Choosing the Best Supplies for Your DIY Projects

When choosing supplies for your DIY projects, it’s important to have a plan in place. This allows you to ensure that you gather all of the items you require, from high-quality suppliers, and at the best price.

How to Choose the Best Supplies for Your Projects

In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to buying the best supplies for your DIY projects.

Step 1: Decided exactly what you’re going to make

Narrow down what it is that you wish to create. Whilst you may have an idea to make your own picture frame, for example, you will also need to decide precise features. What size will it be? What will it be made from? Do you have a colour scheme in mind? Will you use a glass insert or not? These are some of the considerations for just one DIY project. Whatever you’re making, ensure that you know exactly what you’d like to achieve from the project. Think about dimensions, colours, materials, textures, and finish. Have a picture of the final product in your mind before you begin.

Step 2: Find the most comprehensive instructions

In the first instance, go online and search for instructions to make the item you wish to create. However obscure the DIY project, there are sure to be good instructions available for you to find. Some of the most popular tutorials can be found on YouTube, WIkiHow, crafting websites, and blogs. Take a look at more than one set of instructions, to determine which techniques represent the best fit for your skills. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, but try not to over-commit. The project should be fun, not a burden!

Step 3: Make a list of the supplies you need for your project

Once you have decided which tutorial to follow, check the instructions for a supplies list. This will contain everything you need to complete your project. You may also need to make a separate list of tools required by the tutorial. If it is economical and worthwhile to do so, purchase these tools. However, be sure to ask friends, family, and neighbours before you commit to any expensive tools, or those which are only likely to be used infrequently.

Step 4: Do your online research

You’ll find a wealth of information online; with just a few clicks you’ll be able to explore what is currently on offer. Use search engines to help inform your purchasing decisions. Check out blogs, craft websites, and relevant social media accounts to gather information about the best places to buy the supplies that you need. Look for a variety of impartial (non-sponsored) product reviews to get a good picture of which supplies represent good quality at a fair price.

Step 5: Make a point of reading reviews

Online reviews provide a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the supplies you are looking to purchase to complete your project. There are many places you can find reviews. Some websites offer customers the opportunity to provide honest feedback that is published without moderation (or, at the very most, slight moderation to filter out offensive language). You may also be able to find reviews contained within social media pages, such as Facebook. While these may not pertain to a specific product, they will give you a clear idea of the kind of service you can expect from a company. Similarly, Google offers functionality for people to leave reviews about a shop’s customer service and product offering. If you notice any red flags, take them seriously. Use your instinct; a company that consistently demonstrates poor customer service should probably be avoided, even if they offer the supplies you need at a reasonable price.

Step 6: Perform a price comparison

Once you’ve narrowed down several shops that offer the supplies you are searching for, fill your online basket and compare the total costs involved. Don’t forget to factor in shipping! Using these calculations, centre your final purchase on the retailers that offer the best combination of price and quality.

Step 7: Don’t forget physical stores.

While shopping online is convenient, and allows you to discover products from a wide range of retailers, there’s still a lot to be said for visiting a store in person. It allows you to gain a different perspective, and there are no shipping costs involved! You can assess the quality of the supplies for yourself, which may alter your opinion or confirm what you have already seen online. You may also discover discounts and offer in a physical store that is not offered online. Even if you calculate that your supplies will cost more from the shops you visit, the endeavor is not in vain; it permits you to confirm that you have covered all bases, and informs your final decision.

Step 8: Remember to shop around!

A single retailer may offer everything you need to complete your DIY task, but it may not represent the most economical option, nor the highest quality products. You could be better served by ordering your supplies from different shops. That’s why it is so important to shop around. For each product, identify two or three retailers that offer the best combination of quality and price, then try different combinations to make sure you are optimising your investment. Another great tip is to check coupon websites, company blogs, and social media accounts for exclusive discounts and offers. These may also be offered to new customers who sign up to a newsletter. Be savvy and you could make significant savings! If you’re looking for high-quality crafting supplies at great prices, don't forget to check out our large selection of crafting supplies.