Hey I saw this link somewhere for these bags and I went and looked and they look pretty good. I dont know though because I havent uses them so if any one knows please tell me here.
www.shaggyhack.com
www.shaggyhack.com
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peanutbuterboy
- Fearless
- Posts: 508
- Joined: 12 Aug 2004 07:27
- Location: Plano, Texas
- Contact:
www.shaggyhack.com
Luke Andrews
um no they look like shit! - Basically a good freestyle footbag is made by freestyle footbaggers. Those look like child labour bags from Pakistan to me.
I could be wrong and perhaps I shouldn't slander the site. Jon Schneider looks like he's given them his seal of approval (or they've stolen his image from somewhere and are using it promote the site) so perhaps he can give some details on th bags?
I could be wrong and perhaps I shouldn't slander the site. Jon Schneider looks like he's given them his seal of approval (or they've stolen his image from somewhere and are using it promote the site) so perhaps he can give some details on th bags?
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Spadrick
- Atomsmashasaurus Dex
- Posts: 859
- Joined: 04 May 2003 17:15
- Location: Toronto Ontario, Canada
Well they plug modified, first and foremost, which is cool. They don't do very much to inform people about footbag, even describe it vagely;
If I do, I will post a review of it.
As for slave labor and pakistan child labor... I really dont think that is the case here.
I might buy a 32 from them to see what the quality is like, cause you can't really go wrong at a price like that.The act of kicking an object consecutively to keep it from plummeting to the ground is the root of footbag.
If I do, I will post a review of it.
As for slave labor and pakistan child labor... I really dont think that is the case here.
Adam Dexter
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JFootbagger
- Fearless
- Posts: 534
- Joined: 29 Jan 2004 17:49
- Contact:
Okay, I've written this before, those guys use to be called KICKBAG and they didn't have too good of freestyle bags. I've ordered from them before (when I was first starting out...) and all 3 bags that I bought were worthless.
Don't waste your time on this brand of footbag
Don't waste your time on this brand of footbag
Jordan Wong
basics=tricks=strings=people dropping their jaw in amazement
-Footblog! Check it out!
Enter My Mind
basics=tricks=strings=people dropping their jaw in amazement
-Footblog! Check it out!
Enter My Mind
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Chris Hanratty
- Mr. Jokey...Joke Maker
- Posts: 1419
- Joined: 17 Nov 2003 12:48
- Location: Nova Scotia
The 32 panel that they sell on that site was my first footbag, and trust me it wasn't very good.
Edit - Changed sentence; realized that nobody should have their products called names when they work hard to produce something for the people (people who play footbag).
Edit - Changed sentence; realized that nobody should have their products called names when they work hard to produce something for the people (people who play footbag).
Last edited by Chris Hanratty on 19 Oct 2004 13:58, edited 1 time in total.
hmm - I sent them this email:
To which they responded with:
Now I have this message to the people who run this site. I already know that a large portion of footbags are made in Pakistan. Here are some facts about Pakistan from this site
Pakistan:
There are estimated to be 15 million child labourers in Pakistan.
11-12 million child labour were estimated in 1995, with at least half under the age of 10 years.
Of 35 million soccer balls stitched in Pakistan, children produce one quarter of the balls, most of them as bonded servants.
The number of bonded workers is estimated as 20 million, of which 6 million would be children.
BLLF in 1992 announced that 8 million children were forcibly put to work.
200,000 Bangladeshi women have been trafficked to Pakistan for the slave trade and prostitution.
Bonded labour, a contemporary form of slavery according to the UN definition, is still unfortunately prevalent in certain sectors in Pakistan, such as brick manufacture, construction, sports goods manufacture and carpet-weaving.
80% of soccer balls sold in the US are made in east Pakistan, where 1 in 5 workers are children between the ages of 7 and 12.
