faq
WorldCrafts Frequently Asked Questions
What is WorldCrafts and when did it start?
What's the mission and vision of WorldCrafts?
What is a WorldCrafts party and who hosts it?
Can I host a WorldCrafts party?
How can I support WorldCrafts without having a party?
What if I don’t like my order or it's damaged?
I have a friend overseas who would like to know about this. Who should they contact for guidelines regarding how to submit an item for possible inclusion in the WorldCrafts product line?
How are the artisans paid?
Are the artisans paid fairly?
What is Fair Trade?
Q: What is WorldCrafts and when did it start?
A: WorldCraftsSM began in 1996 with only one artisan group—Thai Country Trim, which had been established by local contacts in Thailand years earlier. Today, WorldCrafts imports hundreds of different items from numerous artisan groups in more than 30 countries around the world. WorldCrafts is a nonprofit division of WMU®.
Q: What's the mission and vision of WorldCrafts?
A: WorldCrafts and its local partners develop fair-trade businesses that provide sustainable income and offer eternal hope for impoverished people throughout the world. Our vision is: an income with dignity and the hope of everlasting life offered to every person on earth.
Q:What is a WorldCrafts party and who hosts it?
A: A WorldCrafts party is a fun way to feature WorldCrafts in your group or neighborhood. A volunteer hostess organizes the WorldCrafts event using the free information, including a list of possible party themes, provided under our Party tab.
Q: Can I host a WorldCrafts party?
A: Anyone can host a WorldCrafts party. All it takes is your initiative, planning, and a little help from your friends.
Q: How can I support WorldCrafts without having a party?
A: Every purchase you make benefits our artisans. Tell others about our work. You may also choose to give a tax-deductible contribution to the Jackson/Reese Endowment for WorldCrafts online at www.wmufoundation.com or by calling the WMU Foundation toll free at 1-877-482-4483.
Q: What if I don't like my order or it's damaged?
A: WorldCrafts guarantees your satisfaction. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return your product with a copy of your original packing slip marked RETURN, and you will receive a full refund. Shipping and handling charges are not refunded.
Q: I have a friend overseas who would like to know about this. Who should they contact for guidelines regarding how to submit an item for possible inclusion in the WorldCrafts product line?
A: Direct your friend to send an email to worldcrafts@wmu.org, and we will email product submission guidelines.
Q: How are the artisans paid?
A: WorldCrafts always pays the artisans in full. WorldCrafts artisans receive a fair wage for every piece whether it sells or not. We also pay all shipping and customs charges. Our utmost concern is holistic lifestyle improvement for the artisans.
Q: Are the artisans paid fairly?
A: Yes. Artisans are paid a fair wage for their country. The current exchange rate affects our costs, not their pay.
Q: What is Fair Trade?
A: We partner with artisan leaders around the globe who abide by Fair Trade Federation guidelines. Fair Trade buyers, such as WorldCrafts, ensure that the products they purchase are produced ethically, that artisans receive fair wages, and that their work is environmentally sustainable—all while respecting the artisans' cultural identity.
