Albertsons requirements and FAQs

Albertsons Requirements and FAQs

 

Overall Process Description

Albertsons identifies product categories and types that need to be registered with Smarter Sorting. These requirements are tied to UPC and associated data is embedded in the Albertsons procurement process. You are responsible for knowing if your products qualify, as well as for completing the process before orders are placed. If your product has been identified as one requiring registration, the ordering process cannot be completed by your Albertsons buyer until the requirement is met. Smarter Sorting charges an annual fee based on the number of products you register each year. There is a one year minimum.  Registrations renew automatically each year and must remain active as long as the product is listed as Active (as of registration renewal date).

 

I’m a new supplier; do I need to do this?

Yes. All new suppliers with qualifying products should register them with Smarter Sorting. 

 

I’ve been selling to Albertsons already; is this a new requirement?

The requirement is not new. Smarter Sorting and Albertsons have been partners since the summer of 2021. There have been many rounds of outreach to existing suppliers. It’s important to note that Albertsons depends on this product information to inform their safety and compliance operations. So if you have unregistered products that need  to be evaluated, it’s important to register them immediately.

 

Can I see the documentation from the Albertsons team?

Information regarding the partnership with Smarter Sorting can be found on your vendor portal page. If you have further questions, you can contact Ben Wentz at Ben.Wentz@albertsons.com 

 

Do I register the customer-facing UPC, the case, or the pallet?

You should register any customer-facing UPCs. This means the UPC that would be scanned at the register at the time of purchase. Smarter Sorting does not classify case or pallet quantities.

 

How do I register displays?

Smarter Sorting only classifies consumer products. So while your display may have an identifier used for purchase by Albertsons, you do not need to input it into our system. Instead, you’ll input the information for each qualifying product contained within the display. The Albertsons system will continue to throw errors that prevent orders from processing until all qualifying products are registered. Please ensure that your UPCs have not dropped any leading zeroes, as Albertsons is looking for a direct match.

 

How do I handle bundles/kits/gift sets?

Many times, a consumer product contains multiple components - like a travel pack that contains a small bottle of shampoo and a small bottle of conditioner. You need to register the consumer-facing UPC for the bundle and add each component individually under that UPC. You’ll have the opportunity to add the details and documentation for each component. 

 

What about private label products?

If you supply qualifying Albertsons products, you still need to register them. However, there is no fee for products sold under their brands. Be sure to talk with your Customer Success Manager about these products when drafting your contract. 

 

What about seasonal products?

Seasonal products are subject to the requirements. Since these products are only sold for a portion of the year, Smarter Sorting provides the service for a cost of $50 per UPC. Be sure to talk with your Customer Success Manager about these products when drafting your contract.

 

What types of products need to be registered?

The following is a list of products that require registration with the Smarter Sorting Program:

Qualified Consumables: Including but not limited to OTC products, nutritional supplements and vitamins, enhanced food and drink products, food products with alcohol, and/or food dispensed by aerosol. 

Formulated Products: Any chemical product not intended for human consumption (e.g., personal care products, cosmetics, soaps, household cleaners and detergents, pesticides, aerosols). 

Electronics, Powered Devices, and Batteries: Anything that runs on electricity, whether A/C or battery-powered. All types of batteries must also be registered. 

Qualified Formulated Articles: Including candles, pens, markers, crayons, and other such “formulated articles” that include solid or liquid chemicals not intended for human consumption. 

Lightbulbs: All types of bulbs are required to be registered. This includes Halogen, Incandescent, and Fluorescent styles, LEDs, CFLs, and specialty bulbs. This category also includes products that contain lightbulbs such as lamps. 

 

What if my product is discontinued?

Registrations with Smarter Sorting should remain active based on Albertsons inventory status and a designated return period for products that are being removed from shelves. Smarter Sorting registrations are contracted annually. If a product is discontinued, the contracted license may be reused for another product at your discretion. No refunds or credits will be issued for unused portions of any yearly license agreement.

 

I’m still not sure; what should I do?

You should contact your Albertsons merchant or Ben Wentz if you have any additional questions about the requirement.