#99770 - 07-29-06 03:03 PM
How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
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zeroflux
Administrator
Registered: 03-11-01
Posts: 6175
Loc: Arlington, Virginia
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Qoffa (pronounced Quffa) in Arabic means "basket". In this case, I am referring to stylish coiled hand-crafted Rush (Juncus) beach baskets made in Tunisia, which can be customized with basic designs and inscriptions.
Qoffa Poster
 
 
Please take a moment to vote on what you believe is a reasonable price to pay for this product. If you have any ideas for basic graphics or inscriptions that would increase the marketability of these baskets, please post them in this thread. Please note that these baskets are hand-made and are not mass produced. Each basket takes approx. 90 minutes to make.
Edited by zeroflux (10-15-06 03:51 AM)
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#99771 - 07-29-06 09:32 PM
Re: How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
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masque
Member
Registered: 05-29-02
Posts: 7956
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These baskets have extra value as beach totes because they stand up, as a canvas bag doesn't. That makes it easier to see what's inside without feeling around in there, and messing everything up.
I noticed the three price points that were tied: $30, $40 and $50. I chose the higest because I think they'll get lost in the shuffle at the discount stores if you don't establish them as a quality product.
For a design, I'd go with whatever the traditional symbols were at the beginning of their civilization. All cultures have them - in Latvia, there are eight or nine, and you see them used as a decorating border, etc. The sea is a squiggle; the sun looks the way a child draws it, and so does the pine tree; wealth or abundance is in a wheat design. Very basic.
This gives the buyer an extra sense of purchasing something authentic. I would definitely include a card explaining the design elements. Now they feel they're buying folk art, which is in a higher category than just stuff you get at Target (although Target, too, has used this approach).
In addition, I'd give some thought to customizing the bags - as the diaper bag for a baby, for example; when you have a baby, you go NOWHERE without the bag. It has diapers inside, maybe a pad for the baby to lay on - and extra bottles of formula or juice. You'd want some kind of cloth or leather loops at the bottom, to keep the bottles upright. In this case - the baby modification - you might want some other kind of design woven in, to indicate this is a modified version of the basket.
In promoting this product, I would definitely emphasize how the people who weave them are trying to help themselves, and how this will benefit the economy in Tunisia.
Good luck!
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#99772 - 07-30-06 05:52 AM
Re: How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
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Groucho Marx
Member
Registered: 03-11-05
Posts: 27685
Loc: Northwest Suburbs, IL
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The diaper bag version suggested by masque gives rise to other versions. A modified, more slender version with one long, leather strap might serve well as a student's book bag.
I'd suggest a flap over the top, to protect the contents from rain and from easy theft.
_________________________
For good reason, the Defeatocrat Party often is called the Evil Party.
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#99773 - 08-10-06 08:19 PM
Re: How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
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toxteth o'grady
Uncivil Engineer
Registered: 10-24-01
Posts: 64784
Loc: At the airport
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You got one that says "Jimmy" on it?
Edited by zeroflux (10-22-06 06:59 PM)
_________________________
"It's my party and I'll cry if I want to" --Abe Lincoln
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#99774 - 08-10-06 09:32 PM
Re: How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
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zeroflux
Administrator
Registered: 03-11-01
Posts: 6175
Loc: Arlington, Virginia
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It can say Jimmy if you want it to. I'm still researching the feasibility of custom orders. There's going to be a wait time of at least 8 weeks, but it is possible.
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#99775 - 08-19-06 11:12 AM
Re: How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
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11O'Clock
This Space for Rent
Registered: 02-02-02
Posts: 10446
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zero, like many other products, the Chinese now own the straw market. They took it away from the Philippines.
I'd get some quotes from Chinese exporters before buying the Tunisian bags. My guess is that they'll be 50% cheaper.
Google "straw beach bags".
masque I have a Lands End canvas beach tote that I got as a gift. The thing is indestructable.
_________________________
Conservatives exercise moral philosophy..the search for a superior justification for selfishness.
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#99776 - 08-23-06 01:35 AM
Re: How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
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zeroflux
Administrator
Registered: 03-11-01
Posts: 6175
Loc: Arlington, Virginia
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Hey 11O'Clock, long time no see. I've purchased a lot of straw products and don't believe that straw and rush (Juncus) have the same properties (although I'm unable to find a scientific comparison online). I'm not interested in importing anything from China and don't believe they can compete on the uniqueness of the design and quality of the weave. Also, I'm not Chinese so I really have no interest in furthering their exports  My goal is to import quality Tunisian crafts beginning with Rush products (baskets, wall coverings, mats)then add other items such as Sidi Bou Said bird cages, ceramic tile and then in the long-term expand to other products from the Mediterranean.
I added several pics to the gallery including photos of the artisan I've placed my most recent orders with... I think the close-up photo of the basket will provide a better idea of the difference from straw products; for one, the finished product is heavier, thicker and more polished (smooth surface) than straw. It also has a deeper color tan than most straw products I've seen. The weave appears to be different too:
New Photos Added
Also, I am running some eBay auctions of Ladies Kaftans imported from Morocco if you want to have a look-see:
Current Auctions on eBay
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#99777 - 09-14-06 10:20 PM
Re: How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
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zeroflux
Administrator
Registered: 03-11-01
Posts: 6175
Loc: Arlington, Virginia
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The first Qoffa beach baskets are up on eBay if anyone is interested:
Qoffa Auctions
... there are also some new photos of baskets with the Phoenicia Fish design.
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#133228 - 01-07-07 03:59 AM
Re: How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
[Re: zeroflux]
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Qoffa
Junior Member
Registered: 08-28-06
Posts: 7
Loc: Arlington, VA
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New abstract Qoffa-branded Mediterranean designs are available in the CG Shop @ Cafepress.
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#133960 - 01-11-07 01:40 AM
Re: How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
[Re: Qoffa]
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masque
Member
Registered: 05-29-02
Posts: 7956
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I love the Mediterranean Mosaic Aqua. Not to say that the gold color is unpleasant; it's just that fish swim in water, so the aqua background feels right.
Could you have fabric made in that pattern? I'm thinking a tightly-woven cotton. Then maybe you could line the Qoffa's with it, which would make them even more distinctive, and help you create your brand.
Eventually you could use the fabric to make other products - like diaper pads to carry in the Qoffa; or things people carry around in an office, that other people see: like the covers people use for their legal pads; put fabric over that.
Postcards are fine, but does anybody see them, other than the recipient? Or - how about those sun visors people wear at tennis matches, etc.? Cover those with it - distinctive, people will see it and want to know what it is.
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#146283 - 03-03-07 11:39 AM
Re: How much would you pay for a Qoffa?
[Re: masque]
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zeroflux
Administrator
Registered: 03-11-01
Posts: 6175
Loc: Arlington, Virginia
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Masmoudi, the Tunisian family-owned maker of traditional mouthwatering pastries now has operations in the US, Tampa to be exact.
This is a very exciting moment for me as my sweet tooth is legendary and several members of my family have issued warrants for my arrest due to the pillaging their stock of Ka3k (Kaa-ak: the Tunisian version of a doughnut, stuffed with almond paste)and Mlabess (the delicious almond-stuffed pastries that oddly resemble funny shaped eggs). 
The arts & crafts themed presentation of the pastry assortment is a treat onto itself. The full length video demonstrating the logistics and processes involved with making the little bites of heaven is fascinating.
I would encourage our users to place an order and sample some of Masmoudi's offerings. I guarantee you will be going back for more. Some of the more ornate pastry arrangements would also make a unique gift.
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