As Black Friday rolls around each year, there’s an undeniable rush to score “deals” and “one-time offers.” But if you’ve been following us at Pastos Co, you may already know we don’t participate in Black Friday sales. Here’s why:
We believe in honest, year-round pricing. Black Friday sales often mean prices are inflated only to be slashed temporarily, or genuine discounts are passed on at the expense of fair wages somewhere down the supply chain. For us, fair pay is a priority. From our supply chain to our team, we make sure every step of our production is handled with care and ethical standards. Slashing prices dramatically would compromise the fair compensation we provide to the people who provide the materials for the furniture we make—whether it’s desks, dining tables, or custom home furniture.
Instead of chasing the Black Friday hype, we keep our prices as low as possible year-round, adjusting based on the cost of materials we source. This ensures you get the best value we can offer while allowing us to maintain the quality and ethics that we stand by.
With Black Friday hype continuing to grow, there’s often a rush of orders in late November. But since our team is tinyyyy and each piece is handmade to order, we’ve set a Christmas cut-off date to ensure your orders arrive in time for the holidays. This date usually falls in early December, so we recommend getting your order in early if you’re planning to give one of our pieces as a gift.
Currently, we have our biggest discounts running thanks to a temporary deal with our timber suppliers, and these discounts will last until the end of the year. There’s no need to wait until Black Friday for the “best deal”—we promise our prices won’t go lower than they are now.
Shopping with small businesses can make a world of difference, not only to the business but to everyone involved in the crafting process. If you’re looking to support small, handmade businesses this Christmas, here are some tips:
Give Us Time to Create and Ship Your Item
Small businesses don’t operate out of massive warehouses with next-day delivery. Each piece is often made from scratch, with care and precision. For us, that means every desk, dining table, and custom furniture piece is crafted to order. Ordering early ensures that your gift arrives on time without added pressure.
Understand That Small Businesses Can’t Compete with Big Corporations
Small businesses work differently from large retailers, and we can’t always match their prices or lead times. When you buy from a small business, you’re choosing craftsmanship and quality over fast and cheap. If you’re planning to give a handmade gift, consider ordering earlier rather than rushing a last-minute order and expecting it by the 25th.
Don’t Blame the Seller for Courier Delays
Once we ship your item, it’s out of our hands and in the hands of the courier. Every Pastos Co order is shipped with DHL Express - they are very reliable and 99% on time. Around this time of the year, we always get an email from DHL, giving us a heads up that things are about to get very busy and that we may experience delays. If a delivery is delayed, please understand that the seller has no control over it at that point. We appreciate your patience and understanding!
Speak to the Seller Before Taking Action on an Issue
If your item arrives damaged or if there’s an issue, reach out to us. We’re always here to help, and we want to make things right. Initiating a chargeback or opening a case on platforms like Etsy without speaking to the seller first can have a huge impact on small businesses, not only financially but in terms of how our website performs or how our Etsy shop is punished. Your support makes all the difference, and we’re here to work with you if there’s an issue.
Understand the Value of Supporting Small Businesses
Every single order means the world to us. Sometimes it’s the only order we receive in a day. When you choose a small business, you’re not just getting a product; you’re supporting a team that’s dedicated to creating something just for you. We may have longer lead times, but what you get is a unique, quality piece made with care and attention to detail. And if you have any questions or requests, we’re here to listen.
Bonus Tip: Leaving a kind review or sending a quick message to let us know you loved your item is always appreciated! Your feedback motivates us and keeps us going!
As the holiday season approaches, we’re incredibly grateful for each and every one of you who supports our work. By choosing Pastos Co, you’re helping us create quality, sustainable furniture without sacrificing the ethical standards we believe in.
If you’re looking for a custom desk, dining table, or unique home furniture this Christmas, feel free to reach out with any questions. We’re here to help you find the perfect piece that’s crafted just for you.