There are several ways to get beads at budget prices. Since I live almost an hour drive from the closest hobby store or bead store, most of my purchases are made from online vendors or auction sites.
When deciding what to pay for an item or package of items, compare several online stores, your local stores etc. When comparing prices, remember to figure in taxes and shipping and handling.
Look at assortments. Check out a variety of vendors.
When purchasing from an auction site sit down and set up your parameters.
1. Write down how much you have to spend and do not go over that amount. Do not go over your budgeted limit. Even when it means you loose the item. There will be others. I can remember being disappointed and wishing I had bid higher, but I cannot remember which items I missed out on.
2. When bidding, remember to include shipping charges in the total cost.
3. Look for something in the pictures that grabs your eye.
4. Remember to check the sellers rating.
5. If you do not already have a PayPal account, consider getting one. The extra protection can’t hurt.
6. Definitely use a credit card that protects you from online fraud. I have only had one on line purchase disaster and if I had used the right credit card I would have recovered all instead of part of my money.
That done. Keep track of the date your purchase was made, the date you made the payment. The shipping and tracking information provided. Then the date you finally receive it.
This can all be kept in a file on your computer or in a notebook. It is useful because you can go back to the vendor for later purchases. And if you end up needing it for tax purposes, it is there.
JoAnne
