FAQ
About Freeset
Q. How long has Freeset been in business?
Freeset was established in 2001 to provide employment and intervention for women who are trafficked into prostitution in Kolkata, India. Freeset now employs around 250 women who make export-quality bags and 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.
Fair Trade
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 organizations work directly with marginalized producers to help them move from a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-sufficiency. Fair trade empowers them to become active stakeholders in their own organizations, helping to achieve greater equality in international trade. You can read more about the 10 Principles of Fair Trade on the WFTO website.
Q. Why choose fair trade products?
Freeset offers a broad range of great products for you to choose from and customize to your needs. Freeset supports fair trade so when you buy our products, you can rest 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. Are all Freeset products fair trade?
Freeset Bags and Apparel has been certified by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). Freeset USA is a member of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) in the US.
Freeset materials & care tips
Q. How good is the quality of Freeset bags?
We manufacture all Freeset bags ourselves so we 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 laminated jute?
Many of the bags we make use laminated jute. This means the jute has a biodegradable plastic backing to help the bags hold their shape and be more durable. If you spill something inside the bag, you can easily and hygienically wipe it clean. Unlaminated jute doesn’t have the plastic backing, which makes bags less rigid but even more environmentally friendly.
Q. Are Freeset bags bio-degradable?
Yes. Jute will completely break down in 2-3 years (as opposed 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 downpour – but the laminated jute inner lining will survive the odd shower.
Q. How do I care for my Freeset jute bag?
To clean your jute bag we recommend light sponging to remove any dirt. Jute fabric does not hold up well when machine or hand-washed. The inside lamination can be cleaned using a cloth and detergent. Do not put your bag in a tumble dryer as the laminate may melt and cause damage to both your bag and the dryer. Keep all bags away from naked flames or very powerful heat sources, which might induce combustion.
Custom orders & delivery
Q. What is your minimum order?
The minimum order for custom bags and tees is 50 (of the same bag or tee).
Q. How can I get samples?
Contact Freeset Customer Care to talk through your sample requirements: [email protected]
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 set-up charges on custom orders?
There are no artwork or set-up charges for custom orders*. Unless stated otherwise, prices quoted include the bag cost only. The printing cost will be additional and charged on a per-screen basis.
*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. What are shipping lead times?
Most orders 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 customs clearance.
- For the Expedited/Budget service, the timeframe is not guaranteed. You can usually expect to receive your order within 5-6 business days.
- For the Express service, the timeframe is guaranteed and delivers within 2-3 business days.
For much larger orders, sea shipping may be more appropriate. It is significantly cheaper, but delivery takes longer.
- USA or Canada – about 10-12 weeks
- UK – about 7-8 weeks
- Australia or New Zealand – about 5-6 weeks
All shipping details will be confirmed when you place your order.
Get involved
Q. 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 you are looking for innovative business gifts. Join in with the Freeset story and help us to build that connection.
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 at [email protected]