Frequently Answered Questions
What is Saluki Market?
The Saluki Market is an e-commerce website brought to you by the SIU Alumni Association, the same team behind the events and programs that help Salukis connect with their alma mater and each other.
We created the Saluki Market to:
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Build a showcase of alumni-led small businesses and products and promote them among fellow Salukis who share connections to SIU.
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Make it easy for alumni and friends of the University to “Shop SIU First” by discovering products made by people with SIU connections.
Along the way, we want to tell the stories behind these projects. Think of this platform as yet another way to display Saluki pride. Wherever and whenever Salukis are involved, the Association wants to tell the world.
We invite all alumni and friends of SIU with a story to share and a product to promote to contact us and see if the Saluki Market is a good fit. We’re always looking for new vendors with a strong connection to SIU. We built this site on Shopify, a leading e-commerce service that helps millions of entrepreneurs put their products on sale each year. We’re excited to learn how we can work together to make the Saluki Market work for you.
FAQ - Vendor
Why Should Business Owners List Their Products on Saluki Market?
Q: What are the benefits of listing on Saluki Market?
A: Saluki Market offers a unique opportunity to connect with Southern Illinois University (SIU) alumni, students, and local shoppers who value supporting the SIU community. By listing your products, you gain access to a targeted audience and a trusted platform designed to boost your business visibility.
Q: Are there any fees for listing my products?
A: Saluki Market charges a 3% commission fee and there is a 3% payment processing fee on all sales.
Q: What kind of support can I expect as a seller?
A: We provide streamlined onboarding and robust promotional support through our social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and Google. Newsletters/blogs, sponsorships and event placements/highlights are additional opportunities and marketing spaces. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your success by offering tools and resources to maximize your sales.
Q: How do you ensure quality and compliance?
A: Saluki Market requires vendors to meet specific quality standards and provide proof of compliance for high-risk products, such as food or wine. This ensures a safe and trustworthy marketplace for all.
All products on the Saluki Market that utilize SIU Trademarks will be reviewed to ensure compliance with university licensing regulations. Additionally, all other products utilizing official trademarks must adhere to licensing regulations for the designated entity.
All vendors agree to uphold the Saluki Market Vendor Honor Code and Vendor Standards & Guidelines. Saluki Market management has implemented monitoring and review processes to ensure that vendors and products meet quality standards.
Q: What sets Saluki Market apart from other e-commerce platforms?
A: Saluki Market is built for and by the SIU community, emphasizing alumni and student entrepreneurship. The platform fosters local connections and loyalty while delivering a seamless e-commerce experience tailored to Southern Illinois.
Q: What is not allowed to be sold on the Saluki Market?
A: Sales of illegal, offensive or dangerous items, firearms, explosives, live animals, pornography, adult entertainment, and cannabis are prohibited. The SIU Alumni Association will review each product and vendor for the Saluki Maret and reserves the right to deny access to any product that might be deemed offensive, controversial or shed negative light on the Alumni Association or university.
Why Should Anyone Buy Things from Saluki Market?
Q: What makes shopping on Saluki Market special?
A: Saluki Market connects you directly with SIU alumni and student entrepreneurs, allowing you to support small businesses rooted in the Southern Illinois community. Every purchase helps foster local economic growth and innovation.
Q: Is Saluki Market safe and trustworthy?
A: Absolutely! All payments are processed through Shopify, so payment information is secure. Our platform vets all sellers and products to ensure quality and compliance with marketplace standards. This means you can shop with confidence, knowing you’re purchasing from reliable vendors.
Q: What kind of products can I find on Saluki Market?
A: Saluki Market offers a wide variety of items, such as unique apparel, home goods, and specialty foods. Each vendor has a connection to the SIU community, offering something special for every shopper.
Q: Why should I “Shop SIU First” instead of on larger platforms?
A: When you shop on Saluki Market, you’re directly supporting the dreams and ambitions of SIU students and alumni. Your purchase has a tangible impact on the community, helping alumni businesses thrive and grow.
Q: How does Saluki Market ensure the quality of its products?
A: All vendors are required to follow strict quality standards and provide proof of compliance for certain categories, like food and electronics. This ensures that every item meets high safety and performance expectations.
The SIU Alumni Association will review each product and vendor for Saluki Market and reserves the right to deny access to any product that might present unreasonable risk to buyers, the Alumni Association or the University.
