A Beginner's Guide to Buying
Wholesale Bead Supplies

FAQs answered on buying wholesale bead supplies for making bead jewelry designs. Beginning jewelry makers...Learn how to buy beading supplies wholesale!

When I first started making jewelry I didn't know much about beads or buying beads.

So, I asked a lot of questions and learned a few things about buying wholesale jewelry findings, buying gemstone beads wholesale and about buying my jewelry making supplies at wholesale versus buying them at retail.

Here, I share some of the information that I've learned. You'll learn a lot more too when you shop at bead shops, bead stores online and bead shows.

FAQs About Buying Wholesale Jewelry Making Supplies

What is buying wholesale?

Unfortunately, I've found no simple answer to this question. The word "wholesale" is often abused and used too frequently.

When I speak of buying wholesale bead supplies on this site, I'm talking about bead wholesalers who sell to the public at wholesale prices and do not require a resale license to make a purchase.

What is a wholesale price?

A wholesale price usually means that you're getting the best possible price for a specific quantity. The price usually decreases as your quantity purchased increases.

In contrast, generally a retail price stays the same no matter how many of an item you buy.

You might see a wholesale price list similar to this for a particular item:

• 1-3 $3.99
• 4-6 $3.59
• 7-9 $2.99

Who do bead wholesalers sell to?

• Wholesale to the "Trade Only"
  You need a resale permit to buy your supplies.
  A sales tax is not charged at the time of sale.
  
  
• Wholesale to the public
  You do not need a resale license to buy your supplies.
  A sales tax is charged at the time of sale.

Why would I want to buy wholesale bead supplies?

There are many reasons. But, in general I find that I can buy most of my consumable jewelry making supplies for less m-o-n-e-y!"

Consumable beading supplies are things like wholesale jewelry findings, wholesale jewelry wire, wholesale sterling silver beads and wholesale Swarovski® beads.

Try buying these items at a bead show or bead wholesaler.

Most bead show vendors sell at wholesale prices. They more you buy, the less an item costs. You can also sometimes bargain for a better price, whereas with a retailer this is usually not the case.

What if I only want to buy a few items?

Then your cost per item may be higher so you might decide to buy the item at a retail bead shop.

Do I need a lot of beading supplies?

No, not to get started making bead jewelry.

Different jewelry making techniques may require a different set of beading supplies. So, if you're the curious type and want to try different types of jewelry making techniques like wire jewelry, crochet jewelry and beadwork, you'll acquire a lot of supplies.

Do I have to buy in bulk all the time?

No.

A lot of bead suppliers who sell wholesale jewelry supplies to the public often have a low quantity discount requirement. You can sometimes buy as little as 2 or 3 of an item before the discount kicks in.

Other bead suppliers allow you to combine all of the items that you want to purchase to get the discount.

The key though is to buy only what you need.

What is a resale license?

A resale license is a document that exempts you from paying sales tax on items that you plan to resell.

It is usually issued by your state.

Though you aren't charged a sales tax on your bead supplies at the time you buy, you'll need to collect the tax from your customers when you sell your jewelry.

Now I'm not a lawyer or legal consultant, so check with the proper authorities in your state for all of their requirements.

Do I need a resale license to buy wholesale jewelry supplies or wholesale bead supplies from a bead wholesaler?

No, not at all bead wholesalers. Only for those who "sell to the trade only". Check their policies first.

A resale license is really only necessary if you plan to buy in huge quantities.

If you want to sell your handmade jewelry then you'll definitely want to consider getting one.

What are the differences among wholesale jewelry suppliers, bead wholesalers or wholesale bead supply?

My experience has been that a wholesale jewelry supplier usually sells jewelry making supplies to make fine jewelry. If so, they don't refer to themselves as bead wholesalers or wholesale bead supply.

Some bead wholesalers or wholesale bead supply vendors do refer to themselves as wholesale jewelry suppliers.

For the most part, I've found all three terms used interchangeably.

Bead wholesalers or wholesale bead supply vendors, and some wholesale jewelry suppliers, sell beads and jewelry making supplies used to make beaded jewelry.

Good for us! The sell us everything we need to make beaded jewelry.

So, what are the best places to buy wholesale jewelry supplies?

I shop at several bead stores online and offline. If you're new to making online purchases, try these excellent online bead stores. I shop them on a regular basis. I also like to try new bead suppliers, if only to see what they offer.

So, when you're ready here are some others to try. You never know what new and clever tools, beads or jewelry making techniques you'll find just by visiting the website of a different bead supplier.

Happy hunting for new and exciting bead wholesalers and wholesale jewelry suppliers!

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