WAEV TANZANIA PROJECT
This project is done in conjunction with Cal Poly’s Appropriate Technology Class, Fall 2020.
JEWELRY PROJECT
Encouraging Entrepreneurship
With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies to expand entrepreneurial opportunities for Maasai women in Tanzania. The jewelry project will support businesswomen who are seeking financial independence. This online store will reach customers internationally, providing unlimited potential for Maasai women. The online Etsy Shop is live and will have inventory soon.
Our efforts in helping Maasai women sell their jewelry include but are not limited to setting up the online store to reflect the organizations brand, creating a pricing strategy to optimize profit margins, and seek out other potential marketplaces and partnerships with Fair Trade policies.
Pricing Strategy
We recommend that WAEV uses a skim pricing strategy. Being a not for profit organization, WAEV brings additional value to their products that other sellers in the marketplace don't have. Customers have an additional perceived benefit of supporting a good cause when they purchase jewelry from the WAEV Etsy store. Because of this strong value proposition, WAEV should price their products above the market average. Starting with a higher margin will allow WAEV to reinvest in innovation.
Fair Trade Partnerships
Fair trade standards are those that are a blend of social, economic and environmental criteria that support sustainable development of smaller producer organizations like WAEV. Fair trade is making a global impact because it is good for business, shoppers, and the planet. FairTrade America recognizes that 60-80% of the worlds food is grown by women which includes the Maasai community that WAEV supports.
WAEV should seeks partnerships with brands that are fair trade certified to seek both social and economic benefits. Click the button below to see a list of brands we recommend WAEV to partner with.