The Secret Shell Game: A Souvenir Shop Owner’s Guide to Scoring the Best Seashell Deals

If you’ve ever wandered into a souvenir shop by the beach, chances are you’ve been mesmerized by the array of seashells adorning the shelves. As a souvenir shop owner, my days are often spent scouring for the best deals on these oceanic treasures to ensure my store is stocked with the most captivating shells, without spending a sea of cash. Let me take you on a dive into the world of seashells, revealing how we navigate the tides of the seashell market to bring these beauties to your doorstep.

Understanding the Seashell Market

First off, it’s important to know that the seashell market is as vast and varied as the ocean itself. There are countless types of shells, each with its own unique charm and price tag. From the humble cockle to the regal conch, the variety is endless. As shop owners, our mission is to find high-quality shells that won’t shell-shock our budget.

Where to Find the Best Deals

The quest for affordable seashells often leads us to various sources. Wholesale suppliers are the go-to for most of our needs. They offer bulk purchases at prices that allow us to keep our sanity (and profits) intact. However, finding the right supplier is akin to finding a pearl in an oyster; it requires patience and a bit of luck.

Online marketplaces are another treasure trove for shell seekers. With sellers from around the globe, the variety is unbeatable. But beware, the realm of online shopping is filled with the siren call of deals too good to be true. Always check the seller’s ratings and reviews to avoid getting shipwrecked by a bad deal.

Seasonal Shopping: Timing the Tide

Believe it or not, seashells have their seasons too. After major storms or during certain times of the year, the availability of certain shells can spike, leading to better prices. Keeping an eye on the weather and seasonal trends can help you stock up when the time is right, making sure you’re not left high and dry when demand surges.

Sustainable Shell Shopping

As guardians of the shore, it’s crucial that we promote sustainable practices in our shell sourcing. Overharvesting poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Always opt for suppliers who practice responsible shell collecting, ensuring that our love for shells doesn’t leave the ocean bare. It’s not just good ethics; it’s good business. After all, no shells mean no shell business.

The Art of Negotiation

When it comes to buying in bulk, negotiation is key. Don’t be afraid to channel your inner sea captain and haggle for better prices. Suppliers are often willing to negotiate on price, especially if you’re buying in larger quantities or establishing a long-term relationship. Remember, the worst they can say is no, but often they’ll throw you a lifeline in the form of a discount.

Diversifying Your Shell Portfolio

To keep your inventory interesting, it’s essential to diversify. While classic shells like scallops and clams are always popular, adding exotic shells to your collection can attract more customers. Ever heard of the Violet Sea Snail? It’s a shell so rare and beautiful that it could sell faster than hotcakes at a mermaid convention. Keeping an eye out for unique finds can set your shop apart from the rest.

The DIY Shell Game

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a good DIY project. Sometimes, the best deals are found not by purchasing finished products but by creating them. Buying plain shells in bulk and then painting or decorating them yourself can add value, allowing you to offer unique items that customers can’t find anywhere else. Plus, it’s a great way to ride the wave of the personalized gifts trend.

Scoring the best deals on seashells for your souvenir shop is an adventure filled with highs, lows, and the occasional rogue wave. But with a bit of savvy, a sprinkle of patience, and a commitment to sustainability, you can ensure your shop is the go-to spot for shell seekers everywhere. So next time you’re by the sea, remember that each shell has its own story, its own journey from the ocean floor to your store shelf. And as for us shop owners? We’re just here to make sure those stories find their way into the hands of those who cherish them the most.

Remember, the world is your oyster, and the seashells are just waiting to be discovered. Happy hunting!

Tips for shelling on an Island

As you guys know, we’re pretty significant shelling sickos on this blog, and we frequently like sharing our tips on where to find the best ones. One angle we haven’t really attacked is shelling out on an island. 

Most people do the beach vacation thing – but one of the most popular destinations are island vacations – and truth be told – shelling there can be a little different than on the mainland. So today, we’re going to discuss some tips that make it easier for you to find the best seashells while shelling on an island. Let’s jump right in!

