Why Buy Artisan-made British Lampwork beads?
1. Originality:
Our artists are each offered membership because they display a unique approach to bead design. British artists often work in isolation, physically distanced from the international hubs of lampworking. Rather than being a hindrance this works to create a healthy artistic distance from the mainstream, nurturing originality. Add in our rich multi-cultural past and present, our beautiful island landscapes and bustling cosmopolitan cities – and you can see there is plenty to inspire any artist working in Britain today. With British Lampwork artists you will find one-of-a-kind Art beads perfect for your jewellery designs or collection.
2. Quality:
We have some of the best self-representing bead artists working in the UK today. Invitations to join British Lampwork require that artists show a strong commitment to craftsmanship. When you buy from our featured artists, you can be sure to receive beads that have been properly kiln annealed, cleaned and are genuinely hand-made by the artist themselves.
3. Commitment:
All our featured artists sell their beads direct through their website or online auction sales. However, we insist that our featured artists prioritise customer satisfaction. So with British Lampwork artists you can always expect reasonable and clearly explained purchase, shipping and return policies as a given.
4. Simplicity:
All of our featured artists accept secure online payments through Paypal or another credit card processor. This makes it easy for you to purchase beads from the British Isles.
When buying beads priced in GBP (Great British Pounds), Paypal or your credit card company will automatically handle all currency conversions for you. So, buying online from the UK really is no more difficult than any other online transaction. To approximate the prices shown into your own currency use an online currency converter such as www.xe.com. or check Paypal or your credit card company’s website for their current exchange rates.
5. Efficiency
We know it is frustrating to wait for beads! Because of this, our artists are committed to shipping your purchases quickly and economically. Shipping from the UK to international destinations is quick, reliable and affordable. Prices for airmail shipping start at below what you might pay for USPS Priority Mail (and have been known to arrive quicker!). All our artists despatch via the UK’s Royal Mail and can offer you optional insured shipping upon request. Packages sent via standard airmail usually reach the US in anything from 2 to 7 days from date of despatch.
Frequently asked questions.
1. I’ve seen some beads I want to buy – how do I make my purchase?
Simple – deal with the artist direct. You should find clear, easy-to-follow ordering information on their website but if you have further questions, just email the artist. They will explain everything you need to know to make your purchase. Usually this will be as simple as using a regular shopping cart system or making an easy Paypal payment. No more difficult than any other online order! Other artists may sell through online auctions sites and you will be able to find links to their current listings from their websites.
2. I want to buy beads from several different artists, can I combine shipping?
No, sorry. Our artists live and work in many different locations throughout the British Isles. Each artist operates as a separate business, filing their own paperwork, taxes and so on. So, if you make a purchase from more than one artist, your dealings with each person will be a separate business transaction.
3. What does the shipping and handling cost to the US?
Less than you might think! In general you will find it surprisingly affordable to purchase your Art beads from the UK. Beads are very economical to send via airmail. Prices will naturally depend on the weight of your order and the shipping and handling terms of the particular artist concerned so please refer to the artist’s website for their particular shipping policies.
To view Royal Mail’s current airmail prices, please click here, but bear in mind our artists may charge a small handling fee in addition to actual shipping costs.
4. Can I make payment in US dollars?
This depends upon the individual artist’s own business terms and conditions, but most often Dollar payments would not be appropriate.
Our artists have to keep the same financial records as any other business. As such, they will normally set prices and bill in the currency used here in the UK which is GBP – Great British Pounds. Some artists may choose to accept dollar payments if asked. but such service might be subject to an additional handling fee.
However making your payment in GBP is very easy and nothing to be afraid of! Certainly not a reason to deny yourself a bead you fell in love with! Remember Paypal or your credit card company will handle the currency conversion for you automatically. So all you really need to worry about is how you are going to use the beads when the arrive!
5. Will I need to pay Sales Tax / VAT?
If you are a customer outside of the EU (European Union) you will not need to pay any sales tax on your purchases. (You may however be liable for import taxes in your own country – please see below).
For customers within the EU, depending on the artist, you may be charged VAT at the UK rate of 17.5 percent. If VAT is chargeable, it is normally shown included in the advertised price of the beads and shipping. If you operate a business within the EU and have a valid tax number, you may be exempt or eligible to pay the VAT in your home country instead. Please talk to the artist directly in such cases.
6. Will I need to pay Import duty?
If you are a customer within the EU, you will not pay any import duties.
If you live outside the European Union, you may be liable for import duty on goods when they arrive in your country. These charges are only applied to packages above a certain value. You will need to check what those thresholds are for your country, but usually they are well above the average price of most orders and unlikely to be a factor. However, larger value or trade orders may well exceed the thresholds and in such circumstances, any tax or duties owing is the sole responsibility of the buyer.