Guide to Hosting a Work of Human Hands Sale

These steps will guide you to organizing a fun and successful sale.  All of the documents referenced are also available in hard copy using our Work of Human Hands Information Kit, that can be mailed to you free of charge. Share these steps with your volunteers as organizing principles. In all you do, remember the artisans who benefit thank you for the work of YOUR hands!

Before Your Sale

Think ahead! Start planning now. Choose a date and location. Ask friends, family, organizations or youth groups to participate.

Start Planning

Choose your type of order — consignment or pre-selected package.

Consignment

You get a 10% discount off the retail price of handcrafts and foods (except Divine Chocolate cases) and you can return handcrafts that do not sell (excluding food and gift baskets).

Pre-selected Packages

Fast and easy! A pre-selected package is a collection of products chosen by staff at SERRV based on what is popular or new. Packages are available in retail values of $750, $1,500 or $2,500. All packages are purchased on consignment so you receive 10% off the retail value and you can return anything that does not sell.

Order for your Sale

Plan to place your order 4 to 5 weeks prior to your sale date. Consignment orders will be shipped 2 to 3 weeks before your sale from a warehouse on the East coast. Please allow for extra shipping time during October and November as order volume tends to be heavier. In order to process your order, please:

• Fill out the Account Information Form.
• Prepare your order using the catalog and the Consignment Order Form. Please play close attention to the catalog items with an asterisk (*) as these are the ones you can return.
• Fax or mail your Account Information Form and Order Form to SERRV

One of the most valued fair trade principles is to allow enough production time. When items are selling quickly, SERRV places additional orders with its partners, but it takes time for these orders to arrive due to longer production time and overseas transport.

If an item is out of stock, it will not be included in your order and you may receive less merchandise than you expected. Here are some ways to make sure that you receive the items you want:

• Order a pre-selected package so you know exactly how much you will receive.
• Check the box stating that substitutes are acceptable when you complete your order form. This allows SERRV to add products so the order matches the value requested – providing the quantity and variety that you will need for a successful sale.
• Check http://divine.serrv.org/inventory/inventory.php to see if items are currently available.

Spread the Word!

Promoting your sale is the key to having a successful sale! Check out the Ideas to Promote Your Sale, including a sample press release and a script for verbal announcements about your sale.

Receive Your Order from SERRV

An invoice will be enclosed in your shipment. Unpack the boxes and ensure that your order is complete. If any items are missing, extra, or damaged, complete and return the Adjustment Form included in your shipment.

Your shipment will also include a Returns Document to complete when preparing unsold handcrafts for return. Please read this document carefully and follow instructions outlined therein.

Set Up Your Work of Human Hands Sale

Make an attractive display highlighting everything that is available. Unwrap at least one of every item. Consider using tablecloths and putting small boxes beneath them to showcase handcraft at different levels.

Arrange a cash box, calculator and start-up cash for making change. All checks should be made out to your organization. You submit only one check for the full amount to Work of Human Hands for payment.

Have your promotional materials available – including gift cards and catalog request cards.

Arrange for multiple volunteers to help during the sale – at least one to answer questions, one to box up purchases and one to collect money. Depending on the size of your sale, you may need additional volunteers.

Set a goal to sell at least 80% of the merchandise you order. The more you sell, the more the artisans and farmers benefit.

After Your Sale – Wrap Up a Few Details

Mail one check, made payable to Work of Human Hands, for the amount that you sold. If your calculation differs from the total once your returns are processed, your account will be billed or credited for the difference. Send your check in the provided envelope within 10 days of the last date of your sale. For prepaid consignment orders, your credit card will be credited when your returns are processed.

Consignment returns must be sent within 10 days of the last date of your sale. This enables SERRV to replenish their stock and have an accurate inventory when placing future orders. Complete the Returns Document and enclose it with your return. No food items or gift baskets may be returned. Please pack with care!

You will be sent monthly statements showing the balance on your account. If you have sent in your returns and payment for items sold, but the credit does not yet appear on your statement, please disregard the statements until the credit is shown. It may take up to 8 weeks to process your returns.

Tell us about your sale. E-mail your story and photos to fairtrade@crs.org or mail them to Katy Cantrell, Catholic Relief Services, 228 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21201.

Celebrate! You've made a difference in people's lives around the world.