Toms’ One for One Business Model has been widely criticized for its “unintended consequences”. As advertised on Toms’ website, “with every product you purchase, Toms will help a person in need. One for One.” I support the ‘one for one’ business model as a starting point for a socially responsible model which can be further innovated and improved.
Blake Mycoskie is the founder of Toms Shoes and the creator of the ‘one for one’ business model.
Critics have argued that the ‘one for one’ eradicates the demand for local businesses by providing a product for free rather than having the citizens buy it from their local provider. I believe that although local businesses may be hurt, in the short run, the ‘one for one’ model offers an easy remedy for a complex problem. By giving a pair of shoes to someone who may not have the opportunity to buy it themselves, Toms improves the individual’s quality of life. That individual is now less likely to succumb to diseases or easily-prevented injuries and infections by simply having shoes on their feet and may now be able to walk further to provide for their family. While critics explain that by providing products for free, Toms is “foster[ing] poor self-image”, I believe that by helping those in need, the recipients may feel the kind wishes and intentions of the consumers (donors) and the subsequently Toms. Often, individuals only need to know that someone cares enough to help them and in return, it may boost their morale and lead to further positive changes in their life. Although many have criticized the ‘one for one’ model, I believe it is an effective short-term attempt to improve a society. Adopting the ‘one for one’ model is a great plan to begin to “treat symptoms”; however, it can be further improved by adopting models that provide long-term remedies to problems societies face. Toms has already begun to innovate and improve their model by providing safe water, “the gift of safe birth” and “the gift of kindness”, all of which do not detract from local businesses and lead to per
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