Since the 1960s many efficient, innovative, low-cost and sustainable products have been invented that can help to solve problems of the poor like power cuts (solar energy), pollution (recycling, zero-waste production, alternatives for fossil fuels), insufficient shelter and sanitation (development of cheap and sustainable housing), drought (simple water pumps, and irrigation systems), faulty management of natural recources (cheaper and more sustainable alternatives for the use of wood, water; innovative re-use of materials) etc.
Research shows that often distribution of these products is limited. 90% of the worlds population is poor and struggles on a daily basis with the problems mentioned above. This means they could benefit greatly from using these products, but most designers and producers do not succeed in reaching this potentially huge market for their products.
There is no wholesaler for this type of products yet, and individual designers and producers do not focus on marketing and distribution of their products via the market, but on distribution via traditional development agencies (often resulting in donation, not trade). Also, they are often too small to start a broad marketing campaign on their own. And, ofcourse, the poor are hard to reach. Increasing internet access and mobile services in developing countries offer opportunities to change all this in the near future.
In line with this development, we want to start an online distribution platform which ultimately seeks to connect producers and users of low-cost, sustainable, efficient and innovative products (not gadgets, but goodgets). By bundling marketing efforts for designers/producers on the one side, and bundling demand and other measures to increase buying power of the poor on the other side, Goodget wants to stimulate effective distribution of goodgets. More goodgets sold will mean that producers can lower their prices.
Our vision is that goodgets are spread to those who need and can use them most at the lowest negotiable price. The initiative’s goal is not simply to achieve growth and prosperity, but rather to achieve sustainable economic growth and increase in prosperity. The challenge is to achieve growth without depleting the natural resources and damaging of the environment, and therefore create a pleasant and stable environment between peoples.
Besides wholesale to selected local partners, Goodget wants to establish a chain of resellers in developing countries, who are assisted in setting up a profitable business in goodgets by offering them microcredits and workshops, and supplying their customers (the poor) with savings programs and buying subsidies.
Goodget is not about inventing innovative products, it is about helping inventors and producers to scale up, and give people everywhere access to these products that can improve their wellbeing and the environment.