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BEADS CAFE : Why not carry beads that the big storesdon't carry? I've been looking for someunusual beads for quite a while now, andeverywhere I look, the big catalogs all have thesame selection of predictable beads in identicalpredictable colors. I know unusual beadsexist, because I've seen them at shows andin other people's jewelry. Don't competewith the big boys. Offer something theydon't or can't. Specialize! And why notconsider getting your shop "wired" as well?It's possible you have something that therest of us want, but it's too far to drive toNC. Put your inventory in a mail ordercatalog, flyers, or better still online for allto see.From: ()Subject: Re: Support your local bead store Newsgroups: Date: 1998/11/17 In article , Michelle writes:Good suggestion! I live within 45 minutes of New York City, where I can buybeads at wholesale prices; however, I will still spend money at my local retailbeadstore because she often has things I've never seen elsewhere. Forinstance, my two favorite purchases from her were tiny, beautifully facetedcarnelian beads, and fancy carved leopardskin jasper goldfish, with a lovelypinkish hue. Suzanne Hye
BEADS CAFE : Hi - I also own a bead store and one of my customers just started orderingby catalog. She still comes in occasionally as I do have beads that shecannot find in catalogs or needs an emergency piece. I really work hard tokeep my prices comparible to those in the retail catalogs and even give abreak when a customer is buying in bulk, but if many of my customers keepdoing this, I will not be here when they really need me. Thanks to thosewho think of their local bead store first. If you can get it cheaperthrough a catalog ask about pricing and think about the shipping fees.Even though I own a bead store, it has not stopped me from buying retailwhen I see something (especially unique or one of a kind) from other beadstore owners or at bead shows.I appreciate these posts. As a shopper, not a store owner. I usually try tobuy things the cheapest way, only spending more money if I need something NOW,or it's much easier to buy it at regular retail price. My local bead store(Beadworks) is 40 minutes away from me. I think of Beadworks as a large,successful chain. But their attempt to open a store closer to me failed - inGreenwich, CT where people spend a lot of money, but not enough on beads. I'dprefer to have these resources around, so even though I can't afford to giveup on my cheap mail order sources, I'll allow myself to succumb moreguiltlessly when I'm in the middle of their incredible selection of glassbeads. And even better: I'll allow myself to go visit more often!
BEADS CAFE : It makes me really angry to find a small business owner that does not do a good job of providing service or product but does well only because they are the only ones in town.There is a quilt shop locally who has shoddy service and not an up-to-date selection, but is very busy because she is the only one for miles.I wont go there unless I absolutely have to.You need to be a shop owner who not only loves the product but also loves the retail game!What fun to find and buy the right stock that excites your customers!Great to be the first around with the newest books or findings!Have unique and new merch every week!Hold classes and demos to teach new customers.How to merchandise the store, promote your business and make it more fun!I'm a small mailorder business who loves the retail end as much as the beads.Shop owners, get motivated! Dont sit and pout because your customers are going eslewhere. I'ts not their fault, its yours!Thanks for letting me sound off, Cathy
BEADS CAFE : I have been following this thread. I have to agree with Cathy on herlast words. I have a local bead shop and I do support her business to adegree I have taught a few beading classes there. She is a sweet ladyand a joy to spend time with, however her shop is not doing well and Iam sorry to say it is her own fault. You have to carry the products your customers want and need. I havebrought new customers in the door for her by teaching classes, but shehas nothing to offer them so they can keep coming back and learning. Shedoes not carry any instruction books and her beads are very limited. Sothey go elsewhere. She is trying to run her business on a shoe stringand in my opinion spends her money in the wrong places. I have tried togive her suggestions but they seem to fall on deaf ears.
BEADS CAFE : I have bought a few things from her from time to time but most of what Ineed she does not carry. It is also very difficult for me to design aclass project to teach in her shop, because I am very limited in thesupplies she has.It is not the fault of the local customers if you fail to bring themthrough the door. Nor is it the fault of the local customer if you failto keep them once they come through the door. It is not the customersjob or responsibility to make sure your business is successful. I willsupport a local business if I feel they can support me in return.In the area I live in I have 15 different bead stores within 60 miles ofme. Most do very well. Because of customer service and the product theycarry.There is one shop that I frequent the most (and I am getting ready tostart teaching there soon also.) She offers a 15% discount on all hermerchandise to professionals only. You have to be a registered businessor be able to prove you sell your work in some form.
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