Some of their proceeds provided running water for their community and a building for the weaving co-op. They don't have to be dependent on charity because they are producing something and can have input into the designs. Many artisans are contacted through established markets and agents. Some hear about Global Exchange through magazine articles or through their reality tours. Different issues are taken into consideration when making the decision to do business with artisans.
Some choices are whether the group is democratically run and ecologically sensitive.
Field says that equality, fairness and mutual respect, things that make trade relationships more equitable, should be just as important as making a profit. Pier 1 Imports, a chain of stores based in Fort Worth, Texas, carries products similar to the Global Exchange Fair Trade centers. Steven Woodward, a furniture buyer for Pier 1 Imports, says that every company is interested in making a profit for their stockholders , but that they feel they can make a responsible profit. Pier 1 is more aware of these things because they see people working first-hand when they visit the factories, according to Woodward. Khemera was started in 1991 by a Cambodian refugee living in the United States who wanted to teach women in her country business and production skills so that they could support their families.