The thing I enjoy most about buying from Etsy or other Handmade sellers is the added touches that each purchase comes with.
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1. Handmade Businesses Do It With Care
Last year a crochet blogger friend introduced me to an eco-friendly yarn company called Darn Good Yarn. I knew I needed to try the yarn out so when I saw a sale I chose the sari ribbon.
What I received in the mail was a lovely tissue wrapped gift, with a handwritten note, as well as a large postcard explaining the purpose behind her business, and an 8.5″ x 10″ letter introducing me to the Darn Good Yarn story.
Buying from a handmade shop is an experience that I am willing to pay more for. It’s the same for why people shop Nordstrom’s over Wal-mart or Sears – Quality and the added personal touch.
2. Handmade Businesses Are Personal
This gift was made for me based on only one thing – My favorite Bible verse. From that one simple piece of information this artist created a piece of art that I display proudly. Not only did she add a note card (again with the same verse) BUT she included a handwritten letter.
3. Handmade Businesses say Thank You
When I buy something handmade a personal thank you card or follow up message isn’t expected BUT when I receive one it is appreciated. It also marks a place in my memory that I want to do business with this person again.
Sure, I’ve received thank you notes from insurance companies, restaurants, and shops but they are the generic kind. It’s a good try but I prefer handwritten.
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4. Handmade Businesses Support Families (people)
When you buy from a big company you are technically supporting families because each CEO, President, VIP, etc.. may have a family. However, they may not see their families often because work demands they spend long hours ‘at the office’. This is NOT supporting family nor respecting the individual.
Many times a handmade business supports one single family. This was the case when I sold crochet on Etsy. (Actually it supported my swapping and snail mail habit and W-mart helped pay the rent)
This single fact alone is the reason I shop handmade now even if I can get something cheaper.
Your Turn: Why do you shop handmade? If you don’t Why not?
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About Sara Duggan
I totally agree with you, especially about saying thank you. Handmade is personal, and we want our customers to feel like they have a new friend, and will return for that reason. I have made many new people who have similar interests and feel this way.
Sara, that is how I am. I’ve made many friends through blogging and shopping with Wahms or other handmade artists.