Beads Online Vs. Brick And Mortar Shops: Which One Is The Most Excellent Way To Buy Cheap Supplies
If you're new to bead craft, or think you may be interested, one of the first doubts that might spring to mind is where you can buy beads online. Luckily, there're a number of reputable web vendors, but before you race to find them, it might be worth taking a second to consider the advantages and disadvantages of ordering beads over the internet.
The key advantage to being able to buy beads online is, of course, comfort. From the comfort of your chair, you can browse a staggering array of selections (all from glass to wooden, to semi-precious and several specialty beads), drop what you want into your shopping cart, and with the touch of a key, they are on their way to you, quick and painless, but there're two drawbacks to ordering beads online.
First is shipping cost. You can avoid these altogether and get a better deal if you frequent your regional brick and mortar store. Obviously, some vendors of beads online provide free shipping if you order over a specific dollar amount. Always look for deals like this is buying beads online.
The second main drawback of purchasing beads online is the fact that bead craft is, at its essence, a tactile hobby. When shopping for beads, part of the pleasure is getting to reach out and touch them. To get a feel for them and see if you truly like them and if they'll work for you in your projects. The way most brick and mortar shops are laid out, the beads are out in open display, encouraging this hands on approach. You just don't get that when ordering beads online.
My personal suggestion would be this:
If you have a brick and mortar bead shop in your local area, find out what they have available as a first course. Perhaps even browse beads online to get an idea for things you want to seek at the brick and mortar store.
If you don't have a store in your region specializing in bead craft and beading supplies, then check a few chain stores to see what's available (Michael's is a good source, and even Wal-Mart's craft section has some beading supplies). Once you've exhausted the options of the local shops, then certainly turn your attention to finding a source to buy beads online.
One last note, and a nod in favor of web based bead vendors are specialty beads. The brick and mortar shops are exceptional sources for standard supplies, but you may find that they don't carry certain specialty designs (just simply not sufficient local demand for it). So if you are looking for something rare or specialized, buying these beads online is almost certainly your best bet.
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