Previously we unloaded supplies by hand. And when it came to shipping out an order, we'd make an announcement over our public address system for all the employees to help load the truck, including shrinkwrapping the paletted boxes. The warehouse, financed by an empowerment grant from the state, makes the coop's shipping operation more efficient, enabling it to go after larger orders. About 1015 percent of the members earn a living from craft production, but they're often well-versed in making a wide variety of items, willing to learn new skills, and can be very flexible in what and when they can make particular craft items, Sawyer explained. For others who supplement their income from crafts, it's a pastime that makes life interesting.
Quilts are an example of the global market.
We started out making them. But when cheaper versions began to roll into our markets from overseas, we relegated the sale of them to our Camden store. It supports keeping some crafts alive, even though they are no longer produced in large quantities. We still have clients who are interested in American-made crafts and will pay a little extra to get them. But Sawyer finds member relations in her cooperative a real challenge.