FAQ
What is American Artisans About?
The American Artisans website showcases artisans (craftsman, artists, designers, builders) producing hand-made in the USA custom products. We include only individual or small team operations that sell direct to customers. We purposely launched to help these artisans survive and thrive. We want to communicate how these products have character and soul. Something lost along the way to an industrial society. As opposed to mass-produced, lowest-common-denominator, save-a-penny at any cost, faceless, factory junk epitomized by the likes of Ikea and Walmart. People are reduced to being consumers, an insulting term, instead of neighbors and valued customers. Consumers rarely know or care where a product is built, not even what country.The products we list have a face and a story. They uplift the soul like a bright sunny spring morning. It is a small step towards ensuring life has more value and is worth living. The items we surround ourselves with and use to enhance our lives are important. We are privileged and happy to participate in this process.
How do I get new customers?
People find out about American Artisans when they visit any of the exclusive private club or retailer locations and see our take-one card counter display. Private clubs include golf, yachts and sailing, arts and cultural and social. The retailers serve an elite clientele and include yacht brokers, aircraft sales, high-end real estate agents, resorts, art galleries, exotic car dealers and more. These partners are rewarded by a percentage of our revenue and free local directory listings. We also do online SEO and marketing to drive traffic. Customers submit an online form requesting information from you to start the sales process. You can then email or call the customer.
How do customers buy?
Potential customer view your listing and if Interested submit a Priority Request form. We promise them expedited responses as they expect and demand. The information is immediately forwarded to you. We do not get involved in the transaction. Our purpose is to introduce you by creating a listing that you approve. You take it from there by replying to the request, providing answers to questions and processing orders.
What does this cost?
You pay a commission only on completed sales and after you get paid. You propose the commission rate and if we accept then it’s a deal. There are no listing, setup, lead or other up-front fees. Have you ever heard of a marketing or advertising program where they take the risk and not you?
Why don’t you charge up-front fees?
We are extremely selective on what artisans and products we list. The audience we target is discerning and sophisticated. They want the best and if we don’t show it we lose that audience that is hard-won to attract. We do extensive, time-consuming research to identify a qualified artisan. We want all to say yes to our offer. Therefore we make an offer you can’t refuse. Also important is that we can’t predict outcomes. There is no one price that can be charged that is sure to be equitable. So we don’t charge one.
What if a customer just calls me?
All relationships are built on trust if they are to last. We trust that you will ask how they heard of you and if it was through us you will be happy to pay if you get a sale.
Will competitors be listed?
Only a few artisans per category will be accepted. There will be many times more not included. Since each artisan and their products are unique we don’t see them as competing realistically.
I am not sure I can handle more production.
You are free to take on the customers you want and turn away the rest.
Why is there no guarantee?
Guarantees are promised to fix broken promises. We are paid only after we deliver a new customer sourced at our expense and risk. If you accept the customer, deliver a product and get paid then we have earned our commission. A commission rate you specified up-front and we both agreed it to be fair. If you can find anybody anywhere that does business this way let us know.
Aren’t you worried you won’t get paid?
No and here’s why. Fairness is everything. If a customer buys and does not receive what was paid for anger and resentment follow. If offered a fair deal then reciprocity kicks in and people are happy not just to pay but to spread the good word. Only sociopaths break this cultural rule. For every one of these miscreants there will be 99 others that respond honorably. The one lost commission will be outweighed by 10 or more incremental payments that would not have happened if not for the more-than-fair deal.
What if I say no?
The world keeps spinning. You may miss out on a few sales.