Stacey
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If you can't beat them join them?I'm always wittering on about not being able to compete with cheap imported felt. Today I found somewhere who is importing sheets of fairtrade felt made in nepal. I've ordered some to see what it's like with a view to making some stuff out of it instead of my own (very expensive and high quality  ) felt. If it works out I was thinking I could add a cheaper range alongside my dearer nuno stuff. As long as I'm upfront about it do you think it's ethical?
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mochyn
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Yes, as long as you let people know. In fact, I think it could be a selling point, as long as you're certain it really is Fair Trade.
Sounds really interesting.
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Stacey
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I'm pretty certain it is - I'm waiting for a reply to an email but the woman designs stuff and gets it made in Nepal by a women's co-operative. I've considered that myself but it seems a step too far 
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jema
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Business is always about balancing realism with ideals.
I like to aim to be ahead of the game on ethics without going so far I go out of business.
If you are not trading as you are "too ethical" then where's the benefit?
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Stacey
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That's a very good point.
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orangepippin
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Yes, wise words.
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Stacey
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Does anyone have any ideas how I could go about finding a womens co-operative and buying direct from them (with a future view to possibly getting designs made by them?) Nepal's on my list of places I'd love to go but I can't afford it (and yes, yes, yes I know - flying  )
I've had a google but I can't seem to come up with anything - it's all too confusing
I'd never want to give up the making myself but for a while I've wondered about having a fairtrade range that sits side by side with mine.
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orangepippin
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| Stacey wrote: | | (and yes, yes, yes I know - flying ) |
Go by Eurotunnel to Paris, and fly from there, then we'll never know.
As I said on another thread, it is a shame that these groups don't have their own websites - surely that would be great leveller in giving them access to western markets and retailers, not sure how it would work though.
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Stacey
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| orangepippin wrote: | | Stacey wrote: | | (and yes, yes, yes I know - flying ) |
Go by Eurotunnel to Paris, and fly from there, then we'll never know.
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Helen_A
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Traidcraft have lots of contacts in the arena and are usually pretty willing to share. You could also call Bishopston Trading and see if anyone there could help you locate a group.
Other than that - Christian Aid and any links you can find via local churches and the CMS, as CMS and CA both put a lot of time into supporting communities in setting up these things. Pick an area of the world that you want to support and start your search from there.
Helen_A
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Stacey
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Thanks Helen  That's all very useful and I'll have a nose about.
The woman has emailed me back and the stuff I've bought in is defintely fair trade 
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