All products on the Saluki Market that utilize SIU Trademark will be reviewed to ensure compliance with university licensing regulations. Additionally, all other products utilizing official trademarks must adhere to licensing regulations for the designated entity.
By choosing Saluki Market, you’re not just shopping - you’re contributing to a vibrant and growing SIU community.
Why should I join Saluki Market if I already have a Shopify store?
Q: I already have a Shopify store. Why should I join Saluki Market?
A: Saluki Market offers a unique, targeted audience of SIU alumni, students, and supporters. The alumni base alone is more than 260,000 people. By joining, you tap into a customer base with a shared, strong emotional connection to SIU, potentially increasing your sales without cannibalizing your existing Shopify traffic. In addition, a commission fee of 3% of your sales on the Saluki Market goes to support SIU Alumni Association programs.
Q: Won't this just split my sales between two platforms?
A: Not at all. Saluki Market will serve as an additional sales channel through your existing Shopify account, helping you reach customers who might not have found your Shopify store otherwise. Many vendors find that multi-channel selling increases their overall sales volume.
Q: How does Saluki Market differ from my Shopify store in terms of audience?
A: While your Shopify store is open to anyone, Saluki Market seeks to engage a community of SIU alumni and friends. This is an audience eager to learn more about and support Saluki-owned businesses, which can lead to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty among fellow SIU supporters.
Q: Can I integrate my Shopify store with Saluki Market?
A: Yes - as a current Shopify store owner - you can pick and choose which items from your current shop you want to list on Saluki Market. Or you may choose to offer a specialty item unavailable on your other sale channels. This latter option allows you to easily track what you sell on the Saluki Market, and it serves as a promotion for your primary sales channel, where potential customers can shop your full inventory.
Q: Will I need to manage two separate inventories?
A: No, Saluki Market is built on the Shopify network, and inventories are automatically updated.
Q: How does pricing work on Saluki Market compared to my Shopify store?
A: Your pricing remains the same. You choose how to price your items as you see fit. Some vendors offer special “Saluki Pride” discounts to encourage purchases through Saluki Market.
Q: What unique marketing opportunities does Saluki Market offer?
A: Saluki Market provides vendor spotlights on the Saluki Market website, features in newsletters, on social media, and in SIU Alumni Magazine to an enthusiastic audience of fellow alumni or friends of SIU. These are marketing opportunities not available through your standard Shopify store.
Q: How does Saluki Market support my brand’s growth?
A: Being part of Saluki Market declares your business as Saluki-owned, increasing brand recognition and loyalty among the SIU community. In our experience, Salukis help Salukis, and this can lead to long-term customer relationships beyond the platform.
Q: What about fees? How do they compare to Shopify?
A: Saluki Market charges a 3% commission fee and there is a 3% payment processing fee on all sales.
While Saluki Market does have a commission structure, many vendors find that access to our targeted audience justifies the cost. Plus, you’re supporting SIU Alumni Association programs with every sale, which includes dollars for programs, events, and student scholarships.
Q: Can I still use my Shopify analytics and tools?
A: Absolutely! Your Shopify store remains independent. Saluki Market provides its own analytics, giving you insights into this specific market segment.
FAQ - Alcohol Sales
Alcohol products
When you sell alcohol through Shopify, you need to comply with the laws and regulations that apply to your business. The laws and regulations which apply depend on the region where your store is located and the region where you sell. Use the information on this page to learn about alcohol-related laws and regulations that might apply to your business.
Caution
This page provides general information to merchants regarding alcohol as a starting point for your own research. You're responsible for reviewing this information and applying it to your business. This content doesn't contain, and isn't meant to provide, legal advice.
To sell products using the Shopify platform, you must comply with the laws of the jurisdiction of your business and your customers, the Shopify Terms of Service, and any other applicable policies. If you have questions about the law in your store or customer’s locations, then you may wish to consult a lawyer for advice.
Laws and regulations for selling alcohol in the United States (US)
If your business is located in the United States, or if you sell alcohol products to customers in the United States, then you are required to follow all federal, state, and local laws in any jurisdiction where your alcohol products are advertised or sold.
In the United States, alcohol is heavily regulated at the state level and regulations vary by state. If you sell or ship alcohol products, then you should review the laws of the states where you conduct business and of your customers. Consider these common requirements for selling alcohol:
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Acquire and maintain all necessary licenses individually to produce, market, sell, and deliver your products.
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Remain in full compliance with all applicable license requirements, including record-keeping requirements.
