The vendor set up process is the same for both stock and SOS programs. You do not need a separate Lowe’s vendor number (VBU) to set up an SOS program. Both a Master Standard Buying Agreement (MSBA) and Vendor Information Sheet (VIS) should be completed for any new SOS Vendor. Using any of Lowe’s electronic selling tools requires participation in Lowe’s EDI SOS program. Vendors may elect to participate in this program using either traditional EDI or Lowe’s SOS Webforms. When deciding which program to use, factors to consider are SOS order volume, current system capabilities, and development resources (time and money). It is recommended data be set up in the SOS selling tools before EDI testing can begin.
Lead Time
Lowe’s Canada defines lead time as the time it takes from the point of purchase in store to the time the product is received at the store. Note: calendar days are used to calculate lead time, NOT business days. For example, if a vendor has a 5 day lead time on a product and a customer pays for the product on September 8th, the product is expected to arrive no later than September 13th either at the store or the customer’s home (depending on fulfillment method). The expected arrival date appears on purchase orders and is communicated to customers at the point of purchase. If the expected arrival date is missed, we disappoint the customer and potentially lose future sales. It is the responsibility of vendors to provide and maintain lead times to a realistic number of days for all models. Merchants must approve all lead time changes. Reporting is tracked and monitored on a monthly basis by Lowe’s Canada Corporate Office. The goal is for each vendor to achieve 95% on‐time performance.
Freight Charges
Lowe’s Canada will not accept separate freight bills or extra line item charges of any kind for Special Order items. All freight costs must be included in the cost furnished to Lowe’s Canada for all Special Order transactions regardless of store location. Additional freight charges and carrier freight bills tendered as collect will be deducted from the invoice payment or debited against the vendor’s account. Exceptional freight charges, specifically customer requested, paid for next day or otherwise expedited delivery can be applied. These exceptional freight charges will only be paid if the special order item numbers designated for this purpose are used. Any other freight charges will be considered unapproved and will be deducted from the invoice prior to payment or debited against the Vendor’s account.
Store Genesis System
The Order Management screen (OMGR) within the Store Genesis System manages the full cycle of an order from the time it is invoiced until it is picked up, installed or delivered to the customer. Certain EDI transmissions sent by the vendor are visible in this system and allow stores to keep customers updated and promote a smooth, informed experience for each customer’s order. Without these transmissions, a sales associate cannot provide informed updates to the customer without contacting the vendor during a time when the vendor has customer service personnel available.
Please note the four required EDI transmissions:
- Vendor Acknowledged
- Vendor Approved
- Order Committed
- Shipped At a minimum, you must provide these statuses to the store. If your system cannot communicate these, you must manually contact each store to provide these updates.
At a minimum, you must provide these statuses to the store. If your system cannot communicate these, you must manually contact each store to provide these updates.