Some direct marketers who deal with a variety of craftspersons might grumble that they don't always get e-mail replies to questions quickly enough.
OnlineAmishFurniture.com doesn't have that problem. The 200 or so builders whose wares they feature don't have computers.
Last fall, the Clinton Township, MI-based company acquired a competitor, AmishAlley.com, which it will continue to operate as a separate online storefront, says Chadwick Conte, who maintains the Web sites.
Most of the builders the sites works with are in Ohio and Indiana. Orders are sent to the vendors through a fax service. Some have phones, but use them only for business purposes.
“It's difficult at times to get ahold of [some builders], but the craftsmanship is unbelievable,” notes Conte, who says the main point of contact is at furniture trade shows once or twice a year.
The customer base is across the country, and some orders are received from Canada as well. The typical customer is between ages 30 and 50, and Conte says he's noticed that in many cases women seem to be in charge of the furniture buying process.
The most popular items are tables and chairs, and then bedroom sets. Plasma TV stands also are gaining in favor.