Life Expectancy - 60.4 years source
Average annual wage - $1 890 US source
So taking that all into account - can you - as I asked - guarantee that your bags are made by adults with fair and decent wages and working conditions? I assume that silence means you cannot.
me wrote: Hello Shaggyhack,
My name is Jeremy O'Wheel - I'm the current Australian Footbag
Champion. I've come across your website recently and was interested
in your bags but I have a few questions before I buy one.
What is the size and weight of your pellet filled Nerve and Geostatic bags?
Where are they made? If they are made in Pakistan - can you guarantee
that the workers are not children, are paid a decent wage and have
decent working conditions?
I haven't heard of Killasuede before - how would you compare it to
ultrasuede light?
Thanks a lot for you time and I look forward to do buisness with you
in the future!
--
Jeremy O'Wheel
To which they responded with:
Clearly they read this forum and while whoever runs this site does not want to comment at all for whatever reason - I apologise for slandering your company - I've never played with the bags - so I'll take the word of those who have instead - like Chris who posted before me.shaggyhack wrote: Jeremy,
Our bags are subcontracted to an ISO Certified Manufacturer. The picture of
John was taken by us. We shelled out $2000.00 at the 2002 Summer X-Games to
Promote footbag, and Schneider, Kenny Schultz, Ellis Piltz, Gordon and
others came out to show their stuff. Oh yeah we came across your post,
thanks a bunch mate. I will keep that in mind:
"um no they look like shit! - Basically a good freestyle footbag is made by
freestyle footbaggers. Those look like child labour bags from Pakistan to
me.
I could be wrong and perhaps I shouldn't slander the site. Jon Schneider
looks like he's given them his seal of approval (or they've stolen his image
from somewhere and are using it promote the site) so perhaps he can give
some details on th bags?"
www.shaggyhack.com
Now I have this message to the people who run this site. I already know that a large portion of footbags are made in Pakistan. Here are some facts about Pakistan from this site
Pakistan:
There are estimated to be 15 million child labourers in Pakistan.
11-12 million child labour were estimated in 1995, with at least half under the age of 10 years.
Of 35 million soccer balls stitched in Pakistan, children produce one quarter of the balls, most of them as bonded servants.
The number of bonded workers is estimated as 20 million, of which 6 million would be children.
BLLF in 1992 announced that 8 million children were forcibly put to work.
200,000 Bangladeshi women have been trafficked to Pakistan for the slave trade and prostitution.
Bonded labour, a contemporary form of slavery according to the UN definition, is still unfortunately prevalent in certain sectors in Pakistan, such as brick manufacture, construction, sports goods manufacture and carpet-weaving.
80% of soccer balls sold in the US are made in east Pakistan, where 1 in 5 workers are children between the ages of 7 and 12.
Life Expectancy - 60.4 years source
Average annual wage - $1 890 US source
So taking that all into account - can you - as I asked - guarantee that your bags are made by adults with fair and decent wages and working conditions? I assume that silence means you cannot.
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lightningbolt
- Nothing Vulgar
- Posts: 983
- Joined: 28 Jun 2004 12:55
- Location: Alaska
Go Jeremy!
Last edited by lightningbolt on 09 Feb 2005 02:17, edited 1 time in total.
I think I going to take over Canada. You should help.
Get Firefox!
Get Firefox!
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Spadrick
- Atomsmashasaurus Dex
- Posts: 859
- Joined: 04 May 2003 17:15
- Location: Toronto Ontario, Canada
I have alot to say about this post. I mean no ill will or slander to any parties involved.
Jeremy, you bring alot to the table regarding research into pakistan labor camps and forced child labor. The email that you recieved back from the website states; "Our bags are subcontracted to an ISO Certified Manufacturer." To me, this issue seems to be resolved... is it not?
Taking their silence as a; "Why yes! We do endorse the use of child labor in Pakistan!" is faulty logic, and plain discrimination. Do you wear Lavers? Brooks? Dunbars? Do you interogate those manufacturing companies about their methods as well? (Simply stating that it would be hypocritical not to.)
