Bead Inventory Suggestions - PLEASE

[Former_Member]

I'm looking for suggestions for keeping track of a LARGE inventory of beads and findings. I have purchased 99% of what I have from etsy and have been entering the invoices into an excel spreadsheet. My intention is to use the beads to make and sell finished pieces, not sell as supplies. I feel like I'm spending most of my time at the computer instead of my worktable so I'm reaching out to others, who've been there, done that, and finally come up with a simple yet effective method. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!

[Former_Member]

Although I don't inventory beads I do inventory yarns. Right now I have literally thousands of balls of yarn to keep track of.

I simply use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of my stock.

When I found I could no longer remember what yarn I had, that's when I took a couple of days to build the spreadsheet. Now every time I add or remove from my inventory, the spreadsheet gets updated.

Yes its a daunting task at first but once its done and maintained its a godsend.

[Former_Member]

I am a bead maker/ seller and I also use Excel to keep track. Be sure to utilize the multiple page (workbook) function of Excel to further break down your categories.

Although I don't use it, this program is highly recommended by many jewelry makers for pricing jewelry and may also feature some inventory tracking? You might want to check it out: https://www.etsy.com/listing/72261280/laura-bracken-jewelry-and-craft-pricing?ref=shop_home_active

[Former_Member]

I work in a bead store, and many of my designer customers swear by this program: http://jewelrydesignermanager.com/products/pro.aspx

[DesignedByAudrey]

It will take some work getting it set up, but Jewelry Designer Pro is one of the best program I've seen: http://www.amazon.com/Bejeweled-Software-Company-3-19CD-Designer/dp/B0025EI3LM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qi...

[SuppliesSundries]

I've been using Craftybase and I love it. You can download directly from Etsy which I really like, skips having to enter everything.

Support is great too.

[ArtePlastique]

Taking inventory? Oops...

[KaterinaCollection]

I'm with Leanne - what inventory? I try to keep my supplies organized but have not done actual inventory. I just moved, so organization is more of a priority at this point.

[EarthsOpulence]

I agree with the others who suggested Jewelry Designer Manager Pro - from Bejeweled. It's a LOT of work but I love it. I tend to be a detail-oriented person anyway, and was familiar with MS Access before I bought it.

Keeping it maintained is important but I could not live without it at year-end! Love it, was well worth the purchase price. The support has been very quick to respond when I've had questions, too.

[Former_Member]

I use Filemaker Pro which is a database program you set up to do whatever you want. I used it for other things so it was easy to set up for my jewelry. I don't use it currently to track inventory but list all items purchased, finished item IDs, components used per finished item -- parts cost is tallied -- and sold/available status. My titles and descriptions are also included. Next update will add a photo of finished items.

[Former_Member]

http://www.enioken.com/jewelry/pricecalc.html

The above link will lead you to Eni Oken's price calculator. It is an Excel file and more, with room for photographs. pricing, is sort of a spreadsheet. Among its uses is describing items in detail. I use and recommend it.

It might be used for beads by using an identical keyword for all: example, red. All beads have a color, so this would be good one. Then, further descriptors such as size, shape, cost, etc.

I don't know how you would access the items, not being too familiar with Excel. Access is supposedly good, but possibly more work than warranted.

[SugarSidewalk]

Another Crafty Base user here... love it!

[Former_Member]

Hope, Could I import my etsy purchases into craftybase? Thanks!