The Craft Pedlars History

Established in 1969 by Paul Sayre, The Basket Pedlars started out selling products at open air markets and opened a retail store, graduating to a small chain selling primarily baskets, silk florals, ribbons, paints and related products. In 1977, we started importing from China and established a wholesale business. Several customers asked for special orders, large quantities and other services, so we started importing for a few of our buyers. We really enjoyed the wholesale side of our business so we expanded our importing into the Philippines. We found that the people there were easy to work with on special orders and programs, so we established our own offices and warehouse there in 1982. That same year, a family came to us with some paper mache samples. Paul thought they were pretty interesting, so he imported a few things that sold very well. As the market for baskets from the Philippines dwindled due to a higher demand for less expensive willow from China, the paper mache became our primary focus. We have established ourselves as one of the largest exporters of paper mache from the Philippines. Other products over the years were brought to us from various peoples throughout the Islands, so we expanded our products to include fabric products, twig items, sinamay ribbons, handmade papers and a few other handicrafts.

In 1997, Paul passed away. His daughter Terri had been working with her Dad since 1969 and had started really running all aspects of the company in 1990. Following high school, in the 1970's, she went to Cal State Fullerton, majoring in Business with a minor in Theatre Arts. In the late 1980's, San Francisco State asked if she would help with their International Business Department. Having taught Computer Applications at a local Junior College, Terri was familiar with the college environment from the inside. She decided to get a Master's in International Trade and Marketing from San Francisco State while helping in the department. Her emphasis was Asian Trades. Terri also received a minor in Business law.

Denny Sayre, Terri's Mom, has been involved with the company since its inception as well. She did everything from unloading containers and trucks, to invoicing, to shipping, to helping buyers, to setting up trade shows. Today, she is the "SRS", semi-retired senior. She still handles the Letters of Credit from our buyers and vivaciously works all of the trade shows where she is much loved by other exhibitors and buyers alike.

Following Paul's death, the company completely relocated to the offices and warehouse to Northern California, just east of San Francisco. Here, business from all over the world is conducted. The Craft Pedlars team members now include: Cheryl Barcklay , the head of client and customer relations, and also helps manage Terri's office day in and day out; Kyle Beard , the head honcho of warehouse personal and productivity; An awesome shipping staff that puts their 110% in every order every single day; Nathan Hammack, one terrific Internet Technician and also an elite webmaster veteran; Rebecca Campbell , who heads the accounting, and who is also a versatile administrative assistant. Last but certainly not least, Sally Cox , a supremely talented graphic designer and crafting genius.

In the Philippines , our dynamic manager is Cristy Encarnacion, who has worked for us 15 years. Along her side is Eric Nurada who has been with us 11 years and Susan who has headed up the accounting department for 9 years. The company is well established overseas with more than 485 regular workers.

The Craft Pedlars is a very customer service oriented company and works closely with customers. We do have an extensive import program with customers in Australia , Japan , Canada and Europe in addition to the US . We specialize in products from all over the Philippines and have helped several buyers locate a wide variety of goods from many corners of this beautiful country. We thoroughly enjoy the Philippines and the Filipino people and are very capable of helping with many areas on importing from this island nation.

Please, let us help you - large or small, we help a wide variety of buyers!