pugdog
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Jun 20, 2005, 3:32 PM
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Bracelet Strands: Setting a new standard.
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Our "Bracelet Strands (tm)" have been a WILDLY popular new offering, perhaps our most exciting ever!
What are they?
They are shorter strands, not quite "half" strands, of our gemstone, glass, and other material strands -- just the right length to make one bracelet, without left over beads.
The strands average 6" in length (except for the fancey or chunky beads which are sold closer to 5" or in 3, 5, 7 or 9 beads per strand, because they _require_ some sort of spacer for articulation), which with a standard clasp, and a couple of accent beads, gives you a solid 7.5 inch average length.
Admittedly, these strands are a tad short for the biggest 8-8.5" wrists, but most of our customers, especially the ones most interested in these shorter strands, are younger, have smaller wrists in general, and 7-7.5" is the perfect size! They are making the bracelets for themselves, not for resale, so extra beads, or enough beads to make a duplicate bracelet is really a waste. They'd rather have just enough beads, and two completely different bracelets, than "extra" beads laying around.
They also have much more limited funds, often on a budget, so $6-8 per strand is much more attractive than $12-18.
For under $10 they can have a high quality gemstone or glass or crystal bracelet, with real Bali Sterling toggle, and even some sterling spacer beads.
Using materials they may have at home, already (stringing materials, spacers, clasps or toggles) their "cost" for a new bracelet is only $6-8 (on average) minus at least 10% standard discount!
$6-8 (average) for a grade A-to C+ quality strand, depending on material.
$1-2 for a Sterling toggle, or $0.50 for a base metal clasp
$1.50-2 for 15-20 sterling spacers
$0.50-0.80 for stringing material and crimps.
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$8.00 - $12.80 for a new, high quality, "custom" bracelet.
We also can't say we have not gotten some converts or addicts among the "older" set! These short strands are perfect for mixing and matching for earrings, the new "mix matched" styles, and as accents for dressing up other beads you may have laying around.
They are a *LOT* of fun!
For about $20 you can walk out with 4 completely different, or complementary strands of gemstone beads. These are *not* low grade or "cheap" off cuts. These are the *same* strands we have up on the walls, just shorter.
If there is a strand you really want half of, ask. If it's a "standard" strand we can usually oblige. For half the stickered price, you get 6-7" of beads. For higher grade strands, we'll sometimes offer a "half" strand. We fold the strand over, and you can pick one half or the other. If there is an "extra" bead in odd-count strands, you'll get it. The price for that is 2/3rd the sticker price, not half, since you get to pick the half you want. Fair is fair ;) Usually one half is somewhat nicer or better than the other for some reason, and *guess* which half people almost always pick??
As we said in an earlier message, we are LOWERING your total cost of beading! TCOB. <G> The fewer odd beads you end up with laying around your house, the more beads you can get that you can actually make something out of.
*AND* don't forget our bead exchange! If you do have a lot of left overs from being forced to buy full strands (at those *other* shops) but only using half, or 2/3rd of them, bring them in! I'm sure we can do a deal to get you some fresh new beads.
PUGDOG's Rock & Bead Shop
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
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