurement specialist or a product consultant / expert in a particular field to help you with your purchasing decisions.

Ready to get started? Submit a Buyer Request.