From the East Bloc and Beyond

Informative Selling

Product sourcing is not the only challenge. Oftentimes, the items need lengthy informative copy in order to attract buyers. For example, the following text describes Russian Orthodox three-tiered crucifixes, selling for $69 each:

Russian Orthodoxy is renowned for its powerful architecture and compelling imagery. Perhaps the most distinguishing Orthodox symbol is its unique three-tiered crucifix with foot beam. Cast in solid bronze and decorated with hot-baked enameling, they’re loaded with symbolism—the holy visage and angels at the top and the skull and bones (representing mortality) at the bottom. (In the Soviet era, the crucifix with side panels was used by Ukrainians to represent the tryzub, an outlawed symbol signifying their desire for independence.)