Over our twenty year history (yes, 20!) we've had to struggle a bit with quality control. The artisans we continue to buy from year after year do a very good job. Sometimes we receive pieces that aren't up to our standards, and we usually let the producers know so they'll be more careful in the future. Occasionally we decide not to buy again from an artisan when he or she appears to be uninterested in improving the quality of their product. We strive to get the best quality because customer satisfaction is very important to us.
Recently we had an unusual interaction with a new vendor. I was looking for another workshop that makes the very popular Patzcuaro linens we sell. The workshop we've used for about a dozen years does great work, I can't always get the styles or colors our customers want. I came upon a woman through social media who seemed like she was going to be my plan B. We exchanged very friendly messages, she sent me photos, and the next day delivered some beautiful looking napkins to my door while I was in Patzcuaro. I was excited! But, after washing a few napkins as a test, I was astonished at the results. Many threads had unraveled, and I couldn't imagine selling these to my customers.
I contacted the seller and sent her photos. I was even more astonished at her reaction, which was to say that she sells the same napkins to a hotel in another state in Mexico and they have no problem trimming the loose threads. After a few days of thinking about it, I wrote to her and nicely asked to return the napkins for my money back. She ghosted me.
So...we're back to square one, looking for more quality napkins and I am pretty sure we will eventually find them. I write this to tell you that we are picky-- and proud of it. We understand (and hope you do too) that handmade items often have "imperfections"...it's part of their charm. But if a lid to a cazuela doesn't fit, or a copper vase leaks water-- that's unacceptable to us. Perfection is not our goal...happiness is. A friend and customer just recently commented that she doesn't know anyone else in a similar business who spends as much time carefully hand selecting purchases. Maybe it is unusual, but I see my job as a curator of quality crafts and folk art, working to bring you the special creations of artisans you probably won't find anywhere else. We're always learning and trying to improve, and we hope you appreciate our efforts!