| FAQ! | Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered |
Why is there a transaction fee?
The transaction fees ensure we can maintain our site and reduce fees as much as possible for our vendors.
Management is available 7 days a week, 8 hours/day to verify vendors, approve vendor, provide support and etc. Maintenance is monitoring our site to ensure it's up to date
How is the buyer protected?
We ensure that every purchase through this site is coming from a Native American vendor that has been verified.
Why are vendors verified and how?
Verified vendors help our buyers know that they are purchasing directly from an Indigenous tribe. As well, vendors are verified to follow the Indian Arts and Craft Act within the United States.
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (Act) of 1990 (P.L. 101-644), as amended, is a truth-in-marketing law that prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Indian art and craftwork within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell, any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian tribe resident within the United States. To learn more about this act, view the following link: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/iacb_know_the_law_brochure_2019_final_web.pdf
When applying, vendors have to provide proof of status. However, the documentation does not have to be a valid government card as all proof of identification is welcomed.
What if I don't have an Indigenous government status card?
We accept all forms of proof of identification. The documentation does not have to be a valid government-issued card.
What is cultural appropriation vs cultural appreciation?
The Oxford English Dictionary defined cultural appropriation as: “The unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the practices, customs, or aesthetics of one social or ethnic group by members of another (typically dominant) community or society.”
Not only is Shawish an Indigenous woman-owned company but we also verified our sellers to prevent cultural appropriation while encouraging cultural appreciation. Our hope is that Shawish will promote and build Indigenous artists, activists, and vendors.
I am a non Indigneous ally, how can I support?
Shawish makes cultural appreciation accessible to non-Indigenous allies by providing a platform where they can directly support Indigenous vendors. By purchasing Indigenous products, you are expressing cultural appreciation and encouraging the continued practice of Indigenous crafts.
Can I create a store to sell other people's items?
Yes, you can sell other people's items as long as you have consent from the original artist or you have legally purchased ownership of that item.
Within the product description, it should be clear where the item is originally from.
How do vendors get paid?
Vendors will have to create an account on Stripe Payments to use Shawish.
Stripe can easily be set up to deposit funds directly into the vendor's bank account.
Vendors will be responsible for covering the fees associated with the Stripe therefore they should consider increasing their prices slightly.
I found something that is misrepresented or inappropriate, who do I report it to?
If users come across anything that is misrepresented or inapproproiate, please report it to Shawish's head office by emailing shawish.market@gmail.com. Each case will be reviewed and investigated individually.
How do I make a trade offer?
To make a trade offer to one of our vendors, customers should click on the "trade" button located on the product page of the item they are interested in. Additionally, customers are encouraged to attach a photo of the item they wish to trade with. Vendors will then have the option to either reject, approve or discuss the details further. Both vendors and customers have complete flexibility to work out any details to their satisfaction.
How does the point system work?
We deeply value our customers’ support for Indigenous communities and want to show our appreciation through our point system. For every $10 spent on Shawish items, customers can earn 1 point. Once they reach 100 points, they can redeem them for $50 off their next purchase. Customers who accumulate 150 points can redeem $75, while those who earn 200 points can redeem $100 and those with 250 points can redeem $150.
How do I know how many points I have?
Once customers log into their account, they can check their points on their user profile or gift card page.
How do I redeem my points?
Customers will receive an email once they reach 100 points, notifying them of the level they have achieved. They can either reply to the email to receive their gift card number or choose to wait until they have accrued a higher point level. Customers can also contact us at shawish.market@gmail.com at any time to obtain their gift card.
shawish.market@gmail.com