Beach conditions really matter

Islands are surrounded by water and as such – get pelted with quality shells just about everywhere. Naturally, low tide is going to be the best time to search for shells as that’s when they’re most likely to get washed ashore. However, also be aware that post-storm conditions can be 100% the best time to go. Why? Well for one, once the storm has passed people won’t be on the beach immediately and if you get out early enough, you can have the pick of the proverbial litter. On the other hand, Storms cause a substantial amount of churn in the ocean and certain shells that might not normally wash up on a beach will. So bad weather can be a boon for good shelling.

We also recommend using a tide tracker – as this can help you determine the best times to get out to the beach and beat any rush. 

Early and often

Really good shellers share two things in common: they get to the beach early and they go to the beach often. Like we said above – keep an eye on tide trackers and as soon as you can get to the beach – get there. Beat the crowd. Like we said-  you’ll have the first pick. 

That being said – there are days – and they happen more than you’d think – where you’re gonna come up empty. LIke absolute dud-days. Don’t get discouraged. They happen. Just head back – be persistent. Be consistent. 

Look in underrated spots

Islands have all sorts of interesting nooks and crannies to explore. Places like tide pools, piers and the extreme ends of islands can collect a lot of interesting shells. Shells may get trapped in a tide pool, clatter up against a pier or end up caught in the rockier areas of a beach at the end of the island. In a way, places like these are almost natural, ocean nets for you. Take advantage because chances are – most others will not. 

Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful. If you’re a prolific shell crafter and are looking for bulk seashells for your next big project – give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help you out. Until then – good luck and happy shelling!

A sheller’s list of New Year’s Resolutions

For lovers of all things seashell related and beach going – there’s a lot to be thankful for after as full of a year as 2023 has been. This year, we’ll have more on our plate and as is customary around these parts – it’s time for those new year’s resolutions. 

The new year for many can be seen as a fresh start and today, we’ll throw some beach/shell-themed resolutions your way. Let’s jump right in!

Spend more time at the beach. Because…

You can achieve and spend time on many of your resolutions on the beach. Relaxing more and focusing on self-care? Check. Save money? Check. New hobbies? Plenty of ‘em! The beach isn’t just a great place to unwind – it’s a great place to sit down, take time and focus on the things you can work on in order to become the new you.

Try something new

Everyone always says that real personal growth occurs when we step outside of our comfort zone. Especially, when you’re at the beach there’s a lot there. You can go diving, parasailing, taking surf lessons, go fishing, so shelling – whatever triggers your curiosity, shed the apprehension and give it a try.

Take up a new hobby

Our hobby of choice has always been shelling, but maybe you want to get into something even more specific than that. Sailing, fishing, shark tooth hunting – there are so many things out there that can expand on existing interests and help to broaden your horizons. Like the old saying goes – ‘whatever floats your boat!’ 

Allow your beach related activities to be a centering part of your life

2024 could be a stressful year. Lots going on in the world and here, we’ll have a pretty high-octane presidential election coming up too. To say the least- if you want to find stressors in your life, it won’t be hard to come by them. That being said – when you get anxious or the world seems a bit much, it’s always good to hunker down and focus as much as possible on the things that bring you pleasure and enjoyment. Delve deeper into sea shell crafts. Spend more time at the beach when you can. Prioritize what’s important to you – and focus on that.

We hope you found today’s blog helpful. If you’d like to learn more about bulk seashells, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help. Until then, good luck!

The best way to clean bulk seashells

Shelling is an awesome hobby – but whether you’re combing shells off the beach directly or buying bulk seashells from a distributor, chances are you’ll have to clean them a little bit before you use them for either decorations or crafting. 

Today, we’re going to tell you guys some of the best ways to clean shells and how you can bring out their very best. Let’s jump right in!

Mix some bleach and water

While this isn’t the most natural way to clean your shells – it’s 100% the fastest AND most effective way of doing it. We recommend 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Always start on the lower side with the bleach – if it’s not being as effective as you’d like it to be – you can always add a little more later on. 

Also – make sure you’re leaving the shells in a well-ventilated room or area and wear gloves! Bleach is strong stuff! Then, simply give the shells a few hours to soak. 

