- Free shipping? How does that work?
In the list of shipping options, you select standard U.S. mail. We will ship via the lowest cost method to U.S.A. destinations for free, except for extremely large orders. For those, we charge the actual shipping cost and get your approval of the cost first. We can also ship via priority mail at a reasonable price. We offer UPS and Fed Ex shipping if you prefer. Shipping an international order is actual cost based on package and weight. Please see our Answers to Questions page for details.
- What are the volume discounts?
Buy $50-$99.00 and you save 5%. Buy $100-$199.00 you save 10%. Buy over $200.00 you save 20%. It just doesn't get better than that.
All you have to do is shop online. These discounts are not available in our retail store.
- Do you ship internationally?
We sure do! Payment for international orders must be by PayPal. We will not accept credit card payments for international orders. Be sure to select the "international" shipping option. Free shipping does not apply to international orders.
- How fast can you ship?
At the speed of light! Well, maybe not quite that fast, but we aim to please. Most of our bead orders are shipped within 24 hours of receipt (except on days when the shippers don't work.) If the order arrives before 2:00 p.m. Mountain time on week-days, we can usually get it packaged and shipped the same day. (Our post office closes at 4:00 p.m. weekdays and 3:00 p.m. Saturday) Week-end orders may not ship until the following Monday.
- Who buys from you?
Most of our customers are jewelry making artisans, both beginners and experts, with high quality standards. They know our quality beads and jewelry supplies produce better, longer lasting results, and they appreciate our prompt delivery. They know our prices are reasonable too. So, if you bead, you can't go wrong here.
- Are your products limited to jewelry making?
No way! Many of our customers use our beads to embellish fabric or as craft components. We know at least some of our products have been used in theater and advertising production, as well as by party planners and wedding planners. Our beads and jewelry supplies have also been used by sculptors, quilters, knitters, crocheters, seamstresses, woodworkers, teachers, home decorators, fishermen (who tie flies) and collectors. There is no end to the ways you can use our beads and other products.
- Can I return items I don't like?
Of course! (The only exception is our beading books.) Just send the items back in unaltered condition, and we'll refund your purchase price for up to 6 months after the date of purchase. (We do keep the $7.00 minimum order amount to cover shipping and handling, so please keep that in mind if you return all items in your order.) You don't need an RMA number to return something. PLEASE package the beads with a little padding, so they won't break on the return trip. The postal service equipment squeeses the envelope very hard, and, without padding, items will be either broken or forced through the envelope. Please see our Answers to Questions page for details on our policies.
- Do you have a minimum order amount?
Yes, it is $7.00. We implemented a minimum order amount when we added free shipping. The minimum order amount is not refunded if you return your order.
- Do you accept PayPal payments?
You bet we do! We love PayPal. Please refer to our Answers to Questions page for details.
- How do I find the beads I'm looking for?
You can use the search feature on the left, just type in a word or part number to find something, or you can just browse by clicking the links on the index at left.
- Do you have any free beadwork tutorials or information on the gemstones?
Yes, we do. Check out the "More Information" link. You will also find information on bead related terminology, bead combination ideas, number of seed beads per gram, some of our original designs not for sale at this time, a virtual tour of our Albuquerque bead shop, and much more.
- Can I pick up the beads in person?
You betcha. We've got a bead shop in Albuquerque's Old Town, and we're open every day (well. . .except major holidays and when we get stuck at home due to snow.)
- Can I order by phone, fax, or mail?
Yes, you certainly can. Keep in mind that, because we run a retail shop, telephone orders can be difficult for us. If you are concerned about giving your credit card information over the web, place your order online and choose payment by money order, then call or fax us the payment information. That way there is no question about what you ordered, your address, or the price, yet your card information is safe. (Actually, we have very good cyber security in place, but we understand that you may be concerned about the risk.) Paying with PayPal is an excellent alternative way to pay that also minimizes risk. They can deduct from your checking account, so no debt is incurred (a smart financial decision for you.)
