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  • Why does the synod need a purchasing program like ShopWELS?
    One of the blessings of walking together as a synod is that there are some things we can do better as a group than as individuals. Purchasing is one of those things. Because of the volume that we represent to potential vendors, many are willing to offer discounted prices on their products or services. This makes good "business" sense, but it is also wise stewardship as we all seek to be the best stewards we can of all of God's resources.
  • How does a church, school or other WELS organization sign up for the ShopWELS Purchasing Program?
    Churches, schools or WELS organizations can sign up for the Purchasing Program by submitting their information on the program form. Sign up is only required if an Office Depot or Tech Depot account is being requested. All other offerings can be utilized without the need for a pre-generated account.

    Should a church, school or other WELS organization wish a Office Depot or Tech Depot account, the program form can be found at the submit your info hyperlink located with the 3 easy steps to savings box located on the left hand side of the shopWELS landing page. Once the form is completed and submitted, the information will be transmitted to a ShopWELS Administrator for review. Upon verification, the request will be passed to Office Depot for account generation.

    Once the accounts are created, an email notification with all relevant information will be sent to the email address identified in the initial form. This email should be received within 72 hours of submission. In some cases, these emails are listed as spam by email service providers. Should a location not receive account notification within 72 hours after submission, they should contact a ShopWELS administrator at shopwels@wels.net.

  • Does my church, school or WELS organization need to provide proof of our charitable status (Form 501c3) to avoid paying sales tax?
    All vendors will require proof of charitable status before waiving associated sales tax. Since each WELS organization is individually registered with their respective state, a vendor will require a site specific tax exemption number or form.

    When this site specific exemption number or form needs to be provided will be detailed in the order confirmation email that is sent when a product is ordered through the ShopWELS. In those cases where a WELS organization works directly with the vendor (not through the online store), instructions on providing the exemption paperwork.will be given by the vendor representative.

    > Request 501(c)(3) letter from Financial Services

    Individuals, of course, are not charitable entities and will need to pay any applicable sales tax.

  • Does the synod benefit from purchases made through the ShopWELS program?
    With some vendors an agreement has been signed that requires the vendor to rebate a percentage of purchases back to the synod for use in the administration and promotion of the program. As a result the ShopWELS Purchasing Program is able to operate without the need of synod operating budget dollars.

  • For a larger organization, like high schools, different people handle telecommunications, technology, office supplies, etc. Should/Could we sign up with Shop WELS multiple times, once for each person, or do we need to have one coordinator. If we can sign up multiple contact people, do they need to be linked together in some way?
    When accounts are setup with vendors, there needs to be one administrator linked with one billing account. We suggest that your head administrator sign in with ShopWELS, as a representative of your organization, and when they receive the account setup information from the vendors, they in turn can pass this data to those that have the authority to purchase products. However, please remember that the administrator’s account will be billed for any items purchased either by them or their subordinates.

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