Marketplace x Brands x FAQs
Akwaaba, Karibu and Welcome to the Talking Drums Marketplace
Made In Africa, With Love
Specially curated products
100% Natural Skincare
Ethically sourced and sustainably packaged
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Talking Drums Marketplace
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What is the Talking Drums Marketplace?
The Talking Drums Marketplace is a curated, Pan-African boutique store that enables you to purchase select MADE IN AFRICA pieces, sourced from across the continent. It is named after the Talking Drums of Africa, and in recognition of the millions of market women and men across Africa, whose work and entrepreneurship are the foundation of many economies across the continent.
Sustainability and fair trade are at the heart of our marketplace, and we source products from entrepreneurs, artisans and artists across Africa, both on and off the beaten track.
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With a focus on having a positive impact, we also align our services to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
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By purchasing MADE IN AFRICA products and serves from the Talking Drums Marketplace, you are helping contribute to the following goals:
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Talking Drums Marketplace features a Pan-African selection of curated MADE IN AFRICA items, ethically sourced from across the continent, through fair trade principles. Each piece has a story to tell.
We source our products from local businesses across Africa, that contribute to development such as by creating local job opportunities or from Women's Cooperatives, and also donate a proceed of profits to initiatives that benefit the local communities to where we travel. Most use natural products and we refrain from using plastic as much as possible.
Brands
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Shkwela (Kenya):
Uniquely beautiful and stylish kiondo bags handmade and heart-made in Kenya. Shkwela was founded by Wanjiku Njenga in 2018, who saw an opportunity following the country-wide ban on plastic bags. These stunning pieces are crafted by women weavers from local communities in the coastal region of Kenya, contributing to local economic development and empowerment. By purchasing this item, you are supporting a small (but mighty) local Kenyan business.
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Talking Drums Marketplace (Pan-African):
The products are a selection of curated Pan-African items, ethically sourced from across the continent. Each piece has a story to tell. We source our products from local businesses across Africa, that contribute to development such as by creating local job opportunities or from Women's Cooperatives, and also donate a proceed of profits to initiatives that benefit the local communities to where we travel. Most use natural products and we refrain from using plastic as much as possible.
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Talking Drums Natural Skincare (UK, Ghana):
Growing up with sensitive skin, my mother would mix for me the pure, natural ingredients that her mother used - from shea butter to coconut oil. Continuing this tradition, I make my own skincare. With lots of interest from friends and family, Talking Drums Natural Skincare was created.
Talking Drums Natural Skincare is made from natural ingredients sourced from across Africa. Free from chemicals and preservatives, the products are bringing together natural skincare traditions from Africa, to help nourish and moisturise your skin, whatever your skin type.
Our aim is to be an ethical and zero-waste natural skincare company. The key ingredients are ethically sourced from women's cooperatives and local businesses, to ensure a fair price is paid for their hard work and trade. Our products are sustainable packaged, in glass jars or in repurposed coconut shells and environmentally-friendly and biodegradable wood, to prevent plastic pollution and environmental degradation. The glue to seal the containers are made from environmentally-friendly and vegan-preferred glue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Products
1.Where are your products from?
Talking Drums Marketplace features a selection of curated Pan-African items, ethically sourced from across the continent, through fair trade principles. Each piece has a story to tell. We source our products from entrepreneurs and local businesses across Africa, that contribute to economic growth and sustainable development such as by creating local job opportunities or procuring from women's co-operatives.
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2. Will my product look exactly like the image online?
Each product is handmade, using natural materials. As such, no two items will be exactly the same. They may vary slightly or have slight natural imperfections. This contributes to the beauty, uniqueness and story behind each item.
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Payments
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3. What currency do you use online?
All prices are listed in Great British Pounds (GBP). However, final payment can be made in your local currency, if we ship there.
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4. What payment options do you take?
We accept payments via all major credit cards and Paypal.
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Shipping and Delivery
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4. Do you ship internationally?
At present we ship within the UK, and to Europe, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States. We look to expand this over time.
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5. Can you tell me more about customs and import fees?
Your purchase may incur a customs, duty or tax fee if you are buying from outside of the UK where we ship from.
We do not cover the cost of customs, duties, or taxes because are levied by each government and vary from country to country. These fees are the responsibility of the customer and due upon receipt of your package. We are also not responsible for delays due to customs.
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Refunds and Exchanges
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7. Do you offer refunds?
Please note that all sales are final. We do not offer refunds unless you were shipped wrong or damaged item. In this case, refunds must be requested within seven (7) business days of receipt of your package and returned with fourteen (14) business days. Return postage for all refunds are paid by the customer.
Refunds can take up to 7 days to be processed. Shipping costs are non-refundable.
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8. Do you offer exchanges?
We offer exchanges for any un-worn, undamaged items you are not 100% satisfied with. Exchanges must be requested within seven (7) business days of receipt of your package and returned with fourteen (14) business days. Return postage for all exchanges are paid by the customer.
Upon receiving and inspecting your returned item, we will notify you via email once all items have been approved for an exchange.