Fair trade

We have used the World Fair Trade Organisations's 10 principles as a basis for our fair trade policy. Below are the 10 points that we consider, including questions that we ask our supply chain.

1. Creating Opportunities

We want to work with talented, small and unique producers to provide them with a regular source of income and help them create a secure and stable lifestyle.

Is the producer wholly independent and not aligned to any large corporate?

Is the producer offering a traditional, artisan skill not widely available?

Will our purchases make a difference to the success of their business?

2. Transparency and Accountability

We’ll always share our plans and policies and want our customers, producers and suppliers to help shape the future of Eighteen Rabbit.

Is the producer willing to have an open discussion about their plans and aspirations for their business?

Is the producer willing to have ongoing communication with us?

3. Fair Trading Practices

This means paying on time (with a percentage up front if necessary) and working with producers to create a long term, happy and trusting relationship. We’ll be shouting about the craftsmanship involved in the products, the cultural influence and the skills involved to make these products so special – we hope this means that fair trade practices will become even more popular.

Is the producer willing to develop a long term relationship with us?

Can the producer provide information on their products, e.g. details of how they are made?

4. Paying a Fair Price

We will agree a fair price for products which is acceptable to our producers. We’ll also consider extra funding so they can build capacity and create even more fabulous products.

Can we agree a price which is acceptable to both parties?

5.  Ensuring no Child Labour or Forced Labour

We will make sure that no child or forced labour is used in the making of products that we sell. We do appreciate that many of these artisan skills are passed down through generations – however any involvement by children will not adversely affect their well-being, security, education or need for play.

Will the producer guarantee that children will not be involved in the production of their products?

6:  Commitment to Non Discrimination

We believe in equality for all and will not discriminate on any basis. We’ll also expect our producers to do the same and provide equal opportunities and pay for all.

Will the producer commit not to discriminate and guarantee equal pay for equal work?

7:  Ensuring Good Working Conditions

We work in a lovely, safe, healthy environment – and we would like our producers to too. We’ll do our best to raise awareness, and improve health and safety practices by our producers.

Is the producer happy for us to see their working environment?

Does the producer work in a safe and healthy environment?

If not, are they willing to improve their environment, with our assistance?

8:  Providing Capacity Building

We’ll do our best to help our producers grow their business by providing them with any advice, training or contacts that we can.

How can we help the producer grow their business?

9:  Promoting Fair Trade

We want to spread the word that fair trade is the best way to trade, and we will communicate this as much as possible.

Can the producer provide us with background information on their products and their workers (the backstory)? Can they give us regular updates?


10: Respect for the Environment

We minimise our environmental impact and will help our producers to do the same.

Are there any environmental issues around the production? How can we help to resolve these?