7 MUST ASK QUESTIONS when buying handicrafts

1. Why do the size, color and textures of hand-made items vary? A simple rule-of-thumb is “the best quality handicrafts vary in size, color and texture by 5-10%”. This variation is because each item is hand-made and like a fingerprint is one-of-a-kind.

Size: Size variations are due to the fact that each item is made by hand rather than machine made. Examples of size variation are found in purses and bags that may vary by 1-2 inches or crocheted foot bags or juggling balls whose diameters can vary.

Color: Color variations are due to inherent thread color tone variations. The dyes used to color threads are made from flowers, vegetables and plants whose own color varies in nature. While the color tone of a given batch of dye will be the same slight variations will occur from batch to batch of dye produced.

Texture: Texture variations are due to the firmness of the thread used to weave an item. The firmness of a thread will determine how tightly it can be woven and this difference in tightness will result in differing textures.

2. How do I know your product is top quality? As with size, color and texture, the quality of handicrafts also varies. To assure that you are buying top quality handicrafts it is important to know about the quality of workmanship of the individual artisans and the raw materials they use.

Workmanship:
Know the artisans and the quality of their work. If you have the opportunity to visit Guatemala ask your wholesaler/producer to take you to visit the artisans they work with. If the wholesaler/producer is not willing to do so there is the possibility that they are intermediaries and do not know who/where the handicrafts they sell are made.  

Raw Materials: 
Thread: Quality in thread is determined by the quality of the dyes and dying process used to color the thread. To check for thread/color quality, rub the item in question against a white piece of cloth. If the color rubs off the dyes/dying process used were/was poor quality. You should ask where the artisan bought his/her thread. The artisan should be able to readily provide this information as well as a “thread certificate” as verification.

Gϋipiles: The Mayans use high quality thread to weave their qϋipiles. Therefore handicraft items made from these gϋipiles are almost guaranteed to be of high quality.

Glass beads: The best quality glass beads come from the Czech Republic. You can recognize Czech beads by their round shape and their opaque, transparent or metal colors.  In contrast glass beads of lesser quality come from China. These can be recognized by the fact they come in all shapes and colors (usually very uniform). Items made from Chinese glass beads will be less expensive since the purchase price for the beads is lower.

3. Is the paint used to decorate the wood and ceramic items you sell toxic?  Almost without exception acrylic non-toxic paint is used to decorate Guatemalan wood and ceramic handicrafts. Ask your wholesaler/producer. If he/she knows the artisans they will be able to provide you this information.

4. What are the foot bags or juggling balls you sell filled with? The best quality foot bags are filled with small polyethylene or polypropylene pellets. If instead the foot bags are filled with a mix of polyethylene and rice, they are of inferior quality and will attract critters! Again, ask your wholesaler/producer. If he/she knows the artisans they will be able to provide you this information. 

5. How do I choose an exporter/importer to work with?  The best exporter/importer knows the artisan with whom he/she works. You can verify this when he/she is willing to introduce you to their artisans.

To make sure you are working with a trust-worthy exporter/importer contact the Guatemalan Exporters Association –AGEXPRONT- at:  http://www.export.com.gt/Portal/Home.aspx. AGEXPRONT is a private, non-profit NGO that represents, promotes and develops nontraditional exports for Guatemalan companies. They will send you a list of Guatemalan companies with proven track records that they recommend. At the same time they will send your information to the companies with whom they are associated.

6. Were your products purchased using fair trade guidelines? To see if a wholesaler/producer you are considering buying your products from adheres to fair trade practices check to see if they are members of the Fair Trade Federation (listed on the FTF website: http://www.fairtradefederation.org). Also you can look for the FTF logo on their business materials or the words “Member of the Fair Trade Federation” on their products.

To be sure that the wholesaler/producer you are considering purchasing from uses fair trade practices ask them since they may adhere to fair trade guidelines without being a member of FTF and/or displaying the FTF logo on their materials. In addition look at their website and/or other company information to see what they are doing to help the artisans and/or the communities where they buy their handicrafts. 
 

7. Are your products green? If you define "green products" as those that are both environmentally and socially responsible most Guatemalan handicrafts would be considered to be green. To determine where the wholesaler/producer you are considering buying from stands on “green products” and “sustainability” look at their website or call them to discuss their views on these issues. For more information about green products visit: http://www.treehugger.com.