Frequently Asked Questions for Vendors

Q: Who can sell their products through CPA Buy American?
A: Any company that makes products for consumers, makes those products in the US and is able to drop ship to the customer when the customer orders through our site.  You also must agree to our Vendor Terms and Conditions.

Q: How do I list products through your online Buy American department store?
A: Give us a call (202-688-5145) or email us to get started.

Q: What does Made in the USA mean?
A: At a minimum, products must be assembled in the USA.  That said, different industries have different standards.  For example, meat items must come from livestock born, raised and processed in the USA.  We'll use our judgment for every product category to determine what Made in the USA means.  We'll ask you questions to verify that your product qualifies as USA-made to be listed on our website.

Q: Why should I sell through CPA Buy American?
A: The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) represents the interests of over 2.7 million households through our farm, ranch, manufacturing and labor organization and company membership.  Our members and supporters are predisposed to buy U.S. products because they want America to succeed.  But its often hard for consumers to buy U.S. products.  We want to make it easy.  We created this online Buy American department store to market to our members, supporters, readers of our TradeReform blog, and the general public; and to make finding and buying American made products easy.

Q: My company already has a retail presence online and through other vendors.  Why sell through you?
A: CPA's site provides access to a different audience.  Selling through us expands your sales opportunities.  Also, we are a national, nonprofit organization working for trade and economic policies to bring manufacturing and food production back to America.  Selling through CPA Buy American helps support that important work.

Q: How do I choose which products to list with CPA Buy American?
A: Use your judgment.  You can start with a few items that you think would be appropriate for our store and our customers, or you can place all your products in the store.  We can discuss this with you.  

Q: What information do you need to list my products?
A: This is the necessary information needed for a product:  product title, product description, your product code, features, images of the product (jpg or gif in high resolution), retail price, wholesale price and shipping costs.  Other product information may include color choices, size choices, technical specifications, and product videos.  We'll need your company name, address, contact person, warehouse address (the place from which you will ship the product to customers), email address for purchase orders and phone number.  

Q: Who determines the prices for my products?
A: You do.  We don't have expertise in your industry.  

Q: How does CPA Buy American make money from this endeavor to support its activities?
A: We sell at the retail price and remit the wholesale price to you.  You designate the wholesale and the retail prices. The difference is the Listing Fee we collect.  

Q: How do you handle sales and featured items?
A: If you want to have a sale, let us know and we can list a sales price for your product(s) and discuss featuring products on sale. 

Q: Do you buy and sell my company's product?
A: No.  We sell the product for you at the retail price you specify, then pay you the wholesale price you specify.  Our compensation is the Listing Fee which is the difference between the wholesale and retail price.  The actual transaction is between you and the customer.

Q: How do customers receive our product after they order?
A: You ship directly to the customer.  You will automatically receive an emailed purchase order from our system which gives you the necessary information.

Q: How does my company get paid?
A: We pay all vendors twice per month.  You get paid the wholesale price plus the shipping cost.

Q: How do you calculate shipping costs to pay our company?
A: We recommend that you give us a flat rate shipping price for each item that is a fair estimate.  Alternatively, our system will generate estimated shipping costs for each customer.  We will remit the lower of your shipping costs (upon your invoice to us) or our shipping costs.

Q: Can CPA Buy American stop listing my products or can my company demand to remove our listings?
A: Yes to both.  You can tell us to remove your products at any time and for any reason, and we'll comply within two business days.  We can also choose to stop listing your products at any time and for any reason.

Q: Does my company have to be a CPA member to sell through you?
A: Not at this time.  We're recruiting vendors to get a good selection for our store's customers.  However, we hope you will want to become a CPA member because we need to work together to fix our trade and economic problems.

Q: How are sales taxes handled?
A: Your company is responsible to pay sales taxes.  Most states require sales tax remittance for sales to customers in states where you have a physical presence.  You'll have to check the rules that apply to you.  CPA Buy American does not collect or remit sales taxes.  We do not take ownership of the product or sell the product --- we sell for you. The transaction is between you and the consumer, via our online store.  Like ebay, we provide a forum for you to sell to the customer.

Q: How are warranties and returns handled?
A: After the order, the customer relationship is with your company.  CPA Buy American provides no warranties and does not handle returns.  However, we will provide customers with your contact information if they inquire.