Having grown up and lived in the heart of textile country, I would like to share some valuable facts and insights about fabrics for bedding, linens and clothing.  The textile plant was often the only industry in many a small town in the south.  Some towns were virtually owned by the textile companies and everyone worked at some aspect of fabric and clothing manufacturing.  So from a lifetime of experience, let me share some important facts with you.

Most textile products sold fall into four categories:

NIP or new in package.  These items have made it through the entire manufacturing, packaging and quality control process. They have often made it to their retail destination, also. These products make it to ebay sellers in any number of ways, but quite often they are retail store's overstocks. (The merchandise the store simply did not sell and must get rid of to make room for new inventory.) 

NIP IRREGULAR.  These products have some minor irregularity, but have made it to packaging before it was decided to label them as IRREGULAR.  These are often sold in retail type outlet stores at reduced prices and then reduced sale prices as the outlet stores' inventory grows.  Many sellers travel the countryside buying bargains at outlet stores to resell on ebay.  The buyers can reap big savings from all of this hard work on the sellers part.

BULK IRREGULAR.  These items have been determined to be irregular BEFORE the packaging process.  Manufacturers FORMERLY sold these products at mill outlet stores, usually on the premises of the plant, but these outlets are pretty much a thing of the past.  Most manufaturers box these items in bulk and sell them to reputable dealers in large quantities.  These dealers buy a bulk lot without knowing what is in the shipment.  These dealers then sort, inspect and package this merchandise for sale at their own outlet stores or to other smaller dealers for sale on ebay, flea markets, etc.  This process is MAJOR work, but results in the very best bargains for the buyer.  The flaws in these products can range from serious defects to no defect at all.  Some products are overruns at the manufacturing level.  No plant can make exactly the number of products that will be sold to a major retailer or to a retail outlet.  The quality control parameters of the manufacturer and the mood of the retail market determine what does and does not make it to a retailer.

USED. This category is obvious.  This merchandise has been used, usually by the seller.

TAGS. Many buyers seem concerned about the tags in a product. Most irregulars and outlet store items can only be purchased if the tags have been removed or sliced or cut in some way.  This is ONLY to prevent store returns.  Many less than honest buyers actually make a living by buying stolen or discount merchandise and returning it to a retail location for a full price refund.  A sliced tag can still be legible and relate the fabric information that the buyer needs, i.e. cleaning instructions and fabric content. 

REGARDLESS or where you buy your textiles, i.e. bedding, linens or clothing, please remember that these products have been handled numerous times at the manufacturing, transportation, packaging and retail level.  It is ALWAYS a good idea to clean new textiles before use.  These products are going to be in your home and in contact with your body.  Manufacturing conditions (many of these are overseas with no environmental controls), packaging materials, chemicals and fabric finishes, and simple human contact all can contribute to a less than sanitary condition.  Buying an item from a fine boutique or department store does not guarantee any better.  NIP does not necessarily mean sanitary.   We all know from department store experience that MANY people may have tried on a garment before we purchase it. 

Great bargains are to had on ebay for items that today have become prohibitively expense for the normal buyer.  Know your seller, but also accept your responsibilty as a buyer.  Read all disclaimers and descriptions of merchandise and ASK all the questions you need to insure you get the product you expect. Be realistic about the great deal you are getting and you should not be disappointed.  HAPPY BIDDING!!!!!