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[MonkeyMeMe]

Lou,
I import my  own stones from Korea as well as hot fix tape, I have tried alot of stones  and hot fix tape
I have narrowed it down to  Korean stones for my everyday transfers as the price for the stones keep my items affortable.
Hot fix tape I use 3 kinds,,
one clear for retail
one a opague kinda frosted transfer tape which picks stones up like a charm
and one i call monkey tape that is reuseable for at least 5 transfers.

Sandy Jo

[FatDad]

sandy your link doesnt work

[MonkeyMeMe]

Well it has been a while since i posted,, but I now get my stones from Korea,,,,and import them ,my self,,,
So that is where i get my stones, FROM ME!!!!!lol Woohooooooo
MMM

[BigMouse]

Would you be willing to share where you import your rhinestones from? I am interested in importing my own rhinestones as well. I found a site www.alibaba.com that has several manufacturers listed.

[MonkeyMeMe]

alibaba is a great place to start,,  just start contacting them and getting samples, each sample will cost for shipping 25.00 to 50.00 so choose carefully,,
Have fun
MMM

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

MMM,

Would you mind sharing a little about the import process?  Is there anything special you have to do regarding customs, taxes, etc

[MonkeyMeMe]

Depending on your importer,, there are forms and some export tax as well as custom labels and laws,, that go with each manufacturer,
You need to know all this upfront,,
from each vendor,, some you will get a bill about 30 days out,, for export tax, when they said it was all included... it is kind of hit or miss..
I am trying to find the best prices on great product,, for bulk selling so it is not so hard to buy bulk at great prices right here, in the us..
These stone bags of 500 and 1000 gross are heavy lil buggers,, and it is not uncommon for a shipment to way 25 pounds, coming from korea, that can be spendy.. Stones cost more to ship than studs,, becuase of the weight .

I would actually love feedback, from everyone on the sizes they use most and colors,, that are needed...
That will help me with my orders,,,  to korea.
I have not purchased transfers as I make them myself,, and can keep less on hand than ordering in 100 of each design,, There are way to many designs i want to do , to keep that many,,
lol
MMM

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Good to know about the tax.  Is that a bill you get from customs or the shipping company?  When you are looking at companies there is sometimes such a language barrier, what exactly do you have to ask them regarding shipping to know if everything is included in the shipping price they quote you.
Also is it best to use fedex, dhl, ups

FOr your reference, I use mainly ss6 and ss10 rarely the other sizes.  As far as colors, I do much more with colored rhinestuds then stones.  Most popular colors: clear, orange, red, sapphire, pink studs

[MonkeyMeMe]

Dixie, those are exactly my most popular too, i have not done a shipment of 4mm yet or 5mm, want to stock up well on the 3mm and 2mm first,,
I have to say, i have a soft spot in my heart for Rhinestuds and domes,,

the added on fees, will never be disclosed untill you get the bill later, from Customs or Fed ex, or whom ever the shipper is..

I have used fed ex and ups, as that is whom i have my account set up with.

MMM

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Nothing like surprise with the fees.  Still, with the prices that you can buy stones for in the states, the fees can't be that much per gross.

If you are interested in selling large bulk bags let me know.  I am going through so many stones right now.  I usually buy ss6 (1000 gross or 500 gross) and ss10 (500 gross) per color.  You can pm me.  I am always on the lookout for good stones

[MonkeyMeMe]

yep i will pm,  you, with the info and yes, i am interested in selling large bulk, lol
MMM

[LEO]

MMM,
   Can you get 8ss stones in COLORS?
While the 6ss and 10ss are the most used... I like the 8ss especially for left chest designs.
No one else has 8ss in colors.. you would have an exclusive !

Let me know,  LEO

[MonkeyMeMe]

Leo, I have  4 vendors sending me samples now,, 8ss are available from some vendors, from the research I have done,

Leo, let me ask you this question,, would you then use a 10ss template you already may have and have the hole just be bigger for this size stone, or would you want  custom templates to only fit the 8ss,,,

8ss is a beautiful stone and I could see the value in the size as a chest logo design as it is not to small but not as large as a 3mm,
The typical rule i follow is with 3mm stones  used on one letter takes up space of 3/4 inch,, to 1 inch ,, so that tells you with 3mm if you have a 4 inch logo ,, you get 4-5 letters,, or 6-9 squished letters , unless you use smaller stones,,,

Leo, How did your show go?
MMM

[LEO]

PLEASE let me know when you have info on what colors available in 8SS.

The shirts I produced using YOUR template - SOLD!
The template was designed for 6SS in the outline and 10ss in the scrolly design at bottom.
The 8ss would fit well enough in the 6ss slots.
I don't do letters- just outlines and the 8ss are vital to achieve the detail I need especially for left chest (4"x4"). I still use 6ss
for finer detail within the 8ss designs.

LEO

[MonkeyMeMe]

Awesome,,, that was a great design,, you had,,
I will let you know as soon as i find a good stone,, Quaility in that size, and colors,
Thanks Leo
MMM