10 REASON TO BUY HANDMADE
There are hundreds of reasons why buying handmade products is better than buying commercially produced goods. To start though we decided to list just a few of the ones that make the biggest impact!
Photo by Ashley Edwards
1. Your Purchase Matters
When you buy directly from an artist they take pride in knowing that someone cares enough to buy and cherish something that they have spent time and love creating. This means the world to them! You’re making someones dreams come true and your money also goes directly to them which can make a world of difference.
2. It’s Green
Buying handmade and locally is environmentally sustainable. Handmade goods don’t require large factories and production lines which cause massive amount of pollution. Particularly when buying locally, you also eliminate the need for shipping all the way across the world.
Photo by Jonathan Borba
3. Each Product is Unique
Mass produced goods are all the same. When you buy something handmade every item is different. Each good is crafted with careful attention to detail by an artist. These differences are what make hand crafted items so special. No one else in the whole world will have exactly the same item as you. Plus, they are made with love. Not by a machine.
4. It’s Good For the Economy
The money you spend goes directly to to the artist crafting your item, not to a large corporation. Shopping locally keeps money within your community and supports small businesses! Small studios are more likely to sell their products through other small local vendors which supports other local businesses as well.
Photo by Jon Tyson
5. It’s More Than Just a Product
It’s something you or the person you give it to can treasure. There’s a story and a person behind handmade goods and that story lives on through the products and art they sell. Each piece is carefully thought of, crafted, and sent to you. Not only is your item one of a kind but it has a story!
6. Better Quality and Service
Handmade items are made to last. Artists take pride in the work that they produce, using high quality materials and paying attention to detail. Unlike mass manufacturers who make items to be thrown away, handmade items are here to stay. And if there’s a problem with your purchase you know that they are there to solve it!
7. You’ll Feel Good
Ever go to the mall a drop a few hundred dollars and feel terrible when you get home? Buying local and from artisans makes you feel like your contributing to your community (because you are)! You’re also doing your part in supporting a more sustainable makers practice. Don’t you feel better already?
8. Handmade Gifts Show You Care
Buying a handmade gift for someone shows that you spent the time to choose something one of a kind for a person that is also one of a kind. They can often be personalized also!
Photo by kira-auf-der-heide
9. Keeps Tradition Alive
There is a lot of skill that goes into many trades that produce handmade goods. These skills have slowly over time become less and less practiced due to speedy manufacturing. Buying handmade items from skilled craftsmen and artists helps keep these traditional skills and methods of production alive.
10. Customization!
Lastly, customization. Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Reach out to a local artist or craftsman and work with them on creating something special just for you. This is also true for products they already have! Not the right size? Not the right color? Sending it to someone and need it customized? They’re here to help and make something just for you!
Photo by volha-flaxeco
So get out there and buy handmade and locally! You are making a world of difference to the artist, your community, and the planet!
