FAQ

Q. How did you choose the name “3 Cords?” 

The name 3 Cords comes from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:

“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of 3 strands is not easily broken.”

We chose this verse to represent us because we believe strongly in the power of community.  An added bonus is that the name “3 Cords” goes along with our main product line – a braided cord headband! 

Q. Where do you get your fabric? 

We buy everything we can from Haitian fabric stores, but because these stores are limited, much of the fabric is purchased from wholesalers in the US.

Q. Where do the 3 Cords employees live?

When we met each of them in the year after the earthquake, every single one of the women was living in a tent.  Now, thanks to God, almost all of them have received houses through Mission of Hope or other organizations that are working on housing developments.  Some of the women and men live a hop, skip, and a jump away, and others travel 2.5 hours to and from work each day… now that’s dedication!  

Q. How long has 3 Cords been a business?

3 Cords has been a DBA registered under Mission of Hope since September of 2010.  3 Cords grew from the desire to employ amputee women who desperately needed work.  We currently employ 20 women and men full time and hope to continue and grow this year.  

Q. What does 3 Cords do with the profits?

Great question… we’re glad you asked!  3 Cords is a not a traditional for-profit business model. We are a business and we are not a charity, but we are a subsidiary of Mission of Hope, which is a non-profit organization.

We reinvest all of the profits either back into 3 Cords or use them to help fund the Mission of Hope Prosthetics Lab.  Like any traditional business, 3 Cords uses a good percentage of the profits each month to reinvest back into the company; after paying all of the women a fair salary each month, we use a considerable amount to buy new fabrics and other materials.  So tell your friends.  Buy some of our sweet products.  And change the way the world sees business.

Q. How can I get involved and be a part of the story? 

There are many ways you can help, and we’d be ever so grateful! Please check out our Get Involved page for more info.

Q. How long will it take to get my 3 Cords purchase in the mail?

Because all online products are already in the states when they get posted, it should not take more than 5-9 business days to reach your home.  We ship all orders through USPS from North Carolina.  

Q. What is your return/exchange policy? And what are your shipping rates?

All products come with a 100% money back guarantee. If for some reason you are not fully satisfied with your order, please contact us within 14 days of receiving your order and we will provide you with return shipping instructions and a full refund, however we cannot cover your return shipment cost. 

We ship with the USPS. Average shipping time ranges between 5-9 business days. We can only ship within the US and Canada. If you need shipment outside of the US or Canada, please contact us and we will try to provide an estimate.

Q. How do I become a retailer or sell at my church or school?

If you are interested in selling our products at your business, school, or church, please email us at info@3cordshaiti.com. 

Q. Who took the pictures for the website? 

Almost all of the photos on our website, including the artists portraits, are taken by our friends at SNS Photography. If you are looking for an incredible photographer, or need stunning photos, check out their website for more information. 

Q. Do you sell internationally? 

Currently, we only ship to the US and Canada.  In the future we hope to expand and sell internationally.  Keep checking back with us!

Q. How do you choose the women that work at 3 Cords?

Nearly all of our employees were originally patients in our prosthetics lab on site.  We have also hired two moms of amputee children that we also met through the lab.  Currently, our Haitian supervisor is in charge of interviewing and selecting new employees.  She looks for people who are dependable and kind, with a strong desire to work hard and make a new life for themselves.  The women and men do not need to have to have any sewing experience prior to working at 3 Cords, as we provide all of the training on the job.  In addition, while our main focus is on employing amputee women, we have occasionally hired women and men who are not amputees, but who have special circumstances that we feel compelled to help as well. Recently we have hired many new employees from a deaf community in Leveque. 3 Cords has expanded in 2012 to not only employee amputee ladies, but deaf men and women.

Q. What are the employment benefits for the 3 Cords staff?

All of our employees receive the following benefits:

• Fair Wages- All of the 3 Cords staff receive a salary far higher than the market wages, which enables them to provide well for themselves and their families.  
• Reasonable Work Hours- All of the women at 3 Cords work a 40 hour week, from 8am to 4 pm.  They also have a 30 minute lunch and a 15 minute break each day. 
• Free Lunch- All of the women and men are given yummy Haitian food for lunch each day, and are occasionally sent home with boxes of food for their families. 
• Health Care- As a part of each individudal's employment package, they receive a health care insurance plan that covers them at the Mission of Hope Clinic as well as other major hospitals in Haiti.  All of the women also receive free prosthetic care when they need adjustments or new legs. 
• Paid Holidays- All 3 Cords employees are given 20 paid holidays each year. 
• Paid Celebration Days- A couple times per year, we take the 3 Cords women and men out on fun trips such as beach days at local resorts or to get their nails painted.  We believe in celebrating our 3 Cords team, because, well – they are AWESOME! : )