We've all seen it before: the little pottery booth set up at a local market featuring stacks of handmade plates, bowls and mugs. Maybe there were also low-cost items like magnets or trinket dishes. You stroll by, scanning the local potters' work, where one or two items—at least—catch your eye. Finally you reach out and pick up the piece that catches your eye the most. You flip it over and see the price tag on the bottom. It's considerably higher than what you'd pay at Wal Mart or another big box store. You consider paying the asking price, but then decide the economy isn't great and now's not the time to make the purchase. Next year, you think, as you put the item down and continue on your way.
Sound familiar? Here's five reasons why supporting your local potter is actually beneficial for you both.
1. Supporting local potters and other artisans boosts the local economy
When you purchase a handcrafted item, the money you spend stays in the local community much longer than it would if you made a similar purchase at a big box store. That money will likely find itself being spent at local grocery stores, youth soccer camps, local restaurants and so many more community-minded places. Your money also goes directly to the artist to help support their craft and continue to attend local markets.
It's also good to remember that if money isn't continuously flowing through a local community, things like farmer's markets, quirky local artisan products, and so much more will inevitably leave your community. Eventually, the only options available to you will be the mass-produced products being sold by mega corporations.
2. Connecting with an artisan can come in handy in the future
You're scrolling though Instagram and the most beautiful piece of handmade pottery comes across your feed. Not only does it catch your eye, it also reminds you of that time your partner and you took that much-needed vacation overseas. When you reach out to the artist to order one, you find they don't ship to your country. Now what?
If you'd made that original pottery purchase or even just a simple connection with that local potter you came across at the market, you could reach out and ask if they will create a custom piece for you, one that captures that special memory the original piece gave you, but with a few additional personalizations. With any luck, they'll be able to work with you to create the perfect gift for your next special occasion with your partner. Not only does it make you happy to gift that personalized piece, it's also a wonderful way to support your local potter or artisan.
3. By supporting local artisans, you can be more environmentally conscious
As we all know, shipping creates a carbon footprint. So do mass-produced items created in factories all over the world, not just at home. Local potters and artisans typically create smaller batches of products. They're often sold locally, which means there aren't a lot of shipping costs associated with their products either.
Most local artisans value the importance of supporting other local businesses. This means, they'll buy their base materials from local suppliers as well. In almost every way, you'll be reducing the environmental impact when purchasing from a local potter or artisan.
4. You'll enjoy better customer service
If you've ever purchased a piece from a local artisan, you've likely discovered just how appreciative they are. This translates to better customer service, a new connection or relationship, and a bunch of feel-good vibes all around.
Whether you choose to simply share a local potters' or artisans' social media page or post or make one or several purchases from them, it's so important to support the local economy and those that continue to contribute to it. Even though prices may seem higher than what you can find elsewhere, there is so much more love and attention to detail in each handcrafted item.
Your support, no matter how small, means the world to that artist and their craft.
In love and light,
Lindsey
Comments