Our website is designed to be a place for the Shakoshi tailors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to sell their bags at a fair value (without someone in the middle taking a large cut), allowing them to make a good living. We are the platform in which they can do that, making the entire world their marketplace while keeping the profit in their pockets. In order to do this we have to do things a little different.

FAQ’s

As a retailer, why do I have to order in quantities of 10? That is the number in which the tailors can ship the bags to us at a reasonable cost. Shipping and bank fees in the DRC are extremely high. In order to maintain a fair profit for the Shakoshi tailors, the order minimum is set at 10. The more you buy, the more they make.

Why can’t I pick out the fabric pattern of the bags when I order in bulk? The tailors go to the local market where they purchase the fabric from women called cloth merchant mamas. Those merchants sell whatever is available to them and have very little control over that. They buy what they can get and it is always changing. However, our tailors are trained to pick out patterns that are unique and fun! We have never been disappointed and don’t think you will be either. You can ask for either neutrals or brights and we will do our best to accommodate that.

What should I do if I have a problem with one of the bags? If you send us a picture and description of the problem within the first 3 months, we will send you a replacement. (Fabric pattern may not be the same on the replacement bag.)

For orders over 100 we can give a slightly different discount. Please contact us for more information if you would like to make a large order.