Shopping With Licensed Vendors: The Reasons Why

By Portia E. Ellis

National Vendor Director

The year of 2020 was a historic year for us for more reasons other than being our Centennial celebration year.

For the first time in our lives, we were faced with a global public health emergency that would alter our daily routines beyond our control. This included the inperson manner that we were accustomed to shopping for merchandise that represents our beloved sisterhood.

With stay-at-home orders, conference cancellations, and the common goal of remaining safe and healthy, an alternative way of “visiting the vendor halls” prevailed through online shopping and virtual exhibitor shops. This method also included the convenience of access to vendors all across the country from the comfort of our homes. At the click of the button, we can have products delivered right to our doorsteps.

As we continue to explore the world of a virtual way of living, which will include virtual shopping, it is very important to ensure that we are only purchasing items from licensed vendors who have entered a business agreement with the sorority.

There are several reasons why it is important to only shop with licensed vendors.

First, licensed vendors undergo a specialized process to become licensed, and to have every item of merchandise reviewed before it is placed on the market. Our licensing company, headquarters staff, and national vendor director work as a team to review the intricate details of every design submission to ensure that it protects and promotes our brand in the public eye. This process has various steps including verifying that our shield is correct, our colors are correct, the names of our Five Pearls are spelled correctly, our principles are listed in the correct order, and even if the product, itself, represents us in a Finer way.

Our licensed vendors take the time to submit each product so that it can be approved, denied, or resubmitted if modifications are needed. Companies that have not completed the licensing process are not providing the organization with this same courtesy to preview merchandise. As a result, they often release items that are subpar to our expectations as an organization.

Secondly, with increased online shopping worldwide, there are often shipping delays for orders. With licensed vendors, we are able to assist with vendor contact information and order statuses, or even assist with connecting you to Vendors when looking for specific items. When orders are placed, or inquiries are made regarding non-licensed vendors, there is no assistance that the Sorority is able to provide.

Finally, the most beneficial and lucrative reason to buy from licensed vendors is because of the royalties that the sorority now receives as an additional revenue source from our licensees. As members of this organization, we should only patronize those vendors who are committed to returning a portion of their profit to the sisterhood as a part of their license agreement.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and the Vendors Affairs appreciate your support of our official, licensed vendors. For the most current listing of our licensed vendors, please visit: https://zphib1920.org/ certified-licensed-vendors/.