Depending on what you're looking for (and how much effort you're willing to put into it), that web search may turn up great bargains or nothing particularly earth-shattering. But like many another quest, how you go about it and the tools that you use can have a big effect on your pocketbook. So it pays to begin with a plan. This one has to do with using search engines to do your online fabric shopping.

Fabric Shopping on Google, Yahoo and MSN: What You May Already Know

Go into any Internet search engine and type in the words "discount fabric," and what results do you get? Literally thousands of listings that either claim to offer the best deal on discount fabric or claim to tell you where the best deal can be found.

Of course, few of us have the time to wade through hundreds or (God forbid)thousands of discount fabric websites. So if you're like most Internet shoppers, you've already come to the realization that the first 1-3 pages of search results on Google, Yahoo, or MSN by and large give the best results. And the fact is that they do. Internet search engines have spent millions trying to find ways to save you time, so unless there's some new discount fabric store that Google or Yahoo don't know much about yet, you'll probably find all the online fabric stores you need on those first three pages (whew!). With one important exception...

Fabric Shopping on Google, Yahoo and MSN: What You Might Not Know

I sometimes find exceptions a tad unnerving and this is one. Returning to our search for "discount fabric" for a moment, you'll find that while indeed, those best results are by and large within the first three pages, there are actually two kinds of listings represented there- what Google or Yahoo or MSN consider to be that best match (which appear in the center of the page), and also a listing of advertisements (which appear along the right side of the page). Which means that what you're really seeing are two entirely separate listings that you can use to hunt for bargains in different ways.

How to Use Those Two Lists

So. Two different lists and one search mission to find a good deal on discount fabric. Do you ignore one or the other, or roll your eyes at all the ads? No! You use the "best match" listing (center of the page, remember) to get an overview of the "best" online fabric stores, and use the ads (right side of the page) to see exactly what those and other stores are featuring- that is, what's on sale, what's on special, or what they each uniquely offer that others may not. Now, with a strategy in mind, you can quickly skim to get an idea of the discount fabric that's out there and then zero in on what may be best for you.

Other Discount Fabric Search Tips

The Power of Numbers

Have you already been to a physical fabric store? Write down fabric product codes and try searching by those for laser-targeted search results.

Promotion-Lover?

Combine your search with words like "fabric coupon" "closeout fabric" and "sale fabric"

Love To Get The Last of Something?

Combine your search with "discontinued fabric" and snatch up the last of the manufacturer's product line.

And Be Specific!

Rather than doing a search for "discount fabric," how about trying something closer to what you're really looking for? How about for instance, "toile fabric discounts," (if toile is what's on your mind) or even something insanely specific like "blue and white upholstery damask fabric - discounted." You may end up finding not only exactly what you're looking for, but with any luck, a terrific bargain to boot!