For Buyers
Firstly, thanks for taking a look at Gifts from Devon!
My wife and I have lived in Devon only a short while; we love the place, and all the nature and beauty that come with it. We've meet fascinating people and made wonderful friends.
Prior to moving to this stunning part of the country, we came regularly as holiday makers.
We journeyed the lanes, towns, villages and markets, as so many do when on their breaks. On occasions, we had been surprised to be unable to buy online the things we enjoyed, loved the look of, or wanted to share with others. This became the seed for Gifts from Devon.
While there are many collections of Devon hampers online (and gifts, art and jewellery) we felt that, while each was good and offered neat items, they obviously didn't have the things we'd been unable to find online. It seems loads of artisans are busy making unique, original, delicious, quirky, one-off items that they aren't offering on the internet. Life's too good to spend in front of computers!
So, we're doing what we did on holiday. Stopping at places, finding the best of Devon produce and products then chatting with their makers. This time finding out if they sell online. If not, we offer them the opportunity on this site.
How it works for you
Just the same as any other online store. Choose what you like, order, pay and wait for the post. Behind the scenes the following happens.
We contact the individual/s making the items (the 'makers'). Your order is relayed to them along with your delivery address and any special instructions.
They make, pack and ship your item with a leaflet from us - straight from their hands to yours. This is all done according to their schedule though we ask they complete the process of shipping the item within 2-3 days of receiving the order.
The postal cost for each item is worked into the price advertised (just the same as most sellers do when offering 'free postage' on Ebay or Amazon).
Your order is now in the hands of the maker's chosen deliverer. They supply us a proof of postage, then we pay the maker.
Postage and shipping
As mentioned, the price of standard shipping is worked into the price paid. Special delivery may be available for some items, this is determined by the maker and the availability of post offices and couriers in their location. For farmers and small holders time available for organising such things can also be an issue.
If you have an urgent need for an item, eg. a gift on a tight schedule, please contact us prior to ordering*.
Not all items are 'off the shelf', some will be made after the order is received. Not all sellers can be contacted immediately and at some times of year, the weather and remote locations can make it hard to get packages sent/collected. If you contact us in advance we can get accurate information about availability/delivery to you.
*Take a look at our '48 Hour' category if you need to have a Devon gifts by post in a short time frame.
For Makers
This site gives them an opportunity to sell more without having to invest time in the things we do: build and manage a website, manage customer transactions and relations as well as investing in advertising and promotion.
Makers get online and have their works enjoyed by a greater audience. They also get to sell year-round instead of just during the tourist season.
For Us
Makers allow us a margin on the items we sell which covers our costs and hopefully pays us a little for our time. Makers earn a little less but, as mentioned above, they get to sell a lot more.
Your purchase keeps this site going, which helps keep the wheels of local business ticking over plus you get access to items you can't get anywhere outside of Devon.
Keeping our site trading helps us afford finding more makers who aren't online, and in turn helps us get more great Devon gifts, produce, arts and crafts out into the world.
At some point, any profit we make will help us bring our kids up (they cost a fortune in wellies, ice creams, pasties and school trips). And mum and dad do enjoy a cream tea.