Why isn’t handmade stuff cheap?

Posted on December 23, 2008 by Leah
My friend Victoria over at Designs by Victoria (a recent featured artist!) wrote a great post on her blog that explains why handmade artisan products are more expensive than mass-produced or even fair trade handmade items produced overseas. So why buy handmade? There are many reasons, but here are a few I like.
  • support your local economy by buying from an artist or crafter in your community
  • get something truly unique, that none of your friends can go buy at the mall
  • are you vegan? is the environment your number one concern? are you religious? do you want to help support starving children? chances are you can find handmade goods made by someone who cares about the same issues you do.
  • while not all handmade goods are the best quality, it is often the case that they are better quality than what you find at the chain stores. for example, my jewelry is made with precious metals, freshwater pearls, and gemstones. the jewelry at target, claires, and other chain stores is cute, but a lot of it is made with materials that are not of as high quality.
  • a lot of artists/crafters would be happy to make you a custom item. do you like a wallet in someone's etsy shop, but want it in black instead of red? they can probably do that for you! get exactly what you want this way.
  • you are an individual. you are special. handmade items are individually made to be extra special just like you :)
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

4 Responses to Why isn’t handmade stuff cheap?

  2. Silvercanyons says:
    December 24, 2008 at 6:32 am

    Loved both you and DBV’s blog article!!

  3. Leah says:
    December 24, 2008 at 8:43 am

    Thanks, and Merry Christmas to both of you!

  4. Ruthie says:
    December 26, 2008 at 1:04 pm

    Great points – Merry Christmas!