Handicrafts reflect the richness of cultures of their respective countries of origin as much as they do with the buyers' tastes. Traditionally, for years handicrafts were bought and sold in conventional trading style and it only recent that the advent of ecommerce and high usage of broadband that the online stores dedicated for handicrafts have sprung up everywhere selling their niche wares.
Although internet and ecommerce is viewed as an extension of comfortable consumerism with regards to buying conventional and products of everyday needs, the case is a little different when it is buying items of luxury or collectibles. The reasons for this may vary from item to item although I could not notice this skepticism to be specific to a particular region. It is safe to draw down that people of all societies like to collect handicrafts, whether it is from their own region or from other. Surprisingly, I found this phenomenon pretty similar to online jewelry purchasing practices; buyers dare to buy diamonds online but not so much the case when it comes to buying jewelry.
Well, the one major reason I could sight was the passion for which the handicrafts were bought and emotional upsurges buyers experience while buying them. In general terms, buyers want to touch and feel what they are buying and experience for themselves which otherwise would not be possible. This is a unique issue which is very much unlike security issues for online transactions. Don't forget that Amazon, the world's largest retail ecommerce shop was making a loss in handicrafts department till very recently.
However, real considerations you should mind while buying handcrafts online are not whether they are genuine because all handicrafts are proprietary by nature, but issues related to the seller and its experience in the field, and of course the same old security issues related to your payments. Here are a few points you may find useful to ponder before deciding to buy handicrafts online the next time.
Avoid paying for items that are out of stock even if they are flagged as such
Check shipping lead times required and whether you can track your shipment online
Check whether the store has a toll free 1-800 customer care number, just in case
Check whether the cost includes insurance, delicate china and glass wares are better insured.
Shipping costs for heavier items like those made from wood or stones may outweigh item cost. Verify this instead of getting a shock later.
Read through the sellers' privacy and warranty policy and make sure how you can claim damages, just in case.
Handicrafts adorn every home, buying them online carefully will make you cherish your passion.
Alevoor Rajagopal, MBA, is a reputed business consultant and writes on showcasing individuality with MySpace layout. Visit his blog on video clips for a good laugh.
Although internet and ecommerce is viewed as an extension of comfortable consumerism with regards to buying conventional and products of everyday needs, the case is a little different when it is buying items of luxury or collectibles. The reasons for this may vary from item to item although I could not notice this skepticism to be specific to a particular region. It is safe to draw down that people of all societies like to collect handicrafts, whether it is from their own region or from other. Surprisingly, I found this phenomenon pretty similar to online jewelry purchasing practices; buyers dare to buy diamonds online but not so much the case when it comes to buying jewelry.
Well, the one major reason I could sight was the passion for which the handicrafts were bought and emotional upsurges buyers experience while buying them. In general terms, buyers want to touch and feel what they are buying and experience for themselves which otherwise would not be possible. This is a unique issue which is very much unlike security issues for online transactions. Don't forget that Amazon, the world's largest retail ecommerce shop was making a loss in handicrafts department till very recently.
However, real considerations you should mind while buying handcrafts online are not whether they are genuine because all handicrafts are proprietary by nature, but issues related to the seller and its experience in the field, and of course the same old security issues related to your payments. Here are a few points you may find useful to ponder before deciding to buy handicrafts online the next time.
Avoid paying for items that are out of stock even if they are flagged as such
Check shipping lead times required and whether you can track your shipment online
Check whether the store has a toll free 1-800 customer care number, just in case
Check whether the cost includes insurance, delicate china and glass wares are better insured.
Shipping costs for heavier items like those made from wood or stones may outweigh item cost. Verify this instead of getting a shock later.
Read through the sellers' privacy and warranty policy and make sure how you can claim damages, just in case.
Handicrafts adorn every home, buying them online carefully will make you cherish your passion.
Alevoor Rajagopal, MBA, is a reputed business consultant and writes on showcasing individuality with MySpace layout. Visit his blog on video clips for a good laugh.
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