“This kind of thing makes me not want to buy handmade.”
Those were the words that came out of a blog friend of mine’s mouth recently after she ordered from an online shop and after 6 weeks of waiting for the order to ship was downright frustrated. Can you blame her?! I can’t. The order said it had been shipped three weeks ago. Ouch.
The saddest thing to me, is not only that the friend feels really upset and taken advantage of – not to mention hesitate to trust handmade shops, but that this isn’t the first time I’ve heard of this. It happens frequently. Shops who are over promising on quality or on ship dates or overcharging creating major distrust from shopping indie and handmade. One bad experience makes you unsure if you can trust any shop online after one just ruined the experience. I’ve been there and I totally get it.
Hi, I’m Kristina, the founder of The Indie A-List. Jennifer has been kind enough to let me come here before and chat about what the A-List is about, and actually she’s a member. Here’s the quick recap: I created The Indie A-List to help exceptional shops standout among the sea of indie businesses and be a reliable resource for consumers to know they can find any shop on our site and have an awesome experience. We are nearing 90 shops as we close 2014 and I’ve tested out every single shop on the list and I know they offer quality products, great customer service and run on integrity.
This year is our third year making holiday shopping easy for you with our Holiday Gift Guide. This year we have 29 shops listed inside, 25 discounts of 10-50% off and recipes & wrapping tips. It’s seriously awesome and will make you feel at ease when shopping handmade this holiday season. Every time you shop a small business on our list you are contributing to someone’s income and even more…their passion and dream. Does it get more awesome than that?! It really doesn’t.
This is why you buy handmade — > Every time you shop a small business on our list you are contributing to the local economy and someone’s income, but even more importantly…their passion and dream.
What do you think? Will you be shopping handmade this year?
Sadly, I'm unhappy with 2 indie shops right now. I ordered from them in the beginning of October and still haven't received my orders. They are handmade clothes and the shops both said that they would be here by now. One of them created a shipping label on Nov. 12 and it never updated, so i contacted them on Nov. 16 and was told it had shipped, but the post office didn't show the package as having been shipped until Nov. 17. It should be here today. The other place still hasn't shipped. I definitely feel taken advantage of by these shops. I found them on Etsy.
Phyrra! I'm so sorry to hear that! I know as a shop owner, I can get overwhelmed, but I ALWAYS make sure my customers know whats going on, especially if i am running behind.
I actually STARTED my small business because I experience what your friend did. I ordered mineral eye shadows from a company (no longer in business) and after 3 months of waiting and emailing and hearing nothing, the owner apologized that she had some health issues and things 'slipped through the cracks'. I was appalled at her lack of respect for her product, my time, and my money. She begged me not to ask for a refund because she really needed the money (so did I- I was unemployed at the time and needed the makeup for job interviews!). That convinced me that I should provide what she and many others can't, and customer service is definitely #1-1/2 on my priority list (obviously, product quality is #1). Thank you for encouraging shopping indie/handmade!
P.S. How does one get in a publication like this???
Beth, all you have to do is visit the indie a list site! There is a link to the application on there. Its a little on the detailed side, but so worth the time! Kristina only approves shops that are 100% awesome! 🙂
YES! I love buying homemade items!
Love supporting small businesses!
I really enjoy buying from indies! You know where the money is going!
I love buying handmade! It just makes me happy to know that A: I'm helping someone out and B: so much more time & effort was put into making whatever I bought.
That has happened to me a couple times as well. I love the idea behind The Indie A-List! It definitely fills a need for people who love to buy handmade.
I try really hard to always look for the handmade shops or the mom and pops!! Those are my go-to's first!
Love shopping handmade! As a small business owner myself, I know how much hard work and time goes into running one!
“You’re contributing to someone’s passion and dream”. I love that!
I'm definitely going to check out the Indie A-List and apply! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yes You Should! Its an awesome maker community to be a part of! 🙂
People do appreciate handmade gifts, this is a great idea as it is so hard for crafters to get the exposure so people know they are there!