PotomacBeads
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Join our community

PotomacBeads
Kitting Program

Kitting services for purchasing, production, storage & fulfillment

Maryland, USA

Overview

You're the designer!

You love being creative and making something new.  You enjoy teaching and explaining.  Likely you don't enjoy planning, purchasing, kittings, warehousing, and fulfillment?  If so, that's why the PotomacBeads Kitting Program is here!

PotomacBeads' Designer Kitting Program helps designers to put their focus where it belongs. Let PotomacBeads order, assemble, kit, warehouse, and ship for you.

  • Automatically earn up to 25% of every kit sold
  • Avoid dumping money into inventory.
  • Eliminate the complexity of ordering, bagging, kitting, warehousing, and fulfillment.
  • Earn 10% of every sale for customers sent to PotomacBeads
  • Get wholesale access to all PotomacBeads, Claspgarten, BeadOnIt, & BeadTec products.
  • Exposure hundreds of thousands of people through PotomacBeads' platforms

Kitting Program

PotomacBeads Handles

Prague

Purchasing

Supplies purchased & negotiated by PotomacBeads, not you

Jablonec

Kitting

Avoid endless counting & packaging instead of designing!

Jablonec

Warehouse

Don't turn your studio space into a storage space.

Liberec

Fulfillment

Picked, shipped, delivered and guaranteed by PotomacBeads

Enjoy the benefits

of being selected for the program

Liberec

Premium Brands & Supplies

PotomacBeads is known for unparalleled quality & and incredible community.  All PotomacBeads kits also come with thread, needles, & custom box or tin.

Prague

Reach New Fans

With your designs discoverable by thousands on PotomacBeads.com

PotomacBeads Responsibilities

  • Determine whether a design has fit & function for program in terms of design, popularity, materials, opportunity, & audience size.  
  • Order and maintain all supplies & raw materials
  • Hand-assemble each kit, in premium re-useable tins.
  • Warehouse and maintain kit inventory for duration of availability.
  • Create & sell from kit listing on PotomacBeads & include with kit sales & promotions.
  • Pick, pack, & ship all orders.
  • Absorb all shipping, inventory, fulfillment, warehousing, credit card, & QA costs. 
  • Monthly payments of 20% of kit sales to designer (30% with affiliate bonus).  

Designer's Responsibilities

  • Creation of PDF Pattern for the Kit
  • Prompt communication with PotomacBeads design & purchasing teams.
  • Marketing of your design to social, email, & network.
  • Sign up for PotomacBeads' affiliate program (to earn 10% of all sales sent to PotomacBeads)
Women with beads

Designers Welcome

Accepting New Applications

Apply Now

Customer Testimonials

  • DragonThread Review
    Stars

    "I loved being with people of different skill levels at our table. We learned from each other. Allie and Anna walk around the room and gave individual help with a project. Different kits using a different technique. The supplies were phenomenal and you didn’t have to bring anything. And best thing was a visit to the warehouse and shopping. Like being in a candy store!"

    - Vicki Howell
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "I have high praise for the Potomac Bead Co. staff and instructors who went above and beyond to enhance our beading retreat experience . There were many nice surprises and lots of beading goodness throughout the retreat. I made new friends and will attend the retreat next year.’’

    - Janet Faust
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "This was my first beading event and I was truly impressed with all that we accomplished, even though I finished most projects at a later date, I feel we were taught the basics of each. Prior to this I mainly created bracelets, now I am making rings, Christmas ornaments and have developed an interest in wire wrapping. I would definitely return for another retreat!’’

    - Laurie Cammett
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Blog
    Stars

    "The retreat was so much fun. Potomac Beads did a great job putting it together and providing the supplies needed. It was the perfect way to meet other beaders and make new friends. Allie and Anna are such great teachers. It was great to be able to get help with the projects, not only by the staff but by other beaders as well. Loved being able to shop the warehouse and meet the staff. You see or hear their names so often, it's great to put faces to names. And the number of product is tremendous. It was a great experience and I'm sorry I won't be able to attend this year. But look out 2025, l'll be there!’’

    - Dee Peterson
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "The Potomac Bead team was FABULOUS!!!! The supplies and tools we received were very generous. The "golden tickets" were fun!’’

    - Kris Huett
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "I enjoy the retreat and meeting other beaders from all over the country. When I was having problems the other ladies at my table jumped right in to help me so that I could learn what we were being shown. All I can say is that beaders are the greatest!!!!’’

    - Mona Hellard
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Blog
    Stars

    "I have to say that the retreat was fantastic. Everyone was so friendly, helpful and more than willing to help. The staff were very courteous, willing to answer any questions and offered so much enthusiasm. I come from the corporate world and most of the time felt intimidated and uneasy with the higher up staff. Allie, Nathan and Anna were so down to earth to speak to even though they were the owners of the company. I would definitely recommend the retreat to any of my friends who wanted to attend.’

    - Patricia Jaccoud
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "I have high praise for the Potomac Bead Co. staff and instructors who went above and beyond to enhance our beading retreat experience . There were many nice surprises and lots of beading goodness throughout the retreat. I made new friends and will attend the retreat next year.’’

