BadBoyOfBeading
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Feb 5, 2005, 7:44 AM
Post #1 of 3
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Opening a beadshop #1: Stocking and inventory
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I'm posting this here, since it was deleted from about.com, in the hosts hissy fit over her forum -- "IT'S MY FORUM" <sigh> <groan>. Why????
I'd like the time I put into the responses to count for something. Deleting someone's posts because you don't like them is really rude,
and simply censorship at its worst.
This is one of a few messages on running/opening a beadshop
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You will want to get Firemountain Gems catalog, and keep an eye on their website.
Their gemstone strands are fairly priced, and fairly graded. They also have a no-time-limit no-questions guarantee. They offer quantitiy discounts, and quick shipping.
I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but keep your eye on ebay for deals, and odd items. A lot of gemstone sellers use ebay, and you can often find deals. Watch out for people using the same photo for all their strands. Some people even have started using the same photo, but using words that on first read (or even 2nd or third) indicate that is the strand you are getting, but it isn't. Check their feedback, especially recent. Even if the feedback is positive, was it really "good" ?
I think you will find your customers ask for the Swarovski. With the larger craft store chains selling it now, everyone wants it.
The other thing they will ask for is sterling silver. In the small rounds used for separators, and in the Bali flat spacers. You will need to have the smooth rounds in sizes from about 3mm to 8 or 10mm and the Bali spacers in 3mm-6mm or so. That would cover most common jewelry making.
You should also have a variety of seed beads. Sizes 11 and 8. They are used for spacers, accent beads, and such. Czech beads are good for this. You don't need Japanese.
There is an ebay seller who offers mixed strand lots of these for reasonable prices. You get one strand or hank of 40 or 150 different colors, and it's a really good start.
Also, don't forget to shop the chain stores for sales, close outs, and such. If you are in Ohio/PA Pat Catan's is a great wholesale friendly place. Their new website is giving them a reach beyond their shops.
Also, because sometimes the business end of beading needs to be kept between business people, PUGDOG is opening a private, BeadStoresOnly.com forum. I don't know the rules, but you need to apply, and send some proof you are in business with a shop. Not just selling from tables. It's for people with the overhead of a storefront. While there really aren't any secrets, sometimes different goups need a place to discuss with people in the same frame of reference, without the external "noise."
Sometimes, you don't need, or want the input from people who have not run a shop. Maybe owning a shop should be on the second level of Bead Hell???
One thing I'm hoping for, and which I hope will be the biggest benefit of such an area, is that members might also be more willing to share suppliers and sources in a private/semi-private environment, and that helps everyone -- including the suppliers, and suppliers might offer special deals to store-front only people to help them stay in business. That really benefits everyone.
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