Oriental Trading Company

Full review
In the business I am in we are constantly purchasing novelty items crafts, and decorations for parties and special events.

Why We Use Them

The Oriental Trading Company is one of our go to sites. They have thousands upon thousands, probably millions, of items that can be shipped ground or overnight. That can be very important to us at times. I also like the ease at which we can track an order by simply bringing up the site and popping in our billing number. Our history of purchases comes up with much the same ease.

The fact that we get a discount for bulk purchases also helps keep our costs down though I would like to see a deeper discount.

The oriental Trading Company has an excellent on-line catalog of party and craft items and best of all presents a search that is easy top use. A window is open for key words. Write Pirate, Princess, Valentines, Juggle, Flags, Candies, Luau, sports and a window will come up with products and ideas. It makes the search very easy.

Of course going directly to their Product Index opens up most of the possibilities on one page.

Another feature they have to help in budgeting purchases is the price windows. Once you get to a theme you click on price points and the search will find the price and theme together making choices easier to find. For those not sure of what to purchase a theme will also have a click to the Best Sellers that may ease your mind in making final choices.

The steps to making purchases is also quite easy. We have not had problems with deliveries as the counts have always been perfect. We always check to see the dollar amount of our orders to be sure we can take advantage of the free shipping that is usually for purchases anywhere from $50 and up. That does change. We have purchased products that simply didn't suit our needs when we looked at them after delivery. We were able to repack them and send them back no charge.

Know What You Are Purchasing

It is important to know that most products do look better on the screen or the paper catalogs than in hand. Oriental Trading isn't known for high quality product but that should be known by the kind of product purchased. I happen to purchase Santa Suits and such. Oriental Trading is not a good source for professional costumes though they do have many children's inexpensive wear available for many themes, holidays and such.

We also have to use our own judgement as to particular purchases that may not be suitable for youngins'. Many products have small pieces that can come off presenting choking hazards.

Last Thoughts

Oriental is moderately priced with other such companies that we use. At the same time it's also good to check the catalogs of this company against other such distributors. One can find substantial differences at times especially if ordering in bulk.

They are in stock most of the time but particular items for holidays sometimes have to be purchased before the week or two of the holiday or they may be back ordered. Back orders are not charged to a bill.

The products are what we expect. Not the best in all but good variety and prices that tend to better brick and mortar stores that carry the same product. Deliveries are prompt and special deliveries can be arranged if needed. Be ready to pay high costs for such last minute purchases.

I should mention that we have been quite satisfied with many of the craft items they sell for themes. These are pretty good quality and at prices that can still give us a profit. It's also good to know that you don't have to make purchases in bulk like we do to get a good price with quick service.