About Craft Link

Craft Link is a Vietnamese not – for – profit Fair trade organization which helps traditional craft producers to revive their culture and improve their livehoods through handicraft production and marketing.

Craft Link’s vision 

One day all the artisans in Vietnam will earn a fair wage and have happy life.

Craft Link’s mission

Craft Link is a Vietnamese not-for-profit, Fair trade organization which helps traditional craft product to revive their culture and improve their livehoods through handicraft production and marketing

Craft Link’ objective

– Help craft producers, especially the poor, to improve their livehoods through craft production and marketing

– Help to revive and promote traditional culture and skills

– Educate the public about handicraft producers and their products

Who runs Craft Link?

Craft Link activities are guided by a Steering Committee comprised of independent Vietnamese individuals and representatives of NGOs. Steering Committee appoints one General Manager to manage Craft Link directly. This General Manager is responsible for daily management and operation of Craft Link as a whole.

How are artisan groups chosen?

All groups with which Craft Link works meet basic criteria such as fair wages, environmental and employee safely. Craft Link does not work with state-owned factories or joint-venture organizations because these groups already have access to market opportunities. Craft Link works as closely as possible with the people who actually produce the handicrafts.
Craft Link gives preference to producers who are marginalized or disadvantaged, such as ethnic minority people in remote areas, street children, and people with disabilities. Producer groups, organizations, or small businesses that are investing in the handicraft producers’ social welfare and not simply treating them as a means of production are given preference.

At the moment Craft Link is supporting 63 ARTISAN GROUPS all over Vietnam, in which:

– 45% are ethnic minorities

– 25% are disadvantaged groups

– 30% are traditional villages

Does “not-for-profit” mean that Craft Link doesn’t make money?

No, Craft Link makes money and we operate in a business-like fashion. Three things make us different. First, we are committed to working with producers who need our services. Second, profits are used for the organization’s development activities and for developing new handicraft projects, not for the benefit of the owner or board. Finally, because the profits do not go into the pockets of individuals, many people share our vision and willingly invest time and energy to make this vision a reality.

What happens to Craft Link’s profits?

Craft Link is committed to helping producers. Craft Link pays its artisan groups fair wages and uses profits to assist in new project activities, including different trainings to the artisans. Craft Link is committed to treating all of its handicraft artisans fairly and providing markets for their products through its shops, bazaars and export.

Craft Link also needs to be financially self-sustainable and not dependent on outside money. If Craft Link cannot sustain itself, then its efforts to help producers cannot continue.

How can you become a “link” in the Craft Link chain?

The first way is to purchase handicraft products through Craft Link’s shop, bazaars and other distribution channels. The second way is to tell others about our products and vision. Finally, you can volunteer to assist at Craft Link’s bazaars and shops, and with other activities.