UncommonGoods is an online shop that carries creatively designed, high quality, and affordable products.
The thing that makes UncommonGoods so special is their dedication to the artisan community. There is a story behind every single product you find on UncommonGoods. Whether it’s that of an emerging designer just introducing her work to the world; artisans working collaboratively in a low income country; or a seasoned artist crafting each of his pieces by hand. They are dedicated to building a community of passionate people who celebrate artists and delight in surrounding themselves with creative design.
We recently interviewed three buyers at UncommonGoods about what they look for in a great product.
Here is what they had to say:
Meet Jamie Hoffman.
What is your role at Uncommon Goods? I am the Buyer for our Home Decor and Garden categories. I scour craft fairs and trade shows looking for new products and work with our vendors to bring those products to our customers.
Where do you go to discover new products for UncommonGoods? Since we’re right in the middle of trade show season, I can’t help but mention the many industry shows across the country that we visit to find new products and connect with existing vendors. The internet is still one of our greatest resources, from crowdfunding campaigns to craft fair rosters and Instagram, sometimes a cold intro is my best way of getting to a new product or company.
What type of products are you on the hunt for? I try to keep my eyes peeled for all my subcategories all the time, but right now I’m especially searching for unique lighting from chandeliers to table lamps and candleholders.
What makes a product or maker stand out from the crowd? At UncommonGoods, we’re always looking for a combination of compelling factors. These days it’s not always enough to have an upcycled product or have it be handmade. I’m most struck by makers who are using materials in a way I’ve never seen before, or who make a connection between the way a product functions and what it is. Our customers buy goods from us because they are attracted to the stories they tell. The more exceptional that story, the better!
What are some of your favorite product finds? I have had tons of fun tapping through the brightness levels on the Mr. Owl Touch Lamp. I remember seeing Luke exhibiting at a craft fair in Brooklyn and I was drawn to the lively crowd gathered around his booth doing the same with each of his vintage-inspired lamps! The sheer buzz assured me his product would be a hit. I also think the Shake It Off Doormat is the cutest thing to hit the home entryway market in ages.
Meet Sharon Hitchcock
What is your role at Uncommon Goods? I am the Jewelry buyer.
Where do you go to discover new products for UncommonGoods? Trade shows big and small, craft fairs such as Renegade, internet scouring, shopping the market to see what’s new.
What type of products are you on the hunt for?
I’m looking for items that will earn a place in the heart of our customers. Jewelry is an incredibly personal purchase. Whether the customer is buying for herself or for a gift it’s all about the connection one feels to a piece. I try to find pieces that are special – whether through the use of an uncommon material, special messaging or something nostalgic or keepsake in the design that has special meaning to the recipient.
What makes a product or maker stand out from the crowd?
Amazing craftsmanship, interesting use of materials, an interesting maker story (e.g. how the maker pursued their craft).
What are some of your favorite product finds? Oh gosh, there are so many! An artist that I really love working with is Britta Ambauen – she is a great collaborator and created one of my favorite necklaces – the Motherhood Locket. Also, Emilie Shapiro’s jewelry is so beautiful– she uses raw stones and creates gorgeous, organic settings. BB Becker is another favorite – he combines beautiful messaging with a really lovely personal touch – all pieces are engraved with the handwriting of his wife, Jo. They created the Dear Daughter necklace – the messaging is really lovely. Finally, I love Nancy Nelson’s work – she is inspired by nature and casts pieces of bark, pinecones, and honeycomb she finds on her walks to create special jewelry.
Meet Megan Stickel
What is your role at Uncommon Goods? I am the Assistant Buyer for Children’s and Leisure.
Where do you go to discover new products for UncommonGoods? Some favorite websites to hunt for new items include Etsy, Scoutmob and Pinterest. Visiting small boutiques in different locations (for example, if I am in LA I might find some great local designers in the stores there). Craft fairs and maker’s market are always full of innovative items. We also get some great submissions on our website.
What type of products are you on the hunt for? Handcrafted games, DIY kits, creative journals, innovative tech items, problem solving products, handmade ceramics, crafting accessories, unique personalized products.
What makes a product or maker stand out from the crowd? Overall, doing something innovative catches my eye. I also think that the way a vendor presents their product (in photography online or the way they set up their table at a craft fair) can really make a difference in how much they can grab my attention. I want to see something new and exciting that I haven’t seen before!
What are some of your favorite product finds? Some of my favorite products in our Children’s category are our Foodie Booties, Baby’s First Year Memory Book, Up & Away Keepsake Box, and a few exclusive personalized blankets that aren’t up on the site quite yet! I’m also a big fan of the Personality Desk Signs, Wooden Desk Phrases, and the Anchored in Love Paperweight in our Desktop category.
Are you interested in getting your products sold in retail shops? You can get instant access to our on-demand workshop “Get Your Products in Retail Shops” for $47 with discount code “RetailBiz.” This workshop includes three hour-long sessions with creative business experts who all run established wholesale businesses. Sign up here.
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