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Become a SERRV Partner
Frequently Asked Questions for Artisan & Farmer Organizations
Interested in Working with SERRV
What is SERRV?
What type of organizations can sell to SERRV?
What is fair trade?
Does a potential partner need to be a member of a fair trade organization?
What kinds of products does SERRV buy?
Does a potential partner need to know how to export?
How does SERRV choose partners?
How long does the selection process take?
How many new organizations does SERRV partner with each year?
How does SERRV work with partners?
If a group does not currently make a product, can you help start a craft project?
Where can artisan groups find more information about craft projects?
How do I know whether I should request an application packet?
What is SERRV?
SERRV is a nonprofit fair trade and development organization. Our mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides. SERRV works with thousands of small-scale artisans and farmers in Africa, Asia, Latin America and other developing regions of the world by marketing their handcrafts and foods. Through our work with 75 community-based organizations in 36 countries, we create economic opportunity so these artisans and farmers can support their families and themselves.
In addition to purchasing and marketing products, we work with our partners to give them tools to work their way out of poverty, including product design, training, information and technical assistance.
What type of organizations can sell to SERRV?
SERRV works directly with organizations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and areas of poverty in the U.S. who are working with marginalized groups of people. Organizations working with SERRV have a mission to socially and economically improve lives and communities. We work with organizations which operate by fair trade principles. We do not work with individuals, small family groups, or U.S.-based organizations importing products from the developing world.
What is fair trade?
Fair trade is system that aims to pay fair wages, and also creates long-term, direct trading relationships based on dialogue, transparency, equity and respect. Fair trade is not about charity; it uses a fair system of exchange to empower producers to develop their own businesses and to foster sustainable development. We follow a set of internationally-accepted fair trade principles and practices that are designed to improve the livelihood of low-income people through alternative trade. They are:
- Transparency and long-term relationships
- Commitment to fair pay for labor
- Employee involvement in decision making
- Prepayments available on request
- Capacity building for long-term impact
- Equal opportunity for women
- Concern for the environment
- Respect for cultural identity
- Reasonable working conditions
- No child exploitation
Does a potential partner need to be a member of a fair trade organization?
A potential partner does not need to be a member of a fair trade organization; however, we encourage participation in fair trade groups in-country, regionally, and internationally through the World Fair Trade Organization.
What kinds of products does SERRV buy?
SERRV buys and sells handcrafts, including home décor, kitchen and tableware, jewelry, and accessories. SERRV also buys specialty food products which can be given as gifts. We do not buy toys for children.
Does a potential partner need to know how to export?
Applicants should be established, organized groups with the ability to export. Our capacity to work with groups who do not have any export experience is limited, so our preference is to work with groups that have had some experience selling in the international market. A group should have basic knowledge of costing and pricing, production, quality control, documentation, packing, invoicing, delivery, buyer communication, financial management, and accounting.
How does SERRV choose partners?
SERRV selects partners who meet the criteria outlined in this FAQ. When choosing new groups we evaluate a number of things: the impact the group has in their community, their level of experience, if their products will sell in our market, and if we think that the relationship is sustainable in the long-term. This is determined through an application process which includes a questionnaire, written correspondence, personal discussion, and often an on-site visit to the group.
How long does the selection process take?
Once we have all the required materials which include a questionnaire and photographs of products with FOB prices, we will make an initial determination within 60 days. For groups we are interested in, the process may take several months until we are able to visit the group on-site.
How many new organizations does SERRV partner with each year?
Each year, SERRV is contacted by approximately 250 groups either directly, or through returned Peace Corps volunteers, travelers, or mission contacts. Because we work intensively with groups, and we foster long-term relationships, we add about 2-6 new groups each year. This is a very limited number, and we often must turn away groups that are doing very good work in their communities.
How does SERRV work with partners?
Our model of working involves developing relationships with organizations that go beyond just purchasing products. As a development organization, we are interested in partnering with organizations to support their growth and to build the skills and capacity that will enable them to provide a dignified income to farmers and artisans into the future.
If a group does not currently make a product, can you help start a craft project?
SERRV does not have the capacity and resources to assist in starting new craft projects.
Where can artisan groups find more information about craft projects?
SERRV has a website—www.ArtisanWork.org—which gives artisans basic information about artisan projects and business.
How do I know whether I should request an application packet?
Ask yourself the following questions, answering yes or no:
- Does your organization do more than selling products (like working on health or community projects, training artisans, etc.)?
- Do you adhere to the practices and principles of fair trade?
- Do you have products which fit into SERRV’s product lines?
- Do you have the capacity to produce hundreds of identical products?
- Do you have a basic knowledge of export as outlined above?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, please review our producer partner criteria. If after reviewing these criteria you would like an application packet from SERRV, contact our Producer Relations Department:
Sue Chase
Tel: 608-251-3766
Fax: 608-255-0451
SueSERRV@aol.com
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| "Thanks to the purchases from SERRV, the families of the artisans can better their life conditions." - Rev. Diego Chicoj Ramos - Ruth & Nohemi, Guatemala |
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