The choice of the products
The product range demanded by Ethical Purchasing Groups includes a wide variety of goods and services. Starting from the food products that are the most required, to different kinds of articles such as cosmetics, detergents, software, books, insurance, banking and telephone services. Each group defines his own criterions and priorities that determine the choice of the products, and these change depending on the type of good required. A common conviction which guides the EPG’ s choices, is that of the importance of the food’ s quality, because is not a simple goods, but an essential element for health and environment. Here after some of the shared requirements, that must have the products selected by EPGs:
� biological products;
� local products;
� seasonal products;
� products with limited or recyclable packaging;
� useful and really needed products;
� products respectful of work condition;
� fair price.
The choice of the producers
The choice of the producers is not a simple one, because it reflects the need of sharing common values and ideals with the suppliers. In order to select producers, as a first step, EPGs usually avail themselves of friend, family or other consumers’ advices. It also possible to detect the suppliers by starting a real field research, consulting biological products guides, or being contacted by the producers themselves.
At a later stage, it will be necessary to verify the adopted production criteria and their compatibility with the EPG’ s requirements. The choice of EPGs often falls on little firms respectful of the product and work quality, usually eclipsed by great companies and in economic difficulties. For these small realities, the business relationship with EPGs represents the opportunity to recover from the crisis and to maintain their quality level.
At the end of the selection process, it will be possible to start the business relationship, but also a relationship that goes beyond the simple consumer-producer link, a direct link based on reciprocal trust and shared experiences and knowledges.
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