Beadworks — Local services in Vancouver

If you’re looking to stock up on beads I wouldn’t recommend here. Unfortunately this was the only bead store open when I came through the area. While the store is in a beautiful setting, you pay for it in price!! I can’t believe how expensive the beads were. I had no choice and needed to replenish my supply, now after working with them a bit I am noticing the quality isn’t the greatest either. Also, the majority of their selection was not labelled, no colours or sizes, some hanks had numbers but searching them online to get a colour name or something is useless. I’m pretty disappointed for how much I spent here, I won’t be coming back here to purchase beads. Maybe it’s decent if you’re coming here to create your own jewellery, I wouldn’t know. The staff were somewhat friendly I guess. I had to wait by the door for some time before anyone acknowledged me and let me come in. And I had to find a stool and get my own beads.from the top rows on the wall. After spending almost $150 I was given a $2 discount ……….. thanks I guess?

Edit: I’m not sure how to respond to a reply so I’ve added it here: Thank you for the response. I understand and appreciate your policies regarding the maximum amount of people in your store and have no issue with waiting my turn. However some sort of acknowledgment while I was waiting would have been appreciated. I watched customers leave and the worker looked at me several times and went back to what she was doing at the front counter. It wasn’t until I inquired myself that she said I could come in. I’m finding inconsistencies with the beads, which I do expect but there are more inconsistencies in some colours than in others, and in comparison to the same type of beads I’ve purchased elsewhere. For your prices I was expecting a bit more uniformity. When I asked how I could tell what the sizes were as everything on your far back wall was not marked, I was told they start at 11/0 at the top and get smaller as they go down. I even inquired with two employees to ensure I had the right size, they were both very unsure but offered no way to confirm. Thank you for the information regarding colours, I will send an email to find out what they are. Unfortunately I didn’t keep my receipt so cannot confirm the discount I was given, but I am quite sure I heard her say it was “two dollars”. Overall, I was taken aback at your prices (especially your delicas! Some colours as much as $60 for a tiny 5 or so gram bag!!) and somewhat disappointed with the service I received and their lack of knowledge and helpfulness. As I said before - maybe a great place to come and create your own jewellery with their help, but not so much for stocking up on beading supplies which was the purpose...

Yesterday, my friends and I went to Beadworks, and unfortunately, we had a terrible experience. The staff has no sense of customer service—we had conflicts with two employees.

My friends and I were all set with our trays, ready to make our bracelets. I politely approached a salesperson to let her know we were ready. She responded with complete indifference, telling me there was no space available and that we would have to make our bracelets at home. It was 4:30 PM, and the store closes at 6 PM.

I immediately shared this with my friends, who were already seated at a table, ready to start. Frustrated, they decided to confirm the information with another salesperson, who rudely told them she was on her break and couldn’t help us.

In the end, they refused to let us sit at a table that was clearly available—only to give it to three people who arrived after us.

Here’s the issue:

The staff is rude and has no concept of customer service. The store’s policies and designated hours for making bracelets and necklaces are not posted anywhere, making it impossible to know these rules in advance. Beadworks is located in Granville Island, a popular destination for both tourists and locals like my friends and me, who enjoy jewelry and crafts. But given their disorganized system and awful customer service, I can confidently say I will never return.

Save your money and go...

I had a disappointing experience at Beadworks Vancouver that I felt needed to be shared. While waiting in line, I was told by an employee named Bailey that I couldn’t create any bracelets or charms. Yet, after stepping aside, I saw many people behind me allowed to make their own without any such restrictions. As an Asian woman, this inconsistency was confusing and made me feel unfairly excluded, especially since I was visiting just for the day. It was disheartening, and I hope this feedback encourages a more consistent and welcoming approach to all customers.

Edited as a response to the owner:

You’re right I did make this review 19 mins after, I’m glad you kept the time of an upset customer. Why would I wait until I get home when modern technology is right at my fingertips.

And no she did not mention any bead work after she said what can’t be done she said “I don’t know if this changes anything” to which I replied “can I still shop?”. Why did I say that, well I’ve never been to this store and did not know what my full limitations were.

She should have explained fully or what other shops do is ask “is this your first time here” and then proceed with what the offerings are.

Regardless not a good feeling.

Now I made this at 5:54pm…did you count how many minutes...