ARE MY PRODUCTS TOO EXPENSIVE?
Some people have commented that the products I sell are too expensive. Evaluation of expense is relative so what is too costly for one person is easily affordable by another. However, the last thing I want is to profiteer – and at present I am running at a loss because art involves such a huge outlay of time and cost for materials that it is almost impossible to recoup unless/until an artist becomes fashionable. To be perfectly honest, I cannot afford to buy my own products at the moment but I hope to bless those of you who can afford them. For those of you who are as cash strapped as I am, we may need to depend on big retailers instead of craftspeople.There are practical reasons why my products cost more than those available through mass-production retailers.
My Decision to Only Sell Natural Fibre Merchandise on my Store
Since I paint endangered species, which are often affected by pollution and habitat destruction, it is ethical to ensure that my products are:
- Consistently raising awareness of threatened species.
- Created from natural fibres or products, which are not pollutive.
- Environmentally-friendly: producing little or no pollution during manufacturing and do not pollute when washed and finally disposed.
- Biodegradable.
- Healthy for the customer wearing or using them.
- Sustainable.
- Durable – natural fibres last longer than man-made (synthetic, plastic fibres).
- Where possible, are organic – just as nature intended, and not impregnated with nasty pesticides/herbicides, toxins, etc.
- Excellent quality, so that the merchandise is well worth the cost.
- Manufactured locally and/or through ethical manufacturers who do not exploit their labour force.
- Beautiful but useful – it is possible to create products that have both characteristics.
- By purchasing cotton garments, we are supporting farmers rather than fossil fuel industry.
My aim is to produce GUILT-FREE products that only positively impact customers, wildlife and the planet.
Currently, my artwork is available on a range of adult organic cotton t-shirts on my online store, Bumble-Bees Art and Crafts (https://www.bumble-beesartandcrafts.com/ ).
In a couple of weeks, organic cotton t-shirts with my artwork, will also be available from doodlewear (https://www.doodlewear.co.nz/collections/auntie-betty-illustration ).
An organic cotton & 100% cotton baby-wear and children’s t-shirt range is available on my online store, as well as 100% cotton adults sweatshirts and hoodies.
I am so impressed by the quality of these garments. All artwork printing is done in New Zealand by Digitees, using environmentally-friendly inks on ethically manufactured garments. My garments are only printed when a customer orders, so there is no waste, and Digitees ships the garments in a compostable bag to the customer, which is cheaper for the customer and better for the environment. Bumble-Bees and Digitees are both passionate about being as eco-conscious as possible.
Are you ready to start purchasing more durable, natural clothes and homeware?
Recommended Reading:
1. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2021/07/washing-machine-filters-failing-to-stop-microplastic-pollutants-ending-up-on-kiwi-beaches.html
2. https://amberoot.com/blogs/blog/synthetic-clothes-and-the-consequences-to-our-health
3. https://www.trustedclothes.com/blog/2018/08/09/three-ethical-reasons-to-avoid-synthetic-fabrics-and-switch-to-natural-fabrics/
4. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/natural-vs-synthetic-fibers#what-are-natural-fibers
