I had always been supportive with handmade goods because I buy the idea that every handmade piece is unique. It is even more convincing when they couple this idea with helping those in need to earn a decent money. I would not hesitate to pay more than what the market price because I think it is worth that price and I feel good for doing so.
Now that I am selling my handmade soap, I am feeling more about handmade products. Long story short, this is exactly what you are paying for a handmade product :-
- A piece of Artwork.
- A unique product that you can never find the exact second piece.
- You are helping a small business owner to sustain the business rather than making the millionaire buying another mansion.
- You are paying for the crafter’s time for making the goods. Most crafters are part-timer who also have a permanent job and a family. They may be sacrificing their sleeping hours to make the product.
- Time spend in cleaning the mess after a soap making session.
- Time spent on designing something special just for their potential customers.
- Time spent on searching for the best quality material at best possible price so that the product remains affordable/acceptable. Small scale crafter doesn’t really get to enjoy bulk purchase price. Even if we do, it is not possible to keep too much raw material as we want only the freshest oil in every bar.
- Time spent on finishing and packaging which is both tiring, fun and a satisfying process.
- Hours of failure and disastrous outcome that leads to the perfect soap today.
- Hours of experimentation and upgrading of skills and knowledge on the products.
- Weeks and months of frustration and disappointment when the most decent soap suddenly decide to betray on them.
- Moment of pure joy and satisfaction when the best soap is finally here for everyone to admire.
I can’t tell no more how much effort it involves in just making a loaf of soap. Despite all these, I am more than happy to keep making soap so long there are people who appreciate my work.💓💓