Case Study: Collaboration with "The Artisan Collective" – A Boutique Hospitality Supplier
Buyer Profile
“The Artisan Collective” is a boutique hospitality supplier based in Melbourne, Australia, specializing in handcrafted and premium dining accessories for upscale restaurants, boutique hotels, and event venues. Established in 2017, they pride themselves on working with artisans and manufacturers who prioritize quality craftsmanship and unique designs, serving a clientele that values bespoke table settings.
Product Purchased
3000 leather placemats (rectangular, 35cm x 30cm) and 2000 gold foil stamped PVC placemats (circular, diameter 35cm).
Collaboration Details
In August 2024, Sophie Harper, the procurement and design manager of the Artisan Collective, discovered our leather placemats on our YouTube channel and subsequently contacted us. Sophie is planning a new series for their 2025 hotel clients and seeking items that can enhance the dining experience while meeting the strict requirements of commercial use. She contacted us via email, expressing interest in our leather and gold foil PVC options and requesting a detailed introduction.
We quickly responded and arranged a Microsoft team meeting for August 14, 2024. During the call, Sophie explained that their clients – such as boutique bars and luxury wedding venues – want a unique and practical placemat that emphasizes dark, rich tones and metallic tones.
We showcased our leather placemats (available in matte black and coffee brown) and gold foil PVC mats, highlighting their durability and customization potential. In order to give her a practical understanding of the product, we shipped 12 samples via UPS on August 16th – six leather placemats (three of each color) and six gold foil PVC mats (with two pattern variations) – as well as a specification sheet detailing the leather thickness (1.5 millimeters) and PVC heat resistance (up to 90 ° C).
Sophie’s team conducted 10 days of testing on the samples in the Melbourne showroom, simulating the restaurant environment with hot plates, wine spills, and repeated wiping. On August 27th, she sent us a feedback email stating that the leather placemat stood out due to its soft, luxurious feel and resistance to pollution, although she asked if we could add a laser etched border for a delicate touch. The gold foil PVC pad is impressive for its sparkling appearance and easy cleaning, but it requires a slightly larger diameter (from 35 centimeters to 40 centimeters) to better accommodate oversized tableware.
We have redesigned the design – etched a 5mm border on the leather pad and adjusted the size of the PVC mold – and sent updated samples before September 5th. Sophie gave final approval on September 12th and is excited about the enhanced features.
The order was placed on September 16th: 3000 leather placemats (1800 matte black, 1200 coffee brown) and 2000 circular gold foil PVC placemats. They need to deliver before the end of November 2024 to meet the peak period before Christmas. Production will begin on September 20th. For leather pads, we purchased simulated cowhide raw materials from a trusted tannery, cut each piece with a CNC machine, and etched the edges with a 50 watt laser. Although this operation takes a long time, it ensures accuracy. PVC pads are hot stamped with gold foil in a controlled environment to avoid getting dirty, and their consistency is checked under strong light for each batch.
By October 25th, we had completed all orders ahead of schedule. We invited Sophie to take a virtual tour through Zoom, showcasing hand brushed leather pads and PVC pads stacked in protective film. This batch of goods was shipped by sea from our port to Melbourne on October 28th. We provided all export documents – bills of lading, packing lists, and other relevant documents – to ensure a seamless customs process, and the goods arrived at the port of Melbourne on November 18th. Sophie’s team conducted a quality inspection on November 20th and reported that only three leather pads had minor stitching issues. We proposed replacement (although they refused, considering it negligible).
These placemats were launched on the network of ‘The Artisan Collective’ in early December 2024. Sophie later shared that a well-known distillery in the Yarra Valley ordered 500 leather placemats for their tasting room, and the gold foil PVC placemats became a favorite of wedding planners due to their elegant glow under candlelight. Their post about our product on Instagram tagged us and sparked the interest of other Australian customers.
Outcome
The Artisan Collective has requested a meeting to discuss the custom leather placemat series with embossed venue logos for 2025, positioning us as a key partner for its growth in the high-end hotel industry. This cooperation has also enhanced our reputation in the Australian market, triggering inquiries from two event styling companies.
Other Cooperation Cases
Other Cooperation Cases
Explore more meal mat solutions
Are you ready to start your meal mat procurement journey?
Are you ready to start your meal mat procurement journey?
We will provide perfect solutions and competitive quotations based on your procurement needs, including material, quantity, logo customization, and other factors
