Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.) Where do you source the raw materials from?

The scraps of cloth that we currently use are sourced directly from garments factories.We are actually looking for more garments factories that could sell (or donate) their waste materials to us! If you want to contribute, contact us.

 

2.) Are the raw materials dyed?

No. The raw materials are not dyed at all. We want to remain as faithful as we can to an Eco-Ethical process. Thus, we want to have the less possible impact on our environment.

 

3.) Are you just limited to bags?

Rags2Riches has 2 main product lines as of the moment. We have the rags2riches foot rugs and the RIIR designer bags.

 

4.) Do you have any plans of expanding to other product lines?

Yes, most definitely! In fact, we are very much open to suggestions from our partners and advocates. In addition to this, we are also experimenting on different kinds of scrap and organic materials in order to create more innovative and stylish products in the future.

 

5.) Are you only helping women? And is your reach only limited to Payatas, Philippines?

We are open to helping out women, men, and even out of school youth! For now however, we are taking our expansion one step at a time. We want to make sure that the systems we are placing are sustainable.

 

As for going beyond Payatas, yes, we are definitely going beyond! In fact, as you read this, there are already several communities in training. If you are interested to know more about this, email ludovicejing@gmail.com. She is our Community Relations Officer, and would be more than happy to walk you through the process!

 

6.) Are you already exporting?

Soon, but not yet. For our friends from all the other parts of the world, you may contact r2r_matt@yahoo.com to find out how you could avail of our products from where you are.

 

7.) How much are your members getting paid from the products?

For the rugs, the labor cost could range from 30-50% of the retail price, depending on each member's ability and willingness to produce the rugs (since we have also implemented an incentive system wherein the more they make, the more they earn!). As for the bags, the labor cost could range from 20-50% of retail price, depending on the skills set required per product. Aside from the regular sales that provides regular income, Rags2Riches also provides training and education to the community. We call this our REAP, or Rags2Riches Enterprise Activation Program. REAP provides opportunities for the members to get an edge in their lives and careers whether they decide to stay in Rags2Riches or move on to another endeavor.

 

8.) How Eco-friendly are your products?

Our products are not just Eco-friendly, they are also made ethically. We only use discarded scraps from factories (right now we are using scrap cloth but we are exploring many more exciting materials) or organic materials that are processed without using harmful dyes or chemicals. The components of our products are also sourced ethically. We are also in the process of  partnering with ethically-run community-based enterprises that we could source more materials from.

 

9.) I want to be part of Rags2Riches. How can I sell your products in my store?

We welcome partners and advocates who want to be part of Rags2Riches. If you want to sell Rags2Riches products, please get in touch with our Sales and Marketing Manager, Matt Pardinas, via his email, r2r_matt@yahoo.com.