Drop Shipping
# ShelterDist Dropshipping & Wholesale Partner Guide
## Welcome to ShelterDist
Thank you for choosing ShelterDist as your wholesale distributor. This guide provides comprehensive information on how to establish a dropshipping or wholesale partnership with us, including account setup, ordering procedures, shipping policies, and return guidelines.
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## Getting Started: Opening Your Account
### How to Apply
To begin dropshipping or wholesaling ShelterDist products, please email our partner support team at:
**support@shelterdist.com**
### Required Documentation
For account approval, you must provide:
- **Valid Business License** (required for all applicants)
- **Resale Certificate** (if applicable in your state)
- **Contact Information** (business address, phone, email)
- **Preferred Payment Method** details
### Approval Process
1. Submit your application via email to support@shelterdist.com
2. Our team reviews your documentation (typically within 1-2 business days)
3. Upon approval, you'll receive:
- Account credentials for our wholesale portal
- Access to product catalog and pricing
- Instructions for placing dropship or wholesale orders
### Account Access Options
Once approved, you can:
- **Email Orders**: Send purchase orders to support@shelterdist.com
- **Online Portal**: Create and manage orders directly through our website
- **API Integration** (available for established partners - contact support for details)
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## Product Information
### Product Condition
All ShelterDist products are:
- **Brand New** - Factory sealed and unused
- **Authentic** - 100% genuine merchandise from authorized manufacturers
- **Quality Inspected** - Verified before shipment
### Product Availability
- Real-time inventory visibility in our wholesale portal
- Backorder notifications for out-of-stock items
- Regular updates on new product releases and discontinuations
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## Order Processing & Shipping
### Order Processing Time
- **All orders ship within 1-2 Business Days Maximum**
- Orders received before 2:00 PM EST typically ship same day
- Weekend and holiday orders process next business day
### Shipping Carriers & Methods
We select the optimal carrier based on package weight and dimensions:
| Package Type | Carrier | Service Level |
|--------------|---------|---------------|
| Lightweight (under 1 lb) | USPS | Priority Mail or First Class Package |
| Standard/Heavy (over 1 lb) | UPS or FedEx | Ground, 2-Day, or Express (based on selection) |
### Shipping Rates & Transit Times
- **Shipping costs are calculated and quoted during checkout**
- Rates vary based on:
- Package weight and dimensions
- Destination ZIP code
- Selected service level
- **Delivery to 48 Continental US States**: 3-5 Business Days (after shipment)
- **Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico**: Additional transit time may apply
- **International Shipping**: Available upon special request (contact support)
### Shipping Notifications
- Automatic tracking email sent upon shipment
- Real-time tracking updates available in your account
- Delivery confirmation notifications
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## Placing Dropship Orders
### Order Requirements
- Minimum order amount: None (single items accepted)
- Maximum order limits: None for established accounts in good standing
- Product restrictions: None (all catalog items available for dropship)
### Order Information Needed
When placing a dropship order, please provide:
1. **Customer Shipping Address** (must be within our service area)
2. **Product SKU(s) and Quantity(ies)**
3. **Any Special Instructions** (gift notes, specific packaging requests if available)
4. **Your Account Information** (for billing and identification)
### Order Processing for Dropship
1. We receive your dropship order request
2. Payment is processed to your account on file
3. Order is picked, packed, and shipped directly to your customer
4. Shipment notification with tracking is sent to both you and your customer
5. Inventory is automatically deducted from our system
### Branding & Packaging
- **Neutral Packaging**: All dropship orders ship in unbranded packaging
- **No ShelterDist Marketing Materials**: No invoices, promotional materials, or branding included in customer shipments
- **Custom Packaging**: Available for qualified high-volume partners (contact support for minimums and pricing)
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## Returns, Refunds & Exceptions
### Return Policy Overview
**ShelterDist does NOT accept returns on dropship orders** except in the following circumstances:
- **Defective Products**: Manufacturing defects or damage upon arrival
- **Broken Items**: Products received in non-functional condition due to shipping damage
- **Shipping Errors**: Incorrect items shipped (wrong SKU, quantity, etc.)
