Buy One, Get One

This day in age, it is hard to find a company that willingly want to give to others.  It is common however to find companies that are mandated to pay fines due environmental issues or harm to a culture.  Another hard thing to find today is items that are reasonably priced.  Many families have to cut back on luxury items such as clothes and charity.    

My friend, Melissa, is also always hunting for deals. She admires fashion, beauty, art, and the unique. (Check out her blog www.melissaboccanfuso.blogspot.com) A staple in her wardrobe is TOMS Shoes.  Not only are TOMS really comfortable, affordable, and practical shoes, but the company also has a great motto; One for One.  Essentially for every pair of TOMS purchased, another pair goes to a child in need in a developing country.  Blake Mykoskie, founder of the company, chose developing countries because many children grow up barefoot causing for cuts and infections.  At the end of 2006, within one year of launching the company, 10,000 pairs were given to children in Argentina.  This business idea could have been a complete bust.

 TOMS has found that selling the shoes at roughly $50 each, all costs can be covered including donation, production, and overhead but yet still make a profit.  The newest addition that they have added to the brand is Wedding.  Not only can men, women, and children enjoy day to day shoes, but now there are ones designed for special occasions such as weddings and proms.

Another feature that is on the website is "Design."  Customers who purchase the shoes will then create and individualize theirs to make it more unique.  Anyone can upload their images and be placed on their website.

I find TOMS Shoes to be an admirable and fascinating business.  They make being an honest and successful company a possible feat in these current economic times.  Do you know of any other companies that have a similar mission statement?