Listing bead size question

[Barb H.]

Okay...silly question. Do you list the width and then diameter or vice-versa? Plus what would the average size be that beaders would be interested in, or does it matter. I was just wondering if there was a more popular size. Thanks ahead of time for helping me out. Like I said...silly question. But...I would like it to come from you guys! You're all so well respected and so special!
Barb

[dogmaw]

Yep, that's me, speeeeeeeccccciiiaaalll. :D If it is something like a tab bead I will say it is x mm high by y mm in diameter. If it is a tube bead, I just sort of assume they can tell by looking at the picture which dimension is which. As for sizes that sell, I wish I knew!

[MikeAurelius]

When I listed beads (which I haven't done in a looooong time), I always gave the dimensions. I wasn't so anal that I used a caliper to measure them, but a simple millimeter scale and eyeballed it (Mark I Eyeball, Original Equipment).

One of the things I did to get my sizing equal across a "production run" was to put a mm (and inch) scale on a flange of my hood, right above my head. It's fairly coarse - 1/4", 3/8", etc. but it gives a rough idea of where I'm at as I'm constructing the bead. There's a longer scale as well for cylinders. JAT

[Barb H.]

Thanks guys!

[Lisi]

I use a brass caliper to measure the width and then the diameter (yeah, I'm that anal! LOL) and then I take a picture of my beads in my DD's hand so people can actually see the relative sizing. I think because of this I have never had any complaints from my ebay customers about the beads being too big or too small. I make them pretty small so I used to worry about people being dissatisified, but the sizes and pictures do help.

Some people use coins for reference to size, and that's okay too. But I just bug my daughter and hopefully she's not going to want "royalties", lol! :wink: :grin:

Like I'll ever get to be "famous", sheesh.... :-?

[NLC Beads]

I measure with a digital caliper, send them off, and get messages about how they're smaller than they thought. I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't read sizes on auctions. :D
I also usually specify which measurements - height, width, hole to hole, etc, to avoid confusion.

[Christine Scott]

This is my contribution... I love it when measurements are listed however I do get confused when people display a coin and as an 'alien' am not familiar with your currency. :-?

[Lisi]

This is my contribution... I love it when measurements are listed however I do get confused when people display a coin and as an 'alien' am not familiar with your currency. :-?

Heehee! I have thought about that and it's why I don't use the coins! :D

[NLC Beads]

Bubba's Jewels has used Snausages for a size reference with hers. She cracks me up. :)

[Christine Scott]

Someone sent me a photo of a bead with a "ring pull" from a drink can as a guide. I wonder if they are universal :)

[NLC Beads]

Ooh, good plan...Depending on vintage or something... What else may be universal? I don't always like hand sizes - I swear from some of the pics, the beads are in an infant's hand - I get them and they're little....

A ruler is a good thing, if it shows metric, too.

[Lynn Larson]

I just take a pic with a ruler, and specify it is in inches. I have had no complaints and more interest since i started doing it that way. Most americans think in inches too, so the pic with the ruler gives a better idea than just listing the mm like i used to do.

[Christine Scott]

Inches are ok with most Oz babyboomer if that is the age group to target however my 19yo says .. what the ...kind a measurement is that...
In the long run , it comes back to who is your target market.

[Barb H.]

Thanks again guys.......you've been a big help. Plus...finally realized, AFTER I bought some reading glasses, so I could get up close with the beads. That they really aren't shrinking after they come out of the kiln. It's just......ummmmmmm......wellllll.....I took OFF the glasses!