**Note**: We do not accept returns for:
- Change of mind
- Customer dissatisfaction (unless due to defect/breakage)
- Incorrect customer-ordered size/color (unless our error)
- Used or opened products
### Return Authorization Process (MANDATORY)
**NO returns will be accepted without prior authorization.** To initiate a return:
1. **Contact Support Immediately**: Email support@shelterdist.com with:
- Your account number
- Original order number
- Customer name and shipping address
- Detailed description of the issue (defect/breakage)
- Clear photos of the defect/damage and packaging (if applicable)
2. **Receive RMA Number**: Our team will review your request and, if approved, provide:
- Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
- Return shipping label (if applicable)
- Specific return instructions
- Return address
3. **Prepare Return**:
- Include the RMA number prominently on the outside of the package
- Pack item securely to prevent further damage during return transit
- Include all original accessories and documentation
- Do not write on original packaging
4. **Ship Return**:
- Use the provided return label (if applicable) or ship to the address specified
- Keep tracking number for your records
- Ship within 7 days of RMA issuance
### Return Processing
Once we receive your authorized return:
1. **Inspection**: Our quality team examines the item to verify the reported issue
2. **Resolution Options** (based on verification):
- **Replacement Shipment**: Sent at no cost to you (if in stock)
- **Refund**: Issued to your original payment method (if replacement unavailable)
- **Repair**: Available for certain products (contact support for details)
3. **Notification**: You'll receive email confirmation of resolution
4. **Timeline**: Processing typically completes within 3-5 business days of receipt
### Important Return Notes
- **Return Shipping Costs**:
- ShelterDist covers return shipping for verified defects/breakage
- Customer-responsible returns (not approved) are refused and returned to sender
- **Restocking Fees**: None for approved returns
- **Refund Method**: Original payment method only (no store credit or exchanges unless specified)
- **Timeliness**: Returns must be initiated within 30 days of delivery date
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## Payment & Billing
### Accepted Payment Methods
- Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- ACH/Bank Transfer (for established accounts)
- Net 30 Terms (available upon credit approval - contact support)
### Billing for Dropship Orders
- Your account is charged at time of order placement
- Invoices available for download in your account portal
- Monthly statements emailed on the 1st of each month
- Sales tax applied where required by law (provide resale certificate for exemption)
### Account Standing
- Accounts must maintain positive balance
- Late payments may result in order holds or account suspension
- Contact support immediately if anticipating payment issues
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## Customer Service & Support
### Contact Information
**Primary Support Email**: support@shelterdist.com
**Phone Support**: Available during business hours (check website for current hours)
**Emergency Issues**: Mark emails as "URGENT" in subject line for expedited response
### Support Hours
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST
- Saturday-Sunday: Limited support for critical issues only
- Closed on major holidays
### What We Can Help With
- Account setup and management
- Product inquiries and availability
- Order placement and modification
- Shipping questions and tracking
- Return authorization and processing
- Technical website issues
- Billing and invoice questions
### Response Times
- Email: Typically within 2 business hours during support hours
- Phone: Immediate during business hours
- After-hours: Next business day for non-urgent issues
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## Best Practices for Successful Dropshipping
### For Your Business
1. **Inventory Management**: Monitor our product availability for items you frequently sell
2. **Customer Communication**: Set accurate expectations using our published shipping times
3. **Quality Checks**: Consider ordering samples of products you plan to dropship regularly
4. **Brand Building**: Use the neutral packaging opportunity to include your own branding materials
### For Customer Satisfaction
1. **Transparent Shipping**: Clearly state "Ships directly from our supplier" in product descriptions
2. **Accurate Descriptions**: Use our provided product specifications and images
3. **Prompt Issue Resolution**: Contact us immediately at the first sign of customer concern
4. **Documentation**: Keep records of all customer communications and order details
### Prohibited Practices
- Do not use our product images or descriptions without permission
- Do not imply ShelterDist endorsement without authorization
- Do not sell restricted products without required licenses
- Do not misrepresent shipping origins or timescales
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## Legal & Policy Acknowledgement
By establishing a dropshipping or wholesale account with ShelterDist, you agree to:
1. **Compliance**: Adhere to all applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding product sales
2. **Intellectual Property**: Respect ShelterDist's trademarks, copyrights, and proprietary information
3. **Confidentiality**: Keep pricing, product availability, and business terms confidential
4. **Indemnification**: Hold ShelterDist harmless from claims arising from your resale of our products
5. **Termination**: Understand that either party may terminate the relationship with 30 days notice
### Policy Updates
ShelterDist reserves the right to modify this guide, pricing, policies, and procedures at any time. Significant changes will be communicated via email to the account administrator on file.
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## Need Assistance?
We're committed to your success as a ShelterDist partner. For any questions not covered in this guide:
**Email**: support@shelterdist.com
**Subject Line Tips**:
- New Account: "NEW ACCOUNT APPLICATION - [Your Business Name]"
- Order Issues: "ORDER INQUIRY - [Your Order Number]"
- Returns: "RETURN REQUEST - [RMA Number if applicable]"
- Urgent Matters: "URGENT: [Brief Description]"
Thank you for partnering with ShelterDist. We look forward to helping your business grow!
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*Last Updated: April 2026*
*ShelterDist Wholesale Division*