Handmade vs Factory-Made Crafts: Which Is Better?
If you're trying to decide what type of item to buy for your home or as a gift, a question that comes to mind is: Which type of craft will I appreciate more? There are both types of crafts, and knowing what the differences are will allow you to make a better and more thoughtful purchase. At Craftron, a handmade craft company located in Palakkad, we advocate for the benefits of handmade crafts.
The first type of craft is a handmade craft. A handcrafted item is a product that has been hand-made by a very skilled artisan, with creativity, time, and attention to detail being the driving force behind creation. Every handmade craft is one-of-a-kind and made from natural and often eco-friendly materials, and every handmade craft is produced in the same way.
Every item created by Craftron has its unique characteristics and meets the following criteria:
Made by skilled artisans using the same tools
Made with a focus on creativity, patience, and the value of craftsmanship.
Made from eco-friendly, natural materials
Provides support for small businesses and local artisans
What are Factory Crafts?
The second type of item that you can buy is a factory-produced craft. A factory craft is created in quantity and at speed by a machine. Factory crafts are created with an emphasis on uniformity, with little to no attention given to the craftsmanship involved in production.
When purchasing handmade crafts versus factory-made crafts there are several important differences to note. Below is a list and comparison of these differences in terms of uniqueness, quality/craftsmanship, sustainability, customization, and emotional value.
Unique - Each piece of handmade crafts will have its own uniqueness and character with slight differences from other pieces made by the artist. Factory-made crafts look identical to one another.
Quality/Craftsmanship - The maker of handmade crafts puts their care, attention, and superior finishing into every piece. In contrast, the focus for factory-made crafts is to produce a high quantity of it rather than produce a great craftsmanship product.
Sustainability - Handmade crafts rely mostly on eco-friendly sources of materials when made. In addition, the production of handmade crafts generates less waste versus factory-made crafts. Factory production usually requires large machines in order to produce products, therefore placing a higher demand for manufacturing on the environment.
Since handmade crafts can easily be customized according to the customer's preference, factory-made crafts typically have limited or no customization options available.
Lastly, the emotional value associated with handmade crafts is substantial and associated with a great deal of energy, effort, and personal touch from the maker; whereas factory-made crafts have less emotional value and more functional purposes.