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When did 7 Loaves start?
Founded 2001, we were first a progressive online book retailer, with a focus in
the Christian book market. In 2005, 7 Loaves transitioned to focusing solely on
selling quality, unique, hand made artisan products from 3rd world contexts. See
the history of 7 Loaves for more information.
Where does the name come from?
The name,
7 Loaves, comes from the Biblical story of Jesus miraculously feeding a large crowed
with 7 Loaves of bread and a few fish. The metaphor or story line is that “exponential
provision and growth” was delivered for all the participants. (Learn more
about this story from Wikipedia)
How does 7 Loaves decide which producers to purchase product from?
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First criteria
is to select well crafted, premium products
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Second criteria is to work with producers
that have a story that is mission and purpose oriented, ie. “profit with purpose”
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Third criteria is we need to be able verify the mission, purpose, and practices
of the producer group via our partnerships with 3rd parties and/or through direct
visits. We have sourcing and evaluation teams traveling the world on a regular basis.
How does 7 Loaves practice the principles of “fair trade”?
- We pay 50% of the total
order up front and 50% upon completion
- We develop growing and long term relationships
with producers with the intent of growing their capacity and impact
- We pay producers
their asking price
- We focus on producers that are mission oriented and impact
their communities
- We make every effort to ensure that environmentally sustainable
production practices are used
- We focus on women and empowering women
- We provide
design and marketing expertise to expand sales for producers
Are all the products
7 Loaves sells “Fair Trade” certified?
No. At this time none of the certifying bodies
certify artisan product items, but rather specific artisan producer groups as a
whole. The majority of products sold by 7 Loaves come from International Fair and
Alternative Trade (IFAT) certified producer groups.
How much of each purchase gets
back to the Artisan?
This varies by producer group, by country, by specific product,
and other factors including exchange rates. Our goal is that both a fair wage and
a fair profit component are built into the product pricing.
Why is 7 Loaves formed
as a “for-profit” vs. “non-profit”?
We believe that if a sustainable and large market
is to be created for 3rd world artisan goods, then those goods have to be able to
compete in the marketplace based on quality, price, social value, and creativity.
By forming as a for-profit, we are forced to succeed in the regular marketplace
and that success will expand the sales for the producer groups and paradoxically
ensure their future more securely. We want consumers to ultimately buy the product
for its attributes, not just the story. These stories are important, but we want
the products and our business to stand by themselves.
Why should I buy from 7 Loaves?
There are other companies and non-profits dedicated to helping 3rd world artisans
sell their goods in North America. Our intent and purpose is not to take “market
share” from these organizations, but rather expand the entire market within . So
if you have a relationship with one of these organizations already and can find
the product(s) you are looking for, then we hope you buy from them. If not, and
we have what you are looking for, then we obviously welcome your patronage and will
work to make you a very happy customer. If at any time we bring displeasure to our
relationship as it develops, we will do our absolute best to make things right.
Despite our “profit with purpose” mission, we will never ask our customers to sacrifice
the standard of excellent service. We will always strive for excellence in everything
we do. And of course your purchases will help the artisans by giving them a “hand
up” versus a “hand out”.
Does 7 Loaves sell wholesale?
Yes. 7 Loaves has a rapidly
growing list of retailers that buy product from us. If you would like to apply for
a wholesale account with us, please click check out
http://wholesale.7loaves.com or call us at 734.786.8223
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