Question:
Hi all,
Just thought I'd share this with you all...
We sold some fabulous double damask linen tablecloth material. It was about 120 inches by 70. Stunning damask pattern.
Anyhow... the buyer wrote and wished to return it because it felt (in his words) "crispy". Of course, we don't get in p*ssing matches with any of our customers, so we obliged the return.
We just couldn't help but to chuckle that this was unacceptable to him. When I run into linen that feels crisp like this did, I get pretty excited!
So, the next time you find some unused linen with that fabulous silky feel, just think about this and ponder, "Now this doesn't feel too crispy, does it?"

Cheers
Answer:
What in the world did he mean???? Did he think it would disintegrate from age? Or what?
Answer:
We didn't really ask, Elaine... He just didn't like how it felt. I guess his idea of a fine linen is different from ours... which is OK, I suppose.
We normally don't like to risk alienating customers by way of educating them... that is, unless they outright ask about something.
This piece felt like some of the finest Irish Linen we've come across...
As textiles sellers, we have to remember that 90% of the community refers nearly all textiles as "Linen". We're even guilty about it to an extent. We have a category in our store titled "Table Linens" or something like that. Even though only a few pieces are actually linen. (We're VERY clear about it in the items descriptions!)
He was happy enough that we'd accept a return... we didn't want to make sour grapes by potentially starting an argument with him!
Cheers
Answer:
FiberGuy,
Is it not possible that the person thought the linen was TOO brittle and was near the end of it's natural life? Linen can be at it's most fragile in the winter when the relative humidity is very dry.
But I do agree with your assessment of the knowledge of the average consumer of 'linens' - it IS most likely that the buyer was expecting a cottony feel and was thrown by the texture of true linen.
It's really hard to sell to both the experts and those with little knowledge of textile terms. Especially to communicate clearly to both groups, AND the folks in-between....
Elaine
Answer:
I suppose he could have thought it was nearing it's end of days... I honestly don't know. I can say, that there's not a bit of "brittleness" to the fabric.
I think he knows what linen is and feels like, but I don't think he had ever handled unused, heavy linen.
Cheers
Answer:
Originally Posted by FiberGuy I don't think he had ever handled unused, heavy linen. You are probably right about that.
It IS a little 'stiff'
And it's interesting how it softens up when washed.
One of my favorite fabrics for unlined summer clothing...way cool...literally.