Dear friends,

It has been a long while since I last wrote to you. A few friends asked me why, but there was no other good reasons really, busy was one, and not much good news was another… until the recent development. There were ups and downs in the last few months and it really helped because these are lessons to be learnt. Firstly, I know that the honey moon period has passed. Secondly, there bound to have difficulties in any work that we are doing, all I could do was to bite my lips and went through the difficult times, then the sun will shine again, I believe! Following were some of the episodes.

1. A long showering difficult summer…
Since the boost in sales in April and May, the sale in June and July dropped substantially. In June the sales reached only 50% of the budget. It was worrying and because we were lack of experience, we didn't know if it's normal. However, I tried to convice myself that people has just ordered for the World Fair Trade Day in May, they would not order again so quickly. Besides, I also realized that because we have put so much effort in organizing the Fair Trade Workplace Society, less effort was spent on cultivating new clients. That's the problem and the sales suffer instantly (some to learn as well) Luckily, the sale in August went back to what we would like to see, as budgeted. I realised we need to be prepared that there are always booms and bust, ups and downs.

2. A light in the dark
While I was worrying about the sales, and measuring how deep was my pocket to continue investing in the business, I saw a light in the dark. After a few months discussion, 3 new investors has agreed to invest in FAIRTASTE, the new funds they injected allow FAIRTASTE to grow. We are able to expand our product line and most importantly, hiring more staff to develop the Fair Trade market in Hong Kong. Last but not least, I can get a salary, although still discounted. After months of having no income, it was a good feeling to get a cheque again! The three investors / shareholders, are CK Lo, Bernard Chan and KK Tse. Many thanks for their trust, confidence in Fair Trade as a business and support to FAIRTASTE.

3. Assembling a "fire" team
Yes, a team with fire! We now have a team of 4 in the office, instead of only 2. The office is now full of energy and enthusiasm. I'm really glad that we can put such a great team together. It did take lots of effort to find the right person. Being a very small enterprise (and especially social enterprise), with very poor infra-structure, under-developed system, you really have to get your hands dirty. An average person will be worried: can the company survive? what will the future look like, any promotion opportunity? etc. We did hire some staff who decided to leave in a very short time. This had created some difficulties in carrying out our plan. But that's life I guess.
The team of 4 women now, Ursula, Rachel and Vienna and me fit in very well with each other. With additional support from Clorie, who helps us with our PR and media work. We are now working towards the Christmas promotion which you will see very well designed gift boxes very soon. I am confident that we will be able to boost the awareness and sales of Fair Trade and the products with the "fire" team.

4. Shopping makes easy
The long-awaited online shopping platform is finally ON! Finally, with the input from new colleagues, now you can buy our Fair Trade products easily on-line, just go to http://www.market-pro.net/fairtaste/shop/index.php?m=main, you can shop freely on the website. Of course, you have to register first as a member! For any purchase over HK$380, you will get free delivery along the MTR line. More news will come very soon, including new products like wines and tea, KEEP watching!

I'm really tire these days, but in a good sense as there are lots of happenings, lots of problems and yet lots of progress. The only thing I hope is my gray hairs stop growing sooooo quickly

As usual, if you do not want to receive this update, please email me and let me know so that I can delete your record from our database.

SHOP NOW at http://www.market-pro.net/fairtaste/shop/index.php?m=main!!

All the best.
Puifung