Global Gallery's mission is to promote fair trade through education and community involvement while continuing in our efforts to expand within the tradtional retail marketplace. 

This section of our website will provide you with many answers regarding fair trade.  If you have not found the answer you are seeking here or throughout our site, please contact us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. What is a fair wage?
Producers receive a fair wage when they are paid fairly for their products. This means that workers are paid at least that country's minimum wage. Since the minimum wage is often not enough for basic survival, whenever feasible, workers are paid a living wage, which enables them to cover basic needs, including food, shelter, education and health care for their families. Paying fair wages does not necessarily mean that products cost the consumer more. Since fair trade organizations bypass exploitative middlepeople and work directly with producers, they are able to cut costs and return a greater percentage of the retail price to the producers. (From FTF site http://www.fairtradefederation.com).

Q. Why do fair trade organizations support cooperative workplaces?
Cooperatives and producer associations provide a healthy alternative to large-scale manufacturing and sweatshop conditions, where unprotected workers earn below minimum wage and most of the profits flow to foreign investors and local elites who have little interest in ensuring the long term health of the communities in which they work. Fair trade organizations work primarily with small businesses, worker owned and democratically run cooperatives and associations which bring significant benefits to workers and their communities. By banding together, workers are able to access credit, reduce raw material costs and establish higher and more just prices for their products. Workers earn a greater return on their labor, and profits are distributed more equitably and often reinvested in community projects such as health clinics, child care, education and literacy training. Workers learn important leadership and organizing skills, enabling self-reliant grassroots-driven development. (From FTF site http://www.fairtradefederation.com).

Q. How do fair trade organizations offer technical support to producers?
Fair trade organizations provide critical technical assistance and support such as market information, product feedback and training in financial management. Unlike commercial importers, fair trade organizations establish long term relationships with their producers and help them adapt production to changing trends. (From FTF site http://www.fairtradefederation.com).

Q. What does "fair" really mean?
The word "fair" can mean a lot of different things to different people. In alternative trade organizations, "fair trade" means that trading partnerships are based on reciprocal benefits and mutual respect; that prices paid to producers reflect the work they do; that workers have the right to organize; that national health, safety, and wage laws are enforced; and that products are environmentally sustainable and conserve natural resources. (From FTF site http://www.fairtradefederation.com).

Q. Products sold by fair trade organizations are often items like crafts. How can fair trade provide stability to producers if it's based on non-essential items?
Craft items often play an important cultural role in the society in which they're produced. Clothing, utensils, bowls, baskets, and ritual items are windows into the heart of a culture. As we embrace becoming citizens of the world, our appreciation for cultures other than our own is magnified. (From FTF site http://www.fairtradefederation.com).

Q. What kinds of goods are available through fair trade?
The most well-known fair trade products in the USA are coffee, tea, cocoa and chocolate. In Global Gallery you will find all those products, but our store mainly has a variety of fair trade craft products - decorative home accessories, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, etc. The European market that has developed has been for commodities - bananas, tea, honey - rather than crafts.

Q. Do fair trade goods cost more than comparable non-fair trade goods?
Generally, fairly traded crafts don't cost more than other goods because the large percentage taken by middle people is removed from the equation. The cost remains the same as traditionally traded goods; however, the distribution of the cost of the product is different. In some cases, like coffee, the producers receive a significant price more per pound, and the price is higher than grocery store coffee, but comparable to gourmet coffees. (From FTF site http://www.fairtradefederation.com).

Q. In the case of agricultural goods, is the quality comparable to commercial products?
In some cases the quality is actually higher because fair traders factor in the environmental cost of production. For instance, fairly traded coffee is usually organic and shade grown, which results in a higher quality coffee. (From FTF site http://www.fairtradefederation.com).

Q. Are all fairly traded goods clearly marked as fair trade?
Although the idea of labeling fairly traded crafts products has been explored, this is not yet a reality. TransFair USA licenses fairly traded coffee in the U.S. Many brands of fairly traded coffee have a seal that says "Fair Trade Certified."(From FTF site http://www.fairtradefederation.com).

Q. How does one know that a particular item was obtained through fair trade?
To be sure that the products you are bying are fair trade, you should buy them in fair trade stores or look for a Qualified by Fair Trade logo on the products. You can always purchase through fair trade catalogs and websites.

Q. Since the value of fair trade goods is so small compared with that of profit-oriented trade, isn't fair trade insignificant in its impact?
For a Peruvian weaving cooperative making only a few hundred dollars a year, a $1,000 craft sale to a fair trade organization is a significant increase in income. In some parts of the world, fair trade earnings are turned over to the community to improve quality of life. The money may fund a potable water system or provide health education or bring an adult literacy program to the community.

Q. What is the history of Global Gallery?
In September of 1991, five area churches helped to open the Global Gallery. By providing money to start the operation and volunteers to help run the store, these churches began to fulfill their idea of how to help economically challenged individuals and cooperatives. Since then, Global Gallery has expanded considerably. In addition to working with churches, we work with universities, cultural organizations and local festivals to bring fair trade to Columbus. UNICEF joined our store, adding even more ways to learn and help.

Q. What is the mission of Global Gallery?
Global Gallery is a non-profit, volunteer operated marketplace that promotes fair trade and cultural awareness. See our Global Gallery page for more information.

Q. How is Global Gallery supported?
Global Gallery is supported by its partners and interns and volunteers. They donate us their time and skills. We also organize special fundraising events and receive donations.

Q. Do you provide links and general information about other fair Trade stores and organizations?
Yes, you can see our Links page or contact us for any specific information about the organizations and stores involved in fair trade.

Q. How much money (percent of sale price) do the artisans make?
The general percentage varies depending on the product and vendors involved. At Global Gallery 30%-50% of the retail price of products goes to the artisan. The rest of the retail price is divided among wholesaler or the person who imports the products, customs, transportation fees and the overhead of the retailer for rent, wages, and other costs of doing business.

Q. Are there articles or publicity that can tell about Global Gallery?
Please see our News and Upcoming events page for specific information.  You may also sign up for our newsletter and events mailing list.

Q. How do I find employment, internship, or volunteer opportunities in Global Gallery?
Global Gallery is always open for volunteers and interns. There are various fields at which you can be useful. Check our Volunteer Opportunities page.