March 22nd, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Buying Your Materials Wholesale
As a jewellery designer buying your materials wholesale may enable you to lower your prices to retailers or simply gain more profit from your current prices!
Firstly you need to think about your current collection and if it will lend itself to being repeated. If it can’t be (which let’s face it; as a somebody who enjoys making unique, handmade pieces why not vary it?) think about what you do use lot’s of. Here are some examples:
- Headpins
- Cream Freshwater Pearls
- Lobster Claws
- Charms
- Crimp beads
- Silk Ribbon
- Knot Covers
Ordering from abroad (usually Eastern direction) is where you will find wholesale suppliers. Bali for silver findings, China for pearls and India for glass/gemstone beads.
If, for example you need about 500 head pins I would recommend approaching your usual supplier and asking them if they would consider offering you a discount for larger quantities ordered. As I used to sell silver I always welcomed offers for buyers wishing to buy large quantities.
If you need 500+ headpins look for a wholesaler. Do some web research and locate those companies online that sell wholesale. My advice would be:
- Google the seller. If you see bad reviews from past customers AVOID like the plague.
If it does go tees up don’t forget you can often get the amount charged back to your credit card if you have not heard anything from the seller and see no delivery.
- Don’t order wholesale if you are in a desperate rush. It can take up to 4 weeks. Usually five working days is the average but don’t count on it!
- Consider custom charges. Usually around 70 pounds for a 500 pound order. When I look at the prices in American dollars I tell myself thats what the actual price will be in the UK! So if headpins are 6 cents I will say to myself “so that will work out about 6 pence after charges when it reaches me.” Do a spread sheet using excel to work out all your costs and you will see this works out about right!
- Wholesalers will ask for proof that you run a business. Some will be more strict asking for evidence of your business (such as a scanned bill) others will be satisfied with your name and description of what you do. They don’t want to put you off too much do they!
Is it worth it?
Yes if you use a lot of one material. Headpins usually work out about 10-12 pence retail here in the UK. If you got your headpins for half price imagine the difference. Just asking your supplier for a quantity discount could be worth it for one project you have in mind (a wedding for example)
No if you’re always changing materials and charge mostly for the time it takes you.
Tip: As eBay is such an accesible place, use it to approach sellers and ask if they offer a wholesale option. It’s also a safer option with the feedback to help you make your decision.
Firstly you need to think about your current collection and if it will lend itself to being repeated. If it can’t be (which let’s face it; as a somebody who enjoys making unique, handmade pieces why not vary it?) think about what you do use lot’s of. Here are some examples:
- Headpins
- Cream Freshwater Pearls
- Lobster Claws
- Charms
- Crimp beads
- Silk Ribbon
- Knot Covers
Ordering from abroad (usually Eastern direction) is where you will find wholesale suppliers. Bali for silver findings, China for pearls and India for glass/gemstone beads.
If, for example you need about 500 head pins I would recommend approaching your usual supplier and asking them if they would consider offering you a discount for larger quantities ordered. As I used to sell silver I always welcomed offers for buyers wishing to buy large quantities.
If you need 500+ headpins look for a wholesaler. Do some web research and locate those companies online that sell wholesale. My advice would be:
- Google the seller. If you see bad reviews from past customers AVOID like the plague.
If it does go tees up don’t forget you can often get the amount charged back to your credit card if you have not heard anything from the seller and see no delivery.
- Don’t order wholesale if you are in a desperate rush. It can take up to 4 weeks. Usually five working days is the average but don’t count on it!
- Consider custom charges. Usually around 70 pounds for a 500 pound order. When I look at the prices in American dollars I tell myself thats what the actual price will be in the UK! So if headpins are 6 cents I will say to myself “so that will work out about 6 pence after charges when it reaches me.” Do a spread sheet using excel to work out all your costs and you will see this works out about right!
- Wholesalers will ask for proof that you run a business. Some will be more strict asking for evidence of your business (such as a scanned bill) others will be satisfied with your name and description of what you do. They don’t want to put you off too much do they!
Is it worth it?
Yes if you use a lot of one material. Headpins usually work out about 10-12 pence retail here in the UK. If you got your headpins for half price imagine the difference. Just asking your supplier for a quantity discount could be worth it for one project you have in mind (a wedding for example)
No if you’re always changing materials and charge mostly for the time it takes you.
Tip: As eBay is such an accesible place, use it to approach sellers and ask if they offer a wholesale option. It’s also a safer option with the feedback to help you make your decision.
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 22nd, 2007 at 10:53 pm and is filed under Articles.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
very helpful thank you very much
May 30th, 2007 at 12:26 pmThankyou very much for your advice. Really helpful.
September 1st, 2007 at 12:27 pmhi my name mandy n i did a bit of jewellery making at college n i throughly enjoyed it and i want to strt doing it at home and dont know where to start can you tell me where i can buy a kit to strt me of of the things i need mosts many it would be deeply appreciated mx
January 8th, 2008 at 9:41 pmhi kate ,
im currently trying to start my own buisness selling beads and my own unique jewellry creations .
i am in the process of building a website , trouble is im still having trouble trying to find a decent supplier….
ive tryed looking at suppliers in china etc
and signing up to different sceems but im still having no look .
i would be most greatfull if you could give me any help or pointers on were to look .
many thanxs marie
ps, you really do have a great website .
July 24th, 2008 at 9:27 pmHi Kate, can you or your readers help. We are looking for a second-hand Jewellery site to sell large Kling ring display units, and agents display pads and trays, any ideas?
Many thanks
Gary
August 12th, 2008 at 8:27 am