Number one reason you asked?
Handcrafted is normally smaller, better made, and more uniquely designed. For example…a custom, handmade fashion dress can cost from $7,000 to $30,000.
Made by artisans takes handcrafted to a new level. Handcrafted product are eco-friendly, sustainable, and green!!!
The work produces less pollution. Craftsmanship is more rare today than ever before and keeping the artisan’s skill and livelihood intact is very important.
Why purchase handcrafted?
When purchasing a handcrafted item the attention to detail and higher quality is the important takeaway. The design and exclusiveness is very appealing to the discerning consumer. The materials are generally of better to best quality. Secondly, you are helping the local economy to support small business.
Are handcrafted products worth more?
Studies show that people value an object more highly, when it is authentic, a limited edition or a work of art. Artisan products are perceived to have more value, and will pay more for that. It’s more than just authenticity that people will pay more for, its that the product is more unique and made better.
Why support local businesses that sell handcrafted?
Number one reason is that you like the products and the store and want to purchase items for yourself. Locally owned independent businesses–those that sell handmade items–return a higher percentage of their revenue to their communities vs big box chains.
Handcrafted products can be designed for specific needs. Often with handcrafted goods, the option of customizing the look or size can be available. It’s difficult for handmade items to be uniform which is very appealing.
Why you should pay the price asked.
Handmade artisans are trying to keep the lights on, pay their grocery bills have determined the cost needed for the item. It is not made by the container load, or the car load. It is made one by one. It means paying more for handmade goods.
You know your worth and you don’t expect people to say, why are you paid so much? If you charge by the hour, the hourly charge normally increases with the level of expertise you gain with time and success. Equally the same with artisans, they charge more with recognition and success.
What’s the process?
The maker or designer has a very intense relationship with each piece or design. It can take days of drawing and processing for a new design. Inspiration is worth a mountain of gold. New ideas are rare in any field of creativity. Being able to execute a new idea is the proverbial needle in the haystack. Weeks of work can go into creating the one of a kind or the prototype item. There can be revisions to perfect the final piece. No two pieces are alike, so buy the one you see.
Embrace the smaller, eco-friendly, local business that sell handmade goods supporting artisans and communities.
Katherine