I am sure I will stir a pot here (again), but I feel compelled to share my experience and opinion.
When we started down this road several years ago, we hit all the local shows (GLW, etc), went to Tucson, and of course all the big online sites from Fire Mountain to Rio Grande. Then I found, in my own backyard, an incredible PARTNER in succiess. I met Raj and Geeta from Eagle International (beadwholesaler.com) and was impressed with the "We care about your business" attitude. We quickly started buying all of our Silver, GF, and Swarovski from them. I firmly believe that knowing that the price is always fair, the communication straightforward, and the constant attitude that they are there to serve you and help you grow your business is in many ways responsible for our success. Unlike the "Big Boys", they truly care about you, and will spend the time to insure that you are getting what you need, when you need it. Advice is always there, and we have bounced several ideas off of them, and that has also saved us money. If someone came along and beat their price on Wire by $1 per ounce or Factory Packs by $3, I would pass. Relationships in business matter. Once you have one, it is invaluable. If you are buying jewelry supplies from a nameless website or source, I suggest you find a partner in your success. Whether it is Raj, Geeta and team at Eagle/BeadWholesaler or someone else that will a facilitator in your growth, it really does make a difference. I have even encouraged BeadWholesaler to advertise on this forum, and they are!
Comments
If I say yes, you would think me crazy, but I also consider the time to receive, and the fact that BW ships free, and frankly, if you have a relationship with them, you don't pay the published prices. Pick up the phone and call Raj and tell him what you need and see what the prices are. I have never paid more than a couple bucks an ounce more than Rio, and their Swarovski prices are highly competitive (and you always get Swarovski).
I have a question. Is the relationship with a supplier worth overpaying about 30% more just for the relationship? In checking todays price for Sterling Silver Round Wire, 18-Ga., Dead Soft at both BeadWholesaler and Rio Grande here is I found. BeadWholesaler $38.13 and Rio Grande $26.72 per ounce.. No relationship is worth overpaying that crazy amount. In checking more prices at BeadWholesaler, the wholesaler part of their name seems to be just a name and not what they do.
Well, there are certain things that I don't buy from Rio, like any kinds of beads or Swarovski. So I will check them out.
But see, you do have that relationship with Rio. While not the same as a local provider, you know and trust them. We travel all the time, so Eagle isn't really local to us anymore, but when I need something I get ridiculously good service, so I won't go elsewhere. If you ever go to Orlando on vacation or otherwise, take the time to visit Eagle - they are a couple of miles from Universal Studios. Also, if you ever need something that Rio doesn't carry or is out of stock, give them a try. Their Swarovski inventory is ridiculous!
I see your point, but I don't have anyone local. I have grown very fond of Rio. They have always been fair with me. If I have a question about how to use something, or what I need for a certain project, I can call them and they are always very helpful. Once in a while, I make it to Albuquerque, and when I do, I always stop in.