Pricing dakha and the women's work

Our cloth pricing may seem arbitrary because some items of the same size have a different price. We would like to explain here how our items are priced and present our price list so that you will know exactly what you are paying for.

The price of each item takes three production considerations into account. First, the cost of the material is calculated. This is naturally based on how much thread is used to make a certain product. The bigger the product, the more expensive it will be. Second, the amount of time it takes to weave a particular piece of cloth. Dhaka with more complicated or densely woven patterns will cost more than dhaka with simple or sparse patterns. Third, items that have been sewn also have associated tailoring fees. Bags with many pockets or a patchwork type design will take more time to sew, so will be more expensive. Once the production cost has been calculated, we try to take an additional 35% of that cost for profit. 

Distribution of Profits

In order to better understand how an NGO shop works, and feel more comfortable supporting one, we would like to explain a little bit about how profits are distributed.  We must share the same definitions in this discussion . . . Definitions:"Gross profit": The price that an item sells for. "Net profit": Gross profit minus production costs.

The Women's Share

The women who weave for WF get their share of profit in two ways. The first is an hourly wage that they receive for their time and labor, no matter what products are sold. The second is a profit-sharing approach. The women get a percentage of the profit when an item that they have produced is sold. In total, 50% of the net profit will go to the weavers. To use the same example of the 1,000 NRs shawl, if the weaver sells her shawl through Maheela, she will get 150 NRs. That is between three and five times as the 15 to 30 NRs she would get from selling through another shop.

WF's Share

WF keeps some of the profit to cover program expenses. The WF women's and children's shelter is very difficult to maintain, as financial supporters are hesitant to give money to a project that is not self-sustaining. Because of this situation, much of the profit will be spent on keeping the shelter open. The shelter is however, more than just a place for destitute women to live. It is also the center for dhaka weaving, and the headquarters for many other WF training projects. In total, 25% of the net profit will go back into WF training programs.

• What is dhaka? 

• What is the history of dhaka? 

• How is dhaka made? 

• Is there a catalog of the weaver's products? 

• How much does dhaka cost?