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Points to Ponder: Buying Guide for Indian Traditional Handicrafts Online

Author: Bhavya Gupta & Archismita Deb
by Bhavya Gupta & Archismita Deb
Posted: Oct 15, 2018

Handicrafts are yet another glittering diamond in the already decked up crown of Indian culture. Art and crafts in India are just as diverse as the very people that inhabit the country, with influences of geographical location, history, material availability, ruling dynasty and even religious beliefs evident on the style and designs used in each creation. Throughout centuries, handicrafts have been embedded in the life and culture of the people of India. And today, in the age of globalized commerce, Indian traditional handicrafts are moving out of the homes of artisans and taking the global stage via the internet. So if you wish to make an intricate piece of art created by a traditional handicraft artist from India, all you need to do is get online. This buying guide presents you with some points to ponder when managing this purchase through the World Wide Web:

Understanding handicrafts

Before moving onto the process of buying Indian traditional handicrafts online, you must first have a clear picture in your mind about what you are about to purchase. Handicrafts are commonly understood as handmade crafts that are created by skilled artisans who have perfected their skills over many years through constant practice and development. No machines are involved in creating these products and it is this nature of being handmade that lends these crafts their value.

Buying handicrafts online

When you plan to buy Indian traditional handicrafts online, you get the chance to make an amazing piece of art your own without the hassle of having to find authentic artisans or visiting a brick-and-mortar store. However, you should ensure that you take care of the following factors in order to make this purchase a satisfactory one:

  • Research about the craft: Indian traditional handicrafts are made using techniques and patterns that have been around since ages. Each style has a USP that is unparalleled. Before venturing forth into the market for buying a piece, make sure you know the history and defining characteristics of the craft that then piece belongs to.
  • Explore the market: Indian traditional handicraft items are generally high priced, owing to the amount of work that goes into creating them. Therefore, it is important that you find out as much as you can about the source of the piece AND ensure that the seller you are buying it from is reliable.
  • Product authenticity: As with any other niche, the possibility of a sham seller offering you a fake product is always present with handicraft items. Or the manufacturer might use shortcut techniques to make a piece look authentic while in reality, it would just be a mass produced replica being sold as an authentic handicraft item. When you research about the craft you wish to buy, make sure you also find out how to differentiate true artwork from fake ones.
  • Material quality: The type and quality of material used to manufacture the piece would determine how long it will last with you. The wood, colors, inks, dyes, wire, threads and every other item used to create the masterpiece you want to buy should also be the best.
  • Bargain deals: True artwork is invaluable and unique - you cannot measure its worth with bargain deals and discount offers. In fact, if a seller tries to woo you with underpriced products or unusually huge discounts, consider it as a red flag - chances are that the product he/she is offering will be fake.
  • Terms and conditions: Most online sellers provide clear information about their sales policies, terms and conditions on their website. Make sure you read it all before making your purchase, especially their product returns and money refund rules to avoid unpleasant experiences in the future.

Owning a traditional Indian handicraft piece is definitely something to be proud of. Use the above tips to ensure that your purchase is as sweet as it can be!

About the Author

Studio Enoy is a Social Enterprise & Design Studio, we dealing in various handicraft products which includes wooden handcrafted home décors, lighting & textiles like sarees and dress materials.

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Author: Bhavya Gupta & Archismita Deb

Bhavya Gupta & Archismita Deb

Member since: May 30, 2017
Published articles: 5

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