An interesting press release from The Rosen Group. Could be an angle to use in your marketing material if it fits.
American Artists Protect Consumers with Non-Toxic, Handmade Products Rash of China Recalls Reminds Consumers to Buy American
Baltimore, Md. (September 11, 2007)—With the growing number of product recalls from China, American artists are reminding consumers that their handmade artworks are safer than imports, says The Rosen Group, a Baltimore-based arts marketing and publishing firm.
The firm, which produces the nation’s largest wholesale show that strictly features functional and decorative artwork handmade in the U.S. and Canada, says that the recent rash of recalls is raising consumer awareness about the higher safety and quality of American-made products.
Wendy Rosen, founder and president of The Rosen Group, says that consumers should feel safe about buying American-made products, especially from artists. “There’s no need to question a product’s safety when you personally know who made it or sold it to you,” she says.
“We are again seeing the extreme detrimental effects of foreign imports,” adds Rosen. “Just this year, there have been recalls of toothpaste, dog food and toys made in China. Are consumers also at risk when buying cheap home décor and art at big-box retailers? I’d say it’s likely, given the current situation.”
Amy Shaw of Greenjeans in Brooklyn, N.Y., says that she has seen an increase in questions about the safety of the handmade wooden toys she sells in her craft gallery. "Parents are losing trust in mass-produced toys. They are throwing out what they have and looking for alternative sources for toxin-free toys made closer to home," says Shaw.
Consumers have recently seen a wave of recalls of Chinese made products, including children’s toys, toothpaste, pet food, tires and other consumer goods.
3 thoughts on “Marketing language? (unless your art IS made in China)”
While interesting, I don’t really see a direct correlation with artwork. Artists using artist-grade materials know they can (and some specific pigments definitely do) contain toxic materials, though of course in very small quantities. Artworks are also not suitable for small children to play with. Do we aim to sell our artwork to those buying cheap home decor? Personally, I don’t. That’s not my identified core market. And of course original art has nothing whatsoever to do with children’s toys. Clever marketing though.
Hmmm. Gotta say I wouldn’t want to sell my art by increasing people’s fears. I don’t like how the Rosen group makes a blanket statement that imports of any kind are potentially dangerous.
Tina: Yes, clever marketing angle. Dan: I think all imports ARE potentially dangerous because the government has basically said that they have one (1!) person who tests everything and, obviously, he can’t test everything. But, I like that you picked up on the fear factor. I thought it might be good for an artist who makes toys to be able to tout “handmade in America with child-friendly materials” (or whatever) without mentioning the imported labels at all.