When you’ve reached the point where you need more beads than they sell in retail packages, you’re ready to buy beads in bulk. Typically, you’re either selling your beadwork, teaching bead classes, or have gone over the edge and need professional help. (Just kidding on that last part.)
The vast resources of the internet provide an amazing selection of quality beads at prices that local bead stores usually can’t beat. Assuming you know exactly what you want, or have a particular project in mind, you’ll can take advantage of online shopping.
It’s important that you do have experience with the beads and supplies you want before you attempt to buy beads in bulk. You should also have an idea of what you’re willing to spend. At this level, making a mistake in what you buy or how much you spend could be costly in both time and money.
How to Buy Beads in Bulk
If you have a resale license and can buy sufficient quantity, you can deal with a wholesaler directly and save a lot of money. But even if you just need a lot of beads and don’t like paying full retail, you can find deals on the internet.
There are many online sources for buying beads in bulk. A short list would include bead forums, bead buying groups, specialty bead shops, Amazon, eBay, etc. It’s important to compare quality as well as price by volume. For this reason, you need to know a lot about the beads you want and what price you’re willing to pay.
It’s not easy to gauge quality from online photos. If in doubt, request samples. That will add some time to the total process, but knowing what you’re getting is the only way to be sure you make a wise purchase when buying beads in bulk.
Most mass produced beads today come from India or China, a fact of life in the 21st century. Fortunately, the global economy makes it possible for you to buy beads in bulk very close to the source. To get started, go to alibaba_dot_com and check out your most-wanted beads. You’ll be amazed at the bargains, even after paying for international shipping.
Apply the same cautions to buying beads in bulk that you would any online purchase. Buy only from vendors with high reviews, good customer service and reputation. It’s not a bad idea to see if the vendor responds quickly to questions in case there’s a problem after the sale. If you’re ordering from overseas, be prepared to wait a few weeks for delivery. Keep good records and learn from your experiences when you buy beads in bulk.
As an alternative to buying online, you can approach the manager of your local bead store to see if she’ll make you a deal. In larger cities, you might find bead importers who can match those online prices as well. Usually you’ll find the sales tax on local purchases is about the same as shipping for online orders. Anytime you buy beads in bulk, be sure you make a bead-to-bead comparison to be sure you’re getting the best deal.
Buy Beads in Bulk to Save Money
If you’re willing to do some research, you can find exactly the bulk beads you want. There’s an advantage to buying locally, as you can see the beads before you make the purchase. But it’s hard for local merchants to beat the prices you’ll get buying beads in bulk online.
No matter where you choose to buy your beads in bulk, go with a reputable vendor and you’ll minimize the chance of a bad shopping experience. Use common sense, your best judgment, and good trading skills. Then use up all those beads so you can go on another online bead buying binge.
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