Commercializing Mexican Handmade Art Objects in the U.S. Market

Introduction and Business Overview

The business idea proposed here is the commercialization of Mexican handmade objects in the U.S. market. In order to evaluate the viability of such a venture, several components must be taken into consideration. The most important of these are: To Whom — the targeted market and the exact segment of consumers being addressed; From Whom — who will produce the objects, given that the company will act as a commercial intermediary; How — the full commercialization process; and Why — the justification for this as a sound business opportunity.

A well-grounded definition of the target consumer segment is the first step in this analysis. The basic nature of the products to be commercialized means the business is addressing consumers who are interested in art and art objects. This interest may be intellectually motivated, or it may be social — rooted in the desire to display taste to friends and family. In either case, the typical target customer is assumed to be between 30 and 55 years of age. This age range implies that the customer has completed college and has had sufficient time to develop a refined appreciation for art and decorative objects.

Target Consumer Segment

Additionally, the target customer has an average-to-high income level, ranging from $55,000 to over $100,000 per year. This income bracket represents individuals who have achieved sufficient financial security to pursue discretionary interests, including art. Finally, consistent with the above, the target customer possesses an average-to-high level of education — most likely a college degree — which supports both the cultural curiosity and the purchasing power required to engage with this product category.

An important aspect of the business plan concerns the supply chain and the external conditions that make this opportunity viable. The relevant change is social and economic in nature, rooted in current conditions in Mexico.

Supply Chain and Production in Mexico

First, Mexico is a member of NAFTA, the free trade agreement that also includes Canada and the United States. As a result, goods imported into the U.S. from Mexico are not subject to import taxes, allowing for a better profit margin on sales.

Second, the specific economic conditions in Mexico enable a profitable venture by leveraging the country's affordable labor force. According to official statistics, approximately 40% of the Mexican population lives below the poverty line (CIA World Factbook, 2003). With a workforce estimated at around 33 million people, it is feasible to work directly with local producers who can operate at reasonable costs while benefiting from local labor rates.

The business model has a strong foundation in this production dynamic: by achieving scale economies through affordable labor, the company can enter the U.S. market at average or below-average price points — prices that will allow it to build a consistent market share over time.

Conclusion

The business idea rests on two core pillars: an affordable labor force and products drawn from an unusual, lesser-known culture. The selected target customers are well positioned to receive them, given their educational backgrounds and income levels. Together, these elements form a coherent and commercially justifiable opportunity in the U.S. art and decorative objects market.