If you're new to bead craft, or think you might be interested, among the first questions that might spring to mind is where you can buy beads online. Luckily, there're a lots of reputable web vendors, but before you race to find them, it might be worth taking a moment to think about the advantages and disadvantages of ordering beads on the web.

The key benefit to being able to buy beads online is, of course, comfort. From the comfort of your chair, you can browse a staggering array of selections (everything from glass to wooden, to semi-precious and many specialty beads), drop what you want into your shopping cart, and with the touch of a key, they are on their way to you, fast and painless, but there're two disadvantages to ordering beads online.

First is shipping charge. You can avoid these totally and get a better deal if you frequent your regional brick and mortar store. Naturally, some vendors of beads online provide free shipping if you order over a certain dollar amount. Always check out deals like this is buying beads online.

The second major drawback of purchasing beads online is the fact that bead craft is, at its essence, a palpable hobby. When shopping for beads, part of the pleasure is getting to reach out and touch them. To get a feel for them and see if you really like them and if they will work for you in your projects. The way most brick and mortar shops are laid out, the beads are out in open display, encouraging this hands on approach. You just do not get that when ordering beads online.

My personal suggestion would be this:

If you have a brick and mortar bead shop in your local area, checkout what they've available as a first course. Perhaps even browse beads online to get an idea for things you want to seek at the brick and mortar store.

If you do not have a store in your region specializing in bead craft and beading supplies, then check some chain shops to see what's available (Michael's is a good source, and even Wal-Mart's craft section has some beading supplies). Once you've exhausted the options of the local shops, then certainly turn your concentration to finding a source to buy beads online.

One final note, and a nod in favor of web based bead vendors are specialty beads. The brick and mortar shops are outstanding sources for normal supplies, but you may find that they don't carry certain specialty designs (just simply not sufficient local demand for it). So if you are looking for something rare or specialized, purchasing these beads online is almost certainly your best bet.

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