It's All In The Bag

What is vegan?  How do I know if my shop is vegan?

Veganism is a diet and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose, this includes animal testing.  Vegan doesnt apply to just foods, it applies to many items many people dont even think about. The following ingredients are NOT vegan: silk, honey, goat's milk, wool, leather, sugar (unless you know it is from a non-charcoal using process), beeswax, emu oil, Coral, Bone, Leather, Pearls (genuine saltwater or freshwater - glass pearls are ok, of course), feathers, milk, butter, angora, mohair, wool, cashmere, shell, gelatin If you are unsure, feel free to simply ask!

Does my shop have to be 100% vegan to be accepted?

At this time we don't require that your shop be 100% vegan, though we do offer any information you might like or need in order to make your craft more animal friendly!  Please keep in mind that people will vegan shops will be chosen to participate over folks who do not provide only cruelty free items.  In the future we are considering only accepting vegan items from vegan shops, but we are not sure how to go about this as it then excludes people that might stand to gain some insight into why people are vegan, and see how easy it is and the difference it makes. 

Does it cost money to send in samples?

No, it doesnt cost you anything, other than the cost of supplies to make your samples and mail them to us.  Which is a pretty great deal seeing as your samples and name will be sent out in the bags all over the world!

Do I get paid for participating?  Where does the money go?

 No, you do not get paid for sending in your promo items.  The money that we make from the sale of the bags goes toward advertising, paying for this website, and 100% of the profits will go to an animal sanctuary which is voted for on our blog.

I want to send in items but mine aren't really something I can make samples of, what should I do?

 You could send in business cards with coupons to your shop for a percentage off, or little gift certificates to your shop.  These items will draw folks to check out your shop, everyone loves a deal!  Please remember that even when sending in this type of item, you want your item to stand out.  I personally grab for the recycyled packaging or funky items first!

What if I only want my samples to go to customers in the United States?

You only ship within the United States, that is fine too!  Just please enclose a note with your samples stating that and I will put your samples only in USA bags!

How many samples should I send in?  Is there a minimum or maximum?

There is no minimum or maximum number of samples that you can send in, some send 20 some send 200.  It really depends on what you have time to create and what you can afford.  The beauty of an all vegan sample bag is, if you send in more than the amout we need for a paticular bag, your extras will flow over into the next bag!  Each time we do a bag we are shooting for 75 bags, so you are welcome to send less than 75, or more.  It is all up to you and how many people you want to reach with your craft!

How should the samples be packaged?

Package your craft so that people will look at it and wonder, "what is in that package?"  I personally tend to grab for the recycled packaging or wild and vibrant packaging first.  You want people to pick up your sample first because they cant stand waiting to know what is in there!

Rules for labeling and packaging

Every item must be labeled with ingredients, even items for animals. Please dont send in small items with no packaging that can leak everywhere.  Keep in mind what these bags will endure while going through the mail!  Keep your items simple enough to be affordable for yourself, but also keep in mind that you want to get peoples attention!

How do I sponsor a bag?  What benefits will I receive?

The cost to sponsor a bag is $30, which lands your ad on the front page of our website from the beginning of the sample collection,until all of that rounds bags are sold.  Gaining exposure to your site and a thank you on our blog!  Where does the money go for the sponsor bags?  The money from the crafter who sponsors a bag goes directly to the sanctuary that is chosen in the blog.  Get a great price for an ad while helping animals!

How do I participate and get the word out about my shop?

Please click the Get In The Bag link to your left!

How much will the vegan sample bag cost?

Each regular sized vegan sample bag will cost $25 including priority shipping and delivery confirmation (tracking), within the United States.  International shipping is more and will be calculated at the time of sale.  Every sample bag we put out will have a different response as far as contributors  and will have different styles of items. We will keep the price the same during the holidays when we expect more people will want to participate.

Small and Large bags are often available, depending on the number of samples we receive, the small bags are $15 and the large bags are $35

Does each bag contain the same items?

No, due to varying numbers sent in by the crafters, not all bags will contain the same items.  At the same time, we will not throw 10 soap samples in one bag and call that a vegan sample bag.  We will try our very best to make sure each vegan sampler is a mixed bag.  

Do all vegan sample bags have the same amount of items?

Yes, once we receive all of the samples we will begin going through them and sorting them into the bags, making sure each bag has an even amount.  Every bag will vary on the number of items, as crafter participation will vary. Each bag contains 17-20 samples!

Is shipping included in the price?

Yes, priority shipping through the United States Postal Service to the United States is included, along with tracking and delivery confirmation. 

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we will ship internationally but to ship to your country must contact me for your shipping to be calculated.  There is also no way of tracking international shipments so it is your risk if your package gets lost in the mail.  Please remember that when purchasing your bag to ship internationally.

Can I choose which crafters are included in my box?

No, bags are premade before they go on sale, and it would be far too hectic trying to cater to a bunch of different peoples desires.  Look at it as a mixed bag, thats half the excitement, seeing what you get!!  Besides, there are so many talented crafters sending in their items, you cant go wrong!

Can I return my bag if I dont like it?

No, unfortunately we cannot accept returns, we have done a rather good job making sure you can see the different possabilities of your bag before you purchase.  And try our very best to make each bag veganrific! 

More questions?

Contact me    ecosampler@yahoo.com