But recently, amidst natural disasters occurring left and right and poverty still being combated, I'm wondering if TOMS is really living up to the wonderful philanthropic company its been labeled as. A friend pointed out a lot of these problems to me. First of all, the shoes are made outside the U.S. in Argentina, Ethiopia, and China- probably saving a bunch of money in labor and production costs. Second of all, if the shoes are being made for a tiny portion of the price the shoes retail for (around 15 cents compared to on average $60 for retail) it seems that TOMS could afford to donate more than just ONE pair of shoes per child-- why not 2? Yes it is great that retail and philanthropy have joined forces to help others, but are the two forces living up to their full potential? I don't really think so.
But that was just my small rant on the matter. If you want to buy the shoes because they are cute in a kind of relaxed hippy sort of way (a lot of TOMS shoes are "vegan") and because they come in a variety of prints, colors, and glitter assortments, then by all means, indulge. BUT, if you are buying them as a means of philanthropic contribution on your part, maybe think again if there is a better, more effective way, to help people in other countries. That is all :)
Last but not least, if you want to shop the website and learn more about the company click here for TOMS website!
LIFESAVERS. I have the sparkly gold ones and literally lived in them for the summer! They're very worth the $50, especially because not only are you getting a cute pair of comfy shoes, you're also giving a pair to a child who needs them.
ReplyDeleteMy mom asked me the other day what I want for graduation, and no lie, TOMS were the first thing that popped into my head. Ya, that are expensive, but I have heard nothing bad about them ever! The mission of TOMS is absolutely perfect, and i think, after this paycheck, I may buy a pair for myself as well.
ReplyDeleteWell the point of this post was to say, yes TOMS does a lot more than other retail companies in terms of philanthropy and that their mission is definitely admirable... BUT for the price that they charge for their shoes (not to say that theyre NOT worth it) but could TOMS make the money that they make off shoes go even farther by being able to give out 2 for the cost of 1.. surely this seems possible since the manufacturing cost compared to the retail cost is so drastic. But yea, go TOMS!
ReplyDeletefordham hosted a cool TOMS awareness day on 4/8, where a lot of my friends and i walked around barefoot for a day to simulate life without shoes. i think i had it a little easy, as i just chillaxed on eddies all day
ReplyDeleteMy mom's store sells TOMS so I have a few pairs. They are so comfortable and light, and are perfect for throwing in your bag when your feet get tired of wearing heels!
ReplyDeleteI actually went on a shoe drop last fall to South Africa with toms. We did more than just give shoes away we also volunteered at schools, homeless shelters for children, and refuges for children with aids. TOMs are made on every continent (except for Antarctica of course) and the workers are all paid fair wages. Blake is a huge supporter of fair trade and would not want his company to be any different. Honestly each pair costs around $13 to make so if you consider that they are making 2 pairs that means each cost $26. The $25-30 in profit from each shoe is spent to run the ever growing company, pay for transportation costs for the shoe drops. Another little known fact is that for environments where TOMs shoes will not be durable enough for continuous use the company will actually buy other brand shoes or boots and give those away. Nobody ever said TOMs was a non-profit company but in no way are they getting rich. Blake for example lives on a boat and has given away most of his personal belongings to charity. So if there are anymore naysayers please post any other concerns.
ReplyDeleteWe are all entitled to our opinion and rants (Lord knows I speak freely), but many (or.. ya know... all) of your points seem more like theories than actual facts. TOMs are cute, hippy, expensive, and charitable. All things white girls like me love. TOMs cannot save the world, and poverty will always be an issue we have to fight. I'm just glad that when faced with the choice, I can chose TOMs $50 shoes for me and baby Katatrious who's little toes are cold, over Rocket Dog's $40 pair just for me.
ReplyDeleteEven though the shoes are produced at a fraction of the price at which they are being sold, the are still a lot of other expenses the you have not factored in between production and the purchase. Plus think about all the people in those countries that now have jobs and are able to produce a product that they can feel good about.
ReplyDeleteYou can not really think that people working in factories care whether or not they "feel good" about what they are producing or not. They just need the work.
ReplyDeleteBlake Mycoskie of Toms spoke as a headliner at Focus on the Family event which is anti gay organization....just saying. While many consumers believe they buying from a progressive and socially conscience company, Blake is preaching his Evangelical ways. Also the shoes cost an average of $4 to make, and the same $4 shoe is given to a person in need. Needless to say he has dramatic profits.
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