What are some gifts that you can get cheap in Ecuador but are worth a lot in the US?

Question

Are there some precious metals or stones that are abundant and cheap in Ecuador but worth a lot in US? Is Jade worth a lot? Thanks!!!!

PS, are panama hats worth a lot?

Answer 1

most stuff are cheaper in Ecuador than in america

Answer 2

there are only two things there that would be worth a lot here.  can't say what they are, (govt listening)   anything else,  we have already.

Answer 3

You can buy jewerly dirt cheap, but you can't ever tell if what the vendors are selling is authentic silver, stones, etc.  You can buy a variety of panama hats for a range of prices, depending on the quality and style.  The profit lies in flowers-buy a dozen roses for $2 and sell them for much higher prices in the US.  Flowers we pay a ton of money for are cheap there, but you do have to pay to ship them plus they die quickly so be prepared to give them away as soon as you get back!

Answer 4

The more labor there is in a product, the cheaper it will be in comparison to the US.  You won't get much of a discount on stones or other commodities that have fairly international prices.  I think that the paintings by local artists are the best value - absolutely dirt cheap compared to what you would pay in the US and very nice.