Question:
Isn't it a contradiction to be sending beginners to a "good source" that
doesn't have very good quality on many of products? Delicas are not much to
quibble with, but the other things can be very misleading, and a beginner won't
know what the difference is. They may not care a whole lot about getting the
absolute best quality, but certainly something that is nice without having to
study every word of the catalog before making a purchase and then crossing
their fingers that they got it right. (And it can make a big difference
learning--I have seen people trying to peyote with beads from Walmart that are
all smiles when they try it with the cheapest delicas. Same with using bugles
from there and trying Japanese ones...etc) One stop, cheap prices, just
like----Walmart, and quality varies. If I was referred to Walmart for nearly
all of my beading/shopping....I wouldn't be a happy camper. I have shopped at
FMG, and I probably will again, but only for certain things. Brand name that
can't be messed up, and stuff that I pretty much know what it will be.
Everything else you're taking your chances, esp if you don't understand the
fine print, and I don't think that's fair to a beginner. A lot of factors
influence buying decisions everywhere we go, every day....prices, selection,
quality, customer service, security, etc and you may risk one for the other. I
don't like making recommendations for a place that doesn't excel in at least
more than one area, esp to a buyer new in the field, much less without a
warning on what is known to be bad.
Answer:
-I agree - these are the big three and they each have a great catalog (RG
actually has 3 or more) I recommend that all beginners get the bead
catalogs from each. The catalogs are easily worth the $6-$7 cover price,
although some will be sent free for the asking (I'm not telling which are
free - "do your homework". They provide a wealth of information about the
basic supplies, and provide a jumping off point for price comparisons. You
will also, then, appreciate the other vendors with more exotic goods, or who
specialize in specific types of beads. And, you will be able to properly
understand the value or lack of value at your local craft chain-stores and
specialized bead stores.
Wholesale is another whole area - but by then you should know what you want
and how much you are willing to pay.
One of these days I am going to make it back to Shipwreck's retail store -
last time it took me about 4 hours and several hundred dollars to get back
to my car.
-FMG responded when Becki posted something similar a couple of years
ago and did not defend themselves.
-175 colors at Shipwreck (I just did this comparison, I'm glad I read
through before I posted!)
43 on the website. They also have Chinese cut crystal (50 colors) for
about $6.50/100.
