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!
How is your new jewelry project coming along? 🙂 Have you decided that it’s a technique you enjoy, and will continue to work with?
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! 😀