Subscription FAQs

PotomacBeads Subscription Box FAQ

  • I really like the Best Bead Boxes and want to subscribe. How do I get the most bang for my buck?

    The best way to get the lowest per-month cost is to purchase the entire year of Best Bead Box: Treasure Edition or the Best Bead Box: Kit Edition and then be billed once per year (annually). That equals a savings of $10 per month. If you decide to go this route, your card will be charged for all 12 boxes at once, and then we will ship you a new box each month. After you have received 12 boxes, your subscription will renew automatically until you decide to stop. There are also options to be billed twice per year (biannually/every six months), four times per year (quarterly/every three months), and 12 times per year (monthly/every month).

  • What is included in my monthly Subscription Box?

    You will receive a variety of personally curated beads, some of which can be used in the "project of the month" (2-3 "projects" in the Kit Edition). A pattern for each "project" will be provided along with the beads. However, the Treasure Edition is not intended to be a kit. You may use the beads for the selected project(s) or create your own designs. Also included monthly is a varied selection of "extra" beads you can design with, add to your stash, or browse the thousands of design ideas in the How to Bead section. These beads are chosen by a fellow beadweaver in complementary colors; however, they may not be a color palette you would choose. The Best Bead Box: Treasure Edition was created to expand your creativity and allow you to try new beads to which you may not otherwise have access. You will also not receive thread or needles since thread and needle brand choices vary drastically from person to person. If you need help choosing the right thread and needles, watch our Better Beader Episode on thread and our Better Beader Episode on beadweaving needles.

  • When does my box ship each month?

    Your first box will ship on the first weekday after subscribing. If you sign up at the end of the month, you will receive that current month's box. You will then be re-billed on the 2nd and shipped on the 7th of the following month.

  • Can I ship other orders from PotomacBeads.com with my subscription box?

    Unfortunately, the weight and volume of each box are very carefully planned, so the boxes can ship to you faster than a delicious chocolate bullet. This means that boxes cannot be combined with other orders. But we would love to ship you extra orders to give you that extra enjoyment of opening magic!

  • I am going on a long trip, what can I do?

    You can put your subscription on hold up to twice each year so that you don't have to worry about what might arrive while you are gone. To do that, simply contact hello@potomacbeads.com.

    You must place a hold on your subscription by the first of the month to avoid having that month's subscription box mailed to you.

  • If I cancel my subscription what happens?

    A canceled subscription means that your subscription period will not renew, and the rest of the boxes under your plan will NOT ship. For you to receive your boxes, your subscription must stay open. If a refund is requested, it will be processed case-by-case. If a refund is granted, it will be prorated at the higher monthly fee. For example, you subscribe to the Best Bead Box: Treasure Edition for one year but cancel after two months. Therefore, the refund will equal the annual subscription rate minus two months at the current monthly rate of $39.99. Any refund granted will also include a $10 restocking fee to cover shipping, handling, and credit card fees.

    You must cancel by the first of the month to avoid being charged for, and receiving, that month's subscription box.

  • I need to update my credit card or shipping information. Where can I do so?

    After logging in, click on My Account in the upper right hand corner of the website, or visit www.potomacbeads.com/my/subscription.

    To update your card information, navigate to "My Subscriptions" and click on your active subscription number. In the upper left, click on "Change Payment Method" if you would like to enter a new card number or "Choose Payment" if you need to select a different card on file or add a new number.

  • What is this Golden Ticket I keep hearing about?

    Each month, there will be 10 recipients of Golden Tickets that they can use to redeem a prize from PotomacBeads. These lucky subscribers will receive a special giveaway which will be revealed during the LIVE YouTube unboxing by PotomacBeads.

  • Can I return or exchange a portion of my hand curated beads for others of my choosing?

    We do not allow returns or exchanges of beads included in your monthly subscription. The beads and supplies are selected with a theme in mind and are intended to complement each other. It may not be your personal taste, but that is the fun and magic of the Best Bead Box and Best Bead Box XL! It gives you a chance to work in other colorways or with other beads you may not normally choose. It will help you discover new beads and designs, while making you a more creative and happy beader.

  • The prices since the subscription box has changed have also changed. How does this affect my existing subscription?

    The new subscription box prices will not go into effect until a subscription renews but you will begin receiving the Best Bead Box: Treasure Edition if you were previously subscribed to the Regular Best Bead Box. You will receive the Best Bead Box: Kit Edition if you were previously subscribed to the XL Best Bead Box. For example, if you signed up (or had an automatic renewal) that took place in December for 6 months, you have already paid the previous price for 6 months of boxes. When the subscription automatically renews in June, it will be renewed at the new price.

PotomacBeads Pattern Subscription Club FAQ

  • When will I get my patterns?

    The first patterns should be delivered to your email inbox within a matter of minutes. This is a digital subscription and you will have the option to store them on your device, or print them for your own use. Each month, you can expect your patterns delivered within minutes after your payment has successfully processed.

  • Ok, I got my email, now what?

    Your randomly selected patterns will come as an attachment in your email. Simply download them to your device and have fun finding new favorite designs!

  • What sort of patterns can I expect to be emailed to me each month?

    We have hundreds of patterns that use a wide range of beads, from seed bead only designs to patterns that incorporate single and multi-holed beads. A selection of 5 patterns are randomly chosen each month, which may include necklaces, rings, bracelets or beaded beads. You can expect to get patterns of all different skills levels so there is something for everyone.

  • I am absolutely loving the patterns! How do I get the materials I need to make my favorites?

    That's as easy as 1, 2, 3! On the back of the patterns, you will find links to the videos. These can be very helpful if you get stuck at a step! Also on the video pages, you will find links to the materials used and you can effortlessly add the materials to your cart from that page. When your cart if full, place your order through PotomacBeads.com and the beading joy will land on your doorstep. You can even place an order in your jammies and with morning coffee breath - you won't offend us!

  • I didn't get my patterns! Help!!

    Search your inbox for "hello@potomacbeads.com" or "Pattern Subscription." We try our best to keep it from happening, but sometimes these emails end up in a "Promotions" or "Spam" folder. If you still can't find them, email us at hello@potomacbeads.com and we can help!

  • When does my card get charged?

    For monthly members, your card will be charged right away when you sign up and your subscription will renew automatically every subsequent month on the same date on which you signed up. For annual subscriptions, you will get charged at sign up for the entire year and then your subscription will renew automatically on the anniversary of your Pattern Subscription Club.

  • I need to update my credit card. Where can I do so?

    After logging in, click on My Account in the upper right hand corner of the website, or visit www.potomacbeads.com/my/subscription.

    To update your card information, navigate to "My Subscriptions" and click on your active subscription number. In the upper left, click on "Change Payment Method" if you would like to enter a new card number or "Choose Payment" if you need to select a different card on file or add a new number.

  • If I cancel my subscription what happens?

    A cancelled subscription means that your subscription period will not renew, but the rest of the Pattern Subscription Club emails under your plan will still be sent digitally to you. For example, if you are paying annually, and you have already received 1 of your 12 total emails, the other 11 will also be emailed but your subscription will not be renewed. If a refund is requested, it will be processed on a case-by-case basis and prorated to reflect the months you have already received. We do this because some people want to sign up for the discounted annual rate, but not renew automatically. It's sometimes hard to remember what you ate yesterday, let alone to cancel a subscription one year into the future!

  • I already have a pattern that is included in this month's Pattern Subscription Club. Can I exchange it?

    Unfortunately, we do not allow exchanges or give credit if you already have a pattern. But you can always gift that pattern to a dear friend or a loved one!