The product categories of handicrafts can vary, but some common ones include:

1. Textile Handicrafts – Products made from fabrics such as woven textiles, embroidery, quilts, and macramé.

2. Pottery and Ceramics – Products made from clay such as bowls, vases, and figurines.

3. Woodcraft – Products made from wood such as furniture, frames and decorations.

4. Metal Crafts – Products made from metals such as iron, brass, silver, and gold such as jewelry, sculptures, and home decorations.

5. Paper Crafts – Products made from paper such as origami, quilling, and papier-mâché.

The characteristics of handicrafts include unique designs, authenticity, and traditional techniques. They are often made by skilled artisans and require a great deal of time, patience, and attention to detail. Handicrafts are often eco-friendly and sustainable, making them a popular choice for people who want to support ethical and responsible production.

Some common quality issues with handicrafts that can be detected through inspection include:

1. Material defects: Check for inconsistencies in the material used, such as cracks, deformities, and discolorations.

2. Poor workmanship: Look for sloppy or uneven stitching, loose threads, excessive glue, and rough edges.

3. Faulty design: Check for design flaws such as unbalanced proportions or uneven shapes.

4. Fading or discoloration: Check the color of the surface of the handicrafts. Many handicrafts tend to fade or discolor over time.

5. Lack of durability: Check the overall structure of the handicrafts to ensure they will last longer and won’t break easily.

To detect and inspect these issues, first, examine the handicrafts carefully, and pay attention to the details (e.g., the material used, stitches, color).

Second, try to test the handicrafts by giving them a slight pull or twist to assess their strength and durability.

Third, use a color swatch or a UV light to check for fading or discoloration.

Fourth, evaluate the design and the balance of the handicrafts by checking for symmetry and proportions.

Finally, once you have identified any defects, assess their severity to determine if it’s worth repairing or returning the handicrafts.

The specific certification and testing requirements for handicrafts exported to Europe and America will depend on the type of product and the regulations in the importing country.

In general, handicrafts may need to comply with regulations related to product safety, labeling, and materials used. Some common certifications and testing requirements may include:

– CE marking: This is a certification that indicates the product meets certain health, safety, and environmental protection standards. It is required for many products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA).

– RoHS: This is a directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment sold in the EEA.

– REACH: This is a regulation that regulates the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals used in products sold in the EEA.

– Prop 65: This is a California law that requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

– CPSIA: This is a federal law in the United States that regulates the safety of products marketed to children, including children’s toys.

It is recommended to consult with an expert in the specific regulations for the importing country and product type to ensure compliance with all necessary requirements.

Here are the steps you can follow to find Vietnam handicrafts wholesale suppliers with the help of a sourcing agent:

1. Look for a reputable sourcing agent in Vietnam who specializes in handicrafts. You can find sourcing agents through online directories or by asking for recommendations from business associates.

2. Provide the Vietnam sourcing agent with clear specifications on the type of handicrafts you want, the quantity, quality standards, and price range.

3. The Vietnam sourcing agent will identify suitable Vietnam handicrafts wholesale suppliers based on your requirements and negotiate prices, delivery terms and other related terms.

4. Once the Vietnam sourcing agent finds a few suitable suppliers, they will provide you with detailed information on each supplier, including their background, production capacity, and product samples.

5. You can then choose the supplier that best suits your needs and work with the sourcing agent to finalize the order.

6. The Vietnam sourcing agent will also assist in quality control and logistics arrangements to ensure that the goods are delivered on time and meet your quality standards.

By working with a Vietnam sourcing agent, you can benefit from their local knowledge, experience, and network, which will save you time and money in the sourcing process.

Here are some Vietnam handicrafts wholesale suppliers that you can check out:

1. Hao Tin Craft – specializes in bamboo and rattan products
2. Gia Linh Co., Ltd. – offers handmade ceramic, lacquer and bamboo products
3. Artex Nam Dinh – known for their traditional hand-embroidered products
4. Deltacrafts – offers a range of Vietnam handmade crafts including ceramics, lacquerware, wood-carved products and more
5. Hanoikids Souvenir – offers unique and customized souvenirs made by local artisans
6. Vietcraft – offers a range of high-quality handmade crafts made by local artisans
7. Mekong Quilts – known for their handmade quilts and home textile products using recycled materials and employing local women artisans
8. The Hanoi Design Center – offers a wide range of Vietnamese handicrafts and artistry products
9. Craftlink Vietnam – offers a wide variety of fair-trade crafts and home decor products made by disadvantaged producers
10. Saigon Art Ceramics – specializes in handmade ceramic products.

