“Trades of Hope,” a company that presents itself as an ethical shopping haven for those looking to support women escaping poverty and human trafficking, is under scrutiny for its operational model, which closely resembles that of a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme. Described by critics and former members as an MLM disguised as an advocacy organization, the company’s approach to business has raised significant concerns.
At first glance, the mission of Trades of Hope appears noble and empowering. The company claims to work with “Artisan partners” from around the globe, offering handcrafted home decor products. These artisans, according to Trades of Hope, set their prices, which the company pays in full before listing the products on its website. The company touts this arrangement as a partnership rather than charity, stating that artisans receive significantly more than they would in their local markets, and that the Fair Trade guidelines ensure community-wide benefits, such as wells and educational opportunities.
However, the underlying structure of Trades of Hope reveals a classic MLM framework. The company’s business model is heavily reliant on recruiting sellers who are then encouraged to recruit more sellers, creating a downline. This aspect of the operation, critical to the MLM scheme, is highlighted on the recruitment page of the Trades of Hope website, which promises that “The Partner Does All The Work!” while participants supposedly enjoy the rewards. Yet, statistics have consistently shown that the vast majority of MLM participants end up losing money, with a 99% loss rate commonly cited in critiques of the MLM industry.
Online discussions, particularly in the r/antiMLM subreddit, provide firsthand accounts from individuals who have left Trades of Hope. Former members describe a system that doesn’t require holding inventory but pressures sellers into hosting parties and using emotional manipulation to drive sales. One ex-member recounts the guilt-inducing tactics employed to sell products, leveraging narratives of poverty alleviation and religious motifs to compel purchases. Despite a relatively low entry cost of $150 and monthly website maintenance fees, the emphasis on recruitment and maintaining a downline is unmistakably MLM-like, fostering a cycle of pressure and disappointment.
Hannah Alonzo’s deep dive into Trades of Hope further illuminates the problematic aspects of the company. Alonzo’s analysis critiques the recruitment structure and the overarching “White savior complex” that permeates the company’s narrative. This perspective challenges the ethical facade of Trades of Hope, suggesting that sustainable development and genuine assistance for artisans in developing countries can be achieved through means that do not exploit personal relationships or employ manipulative marketing strategies.
As the discussion around Trades of Hope continues, it becomes increasingly clear that the allure of ethical consumption and empowerment of women in poverty-stricken areas is clouded by the realities of an MLM business model. Potential participants and consumers are urged to critically evaluate the company’s operations and consider the broader implications of supporting or joining an MLM disguised as a force for good.
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