HOME Bead Banter
HOME 		Search Posts SEARCH
POSTS 		Who's Online WHO'S
ONLINE 		Log in LOG
IN
More Talk, Less Hawk TM



Home: Business Issues and Advice: General Questions:
Opening a beadshop #2: "best" sources?

 
 


BadBoyOfBeading
Novice

Feb 5, 2005, 7:42 AM

Post #1 of 6 (2286 views)
Shortcut
Private Reply
Opening a beadshop #2: "best" sources? Can't Post
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

===========================

That is one of the misconceptions about buying. Develop multiple relationships.

No "one" distributor is the "best" for everything.

Find out what distributors can offer you, and then figure out how to best divide up your purchases to get the best results.

While distributor A may have a better price on some things than distributor B, if you order only from distributor B for those items, you get a better deal over all for volume purchases.

One distributor may also fill orders faster, so ordering "immediate need" items from them makes good sense, but longer term needs, that can be planned, are better ordered from another distributor.

You'll find you use a few distributors, some more than others, but you'll have maybe 10 or 12 other vendors you buy from more than once a year.

Develop more than one relationship with distributors. You never know what will happen. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

And, don't forget specials and sales, which can increase your bottom line.

And, while it's rare, and seems to go against the grain of so many shops, if you can co-op buy things with other shops, or designers, to increase order size, and discounts, you will do much better in the long run.

There are staples that every shop, and beadworker needs to have. Those are the items that discounts in bulk or quantity are usually available on.

Shops differentiate themselves on the non-staples.

Cooperation and friendly competition always work best.... but it's not always easy to arrange.


(This post was edited by BadBoyOfBeading on Feb 5, 2005, 7:43 AM)


pugdog
Administrator

Feb 5, 2005, 9:02 AM

Post #2 of 6 (2284 views)
Shortcut
Private Reply
Re: [BadBoyOfBeading] Opening a beadshop #2: "best" sources? [In reply to] Can't Post
There really is no "best" distributor or wholesaler.

Some have great deals, or unique products in one area, but have to buy from a distributor themselves for other items.

Finding the "source" or getting closer to the source of a product will often lower your costs as well.

While buying from a distributor, or repackager may be easier, or more convenient, you will pay for that service. Sometimes, it's really worth it! Other times, you don't need the added services, and price is all that matters.
PUGDOG's Rock & Bead Shop
Pittsburgh, PA 15217


BeadShark
Novice


May 4, 2005, 11:35 PM

Post #3 of 6 (2098 views)
Shortcut
Private Reply
Re: [BadBoyOfBeading] Opening a beadshop #2: "best" sources? [In reply to] Can't Post
I think it depends on what you are in need of. We shop around for different componets for our stuff. Some are better on one thing and not another, so we get stuff from everywhere. Whoever's got the best deal in town Wink

BeadShark


PS: The about.com forum is very "cliquish" if you are not in the clique, your outa there. I rarely post in there, and if I do, there is usually 5 people ready to jump down my throat for netiquette or some foolish nonesense.
Visit our website at http://www.uniquebeadedjewelry.com/

(This post was edited by BeadShark on May 4, 2005, 11:37 PM)


pugdog
Administrator

May 5, 2005, 4:38 AM

Post #4 of 6 (2094 views)
Shortcut
Private Reply
Re: [BeadShark] Opening a beadshop #2: "best" sources? [In reply to] Can't Post
Despite their presence at the top of most bead-related searches (unless you get specific), they have very little information, loads of ads and a very, very cluttered and difficult to navigate interface.

They are trying to squeeze ad revenue at the expense of content.

Also, they have the most irrelevant messages coming up in the side bars -- I'm looking for beads, not religious discussions, body part piercing, or help with alcoholism.

I find some of the "related" messages offensive, and I *know* I'm not the only one.

As for the forums, I've already stated my piece, as have others, so I won't repeat them.

BTW: When people complain to the About.com management, they are accused of being "me" <G> Apparantly I'm a thorn in their side, to the extent they "blow off" other people by saying they are "me". Nice to be noticed, but it's a real problem for them. And, from the posts here, and else where, for a lot of others.

Many people first find those forums, then move on.
PUGDOG's Rock & Bead Shop
Pittsburgh, PA 15217


BeadShark
Novice


May 5, 2005, 9:24 AM

Post #5 of 6 (2090 views)
Shortcut
Private Reply
Re: [pugdog] Opening a beadshop #2: "best" sources? [In reply to] Can't Post
Please don't take it personally or an atatck towards you Pugdog Tongue

Paula Morgan is a semi-good moderator I believe. We have had some issues come-up in the about.com forum about a couple of our pieces, and she was very helpful in the matter.

Actually, the clique is more member-based. There is a specific group (I won't name names, for that is rude) that I have been watching for quite a while. There is about 5-6 of them in this little clique, that if one states something to someone in a post, and they don't like the response, then it seems the other "internet gang members" will come in the post and jump all over the original poster. I stay outa there, and try not to offer much in the form of a reply, but sometimes you just have to post.

I just recently watched a post that was answered within the first 15 posts. Posts 16 trough 78 (!) were these three women attacking this one other poster for saying "he said, she said". I have to admit, the poster they were attacking held her ground, but I don't think that this is what the forum was for.

About.com is the least-used forum that I go to. I am hoping this will be a good one Cool, for yes, I do like the forums, just not about.com

So please don't take it personally Pugdog. It's your site, and it's up to you what you think is OK to be on YOUR site. Granted, by being an administrator, you've already labeled yerself as the bouncer of the forum, so you'll come across many disgruntled posters.

Hope this site does well. I do have one bug, but I guess I'll go put that in the Bugs section Wink

Have a great day!

BeadShark
Visit our website at http://www.uniquebeadedjewelry.com/


pugdog
Administrator

May 5, 2005, 1:24 PM

Post #6 of 6 (2088 views)
Shortcut
Private Reply
Re: [BeadShark] Opening a beadshop #2: "best" sources? [In reply to] Can't Post
I've only had to bounce one person, who was abusing the TOS, and I ended up having to threaten legal action to get her to stop. But that was awhile go.

I'm open to ideas, but Paula Morgan is *not* high on my list of fair moderators. And I do take it personally, since it *is* personal. Accusing someone of being me, shows it is personal.

But I don't spend my time thinking about them. Once every couple of months I check back, just to realize why I stay away.
PUGDOG's Rock & Bead Shop
Pittsburgh, PA 15217

 
 
 


Search for (options) Powered by Gossamer Forum v.1.2.4