FAQs
1. How are your products made?
All of our products are ethically handmade and most are fair trade. The Inspirational Tees collection is the only collection that we make in the USA and is not fair trade. We partner with Fair Trade cooperatives and non-profits and purchase the artisan-handmade products from around the world, with a fair wage given to the artisan, usually at least 3 times the minimum wage in the country of origin.
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2. What does Fair Trade mean?
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The Fair Trade Federation states: Fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system.
Fair trade supports farmers and craftspeople in developing countries who are socially and economically marginalized. These producers often face steep hurdles in finding markets and customers for their goods.
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3. What is your return policy?
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Your satisfaction is our top priority! If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, will gladly accept exchanges or returns for store credit, within 30 days of original purchase date. All items must be unused and in the same condition as when purchased and have a valid receipt. Buyer will be responsible for return shipping costs.
We are sorry but due to the nature of the product and our inability for resale, customized items are not eligible for returns.
Other non-returnable items include:
- Gift certificates
- Downloads from our "printables" section
- Sale or Clearance merchandise
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Please email CustomerService@ubuntugoods.com for instructions on how to complete your exchange or return for store credit.
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4. How long will it take for my products to arrive?
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Some of our products are made to order (to reduce waste) and take 2-3 weeks to arrive. Most arrive within 1-2 weeks. We indicate this in the Additional Info Section of each product. Please let us know in the comments section if you need your order quicker and we will do everything in our power to expedite your purchase.
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5. Is there a way to track my shipments?
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We do not send tracking information at this time but if you need it please email us and we will send it to you right away.
6. Why did you start Ubuntu Goods?
I had heard about fair trade, and how it is helping end poverty, not by giving handouts, but by giving artisans a platform to sell their craft that has been passed down to them and pays them a fair wage for their goods, helping them support themselves and stimulating their local economy. But I couldn’t fully get behind the mission when so many people in my own town were homeless and hungry. So, after extensive research through the Fair Trade Federation’s website and many conversations with non-profits, I took these two passions and put them together into a business that would sell products made by artisans around the world and give back a portion of all proceeds to a local charity that uplifts families in our community.
7. What was your inspiration?
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I’m a mom of 3 kids. I left my corporate job a few years ago to stay home with them. I enjoy every minute I get to be home with them but felt a yearning to do something more and leave a legacy that they could be proud of. I also was inspired by a fundraiser I did through another company for a local women's shelter. I also watched movies like Poverty, Inc. and read books like Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert that inspired me to follow my dreams and not let the inspiration I felt get away. I feel it in my soul that this is what I was meant to do and when something hits you that hard, you go for it.
8. How long have you been in business?
We have officially been incorporated since June of 2016. We are a new business but we’ve grown a ton in such a short time and have made quite an impact to our artisan partners and local charities. We’re excited about what 2017 has in store for us!
9. How can a US-based charity join your network of charities?
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We are always looking for new US based charities to partner with. We have a form on our website that anyone can fill out to nominate a charity. We’ll do our research on them and there’s a very good chance we’ll partner with them. If there is a particular charity that means a lot to you personally, you can always host an online or in-home Ubuntu Goods party and donate 15% of the party proceeds to the charity of your choice.
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10. Have there been any moments when you've seen the difference you're making?
Absolutely. We receive emails from our non-profit and co-op partners that share success stories and I always pass along that information to our email followers to show them the impact they are making to women and families in third world countries. None of this would be possible without the support of our wonderful customers.
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11. How can I get involved?
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We would love for you to get involved and there are a few different ways. You can become a brand rep and help spread the word. You can also host a party and spread the word to your family and friends while giving back 15% of proceeds to the charity of your choice and earning free products. We are also always looking for volunteers to get involved and help us in any way you feel compelled. Please reach out to us at customerservice@ubuntugoods.com if you're interested in speaking with us about opportunities.
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We would love to add your questions to our FAQ, please feel free to fill out the form below with any questions or email us at customerservice@ubuntugoods.com
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
If you'd like to host a party in your home or online, have general feedback, question or concerns, please fill out the following information and we will get back to you right away!
For inquiries, please contact customerservice@ubuntugoods.com