Please note that you must conduct your own due diligence before doing business with any of these suppliers.

Vietnam is famous for its traditional handicrafts and artworks that are rich with cultural significance and aesthetic value. Here are ten of the best handicraft companies in Vietnam that offer a wide range of handmade products that cater to different tastes and preferences.

1. Hao Tin Craft specializes in bamboo and rattan products that are eco-friendly and sustainable. From baskets to chairs to decorative items, their products are crafted with precision and attention to detail.

2. Gia Linh Co., Ltd. offers handmade ceramic, lacquer, and bamboo products that showcase Vietnam’s unique cultural heritage. Their products are a mix of tradition and modernity, making them perfect for contemporary living spaces.

3. Artex Nam Dinh is known for their traditional hand-embroidered products that are intricately designed and executed by skilled artisans. Their embroidery work is a form of art that takes inspiration from nature, mythology, and everyday life.

4. Deltacrafts offers a range of Vietnam handmade crafts including ceramics, lacquerware, wood-carved products, and more. Their products are made with genuine craftsmanship and reflect the country’s diverse cultural influences.

5. Hanoikids Souvenir offers unique and customized souvenirs made by local artisans. Their products are ideal for tourists who want to take home a piece of Vietnam’s culture and tradition.

6. Vietcraft offers a range of high-quality handmade crafts made by local artisans. Their products are designed to suit modern tastes while preserving traditional techniques and skills.

7. Mekong Quilts is known for their handmade quilts and home textile products using recycled materials and employing local women artisans. Their products are not just functional but also beautiful and environmentally sustainable.

8. The Hanoi Design Center offers a wide range of Vietnamese handicrafts and artistry products that represent the country’s cultural diversity. From pottery to textiles to jewelry, their products reflect Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage.

9. Craftlink Vietnam offers a wide variety of fair-trade crafts and home decor products made by disadvantaged producers. Their products are ethical and socially responsible, making them all the more meaningful and valuable.

10. Saigon Art Ceramics specializes in handmade ceramic products that are unique in design and quality. Their products range from vases and bowls to ceramic sculptures and artistic tiles.

There are several risks that you may encounter when purchasing handicrafts, particularly when buying from unknown sellers or shops. These risks include:

1. Counterfeit products: There’s a risk of buying counterfeit handicrafts that may not be authentic, and this can be a waste of money.

2. Fraud: Online fraud is becoming more common today. There’s a risk of purchasing handicrafts that do not meet the description, or receiving the wrong product altogether.

3. Poor quality: The handicraft may not have the quality you expect, and you can only realize this after purchasing.

To prevent these risks:

1. Research: Before purchasing, research the seller or shop selling the handicrafts to ensure they are reputable.

2. Compare prices: Do your research and compare prices from different sellers.

3. Ask for more details: Ask the seller or shop as many questions as possible about the handicrafts, such as the source of the materials, production process, and the people who made them.

4. Check the return policy: Check for the return policy before making a purchase in case you are not satisfied with the product.

5. Shop from reputable platforms: Consider shopping from reputable platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, or other online sites that have buyer protection programs.

There are several logistics methods to consider when exporting handcrafts to Europe or America. The most common methods include:

1. Air Freight: This is the fastest way to ship goods overseas. When shipping handcrafts by air, they are usually packed in boxes and placed on pallets. This method is best for small and lightweight items.

2. Sea Freight: This is the most economical method of transportation for exporting goods overseas. This method is best used for large and heavy items. It is important to note that shipping by sea can take several weeks or even months.

3. Express Delivery: This method is often used to transport small and urgent shipments. Express delivery can be expensive but provides the fastest delivery time.

4. Road Freight: This method is often used to transport goods within the same continent. It is less expensive than air or sea freight and can be faster than sea freight.

When choosing a logistics method, it is important to consider the size and weight of your handcrafted items, the destination, shipping costs, and delivery time. It is also important to work with a reputable shipping company that has experience in exporting handcrafts.