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Home > About Us > FAQ
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Q: Do you send all the money back to "the people"?
A: Our model is a "business-to-business" one based upon Fair Trade principles. One of those principles is that the producers receive a fair wage/payment for their work. We let them set their own prices and from there make the determination of whether we believe we can sell the products in the US. We will NOT pressure them to lower their prices - and have even upon occasion suggested that they RAISE them in order to receive a better return. We MAY suggest alterations to the product to reduce the cost of production, and in turn our cost. For instance, we've worked with STOPstart to reduce the cost of some of our recycled bags by lining them in recycled rather than fabric.
The producer is paid in full upon receipt of their products (in some cases we pay as much as 50% in advance so they can purchase raw materials). We then arrange for and pay shipping and any duties required upon entry into the US. We warehouse the products and seek markets for them. So the producers get their payment on the "front end" and we recover our costs (including our own salaries) when the product sells, thus KVI absorbs the risk.
Q: I have a suitcase full of beautiful things that I brought back to help "the people". Can you sell them for me?
A: Quite simply: No.
What you are describing is "consignment" and that runs afoul of several of our principles:
- We want people to be paid for their work, not wondering when (or if) they might get paid
- We want to know who made the products (their names AND their stories) and too often in such situations that is simply not the case
- We desire a relationship with our suppliers
Q: How does someone become a KVI supplier?
A: We are always keeping our eyes open for products that are:
- Unique and marketable in the US
- Produced by disadvantaged individuals or groups in the developing world
- Produced by people with whom we can build an ongoing relationship
- Produced in an ethical way that meets the Fair Trade principles
When we find such products AND we have funds available, we consider a trial purchase. From there, we allow our relationship to grow "organically".
Q: It sounds like you are against charity.
A: Not at all! There is a place for charity. It can be a complement to developing businesses. If you're going to "teach a man to fish", sometimes you need to help him buy the fishing equipment (micro-loans) or even in rare instances buy it for him (charity). Our belief is that businesses are best started via micro-loans, while a great use of charity is to supply clean water, medicines, and schools, as well as to assist with food and shelter in emergencies. But "charity" is not sustainable as a lifestyle because it destroys people's self-esteem and makes them "vassals" to those who "care" for them.
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