    - Janet Faust
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "This was my first beading event and I was truly impressed with all that we accomplished, even though I finished most projects at a later date, I feel we were taught the basics of each. Prior to this I mainly created bracelets, now I am making rings, Christmas ornaments and have developed an interest in wire wrapping. I would definitely return for another retreat!’’

    - Laurie Cammett
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Blog
    Stars

    "You were generous with providing us with tools, plenty of material for each project and giving us two free beading boards. Lunches were healthy and there was plenty of drinks and fruits every day. What I value most was your heartfelt care showed throughout the retreat, providing help to the beaders where it was needed with many useful tips. The atmosphere was warm and friendly with lots of laughter. Each beader brought home a beautiful feeling of making friends and learning new techniques and improving the old ones. Thank you Potomac Beads Team, especially Nathan, Allie and Anna forlasting memories and hope to see you next year again."

    - Marta Cizmarik
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "I loved the opportunity to tour the facilities. That was a huge draw for me! And again, I loved the opportunity to try different techniques that I never would have tried. I met some absolutely fabulous fellow beader’s and learned as much from hearing, watching, and conversing with them as from the planned presentations. My best educational moment and laugh was when one amazing woman showed me “how Beader’s greet each other!” . … a close examination of all the other Beader’s jewelry/accessories before even looking at their face to say hello!’’

    - Linda Masoero
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "Everyone from Potomac Beads were so friendly and easy to talk to. I really enjoyed the warehouse tour and meeting the workers. I love that there are a lot of family members working there. That says a lot.’’

    - Marie Edwards
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

The Application Process

Step 1:

    • Review the Ideal Designer Profile: Ensure that you have the recognition or reach to be able to help promote sale of a minimum of 50 kits per style.

Step 2

    • Apply to the Kitting Program: Fill out the application form available here.  You will need at least 2 examples of the type of designs you create, along with 2 samples of completed patterns.  List of materials will also be required to analyze cost, production, & retail pricing.  

Step 3:

    • PotomacBeads Review: The PotomacBeads team will review your application, which can take up to 4-6 weeks.  You may receive questions through this process, with eventual response of "ready to proceed," "on hold for calendar consideration," or "not currently chosen."

FAQ

Answers to Questions About the Designer Kitting Services

  • How Do I Apply?

    Simply fill out the form by click here to apply. Please note you will nee at least 2 examples of the type of designs you create, along with 2 samples of completed patterns.

  • What Is the Ideal Designer Profile?

    An ideal designer for our kitting projects at PotomacBeads is someone who combines creativity with good communication skills. You'll have a great eye for design and aesthetics, and you'll be able to bring unique ideas to life. Regular and open communication is key, so we can work together smoothly and incorporate any feedback. A good understanding of different materials is important, as your input helps us source the best components for your designs.

    You'll also be active on social media, promoting your kits to your followers and driving sales. We handle the packaging, but you'll provide the necessary artwork and branding elements. While you'll keep the rights to your designs, we manage the sales and inventory based on demand, so being flexible is important. Maintaining professionalism, respecting confidentiality, and adhering to non-compete guidelines are essential. Finally, understanding that stock decisions will vary based on market trends and sales performance helps us all stay on the same page.

  • What types of designs are you looking for?

    Generally, bead weaving, bead embroidery, or knotting types of kits sell best, because those kits require clear detailed instructions, and usually a wide variety of products.  

    We recommend applying only with designs that have products carried by PotomacBeads, or similar to products carried by PotomacBeads.  This ensures that we can actually acquire the supplies in and regular on-going basis.  Standalone or unique products are often going to be more difficult to source, and may sometimes require alternative products.

    PotomacBeads will sometimes make modfications to brands or specific colors for kit supplies depending upon supply chain and availability of materials at any given time.  It is not uncommon for products to be on a 2-year-backorder, necessitating small modifications (only when inconsequential to the holistic design).  

  • Who handles the sourcing and purchasing of materials?

    PotomacBeads takes care of sourcing and purchasing all the material components required for the retail kit. However, we value your input on material preferences and specifications to align with your design concept.

  • What happens if the materials I prefer are not available?

    If specific products you use are unavailable through our established suppliers, our in-house designers and buyers will make suitable substitutions that do not impact the integrity or functionality of the finished product.

  • Am I responsible for the packaging and printing of the kits?

    No, PotomacBeads will handle all packaging and printing. You just need to provide the necessary artwork, graphics, and branding elements in a timely manner to facilitate this process.

  • How will I be compensated for my designs?

    You will earn 20% of the gross sales generated by your retail kit. Payments are processed monthly via PayPal, calculated based on the actual sales amount, including taxes and shipping fees.

  • What are my marketing responsibilities?

    As a designer, you are responsible for actively promoting your retail kits. This includes advertising through your social media channels and other platforms. You'll have access to an affiliate account if you wish and earn a 10% commission on sales directed to PotomacBeads through your promotional efforts.