It’s been a few years since I have been sourcing and contracting workshops of moroccan brass fixtures.
Here in this article, I want to share with you my knowledge to have the best experience if you want to buy authentic brass and avoid getting scammed.
Especially since the orders of brass are relatively big in terms of cost.
Table of content:
- Stats of moroccan exportation : unprecedented demand on moroccan products
- 5 Traps to avoid when sourcing brass online from Morocco
- How can you find the best brass without getting scammed?
- Why are prices exceptionally low in Morocco?
- How to check the quality of the brass?
- Conclusion: Is purchasing Moroccan brass products a good idea?
- Mentions of some known moroccan brass brands that emerged recently
Stats of moroccan exportation : unprecedented demand on moroccan products
According to moroccan ministry of handcraft, even though the overall exportation of moroccan handmade products decreased by 10%, the brass items exportations exceptionally increased by 33%.
This is due to the international demand on moroccan brass fixtures. So, yes many homeowners and interior designers find it appealing to import exotic brass products from Morocco.
Main moroccan brass fixtures (and copper fixtures) are : lighting, sinks, bathroom accessories, faucets and decor.
5 Traps to avoid when sourcing brass online from Morocco
Let’s talk now about what you should avoid if you want to purchase moroccan brass :
- Placing a large order from a not tested sellers
If you have been searching for an item for so long, then, you find what you pictured in your mind, do not quickly fall in the trap of placing a large order.
Ask for samples or test a small order, this will give you a deep insight on how the seller behaves with clients and does he deliver on the promises.
This will help you identify : the quality of the product, the time of delivery, the customer service of the seller and if there are any hidden fees.
- Always believing what’s marketed online
Many sellers advertise on their websites things that are too good to be true.
Most of us are aware of that, but sometimes the desire for that specific item might blind you from realizing. So, if you see offers that feel suspicious, take time to investigate before making a decision.
There is also something I want to highlight, since the products are handmade, you might get an items different from what is in the picture, asking the seller about that is crucial or even demanding a picture of the product before shipping.
- Using non-secure payment method
After you make the purchase decision, always choose a secure payment method, PayPal, Payment gateways are generally secure and you can get back your money if anything goes wrong.
- Hidden costs
Sometimes, after placing the order, and when the delivery company comes to your house, they ask for additional fees (generally for customs clearance), so ask the seller about that and if the price is DDP or DAP.
- Delivery time
Many interior designers I worked with, need the items on a specific date, but due to the difficulty of making each piece, if the workshop is loaded with orders, the deadlines might be not respected. Asking about this in advance, especially if you are tight with time may save a lot of trouble.
What should you check before placing an order ?
- Make sure that the brass is certified (i.e. real brass and not diluted brass)
- Make sure that the item you will get is the same as pictured
- In case of water fittings, make sure a warranty is included
How can you find the best moroccan brass without getting scammed?
Finding a reliable brass seller in morocco is a bit of a hassle.
Etsy is a great place to find moroccan brass fixtures, however, it allows only 6 months for refund, and most problems occur after this period, so you should either test the product before the 6 months or make sure that the seller is trustworthy.
Google Shopping is also a good place to find moroccan brass sellers, just make sure when you land on the website of the seller, to check trust signals and authentic reviews.
Hire a freelancer (on Fiverr for example) that is based in Morocco, for a task of locally finding brass workshops and stores, especially in Fez or Marrakesh, where handcrafting is widely present.
Visit Morocco and search locally, as previously mentioned, in Fez or Marrakesh.
Why are prices exceptionally low in Morocco?
The answer is simply because the labor and handwork are very cheap in Morocco, the average monthly salary is less than 500 usd. This is the average, so imagine the low salaries, knowing that handcrafting is among the lowest paying jobs in the country.
Because of that, the handcrafted items cost is basically the raw material and the final products are relatively less costly than the US or Europe.
How to check the quality of the brass?
The quality of the brass depends on how the craftsmen made it, but first, in order to check if it is real brass, here is an article with many reliable methods :
The Quick Way to Tell if Something is Real Brass
Let’s go back to how the craftsmen make the brass, the test that was not mentioned in this article, is the test of time, when you install your brass fixture, a dark patina should develop starting 2 weeks, if not, that is most likely a low quality brass, because the non-copper components in the brass (zinc, zamak, etc), dilute the tarnishing effect over time.
Conclusion: Is purchasing Moroccan brass products a good idea?
Many interior designers and homeowners get scammed when they decide to make a brass purchase from Morocco, but if you follow the above checklists, the chances of finding the item and the quality you want are much higher.
Mentions of some known moroccan brass brands that emerged recently
At the end, I would like to mention some trustworthy and competent brass sellers that I recommend :
- https://www.insideast.com/
- https://atlaslightsmorocco.com/
- https://brasspure.etsy.com/
- https://duvoil.etsy.com/
Sources:
https://mtaess.gov.ma/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bulletin-export-Janv_2024.pdf
https://www.reinventeddelaware.com/quick-way-to-identify-real-brass
