Where can I purchase beads and findings for less?

Your question is rather vague.  What types of beads and findings, ie., gemstones, glass, crystal, metal, pearls, plastic, ...?  Gold, gold fill, sterling silver, pewter, Bali/Hill Tribe silver, plated, ...?  Will you buy in quantity or just a small amount at a time?  Also, do you want "cheap" as opposed to quality for the best price?

There are many wonderful places for where to buy.  It just depends on what you want and how many of an item you wish to purchase.

As I do not know what you are referring, here are a few websites to try:

www.rings-things.com

www.firemountaingems.com

www.beading.com

 

There are many shops on http://www.etsy.com that offer supplies in both large and small amounts.  You could look there to see what a variety is offered.

 Beadaholique.com has decent findings for a good price, and you can catch things cheaper than usual if you follow their ebay store auctions.  Sign up for their e-mail newsletter for their sales, too.

 Artbeads.com is the best go-to site I have found for both beads and findings (though I most often buy findings there); they have free shipping, no minimum purchase, and findings can be bought individually so you only buy what you really want.  They also have e-mail sales, so sign up with them as well.

 And frankly, the cheapest way to get stuff is on ebay, but you have to be extremely careful not to end up with junk.  I have found some good bargains there, though, that are worth having--you just have to be a cautious consumer.

I have had good success at Goody Beads (goodybeads.com). They have all kinds of beads and findings of good quality and at great prices. Their delivery is fast -- orders arrive within 2 days. Another site is Gem Mall (gemmall.com). They have good beads at good prices. I have not purchased findings there. For findings, I prefer Artbeads or Fusion Beads (artbeads.com and fusionbeads.com). They have great prices. All of these will notify you of specials and sales if you sign up for their e-mails. My favorite site to shop is Lima Beads (limabeads.com).  They have the best quality beads and prices anywhere I've found.  The customer service can't be beat and their delivery is super-fast -- even regular P.O. mail orders arrive within 2-3 days.  Also, they have daily and weekly specials and send you coupons with your orders for use on future orders. They're the best!!!

If you want a 'cheap bead' adventure, go to thrift stores. Often they will sell necklaces for $1 and bracelets for .50 just to move everything out - you can clean up the beads and end up with some real bargains if you know what to look for.

Car boot sales, jumble sales, swap meets even garage sales.  Other peoples' trash can be your treasure.  Just deconstruct an unattractive piece and create something beautiful.  I've found some fabulous pieces for 25c, 50c, and just know that at least one of the beads in a string would cost me $3-4.  Just don't forget to bargain  

I send my beginning beaders to Walmart. Some stores have better selections than others, but they don't have to wait for shipping, they don't have to spend a lot of money, and they can get a decent variety, not always the best quality, but for the most part, they are okay. And...if you are on a budget...they are fantastic! Also, I agree with the garage sale/thrift store/flea market comment. I have gotten some of the coolest stuff at these places....lots of big old crazy and fun stuff. Just gotta learn to be a hunter. BBH, Bead Bargain Hunter....I need that on a T-shirt!!!!

L.

For Swarovski, try www.inmcrystal.com

For findings, try CGM - not sure about the website address so try googling it.

YUP-YUP...  I agree with "BBH"...  Dollar stores, "that"store (Walmart), clearance tables/racks in department stores - you just have to give whatever you have chosen a real good lookover and be sure you can live with what you get for whatever cheap$$ you are paying.  Sometimes a bead or two on a piece will really catch my eye, but when I really think about it, sometimes I just pass.  On the other hand, just can't beat that feeling when you get something for what is a wonderful deal to you inner "BBH"!

J

Cheaper beads & finding are easily available, but dont compromise on quality, you can get Beads & findings at House of Gems, They also have 20 % Discount for their frequent buyers. You must check out.

 Blue Topaz Beads
4 Unique Shape/Sizes In Stock

 

thanxx

Angelaenoho

I find most of my beads cheaper at the LBS in Fort Myers than even on many online sites.  I also prefer to look through things by hand rather than guess sizes/colors online.  Of course, not everybody has great LBS near them, but probably google is a good way for looking for specific items and comparing prices.  IMO you generally get what you pay for in metals. 

GemMall.com is a good source for all kinds of beads and findings. A wide range of charms, pendants and ready to wear earrings are also available. As they are sold at wholesale rates, you can get great bargains as well. GemMall.com also offers discounts and value packs. You can sign up for its newsletter to remain abreast of all happenings and deals.

 Well this is not quite about beads, but I find when you want to spend your money on beads and findings, it doesn't leave much to spend on other items.  I needed containers for my beads, sequins, pins, and such and I have a new granddaughter so I had my daughter start saving me the little plastic tubs that baby food comes in now and they are just perfect.  They are clear so you can see what's inside.  The lids snap on so things don't get spilled easily, they aren't real tight though so be careful, BUT, they're FREE!! so if you know anyone who has a baby or toddler, have them save the containers for you.

 Welcome to the forums, pennyjo1947. That's a good tip about baby food containers and well worth sharing. A lot of us like to "repurpose" things rather than see them go to the trash. Reusing and repurposing is even better the recycling.

Heaven hasn't been back for a while to see the answers to his/her question but I'm sure others will read this thread since "cheaper beads and findings" is a common question.

Often cheaper is hard to define. It might be cheaper to pay more today at your LBS where you can hand select and match colors than it is to pay less from an on line store where the color or size might not be perfect.

It might be cheaper to pay for shipping and have the product shipped right away rather than pick free shipping when the seller ships in 3 to 5 days. "Free shipping," of course, means the shipping cost has to be built into the cost of goods since we all pay UPS, USPS and FedEx when we use their services.

If you're looking for crystals and you don't care whether they're Swarovski or not, I found a brand that is relatively cheap and still has a good bit of "bling" to the crystal.  They come in cute little bottles of 144 crystals for $5.50.  They are called Thunder Polish crystals.  Don't know where they are made.

Cat

I got some nice beads from e-bay.  I'm sure they have findings too.  I think it was 80 pieces for two something and free shipping from this guy from China.  It took a little longer then somethings, but it was free shipping and they came. 

 For theee cheapest beads, search on Etsy and Artfire and Ebay,  for vendors who sell from China or in Asia.

I have purchased 3 times from overseas, and find those vendors to have the best prices on bead supplies. It takes longer to get them, but, a huge savings!!

On Etsy, shop at   Halolo    and       dimestoreemporium      

    for metal findings.

 

Good Luck!

 

Good

I would be wary of buying beads directly from China. Almost every week another story surfaces about Chinese products made with toxic ingredients, and I'm not about to handle materials that contain antimony, lead, or anything else that's gonna kill me! Obviously, regard for safety is not a big priority with them. So, buy at your own risk.

Thanks for all the suggestions. There's a few vendors listed that I am not familiar with so, I will check them out.

I just wanted to add my two cents. I really love  eebeads.com. Their selection is rather limited and rotates often, but they do have many beads that no one else carries. Their pricing on basic findings like headspins and clasps is very competitive. Best of all, their delivery is very fast, and customer service is incredible!