I couldn't really do the whole A to Z theme of being Addicted to Beads without mentioning the dreaded M word... it usually comes under B for Bead Budget but I wanted to show you my Beadmaker Bead for B!
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| Image by Patrice Sheperd of Sheperd Creations |
Like any good addict this means I've shown you lots of lovely beads first before we mention the unmentionable. I did hint at it slightly in A, but there's no getting away from it... being Addicted to Beads does cost money, unless you have a fairy bead mother!
Here are some hints to limit the financial damage:
- Always be aware of special deals - have a wishlist of things you would like so when a deal comes up you can act on it. Some deals are permanent or appear regularly or some retailers might discount regularly. (e.g. some brands do buy 5 for the price of 4 so worth buying in multiples of 5 less often, than single beads more regularly)
- Always look out for sales - if the bead is not limited and you can wait for a sale, this is often a good way to buy beads. (Requires patience and popular beads may never be in the sale)
- Always enter competitions - I've acquired a couple of beads in this manner, once a whole set!!
- Don't be afraid of Customs - work out the maths. Sometimes even with the exchange rate and factoring in any Customs charges/handling fees it might still be cheaper to buy from another country.
- Liquidated Stock (controversial) - when Dealers liquidate their stock they often flood the market with heavily discounted beads. This is when I often pick up a lot of what I call backdated wishlist items or multiples of beads.
- Buy 2nd hand - another slightly controversial one as you have to be more aware of fakes, so I'm talking the more trusted route of other collectors who you know frequent official dealers that you trust when they tell you where they bought the bead.
- Love Baked Beans on Toast! - Okay so that's technically a coping strategy rather than a saving money idea!
I always try to visit my local Dealers too and have gone in to deliberately buy at full RRP just to support them - as if I don't, and others don't, then we won't have any local ones as there will be no demand... so use these with due caution!
How do you fund your own addictions, any tips to pass on?
