The Bead Place — Attraction in Fairview Heights

I shop the Bead Place on occasion for projects that I do from time to time. It has been my first place to hit when looking for something. Not anymore. I had a necklace project I was doing and the sales girl suggested a 100ct, tiny, jewelry-type ziplock, easily opened package of silver rings as spacers. (She even mentioned that many times she gets into a project and rearranges the components as we were discussing the project.) She never said anything about not taking returns and, I did not notice any signs saying all sales final. This bag cost $12 and I used one as it turned out. They, two salesgirls and the owner, would not give me a refund.They said they do not give refunds. That this is standard practice for the bead industry. I said I did not see any signs that tell a customer that and, they said there are no all-sales-final signs by the register or in the bead room. But, there are signs to that effect in the yarn section in the other room. I have never gone in the yarn section so it doesn't help me too much. She also explained that this is standard practice in the bead industry. Also, doesn't help me, the customer, too much. I am a customer not in the industry. And if it is standard practice in the bead industry, why are the signs solely in the yarn section? Also, they have classes. Are they suggesting they don't take the components they use in class from their store inventory? Isn't the purpose of the classes to promote sales of their inventory? My complaint is first off, why would I even think that there were no returns if there were no signs, nothing on the receipt and, the salesperson does not tell me? Since it is good business practice to suggest items, alternatives and ideas, they should take returns. And counting the bag twice took me all of 4 minutes and that includes pouring it into the bag. And guess what, there were only 97 not 99. So much for actually worrying about the accuracy of the count! Great customer service. Standard practices does not mean good practices and; standard practices aside, they are a retail business and customer...

Completely unsatisfied with the customer service provided by the company. Seems like they immediately found excuses & lied to not service me. Could race be a factor?

I called & inquired about having a custom piece made for my daughter. Spoke to Becky who informed me that she wasn't sure if they were taking custom orders but if so it would be a 1 month turnaround, as they had "so many orders currently and not enough staff". I immediately inquired, how do you all have so many orders if you don't take orders? She said she would talk to Jenny and have her follow up with me. Jenny calls. She reports they didn't have the beads I was looking for in enough quantity to create a set, but also the chain & clasp they did not have. When I inquired about a different chain or clasp, she proceeded to tell me they don't take orders and Becky wasn't lying, but she was mistaken about them having so many orders that it would be a 1 month turnaround. Very specific information to be mistaken. Completely contradictory. Hope they do a better job with catering to the needs of ALL CUSTOMERS...

The Bead Place is owned by 2 very knowledgeable and helpful women. The beads run the gammet from handmade originals to sparkling crystals. It's worth checking regularly just for the seasonal accessories! They have project kits for beginners through experts. Older kids could be creatively entertained by making a number of these kits. Workshops cover a variety of techniques and skills. If all else fails, they sell lovely jewelry too.

If that's not enough, they have a yarn shop hidden inside. Yarn crafters should make sure to stop in and take a look.

Overall, it's a clean and well-lit shop with helpful staff. A "jewel" supporting the local economy. I look forward to shopping there again & will...