I feel that they are not responding to you because;
a) They feel threatened by your post (They did their research, why didn't you? They clearly know about modified.)
b) You have slandered their product line to potential buyers on a worldwide information source.
c) They have already answered your question (I know your question was about a garuntee, their answer can be taken as one.)
Now, I'm sure by now that Jeremy has something to say about what I have said about his post. Before you go apeshit on me, let me tell you what I agree with. I feel that as consumers of a product, you have a right to know how a product is being manufactured. Chris has stated a review from personal experience. Negative feedback is as important as positive feedback. Apologising was nice. I hope the company reads that and tosses this event behind them. We wouldn't want them taking their Modified link down (If they haven't allready).
You suggested slander, theivery and child labor camps in Pakistan, and then you write to them saying; "Thanks a lot for you time and I look forward to do buisness with you in the future!". Double standards, Jeremy?
(I don't think that they have ISO 900X registrars in Pakistan. If they do, child labor camps wouldn't get that registration.)
I have ordered footbags from a Pakistan based company before. They claimed that they did not employ child laborers and I took them at their word. They sent our club 11 sample footbags to show us the quality of the stitching and so forth. Our members had a great time with them, they were very decent quality, and I would order from them in the future. You never know until you try, and you never try if you have doubt.
<insert flame war here>
Jeremy, you bring alot to the table regarding research into pakistan labor camps and forced child labor. The email that you recieved back from the website states; "Our bags are subcontracted to an ISO Certified Manufacturer." To me, this issue seems to be resolved... is it not?
Taking their silence as a; "Why yes! We do endorse the use of child labor in Pakistan!" is faulty logic, and plain discrimination. Do you wear Lavers? Brooks? Dunbars? Do you interogate those manufacturing companies about their methods as well? (Simply stating that it would be hypocritical not to.)
I feel that they are not responding to you because;
a) They feel threatened by your post (They did their research, why didn't you? They clearly know about modified.)
b) You have slandered their product line to potential buyers on a worldwide information source.
c) They have already answered your question (I know your question was about a garuntee, their answer can be taken as one.)
Now, I'm sure by now that Jeremy has something to say about what I have said about his post. Before you go apeshit on me, let me tell you what I agree with. I feel that as consumers of a product, you have a right to know how a product is being manufactured. Chris has stated a review from personal experience. Negative feedback is as important as positive feedback. Apologising was nice. I hope the company reads that and tosses this event behind them. We wouldn't want them taking their Modified link down (If they haven't allready).
You suggested slander, theivery and child labor camps in Pakistan, and then you write to them saying; "Thanks a lot for you time and I look forward to do buisness with you in the future!". Double standards, Jeremy?
(I don't think that they have ISO 900X registrars in Pakistan. If they do, child labor camps wouldn't get that registration.)
I have ordered footbags from a Pakistan based company before. They claimed that they did not employ child laborers and I took them at their word. They sent our club 11 sample footbags to show us the quality of the stitching and so forth. Our members had a great time with them, they were very decent quality, and I would order from them in the future. You never know until you try, and you never try if you have doubt.
<insert flame war here>
Adam Dexter
Yes part of what Adam said was true - the reason I emailed them was because I wanted to find out where their bags were made. I had no intention of buying bags from them. I have delt directly with pakistani footbag manufactures in a number of times and they have always refused to tell me the age of the workers or their working conditions. The fact that child labour and bond/slave labour are such big problems in Pakistan make me think that the only reason they wont tell me is because they are exploiting people. I had hoped and still hope that whoever views this forum from that website can confirm or deny that fact. They sent me an email specifically to let me know that Jon Schneider was paid by the company and his picture wasn't just stolen from the net - but they made no effort at all do defute the claims that I directly asked them of where the bags are and what the working conditions are.
I hate the fact that there are people making money both out of child labor, sweat shops and the sport I love so much. It disgusts me. While I play in Lavers I have not bought an adidas product for more than 18 months and have no future plans of doing so. I would never put my enjoyment or money in front of the lives of other people and I certainly don't believe in profiting out of other peoples exploitation.
