Sea of Beads — Local services in Austin

I'm not one to leave many reviews for retail stores that I visit, but in this situation I feel it is my moral obligation to leave one now. First of all, I absolutely LOVE Sea of Beads and the staff. It has always felt like a family atmosphere. The owners/employees are ethical, honest, genuine and truly care about all of their customers and employees. There was an incedent yesterday at the store where a customer who came in was absolutely one of the most rude and inconsiderate people I've come across. Not only did she ask for information about where she could source their items, she actually got upset when they wouldn't give her the information. I am in retail. We do not share that information. EVER. As a business owner myself, I would never ask someone about their sourcing much less get upset and act rude in front of other customers. If you own your own business, it's common sense not to cause a scene in another persons place of business. I was there. I know what I heard and witnessed. And when she was told she could go to another store, she left out most of the story as well. After the belittling comments and rude unethical behavior, she mentioned that she can go to any other store and obtain the information she was requesting. That's when she was told she was more than welcome to go to that store. She was never told to leave. Which in my opinion she should have been long before it got to the point that it did. I will not sit back and not defend an upstanding retail establishment like Sea of Beads. The employee that had to deal with this person did so with patience and grace. She never lost her temper once or said anything inappropriate. I really hope this individual had second thoughts about the childish way that she behaved and this won't happen to anyone else. This business did not deserve the review she left so I hope this one will help someone else who may be looking for a great place to by their beads and supplies. Sea of Beads is truly the top of the line. And they have impeccable customer service and are very honorable, honest and they hold themselves to high standards. THIS IS WHERE YOU SHOULD BE SHOPPING IN THE AUSTIN AREA! ❤️ OH, AND I GREW UP IN AUSTIN AS WELL. There was absolutely no "exclusion or...

The unfortunate truth of this establishment is that their customer service, supply chain management, and culture are not up to par for our bead community.

Upon reading all 1-star reviews across platforms it is apparent the owner and staff do not take accountability for their mediocrity in repairs, customer service, lack of supply chain management, and inventory management.

They hide behind a diverse array of beads but don’t have a the systems to track, replenish, or identify them. They have reviews about their competitive pricing which is in fact above the median prices (at least for the other Austin Bead shops I surveyed after leaving this one).

Upon bringing up their unsatisfactory business practices, they self-victimize, blame the customer, and again do not take accountability for their mediocrity. I urge every customer reading this to read the 1-star reviews. The transient customer would leave a quick 5-star review only on their bead diversity. Their return customers however see this shop for what it is: mediocre...

I found Sea of Beads several years ago and am so glad that I've had the experience of going back there time and time again. Greg, the owner, takes great care with his customers, and is always willing to help me find exactly what I need for my projects. The expertise of the staff is amazing, too, as so many of them are artistic and have great experience making all kinds of jewelry themselves. If I get stuck and don't know how to proceed with a project, they can help me along, as they have countless times at this point. They have a good selection of classes, and you can sign up for private lessons for things, I think, as I did for Pearl knotting. There is a wide selection to choose from- beads, gemstones, findings, seed beads, tools, pearls, leather and chain, etc. I always end up staying longer and looking around for new things that have come in. This place is like a family, and is my favorite bead store in Austin. They try hard and are good at customer service, which is so important, and I highly...