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Home: Bead Causes - BeadCauses.org: General Bead Cause Discussions:
New Bead Store Owner

 

 


beadsindeed
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Sep 22, 2006, 2:23 PM

Post #1 of 5 (1688 views)
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New Bead Store Owner Can't Post

   Hi everyone! I'm so excited to be here! It seems like a great group. We have owned a bead store for the last 3 years in Roanoke, Virginia and I've been involved with beads in some capacity for the past 15 years.

I want to eventually start a website devoted to helping others market their handmade jewelry. It would be focused on helping people find markets for their jewelry, find creative ways to display and sell, and how to brand themselves and their creations.

I've also considered a website focusing on opening a bead store. Do you think there's a good market for either of these topics!

I would have lots of articles on jewelry marketing, possibly an ebook, lots of bead images and graphics you could download for screensavers, beadlover sweatshirts, magnets etc. What do you think? Thanks for being here.
Kristie

--------------------
HUGE International Bead Store
Classes, Parties, and Fun
Lots of hard-to-find, unique beads and findings!
http://www.beadsindeed.comSmile


pugdog
Administrator

Oct 11, 2006, 2:07 PM

Post #2 of 5 (1655 views)
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Re: [beadsindeed] New Bead Store Owner [In reply to] Can't Post

If you are interested in starting up a website, I have the domain name "BeadShopsOnly.com" that is partially set up, and looking for people to take an interest.

Shop owners face special problems, not only competition from the Internet, and need creative solutions to deal with it. Also, some sort of cooperative buying group could help swing deals for items that normally cost way more than they should such as storage and display.

It would also be a way for a consortium of owners to share in discounts and specials that come up from time to time.

I've tried to start something like this for the past few years, but most shops are *NOT* willing to cooperate, they prefer to keep secrets or "take" from a group rather than contribute, and other shops stay in business less than 2 years, and have no time or interest (so they think) in joining such a group.

So, I'm open to ideas, I have the place for it if you are interested.

The site can be open to the public, or by submission of a photo of the shop and yellow page or other verifying information.

Robert
PUGDOG's Rock & Bead Shop
Pittsburgh, PA 15217


beadsindeed
New User

Oct 13, 2006, 6:26 PM

Post #3 of 5 (1645 views)
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Re: [pugdog] New Bead Store Owner [In reply to] Can't Post

     Hi Robert! I like your idea alot. Any idea on how to get started?

Kristie


pugdog
Administrator

Oct 25, 2006, 4:30 AM

Post #4 of 5 (1621 views)
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Re: [beadsindeed] New Bead Store Owner [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi,

Been sidetracked still writing software.

I'm not sure how to begin. Maybe start with an outline of ideas that would provide a framework for the site in the way of message boards and database areas (links/reference) areas.

In order to build anything, you need to start with the foundation.

Once there is a foundation, you can start to put in walls/rooms and a ceiling, etc. :)

Sort of like if you build it, they will come.

After that, figuring out what would be good programs/services to try to set up based on interest. The group buying, sharing of larger quantity lots to save on price and more can follow.

But, the first steps are trying to figure out the basic framework for organization. What discussion boards would be useful? What topics are of most interest (starting with what is of interest to you).

Right now there is a pressure for people to get ready for the holidays, and that takes time. They have less time for activities such as starting in with a new group -- yet at the same time, because they are trying to get ready for the holidays, they have an increased interest.

So, maybe this is the time to try to get people interested, and build some momentum that will carry through after the holidays, into something that will provide year round information, resources and even a support forum for those times when things get tough -- and retail sales has LOTS of those times.

Robert
PUGDOG's Rock & Bead Shop
Pittsburgh, PA 15217


beadsindeed
New User

Oct 25, 2006, 1:41 PM

Post #5 of 5 (1619 views)
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Re: [pugdog] New Bead Store Owner [In reply to] Can't Post

    Hi Robert! Maybe in the next few weeks I'll post our ideas on some beading forums to see if there's any interest. I wander if there's a way to get a list of email addresses of bead store owners? An alternative would be calling, but that would take much more time. I believe if we could get a message board or email group together, it would benefit all of us tremendously. Let me know what you think. Talk to you soon. :-)

Kristie
http://www.beadsindeed.com


 
 
 


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