I have no idea what an ISO Certified Manufacturer is - but I do know that when I had dealings with these Pakistani companies they made a number of offers of different things they could do so that I wouldn't have to pay tax on any imports and I could import sand bags without having to pay for radiation treatment - in other words they did their best to convince me to buy their products by undermining Australian Law or breaking it in order to save me money. I would find it very hard to ever believe what the Pakistani footbag manufactures say. They sell a "completely hand stitched" 32 panel bag for less than $1 US - Some people here have made 32 panel bags - even if you're making 1 an hour - you're still earning less than $1 an hour and that doesn't take into account overhead costs for the factorary plus company profit. Also if you order over 500 items many companies give you free shipping. I have no doubt that the only way they can charge these prices is from a very low wage and working conditions for the workers.
There are many companies out there that sell Pakistani footbags - every one that I have played with has been crap. I also don't think selling the bags does anything to help the sport - rather than trying to get as much as they can out of the sport - I'd like to see these companies trying to build up the profile as much as they can - that way it would be possible to get enough business selling footbags made under working conditions legal in the US or Australia.
As for the modified link - well I will never back down on my morals just to keep a link to any website up. If they want to take that down - that's their choice. Obviously I only represent my own views - not the views of this or any other forum and I'm happy to put them forward. If they could convince me that the bags they are selling are made under good working conditions and they do care about this sport regardless of the profit or lack of profit made in it and that their bags are good bags - I'd be happy to retract my statements about them and support them to the best of my ability. Somehow I doubt that will happen!
I hate the fact that there are people making money both out of child labor, sweat shops and the sport I love so much. It disgusts me. While I play in Lavers I have not bought an adidas product for more than 18 months and have no future plans of doing so. I would never put my enjoyment or money in front of the lives of other people and I certainly don't believe in profiting out of other peoples exploitation.
I have no idea what an ISO Certified Manufacturer is - but I do know that when I had dealings with these Pakistani companies they made a number of offers of different things they could do so that I wouldn't have to pay tax on any imports and I could import sand bags without having to pay for radiation treatment - in other words they did their best to convince me to buy their products by undermining Australian Law or breaking it in order to save me money. I would find it very hard to ever believe what the Pakistani footbag manufactures say. They sell a "completely hand stitched" 32 panel bag for less than $1 US - Some people here have made 32 panel bags - even if you're making 1 an hour - you're still earning less than $1 an hour and that doesn't take into account overhead costs for the factorary plus company profit. Also if you order over 500 items many companies give you free shipping. I have no doubt that the only way they can charge these prices is from a very low wage and working conditions for the workers.
There are many companies out there that sell Pakistani footbags - every one that I have played with has been crap. I also don't think selling the bags does anything to help the sport - rather than trying to get as much as they can out of the sport - I'd like to see these companies trying to build up the profile as much as they can - that way it would be possible to get enough business selling footbags made under working conditions legal in the US or Australia.
As for the modified link - well I will never back down on my morals just to keep a link to any website up. If they want to take that down - that's their choice. Obviously I only represent my own views - not the views of this or any other forum and I'm happy to put them forward. If they could convince me that the bags they are selling are made under good working conditions and they do care about this sport regardless of the profit or lack of profit made in it and that their bags are good bags - I'd be happy to retract my statements about them and support them to the best of my ability. Somehow I doubt that will happen!
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shreddaily
- Flower Child
- Posts: 1665
- Joined: 03 Sep 2003 16:56
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Spadrick
- Atomsmashasaurus Dex
- Posts: 859
- Joined: 04 May 2003 17:15
- Location: Toronto Ontario, Canada
Jeremy;
I totally agree with you on the thoughts that footbag should be kept in footbag, and that the best bags ARE stitched by footbaggers and I would much rather pay a footbagger for their services rather then purchase from a mass manufacturer. However, it is also my belief that these companies are doing a great service to footbag as a whole (not just you and me and everyone else out there that plays freestyle). The bags that they stitch can be sold as wholesale to retailers like wal-mart and zellers, where the average joe can go and pick one up and learn freestyle. The target market of these bags would be circle kickers and people who don't really know what freestyle is. For you and me, these may not be the best bags, but for a newbie to the sport, these are probably 10x better then those friggin crocheted bags. I would like you to compare two websites with me right now.
http://www.shaggyhack.com/
http://www.menda.com.au/html/elementalfootbags.htm
Elemental footbags are stitched in Pakistan under a registered ISO 9002 manufacturing company, and were designed by an Australian footbag champion with a degree in fine arts.