Next break out a disposable toothbrush

Rinse off the shells and then grab an old toothbrush. Gently brush over the outside of the shell. The bristles on the brush will also allow you to get into any crevices the bleach couldn’t get to and help you make sure the shell is thoroughly clean. Once you’re done, let the shells sit. 

Acrylic spray

One of the cooler hacks you can use to give a shell its best shine can be found in your garage in all likelihood – and that’s acrylic spray. Acrylic spray is used with rocks and other porous surfaces normally; but in this case- it’s great to use on the surface of a seashell. Simply spray some spray or rub a little mineral oil on them and you’ll be surprised at not only how well it will bring out the color of the shell, but also add some gleam and shine to it as well. 

Especially if you’re going to be putting the shells on display in a group or individually – you’ll really want to make sure you use this!
And there you go! Pristine, squeaky clean shells that everyone can enjoy. Shells are an awesome crafting medium and using this method to clean them will afford you some great looking shells that can be used in any setting. Good luck! 

Buying shells in bulk: the basics

People buy seashells in bulk all the time – particularly more crafty types. Maybe it’s for crafting a decoration or it may even be for a business. Whatever the reason – there’s a high demand. Demand sellers are often eager to meet for a tidy profit. 

Today, we’re going to discuss some ways you can help yourself out – not only having a smoother experience but also saving a penny or two. Let’s jump right in!

Reputation is everything

While we’re a small business and support other small businesses – sometimes big business is the best answer and certainly when it comes to buying bulk seashells- you want to go big box. Bigger shell stores almost always get you great quality at great prices. Not only that, but they usually have a far larger selection as well. You may find some decent smaller ones – particularly if you’re looking for some niche shells – but by and large – big is the way to go. If you do opt to go small make sure you’re reading the reviews!


Do your homework on the seller

We hate saying this – but unfortunately in our line of work there’s some rather unscrupulous dealers out there. We’re talking about people trading illegal shells (yes there’s such a thing), folks who bend environmental regulations, and the like. Especially if you’re doing business overseas – be sure you’re doing your research. We also tell people – if you’re new to this and are looking for a sound moral guidepost – work with companies that abide by the regulations of the US Fish and Wildlife Department. 

Be prepared for imperfections 

Remember folks, we’re taking bulk sea shells here and with that you should expect, well – a lot of things. That means shells that vary in size, color, texture and the like. Some may also be a little damaged – that’s just the nature of these things. 

Like anything else in life – getting the most out of any experience requires a little due diligence and extra effort. Trust us when we say – it can go a long way. If you’re looking for bulk seashells or guidance on where to go – give us a call today and we’ll be happy to provide you with some help. Until then – good luck!

What to do on a beach vacation when it rains

Everyone goes to the beach for the good, ole ‘fun in the sun.’ But as we all know – the weather doesn’t always cooperate! Rainy days at the beach can be a real downer for some, but especially during this season down here in Florida – it’s a reality of the season and something most people planning to spend time at the beach will have to be aware of. 

Here are some things you can do when it gets miserable out – and how you can make the most of that beach vacation when it rains. Let’s jump right in!

Shelling

Of course we’re going to suggest this first! Believe it or not – the actual, real, legitimate best time to search for shells is going to be right after a rain storm or when it’s a little blah out. Why? Tides tend to churn and that churn means more shells get kicked up into the current. And where does the current end up? On the beach. We’re serious here – you can find some real treasures during murky weather. 

Check out the local pier and boardwalk

The one thing that’s great about the rain on vacation is it sends the crowds scattering and what would be an otherwise crowded place, bustling with activity (and lines) is now pretty empty. That especially goes for things like boardwalks and beachside restaurants and amenities. You won’t have to wait four hours for food. You’ll be able to whiz in and out of stores and local attractions – and guess what! You might actually enjoy them!

Hit the major non-beach attractions

OK, you got us, we just said go where the crowds aren’t and well, this one might be the opposite of that; but we definitely recommend getting those local, indoor attractions out of the way. You can’t go to the beach anyway, so you might as well check out the local museum, theater, aquarium or hot spot. Prioritizing on vacation can get difficult – especially when there’s so much to do – and sometimes it’s nice to just let the weather make the call for you and push you in the direction of something you’d want to do. 
Like we said – a rainy day isn’t a desirable one at the beach – but sometimes we don’t’ have a choice. Hopefully these tips will give you some ideas on some things you can do to make the most of your time, even if it isn’t exactly what you’d want to be doing. Best of luck and enjoy your vacation! Happy shelling!

