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This is a question we ask ourselves daily. But the current consensus is that we are just a group of humans just trying to do not-terrible things for those around us. We're scattered across the world but have never been closer. Read more about us here.
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The TLDR is that we are desperate to help our friends and had to get creative with how we could do so. You can read more of our origin story here.
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POD, or print-on-demand, is a helpful (for us) way to sell merchandise to a global audience without having to rent a warehouse, become printers, and hire a bunch of people. This, in turn, helps you because we can keep costs low. Plus, the companies we work with have networks of printers around the world, which helps cut the cost of shipping. Win-win-win.
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Olives & Melons is unique in that we, the artists, work directly with Palestinian individuals to create custom designs that represent them and help share their story. Every design is unique to the Pal and is concepted, drawn, digitized, and designed by OM. The Pals get an opportunity to share their story to a wider audience and you get something truly unique.
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We wouldn't call it a better way - we'd just call it a different way. Your purchases directly help the Pals. They get every cent of profit from the sale of merch in their collections. We get to bypass GFM fees and get them the most money possible. However, we 10000% support larger organizations and NGOs and think their work is important. OM is just a different way to help those in need. Not better, not worse, just different.
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For one simple reason: this isn't about us. This is about the Pals. This is for them and them alone. We have no desire to take anything away from them - they've had enough stolen.
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The Pals Program (unofficial name) is our Palestinian friends and family embarking on this experiment with us. The (unofficial) Program connects artists with Palestinians needing financial assistance due to the tiny fact that their entire livelihoods have been blown away by invaders. The artists listen to the stories of the Pals are create art unique to them. We then take that art and turn it into something that you can enjoy. Your purchases provide direct assistance to the Pals. OM is not in it to become rich.
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The Pals are a group of six Palestinians representing four families from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Read more about them here.
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Our Pals have become our family. Each one initially reached out to one of us at OM, and a connection was made. Over the weeks and months, trust, friendships, and familial ties formed. We talk daily, text and video with those who are stuck on the outside. Frantically check Instagram numerous times a day to make sure those stuck inside are alive. They ask us to take care of ourselves and we, in turn, are doing everything we can to help take care of them.
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Having nearly fallen victim to individuals taking advantage of the situation, we've developed a rather rigorous vetting process. While you can never be too careful, we are 99.999% confident that our Pals are legitimate. If you ever have any concerns regarding the legitimacy of our Pals, let us know. However please, do not harass the Pals. They have been through enough.
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Part of the reason why OM is so unique is that we, as a business, are not interested in making money off the situation. 100% of the profits from all sales within the Pals' collections goes directly to the Pal. We do have an OM Collection. This is being used to help cover the cost of stupid things like taxes and the website and ads. Purchases from the OM Collection also benefit the Pals because it helps us give them more of the profit from the Pals collections.
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At this current moment, we cannot take on any additional Pals. We are too few in number and we're not even sure this project will succeed. Each of us works full time, spending much (if not all) of our free time volunteering for this project. All that being said - please continue to check back here for updates on the project and potential openings. If this takes off and we can get more assistance, we'd love to add to the family.
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We'd love to have you help us out! Use the "Contact Us" form and we'll get back to you as soon as we humanly can.
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Yes! *We hope
It all depends entirely on the success of this experiment. The more you support us, the more we can help the Pals.
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Unfortunately, we are a startup with not many resources. For the moment, we are reliant on POD companies already in existence. Some have ethically and sustainably created items, but those tend to be more expensive. We've tried to curate a selection of items that you can feel good about purchasing, not only because they are good for you and our Pals, but for the planet too. Keep your eyes peeled for new merch. You never know what will show up...
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The plan is most definitely yes. Right now, we're just trying to get the site up and running but hope to return to the design-phase soon. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, TikTok (while available), and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest information on new product drops.
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Because OM uses POD, we rely on a global network of printers. The printer nearest to your location will be used in every possible instance to help keep shipping prices as low as possible. However, that does mean there might be some slight variabilities between printers. If you receive something that does not match what you ordered, contact us and we'll get things sorted!
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At the moment, all sales are considered final. This is due, in part, to the fact that we are a very small start up with very little capital. We are aiming to get the Pals money as soon as possible and refunds are not viable to that goal. That being said, if your arrives damaged, please get in touch with us, and we'll do what we can to make it right!
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Yes! Everything will ship internationally, but we know shipping costs can be insane. So, look for the products specially marked "Global" - the shipping might be a little cheaper.
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Shipping times vary on geographic location and the product ordered. Domestic shipping tries to be between 3 to 5 days after production. International shipping gets a little squirrelier, with customs times varying from country to country. Shipping can take anywhere from 10 to 20 days, depending on the location of the nearest printer and the customs regulations in your area.
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We understand you want what you pay for - and we want you to get what you've paid for as quickly as possible. However, shipping times vary for several reasons. First of course, is your location in relation the the nearest printer. Second, is the production times vary from product to product, which impacts shipping times. Third, the postal service can be...unwieldy. If you have not received your order, or there are no new updates to tracking, contact us and we'll figure out what happened!
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Oh no! Send us a message and we'll look into the problem!
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POD means that OM doesn't have a warehouse full of backstock waiting to be shipped. Instead, orders are sent to production as soon as they are placed. Additionally, not all printers offer the same products. We know it's less than ideal on the carbon footprint to be receiving items piecemeal, but we're doing what we can to help the Pals. Maybe one day we'll have a giant OM warehouse employing like-minded individuals (fair and livable wages and allllll the benefits, obviously). But for now, we are reliant on existing market systems.
Still have questions?
Send us a message! We will do our best to respond as quickly as we can. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Instagram, TikTok (while available), and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest information on new product drops.