Here is some information that I dug up on ISO Registration.
http://www.moody-group.com/english/certification.htm
Essentially, it is stating that there is a rigorous process of inspection and maintenance of quality in the manufacturing workplace. This includes; no child/ forced labor. So by stating this in their reply email, they HAVE answered your question regarding child labor.
Now, about the fact that you don't think that they can make profit off of 1$ USD / Footbag sold. Jeremy, US money is GOLD in Pakistan and many other countries as well (Including Canada, 10 USD is about 14 CDN). One single USD is worth 60 PKR.
Live mid-market rates as of 2004.10.19 16:47:16 GMT.
1.00 USD United States Dollars = 60.1250 PKR Pakistan Rupees
1 USD = 60.1250 PKR
1 PKR = 0.0166320 USD
Add this on top of the very low cost of living in Pakistan, and you have a MIRACLE THAT THEY CAN NOW EXPORT THEIR GOODS INTERNATIONALLY NOW THAT THEY HAVE OBTAINED THE MEANS TO ACQUIRE ISO REGISTRATION!
To break it down for you;
Pakistan is caught running sweat shops. Other countries don't import a majority of their products. Pakistan suffers economically. Pakistan gets ISO registration and standards put in place. Pakistan rejoices that they can now get a piece of the pie!
I could retire and live in comfort for the rest of my 70 something years on less than $40 000 CDN if I went to Pakistan. (I think my quick math is right, if it isn't, my point is still the same). Pakistan is not a rich country, but at least they are trying, and all the power to them for making a go of it.
Im sure there was more that I wanted to address, but I think I will wait for a reply.
(And no, I don't run shaggyhack.com. But it would be awesome to do something like that for footbag, ie; Donate lots of profit in the promotion of the sport and get alot of people into the sport by mass producing panel bags.)
~ Dex
I totally agree with you on the thoughts that footbag should be kept in footbag, and that the best bags ARE stitched by footbaggers and I would much rather pay a footbagger for their services rather then purchase from a mass manufacturer. However, it is also my belief that these companies are doing a great service to footbag as a whole (not just you and me and everyone else out there that plays freestyle). The bags that they stitch can be sold as wholesale to retailers like wal-mart and zellers, where the average joe can go and pick one up and learn freestyle. The target market of these bags would be circle kickers and people who don't really know what freestyle is. For you and me, these may not be the best bags, but for a newbie to the sport, these are probably 10x better then those friggin crocheted bags. I would like you to compare two websites with me right now.
http://www.shaggyhack.com/
http://www.menda.com.au/html/elementalfootbags.htm
Elemental footbags are stitched in Pakistan under a registered ISO 9002 manufacturing company, and were designed by an Australian footbag champion with a degree in fine arts.
Here is some information that I dug up on ISO Registration.
http://www.moody-group.com/english/certification.htm
Essentially, it is stating that there is a rigorous process of inspection and maintenance of quality in the manufacturing workplace. This includes; no child/ forced labor. So by stating this in their reply email, they HAVE answered your question regarding child labor.
Now, about the fact that you don't think that they can make profit off of 1$ USD / Footbag sold. Jeremy, US money is GOLD in Pakistan and many other countries as well (Including Canada, 10 USD is about 14 CDN). One single USD is worth 60 PKR.
Live mid-market rates as of 2004.10.19 16:47:16 GMT.
