stock for new UK shop

[redsadie]

Hi there,  

I am hopefully about to start a brand new venture which has been in the pipeline for the past four years and now I am getting closer to my dream.  I know it'll be a lot of hard work and long hours but it's my passion so it should actually feel like work  '>
I have an accountant lined up for all the tax and stuff I can't do.

I just wondered, I know R & T used to provide a set up stock service for new stores but cannot find a thread/topic relating to it.  I wondered what initial stock it would be?  What would I get for my money? Can I choose what stock (more of this-less of this, etc?) or will it be set stock?

I really would appreciate it if someone would be able to answer this for me  '>

I have about £2000 - £2500 GBP
(Approx $3900 - $4900 USD) for initial stock.

Many thanks in advance

Sarah. x

[Russ Nobbs]

Hi Sarah,
We've talked about initial set up for new stores both here and in the B&B old forum but I can't put my  fingers on any specific threads either.

We've never has a "package deal" sort of thing because each new store is unique.  
We can make up a set of suggestions based on what the main emphasis will be in your store. (gem beads, seed beads, silver vs basemetal and that sort of thing.)  I suggest you write us directly with a little more detail about the type of store you are opening and we can come back with some more specific suggestions and a possible opening order.

Please use the link at Contact us to reach us directly. I'll let Michelle & Tracy know to expect your e-mail and remind them of your post. It may take a few back and forth messages to get us to the point we can do the best for you.  We'll be glad to suggest some other suppliers for things we don't carry for for proper resale. We know, for example, that we are not a book distributor.

[redsadie]

Thank you Russ  '>

I have already sent an email from your contact form on your website  '>


I know what you mean about each new store being individual, we all are aren't we, that's the point  '> and I know roughly what I do and do not want to carry, I just need a bit of guidance from the experts.

Thanks again and I look forward to your reply from the contact form.  If I don't hear from you guys in a few days, I know you're busy and may miss it, so I'll re-submit it.

Hugs

Sarah. x

[Polly]

A few general categories that a bead store might want to stock are:
- Seed beads and beadwork supplies -- Nymo cord (size O) and SuperLon (size D), beeswax, beading needles, various beading blanks/forms, perhaps buckskin to bead onto, ...
 - Gemstone beads and sterling findings (clasps, spacer beads, bullion, Beadalon or Soft Flex, silk cord, bead tips, crimp beads)
 - Handmade glass beads (you might be surprised at the skills of your local artists!)
 - Basic glass beads
 - General findings (ear wires, chain, eye pins and head pins, ...)
 - http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=16 (rosary pliers, crimp pliers, flush cutters, heavy-duty cutters)

(links and details coming soon, a category at a time)

[Polly]

New online store coming July 1st (2008) ... will update links once it's live, so they aren't broken in the meantime.

[Luann Udell]

I think there was an old thread about this awhile back--people simply put in their recommendations about what made a great bead shop, for someone like yourself who was getting ready to open a bead store....

It was a pretty good thread, as I recall.  Maybe I can track it down....

[Luann Udell]

Found it!

http://www.rings-things.com/cgi-bin....2;t=549

And there was another good discussion about "starter kits" for people just starting out beading.  It might be useful for a store, too:

http://www.rings-things.com/cgi-bin....started

I have "better" things to do today, I'm just procrastinating!   '>

[Russ Nobbs]

Forums, social networking and the internet in general are really good for procrastinators. I'm honored you find time to procrastinate with us....

[Polly]

oof, we have so many links directly to products in our old online store!  The upgrade has a lot of great features, but pshew, there are a lot of links to update!  (Links in this forum thread now updated though!)