Before I became a bead seller, I was a bead customer! 
As a customer, I’d occasionally receive free beads with my order but – more often than not – they were disappointing.
It usually seemed obvious that these “free” beads were “seconds”, or were the leftover styles and colors that hadn’t sold.
I used to think: “Why bother? I don’t need the rejects. It would be so much nicer to receive a little gift I could actually use.”
Once I became a bead seller, myself, those early experiences served me well. They helped me to formulate my own policies for appreciating my customers.
If you’ve ever shopped with me, you know I LOVE to include a sample of our beads with every order. It’s fun for me to select something I think you might enjoy!
How do I decide which beads? Well, sometimes, I have a new item in stock that I am excited for you to see. Other times, I look for a clue to your preferences in the beads you’ve just purchased!
It’s always a special treat for me to see what you eventually create with our beads. Recently, a customer sent me photos of jewelry she made with a sample of these beads, which I had tucked inside her order. . .
She tells me that she has fallen in in love with Vintage Lucite Beads and I can totally understand . . .
In her own words:
“I love vintage plastic beads because they are lightweight and durable. The designs are striking and the colors are vibrant, which makes these 40+-year-old beads a pleasure to work with. I have to hide them from my kids (ages 1.5 and 3.5) because they are convinced I have boxes full of candy!”
Be sure to stop by and take a peek at AvocadoEggroll’s delightful jewelry shop!
You can find it by clicking here.
Hugs,
I am glad you are discussing this. It is one of those gray areas where you don’t know which is the correct way to acknowledge the free items.
When I get a free item with a purchase, I want to thank the seller and include “thank you for the extra items” but what if the seller didn’t send everyone something extra? Then I think, I should send a private e-mail, then I forget to do so.
So… that said… thank YOU for all the extra beads you have sent me over the years.
I have used some of them. One recently.
Here it is!
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL15/946380/20702740/401792004.jpg
Avacado Eggroll…great name..icky eggroll..
I saw a lot of your beads in her work. I love the jewelry I have made from your beads. I am just awful at remembering to take pictures. She’s right about the Lucite. Its so light you barely know you are wearing jewelry.
Have a great week, Crissy.
xx, Carol
Hi Carol!
Please don’t worry about taking pictures! I only meant that they are really fun to see… but I am not expecting them.
I remember that you are not a fan of eggroll and not so wild about turkey either. Who says I’m not paying attention? lol
xoxo!
Hi Donna
I know exactly what you mean about thinking twice before thanking someone in a feedback comment for a special service or gift. But please don’t think you have to thank me! Your orders are thanks enough!
Love the piece you designed with my Red “Mayan Ruins” bead! I put the link to it in your comment (above). xo!
Thanks!! It was for my bead order. A lady sent me her needle case (shaped like a fish) and asked for a beaded carrying strap. I hope she likes it.
Hey Carol. Yum!! I love eggrolls. And I love avocados.
I love the jewelry that she designed using your “free” beads. They look so light and pretty for spring.
Sometimes when I get something for the dogs, sellers will include something extra. I always thank them and I usually donate it to a fundraiser for a local dog rescue group or shelter. Its nice to be able to pay it forward.
You’re so kind, Kelly! xo
I love getting that little something extra with an order! I already feel like it’s Christmas everytime I open a package of beads/supplies and when I find something extra, it makes it that much more fun. I know the extras I’ve received from you Crystal have put a huge smile on my face. “Thank You for that!” I can tell you put a lot of thought into the items you send too.
AvacadoEggroll….I love that name! She made a lovely set with her extra goodies. So pretty! She has a sweet shop too! I added her to my circle.
Hi there, Brenda!
Have you decided that it’s a technique you enjoy, and will continue to work with?
How is your new jewelry project coming along?
Hi Crystal!
Thanks for asking. I’m having a lot of fun with my new jewelry ventures! I’ve got quite a few draft listings made and I’m starting to list my new stuff. I really like that new draft feature on etsy. Look for an email from me this weekend…K? I’ll fill you in on how things are going.
Happy Saturday!
Looking forward to it, Brenda!