Comments on: The hipness of Fair Indigo http://www.fairtradesports.com/fairindigo.htm Fairly traded soccer balls, volleyballs, and more Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:36:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 By: Steve H. http://www.fairtradesports.com/fairindigo.htm#comment-630 Steve H. Tue, 13 Mar 2007 03:02:40 +0000 http://www.fairtradesports.com/fairindigo.htm#comment-630 Steve K., I talked to Bill Bass, the CEO of Fair Indigo, for three hours when I interviewed him, and for another hour when I dropped in again. As an outspoken proponent of fair trade, I have to say that I got a good vibe off him. Is he a militant, street-fighting activist? No. He's one of a handful of people willing to put his personal assets and even career on the line to push fair trade into an area where it didn't previously exist. Would I like them to reveal their suppliers? Sure. But, regardless of what I think of the idea, I am firmly convinced that they are firmly convinced that to do so would be catastrophic for their business, and their business model. But, read the interview for yourself. Steve K., I talked to Bill Bass, the CEO of Fair Indigo, for three hours when I interviewed him, and for another hour when I dropped in again. As an outspoken proponent of fair trade, I have to say that I got a good vibe off him. Is he a militant, street-fighting activist? No. He’s one of a handful of people willing to put his personal assets and even career on the line to push fair trade into an area where it didn’t previously exist.

Would I like them to reveal their suppliers? Sure. But, regardless of what I think of the idea, I am firmly convinced that they are firmly convinced that to do so would be catastrophic for their business, and their business model. But, read the interview for yourself.

]]> By: Scott James http://www.fairtradesports.com/fairindigo.htm#comment-572 Scott James Sat, 10 Mar 2007 04:56:59 +0000 http://www.fairtradesports.com/fairindigo.htm#comment-572 I hear you, Steve. It's a valid concern. It was interesting to note in the interview that Fair Indigo did reveal their trade secrets - the factory information - to the Fair Trade Federation, who is checking on their factories as part of their application to join. For me, the question then becomes, "Do I trust the screening committees at FTF - that they will do their homework on Fair Indigo?" My answer is yes, I do trust them. I know those folks and they are quite good at due diligence. My answer is reinforced by getting to know Rob Behnke a bit via email. I trust him, as well. [Note: I edited this post slightly on 3-20-07 after a friend pointed out FI's is not yet a FTF member.] I hear you, Steve. It’s a valid concern.

It was interesting to note in the interview that Fair Indigo did reveal their trade secrets - the factory information - to the Fair Trade Federation, who is checking on their factories as part of their application to join.

For me, the question then becomes, “Do I trust the screening committees at FTF - that they will do their homework on Fair Indigo?” My answer is yes, I do trust them. I know those folks and they are quite good at due diligence.

My answer is reinforced by getting to know Rob Behnke a bit via email. I trust him, as well.

[Note: I edited this post slightly on 3-20-07 after a friend pointed out FI’s is not yet a FTF member.]

]]> By: Steve K. http://www.fairtradesports.com/fairindigo.htm#comment-571 Steve K. Sat, 10 Mar 2007 02:13:11 +0000 http://www.fairtradesports.com/fairindigo.htm#comment-571 FYI -- There's some concern out there about Fair Indigo's refusal to make detailed information about their factories, wages, and producers available on their website: http://emergingwomen.blogspot.com/2007/03/fair-trade-accountability.html FYI — There’s some concern out there about Fair Indigo’s refusal to make detailed information about their factories, wages, and producers available on their website: http://emergingwomen.blogspot.com/2007/03/fair-trade-accountability.html

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