Hi,

I have toyed with the idea of selling beads and components...first online, and eventually brick and mortar.  I'm starting to get a clue that going to the large bead shows is the best way to start building an inventory by buying wholesale.  

Can anyone recommend a really good show in the NY State, New England region? I live in the upstate NY (Johnstown, to be exact) area around Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Schenectady. I'd like to keep it down to 150 mile radius if possible, but that's flexible.

I understand that I'm asking for advice from people with whom I might be in competition when I start this venture.  But, depending on your location, that might not be the case...and we can send customers each other's way.  And, if you're big enough to sell wholesale, I'm a willing customer if you have what I need.  In addition, I'm seeing enough interest in the handmade jewelry market, as a hobby or otherwise, to have enough business to go around.

Thanks for listening!

Betsy    

Hi Betsy, 

The New York City Glass Art & Bead Festival (sponsored by Soft Flex Company) could be a great venue for you to pick up a little bit of everything. 

The show is being held on the FIT campus this year (in the campus conference center/Great Hall). The dates are October 16th - 18th. You would be able to find gemstones, stringing supplies, tools, artisan beads and much, much more. Most of our vendors wholesale, or have some type of discount policy for buying in quantity. 

Please visit our show page from our website for more information: 

Hope you will be able to make it. Feel free to e-mail or reply to this post with any questions you may have. 

Jennifer 

Jennifer@softflexcompany.com

www.softflexcompany.com 

I would suggest all the spectators of the event should take part in the MAKE IT TAKE IT section of the exibition. The section focusses on the creativity. You never know u can make the best design in the market.

Its Fun.

 Thanks Jennifer...that sounds like a good one! But tell me, will there be pearl and gemstone beads as well as glass? Do you have a list of exhibitors?

Betsy