FAQs
LIVE SALES — FAQs
Before the Beads Take Over…
The lives are relaxed, friendly and notoriously unhelpful to anyone who arrives saying, “I’m only here for a look.”
Put the kettle on, make yourself comfortable and join us. The rules are simple, the company is lovely, and self-control remains entirely optional.
How do I join a live sale?
Begin by purchasing £10 Deposit – The Invitation through the website.
Once that is done, your place is waiting and you’re ready to claim. Consider it your official permission slip to make questionable but beautiful decisions.
What happens to my £10 deposit?
The full £10 goes towards your basket. It is not an extra charge.
It allows me to keep everything you claim safely to one side while you continue insisting that the next one really will be your last.
Is the deposit refundable?
Deposits are non-refundable.
Once something has been claimed, it is removed from sale and kept for you. The beads have chosen their person, and there is no going back.
How do I claim?
Please use one separate comment for each claim and include the colour or variation where needed.
The chat can move at astonishing speed—usually just as the most popular colour appears—so this helps me keep everything in the correct basket.
How long can my basket stay open?
Your basket can stay open for 7 days from the day it begins.
During that time, you’re welcome to return to any of my lives and add anything else that catches your eye. There is no need to do all your choosing in one sitting, although some of you do approach it with admirable commitment.
You can also settle sooner when waiting patiently for your parcel begins to feel entirely unreasonable.
Will I know how much I’ve spent?
Yes. The day after each live where you have added something, I’ll send you the total from the previous day.
That way, you can keep track as you go rather than being unexpectedly confronted by the consequences of your excellent taste seven days later.
Is there a basket limit?
Yes. Every basket has a spending limit because even The Bead Dealer occasionally has to be the sensible one.
If your basket reaches that point, I’ll ask for a part-payment of 25% of its current total before any further claims can be added.
Every penny goes towards your order—it is not an extra charge.
How do I settle my basket?
When your basket is complete, I’ll confirm the amount remaining.
Enter that amount through Final Balance – The Settlement on the website. Please wait until I’ve sent you the correct figure before using the listing.
Once everything is settled, you can begin the very serious business of watching for the postman while I get your parcel ready.
What if I spot something else after I’ve paid?
Ah. The Temptation.
You had finished. You had been sensible. Then something else appeared and ruined all your good work.
Provided your parcel is still here and has not yet been packed and sealed, another item can be added without paying postage again.
Wait for me to confirm there is still time, then enter the amount through Add to My Parcel – The Temptation.
Once your parcel has been sealed, however, even The Bead Dealer cannot negotiate with the postage bag. Anything claimed afterwards will begin a new basket.
What are the UK postage charges?
Royal Mail Tracked 48 — £3.85
Royal Mail Tracked 24 — £4.65
Orders of £125 or more are charged £8.00 postage because they require a larger parcel.
There is currently no free-postage threshold. Royal Mail, regrettably, remains unmoved by my charm.
What happens if I don’t settle within seven days?
Baskets must be settled within the seven-day period.
If payment is not completed, the items will be returned to sale and the original deposit will be retained.