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Distribution Request Guidelines

Overview

We take pride in our ability to collect and distribute shoes “around the corner and around the world.” Soles4Souls accomplishes our distribution strategy by networking with established non-profits, churches, civic groups, government agencies, and relief teams. In order to ensure that each donation is used properly, we will only ship to approved organizations.Donations are made to individuals on a regular basis when the request is made on their behalf by these organizations.

To be able to successfully fill a request, you must register with Soles4Souls and two primary forms need to be submitted. The Partnership Agreement Form outlines the criteria for approval to receive a donation as well as the responsibilities once a donation is received. The Distribution Request Form provides our Outreach team with the pertinent information to fulfill your request to the best of our ability.

Please be aware that the receiving organization is responsible for the cost of shipping and handling from our primary warehouse to the organization’s preferred shipping address. Please see “Frequently Asked Questions” concerning shipping information to help you better determine your projected shipping costs.

Steps to Follow

  1. Download the Partnership Agreement Form. Please read and clearly complete (type or print) the form. If you do not have electronic signature capability, please print, sign, and fax to 334-863-5196.
  2. Submit supporting organizational documents (IRS Letter of Determination, brochures, reference letters, etc.) to help us qualify your organization. These items must be received and on file before a thorough review can be made. Please allow 2-4 weeks upon receipt of all documentation before a determination is made regarding your qualifying status.
  3. Fill out the Distribution Request Form online and submit by email to . This form will be kept on file and reviewed once your organization is approved. Once approved please allow up to 90 days until the footwear is shipped from our primary warehouse in Alabama. You will be notified upon approval, of the time frame for fulfillment of your request. We always want to provide footwear that meets your needs, so this timeframe will vary with availability.
  4. An invoice for the shipping and handling costs will be sent prior to the organization prior to the shoes being shipped. This will be due on receipt and shipment will be made upon payment.
  5. Provide follow-up as outlined in the Partnership Agreement Form.

The two forms mentioned above will be housed in the resource area. You will need to be logged in or register with the site prior to being able to access the two forms. The PDFs for those forms are attached to the email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Approval Process

Q. How does our organization qualify to receive a donation?

A. Please review the guidelines listed in our partnership agreement. This will outline several key requirements of our partnership. Among items to be considered are; Non-profit status as determined by IRS, brochures, and references. This should be your first step in requesting a donation of footwear for your organization.

Q. How does our organization make a request for footwear?

A. Please review and complete our distribution request form, available in the resources section of this site. This form will give us the information we need to be efficient in meeting your needs. You can mail or fax this form, along with a completed partnership agreement and documentation, to our World Headquarters in Nashville, TN.

Q. How long does approval of eligibility usually take?

A. Please allow 2-4 weeks from receipt of your materials for organizational approval.

Q. If approved, how long until the footwear is shipped to our organization?

A. This will be dependent on the availability of product requested. We fill requests in the order that eligible requests are received, and again, we want to be sure the donation meets your particular needs.

Q. How many pairs can we request?

A. Select a number that will meet the needs of those you are serving. The actual number you receive will be based on the availability of appropriate product.

Shipping

Q. How much does shipping cost?

A. As you can imagine, spiraling fuel costs have made this hard to predict. The cost of shipping will be directly related to the type of footwear and destinations. The range is wide, from much less than $1 per pair to nearly $3 per pair depending on those factors. Once the type of footwear and destination are determined, we will be glad to assist you in estimating the cost of freight and handling.

Q. How do we ship our shoes internationally?

A. Your organization will need to work with a professional freight forwarder to arrange international shipping and customs clearance.

Q. Who can I contact if I have shipping questions?

A. Michael Brown, our Manager of Logistics, would be happy to answer any of your specific questions related to shipping. He can be reached via email at .

Inventory

Q. What is the most commonly available type of shoes you have in inventory?

A. Flip flops, sandals, and women’s comfort shoes. We are fortunate to receive a wide variety of footwear. However the availability of specific brands and styles in inventory is always uncertain.

Q. What is the most difficult type of shoe to keep on had in your inventory?

A. Unfortunately, children’s shoes (sizes 1-6 youth) and all sizes of athletic shoes are in great demand and very difficult to keep in stock.

Q. Once approved, how can I increase my organizations opportunity to receive the quantity of footwear needed for our outreach efforts?

A. Be flexible in the style and size range as much as your distribution setting will allow (i.e. while an athletic shoe may be most desirable, if a sandal can be sufficient then allow us the flexibility to meet your needs with that type of shoe.)

Accountability and Follow-up

Q. The Partnership Agreement has many requirements after we receive shoes from you. Why do you need this follow-up information?

A. We think communication is the best way to establish a healthy relationship. By outlining the expectations of our partnership this allows everyone to know what is to be expected in our working relationship. We desire a long-term relationship with new partners, one in which our organizations can work together in the future.

Q. Why do we need to provide photos and personal stories of the distribution? We are so busy helping others that this takes away from our ability to serve those in need.

A. We exist because of the generosity of footwear companies, retailers, and individuals that have provided shoes to help those in need. It is imperative to update our donors so they can see how their donations are making a difference. This positive feedback gives donors the personal involvement needed to share with their teams the great feeling of “Changing the World One Pair at a Time”.