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Post by Michael on Sept 11, 2015 14:34:33 GMT
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Post by frilly industries on Sept 14, 2015 16:49:57 GMT
We use Cookson Gold too, they had a great response to our ethical sourcing query as did www.bigbeadlittlebead.com/online-bead-shop.php Big Bead provided a quick and thorough response, some of their findings are vintage and so they can't attest to ethical manufacturing standards of those pieces but take great care to talk to their suppliers and question their processes. |
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Post by littlepapa on Sept 14, 2015 19:40:33 GMT
I use beads unlimited-they have a local shop and I always prefer to shop local when I can. They are extremely helpful and great to deal with-
This is their policy
Around the world beads marathon
We are at pains to check the production of our top selling lines. This takes us to far flung corners of the world where we are offered spicy food and we travel by uncomfortable, and occasionally dangerous, means of transportation. Understanding the production process gives us the edge in quality control and getting new designs out to you, our lovely and loyal customers. We operate an informal fair trade policy where possible. Happy, smiling workers make happy, smiling beads. Overbearing bosses overseeing downtrodden workers do not make suitable suppliers.
Always nice to have a few decent suppliers to hand though!
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Post by raquel on Sept 16, 2015 9:50:40 GMT
Katies Bike came back with some great feedback too (she's travelling at the moment so thought I'd post this on her behalf). These guys actually manufacture everything in the UK: www.bfnt.co.uk/index.php For her stainless steel findings she has sought out this US based company who went back to her with a solid policy for ensuring a fair working environments from all their manufacturers: www.firemountaingems.com/ |
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Post by raquel on Sept 16, 2015 9:59:58 GMT
Also, www.rings-things.com/ came back to me with a little bit of advice for sellers: "In the absence of Fair Trade Certification or similar guarantees, one of the best way to source products that are fairly made is to purchase items manufactured in countries with strong laws and regulations regarding safety standards and workers’ rights (like the USA, Japan, France, and Austria)." |
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Post by katiesbike on Sept 16, 2015 20:18:21 GMT
I've switched over from mainly using International Craft (not recommended!) to Beads Findings N Things www.bfnt.co.uk/index.php (UK) Cookson Gold (UK) Fire Mountain Gems (US) Just to clarify, BFNT don't necessarily manufacture everything in the UK. I checked with them on the specific products I wanted (silver plated cufflinks and key ring trigger clasps) and they confirmed that these were both manufactured and plated in the UK. They have been great so far with prompt responses to my questions and speedy deliveries. I would certainly recommend them. I would also suggest that if you find a supplier you like working with, it may be worth requesting any products you need that they don't already carry. If enough of us are asking for something, or they appreciate the amount of business they're getting, they'll look into sourcing it through their reputable channels. |
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Post by alex101 on Nov 25, 2015 9:16:56 GMT
We use Cookson Gold too, they had a great response to our ethical sourcing query as did www.bigbeadlittlebead.com/online-bead-shop.php Big Bead provided a quick and thorough response, some of their findings are vintage and so they can't attest to ethical manufacturing standards of those pieces but take great care to talk to their suppliers and question their processes. Hi frilly industries, can you tell me what Cookson Gold replied to you about ethical sourcing? I use them too and they seem pretty good at using ethical products so I'd be keen to hear what they said? THanks! |
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