in another thread, a month or so ago, poster " Pals" mentioned a company they use called Fun Express, which is the business to business wholesale division of Oriental Trading. I jumped on their website ( no prices shown).. and had to register to be able to see prices. My registration as a school was denied.
I called the 800 # to inquire why, and she said that they no longer accept schools as wholesale accounts, and that if there are schools out there that have accounts " lucky them" , as they are " grandfathered " in the system.
I hung up the phone and registered as a business owner ( not using the school info).... and got immediate access to the prices.
HOLY COW!!
They are the EXACT same products, photos, everything as Oriental Trading.
Here are some examples of the price differences:
1000 leis - Oriental Trading- $17.95,
Fun Express $17.95 for one unit of 1000, or if you buy 2 units ( 2000 leis), it's $8.85 EACH.
24 Patriot Pencils OT price $3.95 for 24 pieces which is one " unit"
Fun Express Price $3.95 for 24 ( one unit) OR
$2.15 each , for 4 units ( 96 pencils)
$1.80 each for 72 units ( 1728 pencils)
So.. here's the math spelled out. I have a school of 600 kids, I want to give each kid a Patriotic pencil for Memorial Day. I need to buy 25 units ( exactly 600 pencils)
Oriental Trading- 25 units x 3.95= $98.75
Fun Express - 25 units x $2.15 = $53.75
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the only catch is that a minimum order is $100.. so plan anhead for more than one event.. and you are good to go!
RUN don't walk to that website and get ANY parent who owns a business to sign up .
THANK YOU Pals for saving MY school $$$$$ 100's ... in the future...
Please start passing the word to use " Fun Express" not Oriental Trading!! ( even though they are the same! )
www.funexpress.com
and no, I have NO affiliation with this company.. just a PTO mom ( and former retailer) who is always searching for the best deals for my school! I hate paying retail for anything!!!