Thanks for all the feedback!
Since it seems that most of the comments are negative, my questions
are… If you don’t register with JBT, how does one convince a company
like Stuller to send a catalog? Do most of the larger trade shows require a
JBT registration to gain entry? How does one establish credit in a company
name with out the aid of JBT? I’m undecided on which path I should follow,
any suggestions?
Thanks
Steve D.
Hello Steve:
Stullers requested 3 invoices from other companys that I buy from. When
they got the info back they sent every thing including an app. for credit
with them.
I have had no other problems with any other co.
Hope this helps. AL
Stuller sends me catalogs all the time. A letterhead, tax number, and
card with references from Rio and Hauser Miller was all I needed as I
recall, but that was years ago. I am a jewelry designer- one of a kind,
but still need findings etc at times…
Joan
…how does one convince a company
like Stuller to send a catalog? Do most of the larger trade shows require a
JBT registration to gain entry? How does one establish credit in a company
name with out the aid of JBT? I’m undecided on which path I should follow,
any suggestions?
Steve,
I’ve been doing business for 7 years without JBT listing. It’s more
difficult, but not impossible. Stuller and other companies have credit
apps that you can fill out. I may have sent them a copy of my business
registration, don’t remember. Another useful piece of paper is a tax ID
number. I live and work in NH and as a sole propritership at the time, I
did not have a tax ID number, however, I did get one from MA and used that
whenever anyone asked for a copy of my business license or tax ID. With
Stuller, I just used a credit card to pay for the first few years and they
finally called me and asked if I would like to have an account. Other
companies I did the COD game until I could convince them to extend credit
or I prepaid orders whenever I could. JA shows are the only ones you can’t
get into unless you have a storefront. Others will accept proof of
business, but register early so you have time to overcome any hurdles they
throw at you.
Hope this helps, and good luck.
Sharon Ziemek
GoldStones, Inc.
Steve, You should definately go the JBT route. Just don’t tell them any
more than you want to. I am living proof that you can be very vague and
still have an excellent rating. I did not give financial reports, ss#,
account #, ect. What they really want is your supplier list to see if you
pay your bills. DO IT.
Mark P.
Steve, I’ve been a custom jeweler and lapidary for over 25 years and have
never had any problem getting catalogs or credit with the better known
suppliers. To begin with you will need a sales tax number to show that
you really have a business or are seriously interested in jewelry as a
topic (be it in either a professional or amature status). Call the
company…Stuller, Fargotstein, Rio Grande, Tripps, etc., are all
excellent, but there are many others as well. Simply ask for a catalog.
Many will charge a fee which is usually refunded with your first order, but
I have yet to find one that will not provide a catalog. Most will accept
major credit cards up front including over the phone. Some will require
one or two COD orders before extending credit. All the large houses will
assign you a customer number with your first order and you use that from
then on. Some also request a photo copy of your tax registration
certificate. In most cases, they will keep your credit card number and all
pertinant info regarding your business on hand and for subsequent orders
will merely charge to your card number. After a while, if you want memo or
credit status, just ask…they will provide the application. The larger
companies also provide technical advice and you can talk with their
technicians about problems you are having. Having said all that…my
business, The Charles Belle Studio, is a one person operation and my orders
a rarely vary large (sometimes sporadic as well). But I get treated by
these companies just the same as if I am ordering $$millions. Furthermore,
I am neither listed nor rated with JBT and doubt if I ever will. You
should have no problem!!