Information for vendors — New Item Packet
Thank you for considering PCC to retail your products. To effectively address the tremendous volume of new item submissions PCC has developed this procedure:
New Item Packets must be delivered to:
- PCC Natural Markets
4201 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
Please mark the packet — "Attention: New Item [appropriate department]."
The following information must be included in the New Item Packet:
- Actual product samples with product UPC
- Ingredient lists and nutritional information
- Supplier Agreement — all suppliers must complete
- Organic Certificate if applicable
- Country or state of origin
- Distributor and broker information
- Cost
- Promotional calendar
- Vendor contact information, including an e-mail address
- List of current Seattle retailers carrying the product
- Other pertinent information
To be considered, products must have a scannable bar code, and must be free of: artificial flavors, artificial colors, artificial preservatives, partially hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and parabens.
Products submitted with incomplete information will not be considered.
Manufacturers wishing to receive feedback on their products must include a valid e-mail address in the New Item Packet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I verify PCC received my packet?
Ship your packet with a carrier that offers delivery verification, or drop them off personally at the office.
I've sent samples, and I've not heard back, why?
Due to the sheer volume of submissions, PCC cannot respond directly to every vendor submitting products. It is our intention to give general feedback to vendors, but this is not always possible. There will be no response to vendors submitting incomplete packets. Vendors wishing to receive feedback must include a valid e-mail address.
Should I resubmit?
Yes, four to six months later would be a reasonable timeline, unless you've received other instructions from a PCC Merchandiser.
How does the product review process work?
PCC has several department merchandisers. Those individuals choose the products in the stores that best fit PCC's criteria and the needs of consumers, and they have the responsibility to choose the products that must be eliminated to make room for new items.
Merchandisers use information regarding industry trends, SPINS™ data, actual scan data from our own stores, and consumer interest to help make these choices. Some departments are so large that they are broken up into specific categories, and new items are only reviewed as their respective categories are reviewed.
How often are categories reviewed? Is there a schedule?
Categories with high volume and a lot of new items or seasonal activity are reviewed once or twice annually. Lower volume categories or those without much new item activity may be reviewed only once every two years. PCC does not publish a schedule because industry trends and new store development will continuously affect category reviews.
Why can't I just talk to one of your merchandisers?
We realize it may be frustrating to have unanswered questions. We've developed a feedback form for manufacturers to attempt to answer as many questions as possible. PCC merchandisers typically are not involved in conversations with manufacturers or their representatives until that merchandiser has determined an interest in the product. Again, this is due to the overwhelming volume of new item submissions and need for business efficiencies at PCC.
Why does PCC favor products shipping through a distributor vs. shipping direct or by common carrier?
There are a few reasons. Direct shipments increase the number of deliveries to the individual stores. This increases the number of times orders have to be placed, increases the number of invoices that have to be verified and received, and increases the number of invoices that have to be processed through our accounts payable department — all of this, results in increased expense to PCC Natural Markets. We are always working to minimize expenses and increase efficiency so that we can continue to offer competitive retails to our members.
Additionally, the toll on the environment of increasing the number of trucks on the road is substantial, and we strive to reduce the number of shipments to reduce the impact to the environment.
What are PCC's largest or most-used distributors?
| Grocery department: |
United Natural Foods, Inc., Auburn, Wash. R & K Foods, Seattle, Wash. Crown Pacific, Seattle, Wash. |
| Health and Beauty department: |
United Natural Foods, Inc., Auburn, Wash. Frontier Natural Co-op Threshold Enterprises Northbest Natural Products |
| Deli and Bakery departments: |
Distribution Partners, Inc. (DPI), Portland, Ore. Peterson, Seattle, Wash. R&K Foods, Seattle, Wash. United Natural Foods, Inc., Auburn, Wash. |
| Produce department: | Organically Grown Company |
| Beer and Wine departments: |
Alaska Distributors, Seattle, Wash. Columbia Distributing, Seattle, Wash. Noble Wines, Ltd., Seattle, Wash. Grape Expectations, Seattle, Wash. |
| Books and publications: |
NutriBooks, Denver, Colo. Sasquatch Books, Seattle, Wash. Small Changes, Seattle, Wash. |
How do I get my products authorized at one of these distributors?
Each distributor has its own criteria, in which PCC is not involved. If PCC has determined interest in your product line, the individual merchandiser will facilitate placement of your products with an appropriate distributor.
What is a broker? Do I need one for my product line?
A broker is a representative paid by commission, retainer, or a combination of the two. A broker is responsible for negotiating product placement with retailers, distributors, handling the respective paperwork and follow up. Brokers negotiate promotional calendars between manufacturers and retailers, and are typically responsible for placing the approved products onto the shelves at the stores.
The need for a broker varies by department, distributor and the individual item.
I'm not sure which department is the right one for my item, what should I do?
Send your New Item Packet to our office attention: New Item PCC. We'll make sure it goes to the right merchandiser.
What is a set or schematic?
It's the "map" of the physical space for a category at the retail shelf. Sets or schematics are created at headquarters to make the best use of the space available at the store level.
Can I just take my items to the store and see if the personnel like them?
No. Store level personnel are not responsible for new item authorization. Department merchandisers make all new item decisions, and approved items are communicated to stores through a systematic process.
Why does PCC require vendors to use e-mail?
Electronic communication is the most effective way for PCC to communicate and receive pertinent information. PCC merchandisers update the vendor community through e-mail, and receive all pricing documents electronically. E-mail is imperative to efficient business communications.