Spechler-Vogel Textiles

This guy is the WORST person I have EVER dealt with in my life. I went in and purchased sample yardage for my line and had a guarantee that I would be able to get production yardage. I had the samples made… took them to market and sold the hell out of my designs. I went in to place the big volume order and this guy told me to get out. And I quote «I sell to Michael Kors, Tommy and Ralph… why would I ever sell to you?» (As an aside… I was a production manager for womens wear at Ralph Lauren and we did not buy one yard from this guy… he is small potatoes)…but anyhow he kicked me out. He and his long greasy, grey pony tail. I had to go on the street and buy the yardage and it cost a fortune. But I had to deliver so I just did it. I since hard so many horrible stories about him and how seedy he is. I ma just one of many people who despise this guy. It’s almost sporting for him. If he knew how to read… which is questionable… and read this… he would be giddy thinking he got to me. But the jokes on him because I am a success. I am writing this to alert any possible accounts to STAY AWAY. He is bat crazy nuts… and evil.

Agreed with Bob A. and Susan W.
Ultimately Spechler-​Vogel is a wholesale fabric supplier. They have a small staff and they deal in bulk. While they can be short on time, I’ve never seen them be outright rude or racist in the least. They’ve always treated me with respect and patience, and the product is solid and fairly priced. All that I can ask for, really. I love these guys.
Most wholesale suppliers to the fashion industry have to work with bigger clients, and you need to prove yourself and be both accommodating and understanding when you’re starting out. This isn’t a retail storefront, so don’t expect that level of customer service and attention. But be friendly, honest, and patient, and you’ll find your way into their good graces — and into their excellent selection of fabrics.

About 18 years ago I walked into Spechler-​Vogel and bought a few bolts of fabric. I few days later I wanted to return one because I found it was not 100% cotton. Al Vogel took two twenty dollars bills out of his pocket, handed them to me and then said «get the F**K out of here and never come back». I few years after that I timidly returned hoping he would not recognize me. I was in a jam and needed goods that I knew he had. I walked in told him exactly what I needed and how much. He wrote up a P.O., I gave him my credit card and he shipped the goods to me. They were too busy to pull them right away. From then on I continued to use them for what would be 100’s of yards of goods. Al and I actually stuck up a good business friendship. On occasion I’d have my kids in tow and he was quite nice to them.
I’ll be the first to admit that Al is one strange cat and he takes extra cautious handling. He doesn’t want to be bothered with sampling and swatching perhaps to his loss. Bottom line is he’s got the goods.
Long ago he invested in some buildings in guestionable areas of New York. His investment has paid off. He loves to talk about it. Tell him that that you heard he’s made some bold real estate investments in the past. Then watch him light up. Yep, he’s a odd cat, but I like him.

Could not agree more with review #1. Called to request swatches for a big retailer we’re working with, got Al Vogel (sp?) on the phone. He said to call back next week as they were closing for the day (was 4pm their time) and when I said I had more questions he said «f*ck you» and hung up. Great way to do business loser!

At first I was hesitant about writing a negative review since I am business owner myself. After seeing the negative review above I figure it is my duty to be honest about my experience at Vogel.
I walked expecting to take a look at their cotton options… First off the place was dead as night and you think they would be more friendly to inquiring customers… but no. I had to ask for help then the owners son it seems behind to interrogate me about wether or not I had a tax i.d. I said I did. He then asked rudely what business I was with, then went onto demand that I provide a business card before he would even come out of their office space to show me any fabrics.
At this point I was ready to walk out of the door! I’ve been in the business for several years and have never been treated like this by any vendor. This is horrible customer service and even if they have a strict wholesale policy this should be done at the point of purchase.
Annoyed and completely put off by their service, I produced my business card as requested. I again stressed that their policy & service was a bit unprofessional as I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to purchase from them but mainly wanted to look at options.
The the worst happened, I was then told that it would be up to the owner if I would be allowed to look at fabrics. The old white frail man sitting in the chair said no! Wow!
In summary, as a young black female designer my conclusion is that Vogel fabrics is not only a racist establishment but has the worst customer service in the entire garment district!
I guess there’s a reason why the place is dead as a ghost.
Stick to Mood, B&J, China Silks, or the hundred others!
If you still choose to go to Vogel definitely proceed with caution, be extra polite to the old man in the chair and hope they don’t ask to see your birth certificate or DNA!

Choosing Spechler-​Vogel as a fabric supplier for a time-​sensitive project was a disaster. They promised to send us our fabric the same day and we called a week later to find out they hadn’t shipped it yet. We lost the account and Spechler-​Vogel was quite rude about offering any compensation. Avoid Spechler-​Vogel.