What You Would Be Selling

Below is a selection of the types of artisan products that will be available within the shop.

Our products are handmade in developing countries around the world, including India, Nepal, Peru, Ecuador, Vietnam, Guatemala, Indonesia, The Philippines, Madagascar and Mauritius.

Silver Jewellery	Fashion Jewellery	Accessories	Jute Bags	Leather	Home Textiles
Ceramics	Wood	Kids	Recycled Products	Cards	Stationery

About Us

SHARED EARTH was one of the first Fair Trade shops to open in the UK, in a busy street in York in 1986.

The concept proved successful and the current interest in Fair Trade - part of a general concern amongst consumers about the ethical issues behind the products they buy - has enabled us to expand to seven branches across the country.

We are not a charity. Making profit has always been as important as our ethical aims - the higher the sales, the greater the benefits for people in developing countries. We have also long believed that the quality of the products that we sell is vital.

We are a member of The British Association of Fair Trade Shops and the International Fair Trade Association.

We would now like to open our business to Franchisees who believe in the philosophy of Fair Trade and would like to work within it.

What is Fair Trade?

There are still millions of children around the world who work long hours in sweatshops, and millions of people working in unsafe, unhygienic conditions to earn a wage which is insufficient to feed their families.

Fair Trade ensures that producers are paid reasonable prices for their work, child labour is avoided, working conditions are decent and sustainable materials are used wherever possible.

Fair Trade tries to help those at the bottom of society, those who are the least well off, and to support communities, not just individuals.

Sales of Fair Trade products are buoyant. This has nothing to do with price. It’s simply that people like to feel they’re making the world a better place to live in.

Like to Run Your Own Fair Trade Shop?

Running a SHARED EARTH shop is ideal for enthusiastic people who want not only to be part of a growing and successful brand but also want to have an active role within the Fair Trade movement.

It is a rewarding opportunity for those who want to work for themselves but would also value the purchasing and marketing support from an established company.

Although it would help, you do not need any previous retail experience. What you do need is lots of energy, sympathy for our objectives, and an affinity with our products.

Costs and Rewards

You will need to invest between £71,200 and £81,200 dependant upon the actual trading space of the shop. You will also need some working capital. There is a range of finance options that could be available to you dependant upon your personal status.

In terms of earnings, we anticipate that you will produce a profit before drawings, depreciation and bank charges of over £21,000 in year one rising to over £38,000 by year four.

Key Benefits of Becoming a SHARED EARTH Franchisee

You will be joining a retail organisation which:

• Has an excellent reputation within the Fair Trade movement
• Is deeply concerned about environmental issues
• Provides an excellent stock package including plenty of new lines
• Provides assistance with site selection and shop fitting
• Includes you on the Shared Earth web site
• Grants you a protected territory
• Allows you to build a business that you can later sell
• Provides you with initial and on-going training
• Supplies a comprehensive retail Operations Manual
• Provides you with a regular newsletter and information about suppliers
• Offers a choice of territories

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to have retail knowledge?

A. No. We will teach you how to manage your own SHARED EARTH retail shop.

Q. Do I need to have any prior knowledge of this market?

A. No but you do need to have an affinity towards our aims and to the products that we sell.

Q. How long will the Franchise Agreement last and is it renewable?

A. Five years. It can then be renewed for a further five years and so on.

Q. Do I have to purchase all my stock from SHARED EARTH?

A. Yes you do. By doing so you will benefit from the savings in freight we make from importing in bulk, and from the discounts our UK suppliers give us. This will enable you to achieve a high Gross Margin.

Q. What training will I need?

A. We have developed a training package that will ensure that you have a full working knowledge of how to manage your SHARED EARTH Franchise business.

Q. Can I open more than one shop?

A. Yes but you will not be encouraged to do so until you are able to demonstrate that you have successfully managed your first shop.

The Next Steps

If you believe that you have the right qualities to succeed with a SHARED EARTH Franchise and you wish to learn more, then we want to hear from you. To register your interest, click here