I have been importing nepalese handicrafts here in the US for various local markets. I know handicraft in Nepal contributes a lot for the economy. But I have to be honest, there is nothing special about these handicrafts.
I agree 10-16 years ago, the items were unique pieces and eof xcellent finishing. But today they are just rough unfinished products. Each time I order a bulk of something, I get disappointed with the products. There is absolutely no quality control back in Nepal. I recently ordered about 50 meditation mats for a meditatin center in my home-state. The sample I saw in Nepal was good. But about 20 of those mats are either dirty, torn or poorly stitched.
I have ordered handicrafts from Indonesia and India and each time I am plesantly surprised which is not the case with Nepal. I won't be surprised if one day the handicraft industry dies down just like pashmina did 10 years ago due to poor production and lack of quality control.
I just wonder when will nepalese sellers back home become serious and professional about their work and products.