1.00 USD United States Dollars = 60.1250 PKR Pakistan Rupees
1 USD = 60.1250 PKR
1 PKR = 0.0166320 USD
Add this on top of the very low cost of living in Pakistan, and you have a MIRACLE THAT THEY CAN NOW EXPORT THEIR GOODS INTERNATIONALLY NOW THAT THEY HAVE OBTAINED THE MEANS TO ACQUIRE ISO REGISTRATION!
To break it down for you;
Pakistan is caught running sweat shops. Other countries don't import a majority of their products. Pakistan suffers economically. Pakistan gets ISO registration and standards put in place. Pakistan rejoices that they can now get a piece of the pie!
I could retire and live in comfort for the rest of my 70 something years on less than $40 000 CDN if I went to Pakistan. (I think my quick math is right, if it isn't, my point is still the same). Pakistan is not a rich country, but at least they are trying, and all the power to them for making a go of it.
Im sure there was more that I wanted to address, but I think I will wait for a reply.
(And no, I don't run shaggyhack.com. But it would be awesome to do something like that for footbag, ie; Donate lots of profit in the promotion of the sport and get alot of people into the sport by mass producing panel bags.)
~ Dex
Adam Dexter
Thank you, Adam. Your last post was awesome. It's great to see that someone has done enough research to form an educated opinion. It's clear Jeremy had his mind made up before even sending the email. I think the email was very insensitive to a company who should be our ally. And their reply couldn't have been better, unless they took the time to spell it out, like you did.
Mike StokelyI've used these footbags. Mike Anello bought a bunch a few years ago. I didn't like the way they played at all. Sorry, Shaggyhack guys. no judgement on you. Your bags just aren't for me. I recommend you find a group of experienced freestylers, and send them some bags for review. I'm sure a very small test group could give you some great ideas to improve your bags and make them better for freestyle.
Regarding the 02 X-Games, thanks for helping support our sport. As a whole, footbag players don't have a lot of money to put in, let alone for extra promotion of our sport. It's great to have companies who come from outside the integral core of freestyle players who want to help us, especially one that deals with an ISO Cert manufacturer.
If you guys made a more freestyle-friendly product, I'm sure plenty of players would be happy to use it. You should buy a footbag from Carol Wedemeyer, or one from Richie Abshire (at www.monsterhack.com or www.freedomfootbags.com) so you can see up close what a top-quality footbag is like. Maybe we can work together to improve your product and improve the community at the same time.
Regarding the 02 X-Games, thanks for helping support our sport. As a whole, footbag players don't have a lot of money to put in, let alone for extra promotion of our sport. It's great to have companies who come from outside the integral core of freestyle players who want to help us, especially one that deals with an ISO Cert manufacturer.
If you guys made a more freestyle-friendly product, I'm sure plenty of players would be happy to use it. You should buy a footbag from Carol Wedemeyer, or one from Richie Abshire (at www.monsterhack.com or www.freedomfootbags.com) so you can see up close what a top-quality footbag is like. Maybe we can work together to improve your product and improve the community at the same time.
BRICK!
rfa::never give up::
nyfa
rfa::never give up::
nyfa
Spad, I haven't actually checked any of this out per say, but a couple of points from your last post don't make sense to me.
You say that it's feasible for someone to live comfortably retired in Pakistan for less than $1000 / year. If that were ANYWHERE near true, don't you think it would be happening left right and center? Seems to me that an obvious explaination is that their cost of living is so much lower than yours or mine because their standard of living is just as far behind.
Just my two cents.
Might be able to get myself an ice cream cone with it in Pakistan though.
You say that it's feasible for someone to live comfortably retired in Pakistan for less than $1000 / year. If that were ANYWHERE near true, don't you think it would be happening left right and center? Seems to me that an obvious explaination is that their cost of living is so much lower than yours or mine because their standard of living is just as far behind.
Just my two cents.
Might be able to get myself an ice cream cone with it in Pakistan though.
