Scaling in Fair TradeStrategies for Growth

Intro

• Mata Traders• What we’re discussing today

Product Mix

• It must sell – Something that people want at the right price point

• Don’t do the same thing that someone else is doing– Unless you’re selling it

to a different market• Test the Market– Start small– Direct to retail– Focus groups

• Stick with what works

Sales

• Make Sales the #1 Priority– Sell anyway you can– Sales cures all

• Trade Shows– NYNOW (Artisan Resource)– Say hi to everyone– Conversation starter– Good booth display

Sourcing

• Relationships with our producer organizations– Willing to start small and grow with us– Built trust and personal relationships– Deal with challenges together and learned from them

• Write back! Respond tobuyer inquiries within 48 hours

• Adding new suppliers – Don’t overextend

Finance

• Anticipate your cash flow, understand your numbers, and maintain financial discipline

• Know your funding options– Shared Interest• Funded growth

of purchase orders

Staffing

• You need to hire people to grow• Don’t hire until it’s necessary• Get people when you really need them

Value Add

• Design– A unique aesthetic

• Manufacturing– Fair Trade/Handmade

• Marketing– Branding and

our next step

Thank You

• jonit@matatraders.com• Questions and comments