Sofiya’s Mercado is part of an economic chain, which begins with artisans and farmers in underprivileged countries where goods are purchased by Fair Traders. Sofiya’s Mercado purchases these goods for sale on this website from Fair Trade Wholesalers.

The profits generated from the sale of the products goes towards the operating costs of running the business and the salaries of our team and the acquisition of more products for future sales.

After all that a percentage is taken and donated to non-profit organizations, which provide services for those in need in local communities here.

Sofiya’s Mercado is not a non-profit 501c3.

How Fair Trade Works

Fair Traders work with disadvantaged artisans and farmers to build their business and market their wares directly to consumers in developed regions.

They minimize the cut by often-exploitative intermediaries and return one-sixth to one-third of retail prices of items to producers.

Because of Fair Trade agreements artisans in developing areas across the globe are more self-sufficient. By receiving a fair price for their goods they are able to better feed, clothe, shelter, educate and provide health care for their families.

In some cases it provides for viable income to develop infrastructure such as clinics, water plants and child-care. This process allows for a lessening of dependence on Foreign Aid by providing models of self-sufficiency to disadvantaged areas; therefore everyone wins.