At Balagan, we believe in the value of well-crafted products designed with timeless beauty and comfort in mind. We primarily produce in Poland because we believe that supporting local manufacturers and makers makes sense. This way, we support our shared economy. In every aspect, we strive to run our brand ethically and sustainably. As a company, we are constantly raising the bar, aware of our environmental and social impact and responsibility.
Timeless
COMFORT
We design timeless shoes, bags, and accessories that will be with you for years. We set fashion trends aside, offering products that are original, sturdy, thoughtful, and durable. We use high-quality materials like natural leather that softens over time, adapts to you, and develops a noble patina.
Local and ethical
PRODUCTION
We produce our shoes, bags, and accessories mainly in Poland. It is important to us to support the local tradition of craftsmanship. We currently collaborate with dozens of shoemakers, sewing rooms, and small workshops that handcraft bags, shoes, and accessories for you. We know our producers, building lasting relationships with raw material suppliers based on fair trade practices and partnerships. We are committed to ensuring that their work is fairly compensated.
At Balagan, our mission is to create high-quality products while preserving the fading tradition of craftsmanship. Our models are hand-stitched by experienced shoemakers, which you can see in the quality, durability, and meticulous detail of their work. That's why our products will be with you for a long time.
Agata i Hania, owners and designers of
BALAGAN
Sutainable
MATERIALS
We are constantly seeking eco-friendly solutions, and we implement our products and packaging with consideration for their environmental impact. In selecting materials, we rely on thorough research. We were the first brand in Poland to release a collection of vegan shoes that are 99% biodegradable. We use natural and vegetable-tanned leathers (this process releases fewer metal oxides into the air and water). We have eliminated plastic and foil from our production, replacing them with materials such as corn-based wraps.
Price
TRANSPARENCY
Products have their value. It consists of the cost of materials, craftsmen's labor, taxes, and margin. By revealing what constitutes the price of an individual product, we increase consumer awareness. You can find a chart under each product from our collection.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
|
Cost of goods sold (COGS)Part of product's price consists of cost of materials used for production as well as manufacturer's salary and taxes. Cost of goods sold includes all of the costs and expenses directly related to the production of goods.
VAT TaxPart of the price consists of VAT (of varying rates depending on the country from which the order originates). Acting in accordance with the law, we also pay other taxes, such as Personal Income Tax, Corporate Income Tax and Social Insurance (Polish: ZUS).
MarginOperating and management costs of a company include employee salaries, rent, transportation, administrative costs, IT costs, marketing expenses, as well as financial costs (e.g., gateway fees). The company's profit is reinvested in its further development.
Social initiativesWe allocate a minimum of 1% of the profit to support selected social initiatives and foundations that exist to build a better quality of life.
|
Added
VALUE
By purchasing from Balagan, you support social initiatives. We allocate at least 1% of our margin to selected social organizations, supporting the foundations close to us and important to us, which work to build a better quality of life.
NATURAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION
The Natural Heritage Foundation was established in 2008 by a group of naturalists who wanted to protect Poland's natural heritage. Their activities focus on the western part of the Carpathians, from the Low Beskids through the High Bieszczady Mountains to the Przemyśl Foothills.
OCALENIE FOUNDATION
The Ocalenie Foundation supports victims of the refugee and migration crisis, striving to ensure them decent and safe living conditions. They initiate legal and psychological care, help find housing, and organize adaptation programs.
(fot. Marcin Obara)
START FROM GHANA
In 2013, Monika, along with a group of friends and with the support of the African Institute, built the Janusz Korczak Kindergarten in Mankessim, a small town in southern Ghana. Today, the daycare employs seven people who conduct classes daily for 80 children aged 2-6. It is also a place where local youth and women attend courses.
[reviews]
