Old Fogey said
As noted in a previous thread, I recently purchased the Fiddlerman Concert violin.  The case it comes with is very nice, but the handle is wrapped in some sort of padded fabric which is partly wrapped (on each end) with a very cheap-looking clear sticky tape that also holds down the "Made in China" label.  Well, over a few weeks, the tape started getting all worn and began to shred and come apart at the ends, so, figuring it was only something for shipping purposes, I removed the rest of it.  As it turns out, once I did, the fabric began unraveling from the handle at one end.  I tried fastening it down with a bit of double-sided scotch tape, but it seems to unravel and need to be reattached at least once or twice a day since then.

1) Was the original clear tape supposed to be left on permanently?  (If so, I would recommend Fiddlershop or its supplier switch to a better type of tape that lasts longer and doesn't look like it's so meant to be temporary.)

NOOOOO. that is just a protection. Like the plastic on new products. That cloth is only there to keep the hard handle nice during shipping and handling and should be removed. LOL

2) If that clear sticky tape is removed, should the fabric on the handle start unraveling, or is it just that my case was wrapped wrong?

Yes. That ugly tapes only purpose is to hold the protective cloth.

3) If the former, can you suggest a way to secure the fabric that will last a long time and look somewhat less like a tech nerd's taped-together glasses?

I think it's clear now but unless you really like that black fabric, just through it away and you are good. 😁