In our digitally driven world, where the prevalence of e-commerce is only escalating, there has been a significant ascent in the number of online fabric stores. These platforms offer an unrivaled variety of fabric patterns, textures, and materials, giving customers the liberty to shop at their convenience. However, choosing the right online fabric store can often be a labyrinthine task. To streamline your decision-making process, let's delve into four fundamental questions that need to be addressed before making your selection.

Firstly, one should evaluate the authenticity of the online fabric store. In the realm of economics and business theory, 'signaling' is a concept where one party effectively communicates information about itself to another party. For instance, certifications, customer reviews, and years of experience often act as signals of a company's authenticity. Hence, it's prudent to verify whether the online store is certified by any recognized textile and apparel industry bodies. This not only assures quality control but also ensures adherence to industry standards and practices.

Moreover, customer reviews and ratings provide an insight into the store's past performance and clientele satisfaction. Studies in behavioral economics suggest that humans exhibit 'herd behavior', i.e., they tend to follow the actions of the majority. Reading these reviews will give you a clearer understanding of the store's credibility and reliability.

Secondly, scrutinizing the online store's inventory is paramount. Fabric stores can specialize in a particular type of fabric, like cotton, silk, or synthetic, or they might provide an extensive range, thus catering to a larger market segment. A rich inventory is indicative of the store's capacity to meet diverse customer needs. Furthermore, the presence of a wide range of fabric types, colors, and patterns demonstrates the store's adaptability to the ever-changing fashion trends.

The third question that needs addressing revolves around the shipping policies and customer service of the online fabric store. According to Queuing Theory, a mathematical concept used to describe waiting lines or queues, time is a significant factor in customer satisfaction. Stores offering swift and reasonably priced shipping are likely to be customer favorites. Additionally, a competent customer service team is a cornerstone in online shopping. It plays a pivotal role in addressing customer queries, providing order updates, and resolving any grievances.

Finally, evaluating the store's return and refund policy is crucial. In a perfect world, every order placed would be flawless, and every customer would be satisfied. However, in the real world, errors, miscommunications, and discrepancies can occur. A fair return and refund policy reflect the store's commitment to customer satisfaction. Furthermore, a study in the Journal of Marketing found that flexible return policies increase consumer purchase intentions, proving the weight of this factor in the decision-making process.

In conclusion, the advent of online fabric stores has revolutionized the fabric shopping experience. However, the plethora of options can be overwhelming. By addressing the aforementioned questions about authenticity, inventory, shipping, and return policies, potential customers can make an informed and satisfactory choice. The world of online fabric shopping is your oyster; navigate it wisely.