Q. How long has Freeset been in business?
Freeset was established in 2001 to manufacture quality jute bags for the purpose of providing employment and intervention for women who were trafficked into prostitution in Kolkata, India. Freeset now employs over 180 women who make export quality bags tees.Q. What happens to the profits from Freeset?
Freeset exists specifically to provide freedom for women from the sex trade. All profits from the business in Kolkata benefit the women (salary, health insurance and retirement plan) and are used to grow the business. This means more women can be employed and experience freedom.Q. Why choose Freeset promotional and conference bags?
We offer a broad range of great products for you to choose from and customize to your needs. Freeset supports fair trade (we are members of the World Fair Trade Organization and the Fair Trade Federation) and when you buy our products, you can be assured that your purchase is making a real difference in the world. Your purchase helps transform the lives of women who are now able to choose to leave sex trade and begin a journey to freedom. At Freeset, fair trade brings freedom.Q. How good is the quality of the bags?
We manufacture all the bags ourselves so have complete control over the manufacturing process. We have quality control systems implemented to ensure high standards of workmanship are maintained. We continually seek to source the highest quality raw materials.Q. What is your minimum order?
The minimum order for custom bags is 100 of the same bag.Q. What is Fair Trade?
Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to alleviating global poverty and promoting sustainability. Fair trade's strategic intent is to deliberately work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-sufficiency. It also aims to empower them to become stakeholders in their own organizations and actively play a wider role in the global arena to achieve greater equity in international trade.Q. Can I wash my Freeset bag?
No. The jute fabric does not hold up well when machine or hand-washed.Q. How do I care for my Freeset jute bag?
To clean your jute bag we recommend light sponging to remove any dirt. The inside laminate can be cleaned using a cloth and detergent. Do not put in a tumble dryer as the laminate may melt causing damage to both your bag and the dryer. Keep all bags away from a naked flame or very powerful heat sources which might induce combustion.Q. Is a Freeset bag bio-degradable?
Yes. Jute will completely break down in 2 - 3 years (as apposed to plastic bags which can take 1000 years to break down).Q. Are Freeset bags rain proof?
They won't get you through a monsoon down pour but the laminated jute inner lining will get you through the odd shower.Q. What is laminated jute?
Many of the bags we make use laminated jute. This means the jute has a biodegradable plastic backing which helps the bags hold their shape and improves durability. If you spill something in the bag you can easily and hygienically wipe it clean. Unlaminated jute doesn't have the plastic backing which makes them less rigid but means they are even more environmentally friendly.Q. How can I get samples?
Contact Freeset Customer Care to talk through your sample requirements.Q. How do I order Freeset bags?
See our list of suppliers on the contacts page.Q. What are shipping lead times?
For smaller orders, your order will be sent via air carrier (i.e. UPS or FedEx). There are generally two services the air carriers offer: Expedited/Budget and Express. Both are subject to custom clearance.- For the Expedited/Budget service, the time frame is not guaranteed, but you can usually expect to receive your order between 5-6 business days.
- For the Express service, the time frame is guaranteed and delivers between 2-3 business days.
For larger orders, sea shipping may be more appropriate. It is significantly cheaper, but delivery takes longer.
- USA – about 10-12 weeks
- UK – about 7-8 weeks
- Australia or New Zealand – about 5-6 weeks
Q. What file formats can I send for custom printing artwork?
You can send your logo as a hi-res JPEG (300 dpi or higher), PDF or Adobe Illustrator file are preferred for vector-based designs (all fonts must be converted to curves). For additional information download the graphics guide.Q. Are there any artwork or setup charges on custom orders?
There are no artwork or set up charges for custom orders*. Unless stated otherwise, prices quoted include the bag and printing your logo on both sides with up to 2 colors.*Smaller orders may attract an additional fee if the artwork provided is inadequate and requires extra time to be spent preparing it for printing.
Q. How do I become a distributor or agent?
If you want to become a distributor or agent of Freeset products email Freeset's Global Sales & Marketing Manager, Daniel McKown atQ. What can I do to become part of the story?
We believe there is a place for everyone to become part of the Freeset story. Not only can you buy Freeset products, you can recommend them to shops and recruit new outlets in your area. Perhaps your workplace or organization would benefit from a custom-printed bag or are looking for innovative business gifts. Join in with the Freeset story and help us to build that connection.
© Freeset Bags & Apparel 2012
