The Daily Ping

One web store that I’ve really started to dig is National Geographic’s Novica. Essentially, it allows artisans of the world to sell their wares for more than they would be able to in their own villages. At the same time, it lets buyers worldwide purchase these items for less than they would buy these items if they had them imported or bought them from one of those import mall stores. Once a purchase is made, the artisan ships the item from his/her home country to Novica, who, in turn, ships it to the buyer (shipping costs are surprisingly reasonable).

So far, I’ve purchased a handmade teapot from Bali for myself and a vase with a floral design from Thailand for my grandmother. I managed to get both using a coupon from Amazing Bargains and a rebate from Ebates, resulting in two really outstanding deals. Novica provides a good deal for the buyer while benefitting the seller financially. Not a bad combination.

I like the whole idea behind the site and the execution seems flawless. The site itself is sophisticated and highlights not only the artwork, but the artists (1,700 of them!) as well. It’s nice to see the face behind the piece sitting in your living room.

So, if you’re looking for a unique decoration (be it a painting, a mask, a vase, whatever) for your house, why not check Novica and support the artist more directly than by buying from a mall store? You’ll feel good about what you buy and wind up with a quality product in the end. -ram