When a new product appears on the SweetGrass Trading Co. website, a lot has already happened behind the scenes. Before it’s added to our catalog, we spend time getting to know the business, learning about the product and preparing everything needed for a successful launch.
Here’s a look at what goes into bringing a new product to SweetGrass Trading Co.
Finding products that fit our mission
Every new product begins with a review to make sure it aligns with our mission and complements the collection we already offer.
We look for products that support Native-owned businesses, Tribal enterprises and Indigenous foodways while giving our customers access to high-quality foods and goods from across Indian Country.
Every product is also reviewed using our product classifications.
Authentic products are made, produced or distributed by officially recognized Native American businesses or individual Tribal members.
Authorized products align with Native American culture, are made with all-natural ingredients or are certified organic, even if they are not produced directly by a Native American artisan.
These classifications help customers better understand the origin of the products they purchase.
Learning the vendor’s story
Once we connect with a new vendor, we want to learn more about their business. We ask about how the company got started, what inspired the products and what makes them unique. Sometimes there’s a family story behind a recipe. Other times it’s a Tribal enterprise creating jobs and opportunities within its community. Every business has a different story to tell, and we enjoy sharing those stories with our customers.
Many of our vendor features, blog posts, newsletters and social media posts begin with these conversations.
Sampling the products
Before adding a product to our website, we usually ask for samples. Sampling gives us the opportunity to learn about the product firsthand. It helps us understand the flavor, quality and overall experience, and it allows us to answer customer questions with confidence. If we’re excited to share a product with family and friends, that’s a good sign we’re ready to share it with our customers, too.
Preparing for launch
Once we’ve decided to carry a product, the behind-the-scenes work begins. We complete vendor paperwork, gather product information, schedule photography, write product descriptions and add everything to our website. We also plan a launch date and prepare marketing materials so customers know when new products arrive.
Sharing the story
Adding a product to our website is only one part of the process. We introduce new vendors through our blog, newsletter and social media, and we continue featuring them throughout the year. A product might appear in a recipe, a gift guide, a seasonal roundup or a vendor spotlight. We want customers to discover not only new products, but also the people and communities behind them.
Staying connected
Our relationships with vendors continue long after a product launches. We check in throughout the year, usually at least once each quarter, to hear about new products, upcoming events and other updates. Those conversations often lead to new ideas, future collaborations and more opportunities to share their work with our customers.
Every product in our online store has its own story. We’re grateful to work with so many Native-owned businesses, Tribal enterprises and mission-aligned vendors, and we’re proud to help share their products with customers across the country.