help required - Swarovski Beads

**apike** · 25-09-2009, 11:46 AM

Hi all,
Was hoping you guys might be able to provide us with a bit of advice regarding our current range of Swarovski beads. So far we've had mixed success, starting slowly and then experiencing positive sales following an onsite and e-mail promotion last week (25% OFF). I'm of the belief that our range is a little narrow...?

I was hoping to pick your minds and request a little feedback if you don't mind. What new styles, colours, shapes, componentry etc would you suggest we stock?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

**Petal** · 25-09-2009, 12:05 PM

I find that crosses are B]very [/B]popular and you might want to do them in a range of colours. Bulk order discounts is something that most suppliers offer for Swarovskis. Hope that helps.

**Solunar Silver Studio** · 25-09-2009, 05:45 PM

I've been away most of today and have just been trawling through the old posts to catch up. How come no-one has done anything to help poor old Adam??? He does lots for us - so come on people...I want 30 suggestions on this thread before midnight!!

My suggestions...

I think your prices are a bit on the high side... (although not bad if you kept the discount going!!) I was talking to a friend the other day and we were going to go halves on bulk packs from Jilly Beads. Their range is a bit limited but the options are good...i.e. different quantities...mixed (themed) colours.. and their prices for bulk buys are very attractive!!

I like the mixed (themed) colours idea as it gives you a range of options without having to buy packs of loads of different colours and potentially ending up with lots of redundant ones...and a lot of people are afraid of their abilities to mix colours successfully - so having it done already is a bonus.

Swaros are used a lot in bridal jewellery - along with the pearls. Perhaps larger quantities of crystal AB xilions and pearls would go down well with tiara makers

I don't use a lot of swaros but when I do I tend to go for things that could dangle as charms...butterflies, flowers , hearts, dice... and 10mm (ish) sizes. The bicones/xilions I know are used a lot for spacer beads...and quite a few people 'bung up' the ends of lampies (technical terms!!

) with them... How about mixed shapes 'bracelet charms' packs.... or mixed shapes with pairs of each shape so earrings are easily made up...

There is a lot of competition out there so you need to offer something a bit different to reel them in!!

I have used baroques before...and can see possibilities with the new rings and squares...but the bank balance won't allow them yet!! I think the more specialist items would appeal to the 'hard core' swarovski user - but they would probably already have their suppliers and unless your prices were very attractive I can't see you selling a lot of those...

Right - that's me done.... Over to the rest of the crew!!

**The Dragon** · 25-09-2009, 05:50 PM

Teardrops or oval beads would be a good allrounder but I'm not sure what the colour availability is here in the UK, I bought my last lot from the States. The smaller pendant drops such as baroque could work well as they can double up as earrings. Buttons are always a good bet, great for bracelets.

My issue in the UK has always been variety of colours for the styles on sale.

Hope this helps.

**bustagasket** · 25-09-2009, 05:54 PM

i use swarovskis quite a lot and would love teardrops and cubes added.

**lesley** · 25-09-2009, 06:02 PM

Well, I didn't say anything as I rarely use them now but here's my two penn'orth.

There's quite a good colour range but for serious Swaro buyers I think you need to extend the range of shapes and sizes. I personally prefer rondelles to round or bicone and am partial to the occasional big focal bead.
I doubt anyone would come to Cooksons just to buy Swaros. But maybe that's not the customer you're going for?

I agree that bulk order discounts can be popular.
Before the exchange rate plummeted, I know a few people who would bulk buy from the US because even with the postage and taxes it worked out cheaper.

**Petal** · 25-09-2009, 06:53 PM

I'll put my tuppence in then, I did put it in my draft, but deleted it in case it offended Cookies. Their Swaros are about 3 times the price of my supplier, that's why I don't buy my swaros from them, but I'd like to as I hate having lots of different suppliers! A good colour and size range would be useful, say 4mm bicones with 6mm bicones in matching colours, as that's what I buy when I'm buying. Cubes are always hideously expensive elsewhere, but if they offered those at a good price that would definitely draw more people in!

Hope that helps....

**agent_44** · 25-09-2009, 08:22 PM

I'm not a fan of the bicones, if I used Swarovski, which is rare, I would go for rounds, rondelles and other more interesting shapes. Also a good range of colours outside of the 'mainstream' would please me. And obviously, price, I have seen them much chepaer else where.

**EmmaRose** · 25-09-2009, 09:53 PM

I use alot but my suppliers do a) 3mm bicones and rondelles, b) are much cheaper c) do mixed colour bags- either completely assorted or within a colour range. for my style of work I find that great and am happy to buy by the gross (not many people sell them like that, as obviously not supplied like that) but for accents etc is great rather than trying to have loads in stock of all the colours!!)
Em