Retail Partner Policy

Smidgin & Company Inc. – Authorized Retail Partner Policy

Effective: November 1, 2025

Applies to all approved wholesale partners and retail accounts.

1. Purpose of This Policy

Smidgin & Company is committed to maintaining the quality, reputation, and customer experience associated with our products. This policy outlines the standards and expectations for all Authorized Retailer Partners. Compliance ensures brand protection, pricing integrity, and a consistent experience across all sales channels.

2. Authorized Sales Channels

Approved Retail Partners may sell Smidgin & Company products through:

  • Brick-and-mortar retail stores
  • Owned eCommerce stores (Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace, etc.)
  • In-person events (markets, agility trials, seminars, pop-ups)
  • Grooming salons, vet clinics, boarding/training facilities

The following channels are strictly prohibited:

  • Amazon
  • Etsy
  • eBay
  • Walmart Marketplace
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • TikTok Shop
  • Any third-party marketplace not explicitly approved in writing

Retail Partners may not authorize sub-resellers or distributors without written approval from Smidgin & Company.

3. Pricing & MAP (Minimum Advertised Pricing)

To protect the value of our products and maintain a fair marketplace:

  • Retail Partners must follow the Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP) set by Smidgin & Company.
  • Sales and promotions may not reduce pricing below MAP unless approved.
  • Bundles must maintain equivalent MAP integrity.
  • Wholesale pricing is confidential and may not be disclosed.

MSRP & MAP Pricing Structure:

  • Smidgin & Company will publish an MSRP for each SKU.
  • Retailers may sell above MSRP, but selling below MSRP is discouraged.
  • The MAP for all products is 20% below MSRP, unless otherwise stated.
  • Retailers may not publicly advertise products below MAP.
  • In-store promotions are permitted as long as MAP is not undermined.

Failure to follow MAP may result in review or revocation of wholesale status.

4. Brand Representation & Marketing

Retail Partners must represent Smidgin & Company accurately and professionally:

  • Only approved brand assets may be used.
  • Product descriptions must not be altered in a way that misrepresents sourcing, claims, or benefits.
  • Packaging, labels, lot numbers, and barcodes must not be removed or modified.
  • Reseller-created promotional content must reflect the quality and tone of the brand.

Retail Partners may not imply any exclusive territory unless granted officially.

5. Product Handling, Storage & Freshness

Retail Partners must:

  • Store products indoors in a clean, dry, pet-safe environment
  • Maintain products in original sealed packaging
  • Rotate inventory using FIFO
  • Monitor expiry dates and remove expired product
  • Keep product away from direct sunlight, moisture, and contaminants

Products must never be repackaged, re-labelled, or sold in unapproved formats.

6. Online Sales Requirements

For eCommerce sales:

  • Website must include accurate product names, photos, ingredients, weights, feeding guidelines, and origin claims.
  • Retail Partners may not use unauthorized SEO terms.
  • Products must be sold as stand-alone items unless approved.
  • Online listings must show current MAP pricing.

7. Shipping & Customer Service Standards

Retail Partners must:

  • Package products securely
  • Use traceable shipping methods
  • Respond to customer inquiries professionally
  • Handle product returns in accordance with their own policies

Product quality concerns must be reported immediately, with photos and lot numbers.

8. Prohibited Practices

Forbidden actions:

  • Selling expired, damaged, or altered products
  • Repackaging or breaking down treats
  • Selling sample bags or unlabelled goods
  • Purchasing Smidgin & Company products from other retailers
  • Misrepresenting brand affiliation
  • Conducting bulk resale to unauthorized parties

9. Compliance & Monitoring

Smidgin & Company reserves the right to:

  • Monitor listings, pricing, and marketplace activity
  • Conduct account reviews
  • Request verification documents
  • Enforce MAP
  • Remove unauthorized listings
  • Issue warnings, suspend accounts, or terminate accounts

Non-compliance may result in suspension or permanent revocation.

10. Territory & Inventory Availability

Approval does not grant exclusive territory rights.

Inventory is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Preferred stock allocation may be available to high-volume or long-standing partners.

11. Termination of Reseller Status

Wholesale privileges may be revoked if:

  • Policy violations occur
  • Misrepresentation occurs
  • Marketplace restrictions are breached
  • MAP violations persist
  • Reseller is inactive for 12 months
  • Payment terms are not met

Upon termination, the reseller must cease selling Smidgin & Company products.

12. Updates

This policy may be updated periodically.

Authorized Retail Partners will be notified of major changes via email.

13. Retail Partner Logo & Store Information Usage

Smidgin & Company maintains a public “Where to Buy” directory.

By participating as an Authorized Retail Partner, the reseller grants:

  1. Logo Usage

  • Smidgin & Company may display the partner’s name, logo, and brand assets.
  • The company may resize or optimize logos.
  • Logos will be used solely to identify the partner.

  1. Website Linking

  • Smidgin & Company may link to the partner’s website.
  • Store location information may be displayed.

  1. Accuracy & Updates

  • Partner must provide an accurate logo.
  • Notify Smidgin & Company of any changes.

  1. Right to Remove

  • A partner may be removed from the directory if inactive, violating policy, or no longer approved.

14. Minimum Orders

  • Initial order minimum: $600
  • Reorder minimum: $200
  • Retail Partners are responsible for shipping costs.

15. Contact

Smidgin & Company Inc.

📧 wholesale@smidginandcompany.com

📞 647-466-1585

📍 Ottawa, ON