“Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man how to fish and he eats for a lifetime.” – Unknown
Source: http://sussle.org/c/Toms_Shoes/1412182119.598
Although the “one for one” business model of TOMS has good intentions, there are major flaws that negatively impact the communities. At first glance, giving a pair of shoes to a child in need every time a customer buys a pair seems great. The customer feels like they are making a difference in the world while also enjoying their new product. In addition, the other customer feels lucky enough to receive a free pair of shoes to wear for their daily lives. It all seems perfect until you realize the implications from giving away free pairs of shoes. This is only a “band-aid” solution.
Source: http://www.toms.ca/
In these struggling communities, many people are trying to run their small businesses such as a shoe shop. They spend their time buying raw materials and then manufacturing the products to sell. If TOMS comes in and gives away shoes for free, all of this hard work goes to waste. Who wants to buy shoes when you can get them for free?
Source: http://amfm-mag.com/clothes.html
This solution is only a quick short-term fix. The shoes will last them about a year and then they are back to where they started. This deed will not help them escape poverty. Instead of just giving them shoes, TOMS should run shoe-making workshops to these villages. With the newly learnt skills, the people can create and run their own business. They can make their own shoes plus help others around them.
Source: http://untappedmarkets.ca/2011/04/shoe-repair-in-lilongwe-market-area-3-october-2009/
Teaching the skill of shoe making will last a lot longer than giving a pair of shoes.
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