The Potomac Bead Company does wholesale a bit differently than many other companies. First, for the designer, we offer wholesale packages. These are available both in our stores, and online. Wholesale packages give the designer significant savings when buying an assortment of similar items, whether they be similar stones or similar shapes.
The second method of wholesale buying is directed at the larger volume designer or small bead store. Because we import large volumes of product on a frequent basis, we give our wholesale customers the opportunity to share in these purchases by buying with us. When we place overseas orders, there is generally a 50 or 100+ strand minimum per style for glass, pearls, and gemstones, a 500+ meter minimum per style of chain or wire, a 50+ piece minimum on pendants and centerpieces, or a 1000+ piece minimum for various findings. We give wholesale customers the chance to pre-order and hand pick their purchases with very small minimums. The wholesale application is available here.
When we are preparing to place an order, we send order forms to each of our approved wholesale buyers. These forms list each item being ordered, with order number, shape, size, photo, price, and minimum quantities. Shipping is automatically configured at the bottom of the sheet, and varies with each order, depending upon country of origin and method of shipment. Minimum order quantities also vary, depending upon the shipment. There may be a minimum of 3 strands per style in one order, and as many as ten in another. Minimums for pendants vary from 3-8, minimums for findings vary from 10-50, and minimums for chain vary from 25-100 feet. Likewise, minimum total orders vary from $250 to $750, depending upon the order.
Because all shipments are pre-ordered, delivery can take from 6-10 weeks. All import fees, duties, and customs are processed by The Potomac Bead Company. Upon clearing customs, the shipment is processed and mailed to each wholesale buyer from our warehouse. With international purchasing, it is always important to think ahead, and order for the future. Upon placement of your wholesale order, each buyer will pay a deposit between 50 and 100% of your total, with the balance due when the product has cleared customs and arrived at our warehouse. Each wholesale buyer will be given an order number, and can request an update on the order by emailing wholesale@potomacbeads.com with your order number.
This method of wholesale buying offers a significant savings over retail, and even most wholesale prices. By buying just above cost, with factory-direct savings, the ability to pick every individual product at low minimums is unique to The Potomac Bead Company. Wholesale applications are available here, and can be faxed to 717.263.1205, or scanned and emailed to wholesale@potomacbeads.com.
Currently Scheduled Shipments:
-Gemstones (65 different styles) --- (Just arrived, March 2008)
-Solid Copper beads, findings, toggles, & pendants --- (in transit, arriving March 2008)
-Tools (mandrels, pliers sets, cutters, hammering blocks) --- (final production phase, arriving April 2008)
-Cabochons (multiple sizes, over 115 different stones) --- (Order scheduled to be placed in April 2008)
-Gemstones (78 different styles, 125 different stones) --- (Order scheduled to be placed in April 2008)
-Chain (copper, silver, plated, gold-plated, brass) --- (Order scheduled to be placed in April 2008)
-CZ (Cubic Zirconia, multiple cuts) --- (Order scheduled to be placed in May 2008)
-Lampwork Glass (re-orders of many products on website, some new styles) --- (Order scheduled to be placed in May 2008)
-Glass Pearls, Cat's Eye, Quartz --- (Order scheduled to be placed in May/June 2008)
-Thai Silver - (Order scheduled to be place Summer 2008)
-Czech Glass (hundreds of shapes & colors) --- (Order scheduled to be placed in July 2008)
