Fair Trade Products:
How We Ensure Trust and Quality in Every Order
Table of Contents
At Mayan Craft, our commitment to offering high-quality Fair Trade Products is at the core of everything we do. We work directly with indigenous artisans from Guatemala, ensuring that each product is not only handmade but also ethically sourced. By choosing Mayan Craft, you are supporting fair trade practices that empower local communities, preserve traditional craftsmanship, and create lasting change. Here’s how we ensure trust and quality in every order:
Custom Quote Process
When you choose our Fair Trade Products, the first step is to register on our website. Once registered, you gain access to a variety of designs and fabrics. Simply select the quantities and materials you need, and we will work on a custom quote for you. We aim to provide quotes within 24 business hours, especially if the fabric does not need to be designed from scratch. If the fabric is in stock, we can offer shorter lead times. Otherwise, we source the threads, weave the fabric, and create the selected design from start to finish, all while maintaining our commitment to fair trade principles.
Simple Ordering & Secure Payments
After registering and selecting your desired products, fabrics, and quantities, you’ll be prompted to enter your billing and shipping details. This helps us determine the best shipping provider, though the cost is typically covered by the client. Our prices are based on the quantities requested—the larger the order, the better the pricing we can negotiate with our artisans, but keep in mind that since all products are handmade, the price difference may not be as large as with machine-produced items. Our artisans follow fair trade standards, ensuring they are compensated fairly for their time and effort, which reflects in the product pricing.
Negotiations and Adjustments
Because each Fair Trade Product is handmade, factors such as fabric patterns, techniques used, and color variations may influence the price. Negotiations are handled via email once you receive the quote, and our team works closely with the artisans to find the best solution for your needs. If necessary, we can arrange video calls with one of our representatives to assist you in both English and Spanish.
Payments
Once you approve the quote, a 50% deposit is required to begin production. This deposit covers the cost of purchasing fabric and paying the artisans to start creating the product. For fabrics that are already woven, we pay the artisans for the material and provide an advance to those working on product assembly. While no formal contract is needed, we begin production once the deposit is received. Depending on the order, we may be able to accept a lower deposit—sometimes as low as 20% for larger orders—ensuring flexibility within our fair trade framework.
Each client receives a payment receipt with the provided billing information, and we strive to maintain transparency throughout the process. Our team frequently provides updates with photos of the product in progress, giving you peace of mind and confidence in the integrity of our work.
Shipping Information
We ship our Fair Trade Products worldwide, from the U.S. and Europe to Japan and beyond. While we don’t have a preferred shipping provider, we offer several options, including DHL and FedEx, depending on client preference. Shipping costs are covered by the client, and we strongly recommend purchasing shipping insurance, which we can help facilitate. Once your products are finished and paid in full, shipping time depends on the destination and shipping provider.
For international orders, the shipping company will manage customs and import duties as part of their estimated fees.
Handling Changes and Adjustments
If you need to make changes to your order after placing the deposit, it’s possible as long as the production process hasn’t started. However, once fabric production begins, it cannot be altered. Product modifications can still be made, but fabric changes are no longer feasible.
Ensuring Trust and Security
At Mayan Craft, trust is a cornerstone of our business. Both artisans and customers rely on us to handle each project with the highest level of care. Many of our clients return to make repeat purchases, and some even visit the communities to meet the artisans once they’ve successfully received their orders.
We also suggest that first-time clients place smaller orders to better understand our process, assess product quality, and experience our commitment to fair trade firsthand. Whether you’re ordering one product or a thousand, we guarantee the same level of attention to detail and transparency throughout the process.
Fair Trade Products and Their Impact
By choosing Fair Trade Products from Mayan Craft, you’re not just buying beautifully handcrafted items; you’re supporting a sustainable production process that prioritizes the well-being of artisans and their communities. Our artisans work in ethical conditions, receive fair wages, and are empowered to maintain control over their craft, ensuring that every purchase you make contributes to long-term, positive social impact.