Advice on buying wholesale seashells in bulk

People buy wholesale seashells in bulk for a variety of reasons. Some are looking to perhaps start up their own shell decoration business, others just like having them around for crafting in their own free time as a hobby. Whatever your – or anyone’s reasons might be – there’s a pretty high demand for bulk wholesale seashells.

There are some things you can do, however – to make your shopping experience more efficient and more affordable; things which we’ll discuss today. Here are some tips for buying bulk wholesale seashells. Let’s jump right in!

Find a reputable dealer

LIke with anything – you want to be able to trust who you’re buying from. You’ll want a company that ships efficiently, has a wide variety of quality products to sell you and a legitimate track record with good customer reviews behind them. Try to avoid startup shops as much as you can – as there are a lot of places that overcharge for smaller orders and in some cases – don’t even follow environmental regulations which it’s we’re honest-  is essentially operating illegally. Long story, short – make sure you do your research on who you’re doing business with. 

Quality shells

Not only do you want shells that are diverse and come from a wide selection – but you really want to make sure you’re getting high quality – especially if you’re using these shells for a seashell decoration business of some sort. Remember – as a business owner – quality is attached to everything you do and is often a key ingredient into how people’s perception of you will form over time. Make sure whomever you’re dealing with is selling super high quality shells and getting them from a wide range of places around the globe. You might even want to nab a smaller, ‘test’ order in advance just to see what quality the shells are. 

Manage your own expectations

One thing we’re always really careful to tell our customers is that while you’re getting super high quality seashells, that you are ordering them in bulk and sometimes scuffs, breaks, cracks and the like can occur in shipping. It’s a next to impossible task to ensure that every shell is perfect. While we think it’s important to maintain a certain level of expectation for your order, just understand what you’re getting into and that some orders might have a few duds. 

If you’re thinking about ordering wholesale seashells in bulk, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help you out. Untilt then, happy shelling and good luck! Thanks for reading!

Shelling: the tools of the trade

Shelling is an awesome hobby and something you can do yourself or with your family. That being said, you’ll want to make sure that you’re geared up and you have the right tools for the job. 

Today, we’re going to discuss what you should bring with you on your next shelling expedition. These things will make your life a little easier and help you get the most out of the experience. Let’s jump right in!

Get an ID guide

One of the most important things you can invest in as a serious sheller is a collector’s ID guide. This’ll help you identify shells and also help you be able to find the places where you can go to find the shells you’re missing or would like to find. The best is probably the North American Seashell Guide.

Collection bags

If you’re going shelling, get one of those coated, plastic mesh bags. These are great because while you’re walking around sand on shells will fall out – meaning significantly less mess to clean up later. You can even dip the bag and rinse them in the ocean. 

The gear

Get yourself a shovel for digging and a strainer for sifting. Some of the best shells can actually be buried depending on what time you’re out there and what kind of a beach you’re at. Being able to get into the muck can sometimes help reveal some of the best treasures. 

Transportation materials

Letting your shells clink around in a mesh bag for too long can damage and scratch them, so we definitely recommend that for at least some of your more high value targets –  that you bring some socks, old pillow cases, paper towels or anything you can use to keep them from being exposed and damaged. 

Cleaning materials

The two big no-no’s are steel wool and bleach. They can do a lot of damage to your shells. Instead use a soft toothbrush and some warm, soapy water. Lightly scrub the shells so as to not scuff them up. Before you can display them – you want to make sure you wash off all the salt so they maintain well over time. 

Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful and you’ll be prepared and ready the next time you go shelling! If you’re looking for bulk seashells or accents for your space, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. Until then- good luck!

Summertime shelling tips

Summertime is here and that brings with it prime shelling season. Today, we’re going to share some of our best tips for hunting for seashells in the summer and what you can do to find the best shells – bar-none. 

Shelling isn’t necessarily a difficult thing to do – but to find the best ones, use some of our tips, here today. Let’s jump right in!