Colin Kennedy
[email protected]
[email protected]
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Spadrick
- Atomsmashasaurus Dex
- Posts: 859
- Joined: 04 May 2003 17:15
- Location: Toronto Ontario, Canada
I believe I said $40 000, but take it as you will.Newf wrote:Spad, I haven't actually checked any of this out per say, but a couple of points from your last post don't make sense to me.
You say that it's feasible for someone to live comfortably retired in Pakistan for less than $1000 / year. If that were ANYWHERE near true, don't you think it would be happening left right and center? Seems to me that an obvious explaination is that their cost of living is so much lower than yours or mine because their standard of living is just as far behind.
Just my two cents.
Might be able to get myself an ice cream cone with it in Pakistan though.
EDIT: I see what your saying. And yes, 1000 CDN / year is right around average acording to Jeremy.
Adam Dexter
Pakistan is an incredibly poor country - infact it's in the 40th poorest country in the world according to 2002 reports from the World Bank http://www.nationmaster.com/graph-B/eco_gdp_ppp_cap.
Also in regards to currency - because we live in a global market - many things cost the same in any country - regardless of currency - that's why currencies are changing all the time.
Paying such low prices keeps the nation poor - it doesn't help it at all. If they were paid an actual wage relative to the real worth of what they are producing - rather than having western companies making profits up to 3000% of each footbag - their living conditions would rise. As I stated - a single 32 panel bag is sold by the manufactures at less than $1. When you take into account all the different people that need to get paid as well as other costs like shipping, materials, etc. - it's fairly obvious that these people are getting paid a lot less than $1 per bag. While somethings are cheap in Pakistan - 1 in 50 people owns a TV - less than 1 in 100 have access to the internet. Infact a majority of the population does not have access to clean water! - - these are according to the 2003 report from the CIA world fact book. - This is what the average person in Pakistan gets for $1000 US a year.
I have made my mind up about the ethics of profiting from labour in poor third world countries such as Pakistan a long time ago. I know a lot of people do it and I don't usually comment on it. - But I still think it is completely wrong.
The Australian person you mentioned who imports bags from Pakistan is a close friend of mine - but I have taken this issue up a number of times with him. He actually is unconvinced by the ISO certificate and for that reason donates a percentage of the profit from each bag sold to organisations like Community Aid Abroad - that work to solve global poverty.
According to what I could find about ISO certificates - the only requiment regarding wages is that they meet the legal requirement for that country. According to the Pakistan Trade Union (http://www.ptudc.org) there is no minimum wage in Pakistan - so even with an ISO certificate they can be paying their workers as little as they want.
Also in regards to currency - because we live in a global market - many things cost the same in any country - regardless of currency - that's why currencies are changing all the time.
Paying such low prices keeps the nation poor - it doesn't help it at all. If they were paid an actual wage relative to the real worth of what they are producing - rather than having western companies making profits up to 3000% of each footbag - their living conditions would rise. As I stated - a single 32 panel bag is sold by the manufactures at less than $1. When you take into account all the different people that need to get paid as well as other costs like shipping, materials, etc. - it's fairly obvious that these people are getting paid a lot less than $1 per bag. While somethings are cheap in Pakistan - 1 in 50 people owns a TV - less than 1 in 100 have access to the internet. Infact a majority of the population does not have access to clean water! - - these are according to the 2003 report from the CIA world fact book. - This is what the average person in Pakistan gets for $1000 US a year.
I have made my mind up about the ethics of profiting from labour in poor third world countries such as Pakistan a long time ago. I know a lot of people do it and I don't usually comment on it. - But I still think it is completely wrong.
The Australian person you mentioned who imports bags from Pakistan is a close friend of mine - but I have taken this issue up a number of times with him. He actually is unconvinced by the ISO certificate and for that reason donates a percentage of the profit from each bag sold to organisations like Community Aid Abroad - that work to solve global poverty.
According to what I could find about ISO certificates - the only requiment regarding wages is that they meet the legal requirement for that country. According to the Pakistan Trade Union (http://www.ptudc.org) there is no minimum wage in Pakistan - so even with an ISO certificate they can be paying their workers as little as they want.
