CRAFT QUEST
Connecting you with Artisans anywhere you go!
Timeline: January - May 2024 (5 Months)
Role: Product Manager
Industry: E-Commerce
Discover Artisans.
Embrace Tradition Anywhere you go!
Experience the world’s finest handmade crafts and connect with the artisans who bring their heritage to life. Welcome to Craft Quest, where every piece tells a story.
Mission Statement
"To bridge the gap between traditional artisans and a global audience, fostering cultural appreciation and sustainable economic support for craftspeople."
Craft Quest is a platform designed to empower artisans by providing them direct access to a global marketplace where their work can be valued and appreciated without intermediaries that often reduce their earnings. Many artisans, particularly in rural or isolated communities, face barriers such as limited market access, lack of digital presence, and financial constraints, which hinder the preservation and growth of their crafts. Craft Quest tackles these challenges by offering a platform where artisans can sell their handmade goods directly to consumers, receive fair compensation, and share the stories behind their work, fostering a deeper connection between creator and buyer.
The Problem
"Traditional crafts are declining at a rate of 2-5% per year globally due to lack of demand and market accessibility, with only 2% of artisans worldwide reaching international markets."
Isolation of Artisans: Most artisans depend on small, local markets and struggle to reach buyers beyond their immediate communities, putting traditional crafts at risk amid economic challenges.
Loss of Cultural Heritage: Mass production has overshadowed the unique value of traditional crafts, resulting in a gradual decline of distinctive craft forms and techniques.
Consumer Disconnect: Conscious consumers are increasingly seeking genuine, ethically sourced goods but often face difficulty finding authentic, high-quality handmade crafts with transparent origins.
Core Features
Marketplace
A curated space with a wide range of authentic handmade crafts.
Storytelling Profiles
Each artisan’s profile includes their background, their craft's history, and insights into their techniques and materials.
Educational Content
Each artisan’s profile includes their background, their craft's history, and insights into their techniques and materials.
Imagine browsing a jewelry section, clicking on a necklace, and seeing product details, a short video of the artisan crafting it, and the story of how this particular design has been passed down through generations.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Individuals who prioritize sustainable, ethically-made products.
Ethical Shoppers
The global handicrafts market is valued at $718 billion, growing at a CAGR of 11%, driven by demand for authentic, sustainable products.
People who appreciate cultural history and value traditional arts.
Cultural Enthusiasts
Buyers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces that add character to their homes or collections.
Art Collectors and Home Decor Enthusiasts
Competitive Analysis
Storytelling
Cultural Focus
Marketplace Size
Artisan Revenue Share
In-Depth Storytelling: Unlike Etsy or Amazon Handmade, Craft Quest prioritizes each artisan’s story, craft process, and cultural significance.
Curated Selection: Emphasis on quality over quantity, featuring only verified artisans and traditional crafts.
Educational Content: A learning experience through multimedia content about global craft heritage.
VALUE PROPOSITION
Connect and empower
ARTISANS
Global Market Access: Allows artisans to overcome geographical barriers.
Fair Revenue Model: Transparent and empowering for creators, with minimal commission fees.
Storytelling Tools: A team to help build each artisan’s unique narrative and convey it to consumers.
Authenticity & meaningful souvenirs
COSTUMERS
Authenticity Guaranteed: A vetting process ensures every item is handmade and directly sourced from the artisan.
Cultural Enrichment: Through each purchase, consumers gain insights into the history and values behind the crafts they buy.
Sustainable Shopping: Supports conscious buying by emphasizing slow, sustainable production.
Revenue Model
Revenue Stream
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Market Place Sales
$250,000
$800,000
$2,250,000
Subscriptions
$60,000
$750,000
$180,000
Collaborations
$50,000
$500,000
$150,000
Total Revenue
$360,000
$1,130,000
$3,500,000
Marketplace Commission: A 10-15% commission on each sale ensures artisans receive a fair profit.
Subscription Model: Offer premium memberships for $5/month, providing access to exclusive content, tutorials, and early access to new collections.
Brand Collaborations: Partner with brands or museums for limited collections, online workshops, and cultural events, creating additional revenue.
Go-To-Market Strategy
Social Media
Instagram and Pinterest posts featuring artisan stories, product highlights, and crafting process videos
Influencer Partnerships
Work with cultural influencers and travel bloggers for sponsored content or to co-host virtual craft workshops
Content Marketing
SEO-optimized articles and videos around topics like “Understanding Global Crafts,” “Shopping Ethically,” and “Supporting Artisans
Impact – The Bigger Picture
Social Impact: Financial empowerment and economic independence for artisans, preserving endangered crafts.
Cultural Impact: Protect and promote traditional techniques, supporting intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Environmental Impact: Encourage conscious, low-waste shopping, favoring handmade over mass-produced items.
"Join us on Craft Quest and be a part of the journey in preserving and celebrating world heritage, one craft at a time.”
Key Metrics: Monthly revenue growth rate, customer acquisition cost, average customer value, and customer retention rates.
Financial Projections
Revenue Stream
Year 1
Year 3
Year 1
Year 3
Year 1
Year 3
Conservative
Conservative
Realistic
Realistic
Optimistic
Optimistic
Market Place Sales
$200,000
$1,000,000
$300,000
$2,000,000
$400,000
$3,500,000
Subscriptions
$50,000
$300,000
$100,000
$750,000
$150,000
$1,200,000
Collaborations
$25,000
$100,000
$50,000
$250,000
$100,000
$500,000
Total Revenue
$275,000
$1,400,000
$450,000
$3,000,000
$650,000
$5,200,000
Solution
Craft Quest is a digital marketplace and immersive storytelling platform where consumers can discover and purchase crafts directly from artisans worldwide. It combines commerce with storytelling, creating a unique experience that allows users to learn about the heritage, techniques, and personal journeys behind each item.
What is CraftQuest?
Q1 2024
Product Development Timeline
Q2 2024
Expand artisan profiles and integrate multimedia content, and optimize user experience.
Launch MVP platform and onboard the first cohort of artisans.
Q3 2024
Q4 2024
Launch community forums, Q&A features with artisans, and a subscription service.
Initiate targeted marketing campaigns, premium content subscriptions, and partner collaborations.