Authorized Shoppers

• Who Are Authorized Shoppers? An authorized shopper must be an employee or key volunteer with a specific role in the member organization. Storehouse of Community Resources reserves the right to remove any shopper who fails to comply with shopping policies.
• Membership Requirements: Only designated authorized shoppers have access the Storehouse for shopping purposes. Member Organizations must be a designated 501(c)(3) for at least 6 months and have an active website.
• Membership Updates: The membership’s account admin can make changes or additions to authorized shoppers by accessing their member portal. Any additional questions can be forwarded to the Member Director by emailing members@storehousemi.org.
• New Shopper Orientation: All new members must understand the Member Agreement and attend an orientation tour before shopping. The membership account admin is responsible for ensuring all authorized shoppers are informed of the Member Agreement and the Proper Use of Goods.
• Membership Term: Annual renewal of membership is required. Storehouse Memberships are effective for one year from the dated agreement. 

Financial Policy

• Admin Fees: Most items obtained from the Storehouse have an associated Admin Fee to offset administration costs of the goods.
• Financial Responsibility: The Member Organization recognizes that any purchases made by an authorized shopper may be subject to administrative fees, which the Member Organization is responsible for at the time of shopping. 

Returns and Refunds

• Policy: Due to the nature of donated goods, the Storehouse does not offer refunds once payment is finalized.
• As-Is Condition: Member Organizations obtaining products from Storehouse acknowledge that they will be received “as-is,” meaning with all potential faults and defects, whether readily apparent or hidden. Storehouse of Community Resources is not liable for defective products.

Proper Use of Goods

• Restriction on Use: Storehouse goods are intended solely for the operational needs of member organizations or for distribution to their beneficiaries. They must not, under any circumstances, be obtained for personal use.
• Prohibited Activities: Storehouse goods cannot be used for personal purposes, sold, bartered, offered as prizes in raffles, for volunteer and employee appreciation, or for fundraisers.
• Signage Requirement: Member Organizations must display “PROPER USE OF DONATED GOODS” signs at all locations where Storehouse products are stored or distributed.
• Tracking Responsibility: Member Organizations are responsible for tracking and ensuring the proper use of all Storehouse products received.

Impact Reporting

• Stories of Impact: Member organizations are required to report the end use of products and provide stories of impact for each month they shop at Storehouse.
• Submit a High-Quality Image: Provide a high-quality image that visually represents the use of the product. (high resolution, sharp and crisp appearance, and retains detail without pixelation or blurriness)
• Provide a Statement: Include a detailed statement explaining why the product was needed and the impact it had on those who received it.
• Report Impact Numbers: Report the total number of people impacted by the product and amount of money saved by shopping at Storehouse to help us convey the impact of our programs to our generous funders and suppliers.

Product Loading and Holds

• Loading Responsibility: Member Organizations are responsible for loading their own products and transporting them on the day of purchase. The Storehouse may offer limited loading assistance based on availability.
• Holds Policy: Holds on specific items will only be granted under exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Member Director by emailing members@storehousemi.org.

Maintaining Warehouse Order

• Courtesy and Assistance: While shopping, if an authorized shopper determines they no longer want an item in their cart, we ask they would take the time to restock those items where they found them.
• Mutual Support: When possible, offer assistance to other members who may require help with loading their products.
• Done With Excellence: As one of Storehouse’s core values, we ask that Member Organizations and all Authorized Shoppers join us in maintaining a high level of excellence and integrity. Please show respect to Storehouse’s facility, employees, volunteers, and shopping policies.

Policy Compliance

• Questions and Clarifications: For any questions regarding Storehouse membership policies, please contact the Member Director by emailing members@storehousemi.org.
• Membership Revocation: Failure to adhere to Storehouse Membership policies may result in the immediate termination of your organization’s membership. Storehouse of Community Resources reserves the right to revoke membership at any time for non-compliance.

Teacher Resource Store Membership is available for schools where 70% or more of students are from low-income households. All approved full-time teaching staff at member schools are able to shop for classroom products twice per year.

Our first focus is Kent County, and we’re hoping to extend across the whole state of Michigan.

The Details

• Check eligibility on www.GreatSchools.org: from your school’s listing, navigate to the “Equity” section and locate the percentage listed under “Low-Income Students”.

Application Process/Information

• One person applies, acting as the School Building Coordinator.
• Once approved, submit a teacher list/school data form signed/provided by the school Principal.
• Teacher Resource Store shopping is seasonal. Sign up to shop with a link provided by the Storehouse staff. 30-minute time slots are available two evenings per week.
• Each approved teacher can choose their allotment from an assortment of goods.
• Volunteers on hand will provide full instructions.
• Teachers may not shop for other teachers during their visit.

Teacher Shopping Guidelines

• Each School Building Coordinator is responsible for all communications and for updating its list of full-time teachers eligible to shop.
• Qualifying schools (where 70% or more of students are from low-income households.) must fill out an application.
• Appointments are required. Upon arrival, all teachers must check-in and show their photo school identification in order to be allowed to shop.
• Due to space constraints, only 15 teachers may shop at the same time and are limited to 30 minutes shopping time per visit.
• Each teacher may fill one shopping cart with products for their classroom use. Volunteers on hand will provide more information and any details on any limits.

Parking & Entrance

• 4411 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525
• Please do not park in front of any entrance/garage doors or loading zones.
• Teachers will enter through the front doors labeled “A” on the map.
• Handicap parking spaces are available.
• If you’re having trouble finding the entrance, please call 616.855.1700.

Unfortunately, no. Our sponsorship agreement with donors requires that all member schools are at 70% or above low-income student population.

1. Warehouse memberships shoppers must be staff within the organization (volunteer or paid positions). Authorized shoppers can only be added by the main contact person for your organization.
2. School memberships to the Teacher Resource Store must be from qualifying member schools and be full-time teachers with their own classroom. This does not include support staff and administrators.