Tip 9: Don't be a Bead Snob

I know, I know...the title was a little harsh, but it got your attention didn't it...LOL 

Tip #9:  Don't be a bead Elitist (don't think that's any better than a snob).  Here's what I mean...

Everyone knows that Swarovski crystals and elements are the top of the line, the Grand Supreme, the Grand Pubah...you get the picture...in our little beading world.  But they are also more costly. We all like to sparkle, but you can get a slightly softer, very elegant sparkle from the Czech and/ or Chinese glass beads. The 3mm and 4mm firepolish beads are very popular because of their delightful, miniature appearance can fill in a bead stringing project or substitute for Swarovski beads in a bead weaving project.  Our average customer doesn't know the difference between a Swarovski or the Czech or the Chinese crystal.  Now I don't mean to misrepresent the product that you are using--that's a no-no.  Additionally, using the Czech or Chinese crystals will allow you to pass on the savings to our clients which hopefully will result in return business.

Another area of potential savings is with our metals.  With the every increasing cost of Silver and Gold, using these exclusively don't particularly cater to beading with a budget.  Unless your client specifically requests Silver/Gold and/or has allergies...try using base metals, silver filled or silver plated, gold filled or gold plated metals in your work.

One additional benefit of not being a bead snob...you have an opportunity to upsell...what is upselling?  According to Wikipaedia... is a sales technique whereby a seller induces the customer to purchase more expensive items, upgrades, or other add-ons in an attempt to make a more profitable sale. Upselling usually involves marketing more profitable services or products but can also be simply exposing the customer to other options that were perhaps not considered previously. Upselling implies selling something that is more profitable or otherwise preferable for the seller instead of, or in addition to,^[1] the original sale.

Happy Beading!