Supply Chain Practices And Challenges In The Craft Industry In Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

Craft producers in South Africa (SA) face many challenges including supply chain challenges. There is no existing study that has investigated the supply chain management of the craft industry in SA. There is also dearth of literature on supply chain management of small businesses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the supply chain practices and challenges of craft producers in South Africa. A survey was conducted among 199 craft producers in Gauteng, South Africa. A convenience sampling method was adopted owing to the difficulty of accessing a reliable database of craft producers. Craft producers rely mainly on phones for customers to place orders. However, they use variety of methods for order placement. Customers are allowed to also visit the factory to buy products and they can buy at the exhibition. They use a variety of production methods. Due to transportation challenges, craft producers also make use of public transport to deliver goods and keep some products at the warehouse.