Setting up a Fair Trade stall in your church can be a wonderful way to introduce a congregation to Fair Trade . . . to offer a wider range of Fair Trade products than is available in many shops and supermarkets . . . and to help parishioners who find getting to the shops difficult.
Where can we get Fair Trade goods to sell on a stall?
Most Fair Traders sell goods from either Traidcraft or Tearcraft .Traidcraft offers food and a wide range of craft items; Tearcraft offers a wide range of craft items, but not food.
Some church stall holders alsobuy in stocks of Fair Trade foods from local shops or supermarkets for resale. This allows them to bring in fresh goods (such as a bunch of bananas) – and also to indicate which local shops sell Fairtrade products.
How do we order from Traidcraft and Tearcraft?
You can order online (at www.traidcraftshop.co.uk or www.tearcraft.org ) or by mail. To order by mail, ring to request a catalogue and order form. The numbers are 0191 491 0591 for Traidcraft or 0870 240 4896 for Tearcraft.
If you are thinking of starting a stall, but aren’t sure what parishioners will buy and want to try some products to ascertain what sells, you could get in touch with your local Traidcraft “Key Contact,” who might be able to offer you goods on a sale or return basis for your first few stalls. Similarly, if you would like to start off by having a stall for a special occasion, such as a Christmas Fair, your key contact may be able to arrange that. To find out who your local key contact is, ring 0191 491 0591.
If you are going to be placing regular, fairly large orders, you can consider becoming a Traidcraft or Tearcraft rep. Doing so will allow you to receive a discount. To find out more about becoming a Traidcraft “Fair Trader,” contact Jean Cook on 0191 491 0591 or email her at jeanc@traidcraft.co.uk . To find out more about becoming a Tearcraft rep, contact Kath Shortley, Tearcraft Volunteer Co-ordinator at01926 859685 or email kath.shortley@tearfund.org -- or contact the Tearcraft office at Tearfund 0845 355 8355.
Where can we find help with display materials?
Traidcraft has a sheet with helpful hints for bringing Fairtrade into church (ring CCOW at 01865 874778 to be sent a copy).
The Fairtrade Foundation has excellent display materials .
