Dharma v. ProChem

[Lelia187]

I've only used Dharma so far to buy all my dyeing materials. I've checked out ProChem, but didn't order anything. What company do you prefer and why?

[ktaltre]

It almost depends on what side of the country you live in. If you live in the west, use Dharma, if the east, ProChem; this is for shipping costs. If you live in the middle, toss a coin.
I have heard of some people having issues with one or the other company and will only buy from a certain one, but I have bought from both Dharma and ProChem and have always been pleased with their products and services.
Each house has their own color blends in procion mx; I like several of ProChems mixed mx colors.
Dharma has an extensive inventory of fabric and blanks.
ProChem gives classes.
Dharma tapes the dye jar lids and mostly everything shut for shipping, ProChem doesn't. I once had dye powder leak out the cap from a dye jar from ProChem. Just once.
It depends on what you wish to purchase, too.
Both websites have a wealth of information.
In my opinion, both the companies are worthy.
k. taltre

[steve]

Both are fine--I've dealt with both.

I'm a huge fan of ProChem for dyes. They have a great assortment of colors and their technical support is superior.

For blanks--it's hard to beat dharma for assortment--but if you can find it elsewhere, you can do better for price--the key phrase is--"if you can find it."

[fiberartist219]

Most of my dyes are from ProChem, but I do have a few neutrals from Dharma. I must say, Dharma's chocolate brown was not at all what I expected, but it is hard for companies to post accurate colors online, because you never know how other people's monitors will display them. Printed catalogs are just as difficult from what I understand.

Anyway, for the most part, they are both good. I usually go with Pro Chem if I am just ordering dyes and auxillaries, but if I'm ordering blanks too, I'll get it from Dharma. I agree that what area of the country you're in helps to dictate which is best for shipping costs. Although, I am very excited that Dharma has started using Priority shipping from USPS, because now I can buy one or two small items and just pay a few dollars for shipping. I used to wait until I had over a hundred dollars worth of stuff to order, because it was usually around $10 for shipping here to Indiana. I am stoked that I recently ordered a few shirts and only paid $2-3 for shipping.

I also agree that it is cool that ProChem offers classes. Sometime, in the next few years, I plan to make it to one of the color classes by Carol Soderlund, because I hear it's amazing for learning to mix colors.

[ecilA]

as has been said, they each have their good points.  I get the best prices on dye from chemworld.

[Lelia187]

I didn't know ProChem offered classes! I'm going to check it out right now. Thanks for the tips.