Frequently Asked Questions

Happy Weaver

Who gets your money?

The artisans. We exist to reduce poverty – and nothing else. There is no hidden agenda, no big headquarters, and no fat salaries for administrators. Purchase with confidence that more of your money is put directly into the hands of the artisan through Ten by Three than any other similar organization in the world. We solicit donations and keep a small percentage from each basket sold to run our offices and warehouse – but the rest goes right back to the countries we serve. For more about how we spend our money feel free to look over our financials at Guidestar.org. You can also see the direct results of your purchase by watching this video.

What is a Prosperity Wage?

This is the unique poverty reduction model created by Ten by Three. A Prosperity Wage is the amount of money artisans receive directly for their handicrafts. We differ from Fair Trade in that we pay the artisans at least 2.5 times the Fair Trade wage. This “above and beyond” Fair Trade model is the extra financial push our artisans need to attain financial independence through entrepreneurship. This model is very successful and is being intensely studied by students at Washington University, St. Louis. The goal is to see how it can be replicated and to understand the true ripple effect it creates which is proving to be a key ingredient to permanent poverty reduction.

When are we going to expand into other countries?

Not until 80% or more of our original weavers have achieved permanent financial independence from Ten by Three and/or sales rise to a point where expansion would not impact any artisan we currently serve.  We have a long list of countries asking us to bring our project to their rural poor. However, by serving the many marginally, we can serve no one completely. We choose to focus on a few countries and smaller pockets of artisans to make a measurable, significant and permanent difference in their lives. We believe in true and complete results rather than casting a wide but shallow net.  We currently serve approximately 1,500 artisans in the following countries: Ghana, Uganda, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.

Where can I buy an artisan product I saw in a photo on your website?

We have two different places you can purchase our artisans products, each of them carries items unique to their location; Our exclusive online store and our retail locations. By checking each of these locations you should eventually be able to find the handcrafted item you saw in the photo. If you still have questions, feel free to email us.

Why was the company started?

Learn all you ever wanted to know about us by reading our founder’s story

happy family

How does my purchase make a difference in each country?

In Bangladesh, your purchase helps women leave their lives of prostitution by providing another source of income. In Ghana, your purchases built a school for girls and continue to help them continue their education. In Uganda your purchase helps empower women – in Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia your purchase does all of the above AND has a direct and positive impact on endangered forests.  In America, Ten by Three hires workers with disabilities to put together the tags and DVDs that come in each basket.  Read results 

How do I care for my basket?

Keep it out of direct sunlight.  Dust it using a dry clean paintbrush. Use leather conditioner on the leather handles twice a year to keep the leather soft and supple. If your basket from Ghana becomes gets misshapen it is safe to dip it in warm water – press it into the original shape.  Place it in a warm, dry location and it should dry in about an hour. 


Are Blessing Basket products environmentally friendly?

Yes. All of our woven basket items are made from natural and renewable materials. They pose no hazard to food such as fruit or other items you may choose to display or carry in your baskets.  Check out our weaving techniques for more details.

Are you religiously affiliated?

No, we are not. This is directly in line with our core values which requires all our funds support only our mission of poverty reduction and not be diverted to any other cause.