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Have effective age verification practices so that alcohol products can't be purchased or received by people who are under the age of 21.
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Ship and deliver alcohol products in full compliance with applicable laws of the jurisdiction of your business and your customers' jurisdiction. If you ship to a different state, then you must comply with that state’s laws.
Resources about selling alcohol in the United States
You can find specific information online about selling alcohol products in the United States, including the following resources:
Saluki Market: Sponsorship FAQ
Q: Why should our business consider sponsoring Saluki Market?
A: Sponsoring Saluki Market offers unique access to a highly engaged SIU community, including alumni, students, and supporters. It’s an excellent opportunity to increase brand visibility, demonstrate community support, and connect with a loyal, community-focused demographic.
Q: How many sponsorship opportunities are available?
A: We offer a select sponsorship program exclusive to Saluki Market at three different tiers. This limited availability ensures maximum visibility and impact for our sponsors.
Q: What makes Saluki Market sponsorship different from other marketing opportunities?
A: Saluki Market sponsorship provides targeted exposure to the SIU community, combining digital presence, event participation, and data insights. This multi-faceted approach allows for deeper engagement than traditional advertising methods. Beyond the targeted exposure to the SIU community, our limited sponsorship model means your brand will not be lost in a sea of advertisers. As one of these sponsors, your visibility and impact are significantly enhanced.
Q: What are the different sponsorship levels available?
A: We offer three main sponsorship tiers: Champion ($10,000/year), Legacy Sponsor ($5,000/year) and Maroon Sponsor ($1,000/year). Each tier offers a unique set of benefits tailored to maximize your brand's exposure and engagement with the SIU community.
Q: What kind of visibility can we expect as a sponsor?
A: Champion sponsors receive premium visibility with large banner ads on the Saluki Market homepage, featured logos in the website footer, and highlighted listings. Legacy sponsors get medium-sized banner ads on category pages and logo placement in the partner section. Maroon sponsors have their logos displayed in the partner section of the Saluki Market website
Q: Are there opportunities for direct marketing to the Saluki Market audience?
A: Yes! All sponsorship tiers include placement in the Association’s quarterly magazine, SIU Alumni, and sponsored social media posts. Champion sponsors will also have an opportunity to host a webinar for the Saluki Market community.
Q: What kind of data and insights do sponsors receive?
A: The Association will, at all levels, deliver periodic analytics and user engagement metrics.
Q: Can sponsorship help us offer promotions to Saluki Market customers?
A: Absolutely! Sponsors have the ability to offer seasonal promotions to Saluki Market customers.
Q: How does sponsorship benefit our brand beyond just visibility?
A: Sponsorship demonstrates your commitment to the SIU community, enhancing your brand's reputation. It also provides valuable networking opportunities with other sponsors and SIU-affiliated businesses.
Q: Is there a reduced commission rate for sponsors who also sell on Saluki Market?
A: Yes, both Champion and Legacy sponsors enjoy a reduced commission rate on their sales through Saluki Market. The specific rate will be determined based on various factors.
Q: How does the sponsorship fee compare to the value we receive?
A: The sponsorship fee provides excellent value, considering the targeted exposure, marketing opportunities, event participation, and data insights. Many sponsors find that the connections and brand loyalty developed through sponsorship far outweigh the investment.
Q: How long is the sponsorship commitment?
A: Champion sponsorship is a 2-year commitment. Legacy and Maroon sponsorships are 1-year commitments.
Q: Can we customize our sponsorship package?
A: While we have three standard packages, we are always open to discussing customized sponsorship opportunities that align with your specific marketing goals and budget.
Q: How does sponsoring Saluki Market compare to traditional university sponsorships?
A: Saluki Market sponsorship offers a unique blend of digital presence, e-commerce involvement, and community engagement. Unlike traditional sponsorships, it provides ongoing visibility and interaction with the SIU community beyond just campus events.
Q: How can we secure our spot as one of the limited number of sponsors?
A: Given the limited availability, we recommend acting quickly to secure your sponsorship. Please contact our sponsorship team at salukimarket@alumni.siu.edu immediately to reserve your spot before they are all taken.
Q: Can we upgrade our sponsorship if a spot in a higher tier becomes available?
A: Absolutely! Legacy sponsors will have first priority to upgrade if one of the Champion sponsor spots becomes available. However, given the limited number, we cannot guarantee when or if this opportunity will arise.