Go right before OR after low tide

Our best recommended time for peak shelling is about an hour before or after low tide. High tides help to bring some of the best, most beautiful shells to the land. As it recedes, you’ll be able to pick off all of the treasures left behind. Finding high and low tides at your local beach is actually pretty easy. You can look up tide charts for your beach and make your plans accordingly. 

Morning is the best

For all you morning people out there -you’re in luck. One of the best ways to find the best shells is to head out early in the morning before everyone else gets to the beach. Beating the crowd means you’ll have first dibs on what’s out there. Serious shellers even come a little before the sun comes up, flashlight in tow and all! The best way to beat the competition in this case – is to get there before they do!

Wading into the water

In terms of sheer location – some of the best shells are usually located a few feet into the water – so bring some sandals or prepare to go barefoot. Especially when it comes to bigger shells, don’t forget that they’re a little heavier and will be less likely to wash all the way up onto the beach so you might find some more of those centerpiece type shells in the water. Don’t be afraid to get wet. Also – bring a net with you – as it’ll extend your length and allow you to reach some of those harder to find shells. 

Don’t brave the storm, but certainly embrace it

One of the best times to find shells is right after a storm. Bad weather churns the ocean and a lot of the shells hiding out in the bottom will get stirred up in the surf and deposited along the beaches. On top of it- people are slow to get back to the beach once a storm has passed, so you may find yourself all alone on the sand with plenty of shells to choose from. 

Hopefully these tips will help you have a little more success this summer shelling out at the beach. And as always if you’re looking for the best crafts, ideas and bulk seashells for your next project give us a call today. Until then – happy shell hunting!

Beach vacation hacks to make your next trip a little bit more enjoyable

Beach vacations are the best and if you’re like most folks – you’ll be finding yourself on one in the next month or so this summer. But before you go – it’s always good to be ready.

And to most of us, ‘ready’ means the usual – like sunscreen, towels, umbrellas and the like; but today we’re going to travel a bit off the beaten path and redefine ‘ready.’ Because we’re always big process improvement folks – we’ve got some really cool ideas for some ‘hacks’ that will make your experience a little more exciting and enjoyable – without costing a ton of money. Let’s jump right in!

Cupcake liners

Nope! We’re not actually talking about bringing this tasty pastry to the beach – but the liners can be a great thing to bring along, especially if you’re going to be consuming a cold beveridge or two. You can use these liners as quasi caps that you can place over top of your drinks to keep both bugs and sand out. And even better – they can serve double time as guards on popsicles to prevent drips from getting over small, sticky fingers. 

Sand-friendly items

Sand is awesome when it’s on the beach, it’s not so awesome when it follows you to the car, heads inside your home and seemingly locates itself everywhere. Sand free beach bags will help make sure you’re not dragging accumulated sand into your home. Few shakes of a mesh tote and you’re good to go.

Also – bring a dustpan and brush with you to keep in the car. That’ll make it way easier to brush off your feet, sandals and sneakers before the trip home and minimize the time you’ll spend with the vacuum the next time you hit the car wash.

Towels are good, but bring a yoga mat

Use towels for their intended use – drying you off. Bring a yoga mat if you want to lay out in the sun. Not only will it cool off and absorb water a little bit better; but it’ll also serve as a more dependable surface to step on and sand will come off almost effortlessly once it’s time to pack it in and head home. Not to mention – it’s a little bit of a softer cushion that a beach towel.

Stay close to the lifeguard

One of the more necessary, but also more irritating and distracting things at the beach is constantly keeping an eye on your kids to make sure where they’re at – at all times. We recommend that sitting closer to the life guard has its advantages. For one – you’re closer to the lifeguard if you need them. Second, they can serve as a marker for your kids so they know where to find you. Certain beaches can get really crowded and it’s easy for kids to get lost. Having the guard’s chair there will make it easier for them to find you; but also helps give them a little added slack in terms of freedom. You can relax a little bit more and they can earn themselves a little more freedom, with an easy out if they get lost or can’t find you. 

Hopefully these tips make your next tip to the beach a little more enjoyable. Be sure to enjoy your time off this summer and time at the beach. 

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