I'm shopping for beads I've found 2 online stores Shipwreck and firemountains?

Question

has anyone shopped at both of these sites can you tell me which one is better. I do know that shipwreck offers a larger variety but in terms of price and service which one stands out between these 2?

Answer 1

I Personally have used Firemoutian  and have been Very Happy with the Products and service. The best part is the $ 5.00 flat shipping rate !!!!!

Answer 2

That depends what you are looking for.  I've never heard of Shipwreck, but even here in the UK I've heard of Firemountain, and they have an excellent reputation, so I'd probably go with them.

Answer 3

I'm a bit of a bead snob and don't really like either very much. They tend to inflate their prices too much and have a mediocre quality of bead selection. I like the smaller specialized bead companies that have more unique products an great prices.

If you have a wholesale number, this site will save you even more money than the prices it lists for retail... http://talismanbeads.com/

It also lists Bead Shows all across the country, and maybe near to where you live. There you can get even more beads individually or by the strand. Beads by the strand usually work out to be more economical than individually.

Seeing the beads up close and personal is 10x better than guessing what they might look like in person. If you go to the shows then you can find out different company/shop names and the quality of beads that they carry, so that later on when and if you order from them what you are going to actually get.

Answer 4

It all depends on if you are finding what you want at them.  I use both regularly, usually when they are having sales.

My primary sources for seed beads though, are on ebay unless I am making a bulk purchase.  Try doing a search for the bead type you want (example: bicone beads 6mm) and you will get a large number of returns where you can shop.  

Be sure you always check the ship rates.  Some places ship free and some charge way too much!