We started our bead store in 1991 with no background in business or beads. While running our small business over the decades, we've made plenty of mistakes and experimented with many business models. Between our brick & mortar storefront and our warehouse (where we ship Japanese seed beads worldwide) we've gained a comprehensive knowledge of what works, and even more importantly what doesn't work!

Starting back in June 1994, Caravan Beads helped clients to open bead stores in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Illinois, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Maine, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, Vermont, South Carolina, Texas and Florida. Running any small business is a lot of hard work, and many of our previous customers have retired, moved to an online-only model, or decided that after 20 years they were ready for something new.

Just as local bookstores are experiencing a renaissance after years of tough economic times and market changes, we believe that communities are ready for more local craft stores to start opening near them. Big box stores like JoAnn Fabrics fail not because there is a lack of demand, or that crafts are easier to purchase online, but because their parent companies chase profit rather than community. Customers from as far away as Florida make the trip to our storefront in Maine each year, and many of them tell us that there are no bead shops left within a two hour drive of where they live.

We want to help a new generation of bead stores be successful and that's why we've revised and expanded our training system to include modules that you can customize to suit your exact needs. One of the advantages of working with us is that your training takes place in our brick-and-mortar storefront in Portland, Maine, where you can experience first hand what it's like to run a small business.

In addition to training in all aspects of managing your shop, we can also provide parts of your startup inventory at competitive prices and advise you of the best quality and most reputable vendors for purchasing beads and beading supplies.

The program covers all aspects of owning and operating a bead store. Here is a partial list of topics we cover during training:

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and plenty of time for questions and answers

If you are seriously considering launching a bead store and would like more information about our training, please call 800-230-8941 x 1 and ask for Heather. If you are ready to get started, order your session today and we'll schedule the training at a time that works for both of us. Travel and lodging in Maine can be expensive during peak summer months, so it is wise to plan ahead.

The training includes follow-up support via email or phone for as long as you have questions.

Read our Opening a Bead Store? blog post for more information to consider.