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Application Frequently Asked Questions


1. How do I download the application?

Visit the Apply to Join section. There, you will find a list of links to applications for different types of businesses. Please click on the title that best fits your primary form of business and it will open the application in the form of a Word document. Then, save the file on your computer. You may need to set your web-browser to allow pop-ups from the site in order to complete this process.

2.    I am a retailer and a wholesaler. Which application do I fill out?

Each applicant should submit the forms which correspond to what you consider to be your primary form of business. Applicants only need to complete one application, even if you operate in several forms of business.

3.    Besides the application itself, what other materials do I have to send in?

A complete application includes:
  1. The application questionnaire,
  2. A financial statement for your most recently completed accounting period,
  3. A complete list of suppliers and their contact information,
  4. Three references, submitted independently to FTF.  You can download the forms here, and
  5. A $75 screening fee which can be paid via check (made payable to the Fair Trade Federation) or via Paypal.
For more details about each component of the application, please visit the Apply to Join page and/or refer to the first page of the application forms.

4.    Am I allowed to send in extra materials?

Yes, please feel free to include any materials you feel will give us the best sense of your organization, including promotional materials, articles about your business, product tags/labels, photos, your most recent annual report, etc. Items will not be returned.

5.    How much is the Screening Fee? How do I pay it?

The Screening Fee is a $75 non-refundable fee to support the costs of the screening process. Please send a check payable to the Fair Trade Federation or pay via Paypal (transaction fees apply).

6.    How long does the entire process take?

Once all of your materials have been received, applications take approximately six to nine weeks to review.

7.    What are the annual dues?

Annual dues for all members except cafes are based on your business's gross sales from the previous year. Annual dues for cafes are a flat fee of $250 per year. Please see the chart of annual dues at the bottom of the Apply to Join page for specific information.

8.    Are there minimum sales requirements?
    
No, there is no minimum sales requirement.  However, retailers who have achieved at least $20,000 in gross sales and only buy from importers may apply early to join the Federation, after 180 days. All other types of businesses and retailers under $20,000 in gross sales must be in operation for 365 days before applying.

9.   Is there a minimum days in operation requirement?

Yes, applicants should be in operation for at least 365 days in Canada or the United States before applying. However, retailers who have achieved at least $20,000 in gross sales and only buy from importers may apply to join the Federation after 180 days.

10. How do I submit my application?

Please email an electronic copy of the application to our Screening Coordinator at screening@fairtradefederation.org. If you are unable to send an electronic copy, please mail your materials to:
Screening Committee
Fair Trade Federation
100 W. 10th Street, Suite 1105
Wilmington, DE 19801

It is strongly preferred that applications be submitted electronically. All applications are confirmed when they are received.

11.    What are the basic requirements for a Retailer?

To become a member, a retailer must:
  • Focus primarily on selling products directly to consumers/the general public
  • Have been in operation for at least 365 days in either Canada or the United States
    • Note: Retailers can apply after 180 days if they have achieved $20,000 in gross sales and only buy from importers.
  • Strive to only source items produced according to Fair Trade Principles
  • Pass the screening process based on FTF's Principles and Code of Practice
12.    What are the basic requirements for a Retailer working with Producers?

To become a member, a retailer working directly with producers must:
  • Focus primarily on selling products directly to consumers/the general public; buy products directly from producers/artisans/farmers
  • Have been in operation for at least 365 days in either Canada or the United States
  • Strive to only source items produced according to Fair Trade Principles
  • Pass the screening process based on FTF's Principles and Code of Practice.
13.    What are the basic requirements for a Wholesaler – Handmade?

To become a member, a wholesaler of handmade products must:
  • Focus primarily on importing non-agricultural products directly and supplying products for re-sale (business-to-business.)
  • Have been in operation for at least 365 days in either Canada or the United States
  • Strive to only source items produced according to Fair Trade Principles
  • Pass the screening process based on FTF's Principles and Code of Practice.
14.    What are the basic requirements for a Wholesaler – Agricultural Goods?

To become a member, a wholesaler of agricultural-based products must:
  • Maintain direct contact with farmers/producer groups who provide the end product or by-product of an agricultural process or harvest a natural resource (composite products included)
  • Have been in operation for at least 365 days in either Canada or the United States
  • Strive to only source items produced according to Fair Trade Principles
  • Pass the screening process based on FTF's Principles and Code of Practice.
15.    What are the basic requirements for a Cafe Network Member?

To become a member of the Cafe Network, a cafe or coffee shop must:
  • Be a food- or beverage-oriented retail establishment*
  • Apply after they have been in operation for at least 365 days in either Canada or the United States
  • Strive to sell products sourced according to FTF's Principles and within the Network's guidelines
  • Pass the screening process based on FTF's Principles and Code of Practice
*If a cafe or coffee shop is part of a larger coffee roasting operation, retail store, or other organization, the organization should apply under the primary form of their business (example: Wholesaler-Agricultural, Retail, etc).

See the Federation's Principles and Code of Practice for more information.

16.    What are some the benefits of membership?
  • Deeper connections to a community of like-minded organizations
  • Exposure to vendors and consumers interested in Fair Trade
  • Participation joint-marketing campaigns and FTF-member only sales channels
  • Trainings, events, conferences, and fora
  • Special deals and discounts on shipping, supplies, phone, and other services
  • Access to financing specifically for Fair Trade Organizations
  • Networking and information sharing with the broader fair trade movement
  • More!
17.    What do I do if I have more questions?

Contact Madeline Kreider Carlson, FTF's Screening Coordinator, by email at screening@fairtradefederation.org or at 302-655-5024.