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Long-Term Relationships
Fair trade is not just about prices—it is founded on a commitment to long term relationships that provide mutual benefits for our business and those of our artisan partners.
When Ten Thousand Villages starts trading with an artisan group, we stay committed to working with the group in the long-term and to building its capacity to become successful with both commercial and fair trade buyers. We are committed to sustaining consistent purchases each year, and we strive not to decrease purchases from an artisan group from year to year.
Artisan groups often remark that our commitment to long-term purchases is more important than the fair prices we pay. Long-term relationships give them a sustainable source of income that enables them to plan for the future—investing in technology and skills training in order to reach their full business potential.
"A hallmark principle of Ten Thousand Villages is our long-term commitment to the groups from which we purchase."
Craig Schloneger, CEO
Fair Trade
