[Jewelry making - Article 00263] - Re: [Orchid] Keeping trade secrets

[Lisa Bialac-Jehle]

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>     I am a teacher now and I still use some of the same suppliers I
>     used when I was with the bead store. It's my responsibility (as an
>     instructor) to provide my students with sources right? but, we all
>     know I am going somewhere quickly in a handbasket if I intentionally
>     give all the students the bead store's suppliers, right? what to do,
>     what to do. 

    Hmmm...when I have taught classes, I gave a list of virtually all of
    my local suppliers plus the catalogue suppliers in the form of a
    hand-out sheet to my students. I will give them out of town suppliers
    too if they ask. I don't feel as though I "own" the suppliers, or
    that anyone else does. In fact, I feel somewhat that it is my duty to
    pass on more business to them, so that these suppliers can improve
    and expand, and in some cases, stay in business. I also notify the
    suppliers ahead of time, that I am doing this, in case they do not
    want to deal with students.Some large wholesalers don't wished to be
    bothered. Others will give the students special consideration. (also,
    at some suppliers, the students can't buy unless they get a resale #,
    and I note this on the handout, although I have one supplier that has
    me tell them to come, but to let them know that they are my
    student....and to bring cash. I have made out an, "I am in Lisa's
    class", card for students to show to that supplier ) 

    When I pass around the handout, I tell the students that as part of
    their class assignment, they have to come up with three more class
    content specific suppliers, either in town or out to share with the
    class. The internet is a biiig place..... I give them two weeks to
    do this. Many bring in more than three. We then make a revised list
    and pass it out. Of course many "new" sources are overlaps, but they
    do manage to find new ones. I also tell the students that knowledge
    is to be shared, and if I ever hear of them not passing on what I
    have told them, then I will never share another thing with them, and
    would be severely disappointed with them...besides as my kid would
    say, they would get, "the look". Don't wanna do that...lol. 

    The result is, most only make jewelry as a hobby, or just took the
    class as a lark, and some never make another thing. The very few that
    go on, are always open with me and others about techniques and
    suppliers. An added bonus, is because the suppliers know I am doing
    this, boy do I get preferential treatment when buying from them, and
    I have great supplier lists. 

    I do have one or two suppliers of very unusual stuff, (usually Native
    American),that will only take on new customers with a personal
    recommendation,(meaning, you are truly a close friend of the person
    you are recommending to them), as their supplies are very limited,
    and they prefer to deal in cash and only with very familiar
    customers that are also their friends to avoid problems. I do not
    give those out, but that is due to the supplier's preference. In
    those few cases, (three) I do try to find a similar supplier. 

    Share the bead suppliers. They are not, "the bead store's suppliers"
    The suppliers are in business independent of that particular bead
    store. Help to keep them that way. 

    Lisa, ( I leave for Philly and Baltimore, on Valentine's day)
    Topanga, CA USA

 
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