FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS-FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General & Company Information
Q1: What does Very Wide Distribution LLC (VWD) do?
A: VWD is a Texas-based, minority-owned wholesale distributor of high-demand institutional products. We specialize in PPE (personal protective equipment), FF&E (furniture, fixtures & equipment), office supplies, janitorial products, promotional apparel, and home essentials. We serve government agencies, schools, hospitals, and private businesses.
Q2: Are you a certified minority-owned business?
A: Yes, VWD is a minority-owned LLC registered in Texas. We are actively pursuing HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) certification, SBA 8(a) designation, and MBE certification to maximize set-aside and small business contracting opportunities.
Q3: Where is VWD located?
A: Our headquarters is in Texas. We operate as a domestic LLC with a virtual infrastructure, allowing us to serve clients across the United States. Our warehouse and logistics partners are strategically located to ensure efficient distribution.
Q4: What is your "Modern Alchemy" approach?
A: Modern Alchemy is our philosophy of transforming fragmented, inefficient supply chains into reliable, technology-driven grids. We use e-commerce automation, real-time inventory intelligence, and digital compliance tools to turn "lead" (procurement chaos) into "gold" (seamless delivery).
Products & Services
Q5: What products do you distribute?
A: We offer six core categories:
PPE & Safety Supplies: Masks (N95, surgical, cloth), nitrile gloves, safety goggles, face shields, first-aid kits, hard hats.
FF&E: Office desks, chairs, filing cabinets, shelving, cafeteria tables.
Office & School Supplies: Pens, notebooks, binders, paper, toner cartridges.
Janitorial & Cleaning Products: Eco-friendly cleaners, mops, gloves, paper towels.
Promotional & Custom Apparel: T-shirts, caps, uniforms, corporate gifts.
Home & Kitchen Essentials: Storage bins, reusable bags, basic cookware.
Q6: Do you offer drop-shipping?
A: Yes. For e-commerce retailers and smaller contract orders, we can drop-ship directly to your customers. This allows you to expand your product offerings without holding inventory.
Q7: Can you provide custom packaging or branding?
A: For promotional apparel and certain general merchandise, yes. Contact us with your requirements, and we will provide a quote for custom labeling, screen printing, or embroidery.
Q8: Do you sell in bulk only, or can I buy small quantities?
A: We focus on wholesale and institutional orders, but we accommodate smaller "sample" or "pilot" orders for government agencies testing our reliability. For general retail, our e-commerce store offers individual units of select items.
Government & Institutional Contracting
Q9: Is VWD registered for government contracts?
A: Yes. We are actively registered (or in process) with:
SAM.gov (Federal – UEI pending)
Texas CMBL (State Centralized Master Bidders List)
Various local vendor portals (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio)
HUB and SBA 8(a) (In progress)
We provide full compliance documentation upon request.
Q10: What NAICS codes do you operate under?
A: We are aligned with multiple NAICS codes to match government procurement categories:
423450 – Medical, Dental, Hospital Equipment & Supplies
423490 – Other Professional Equipment & Supplies (PPE)
423210 – Furniture Merchant Wholesalers (FF&E)
337214 – Office Furniture Manufacturing
424120 – Stationery & Office Supplies
561720 – Janitorial Services (for supplies)
423610 – Electrical Apparatus (for cleaning equipment)
323113 – Commercial Screen Printing (apparel)
541890 – Advertising Specialties (promotional items)
423220 – Home & Kitchen Essentials
Q11: Can VWD respond to RFQs and RFPs?
A: Absolutely. We monitor BidNet, GovCB, Texas ESBD, and local portals daily. We provide formal quotes, capability statements, insurance certificates, and any required documentation within 24-48 hours.
Q12: Do you meet federal compliance standards (FAR, DFARS)?
A: Yes. We can supply FAR-compliant documentation, including W-9, representations and certifications, and (where applicable) country-of-origin information for PPE and FF&E items.
Q13: What set-aside categories do you qualify for?
A: As a minority-owned small business, we qualify for:
Small Business Set-Asides
HUBZone (once certified)
8(a) Program (pending)
WOSB (if applicable)
Veteran-Owned (if applicable)
We actively pursue contracts reserved for these categories.
Ordering, Payment & Shipping
Q14: How do I place an order?
A: You can:
Shop online via our e-commerce store (Stripe-secured checkout).
Request a quote through our website contact form.
Email us with a purchase order (for institutional accounts with approved credit).
Q15: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept all major credit cards via Stripe (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), ACH transfers, and wire transfers. For government agencies and approved institutional buyers, we offer Net-30 invoicing.
Q16: Do you charge sales tax?
A: We collect sales tax for shipments within Texas, as required by law. Government buyers may provide a tax-exempt certificate. For other states, tax obligations are the buyer's responsibility.
Q17: How long does shipping take?
A: Standard orders are processed within 1-2 business days. Shipping times vary by destination:
Ground: 3-7 business days
Expedited: 2-3 business days
Freight (large FF&E or bulk PPE): 5-10 business days
We provide tracking information for every order.
Q18: Do you ship outside the United States?
A: Currently, we ship only within the U.S. and its territories. For international inquiries, please contact us directly.
Q19: What is your return policy?
A:
PPE & Safety Supplies: Unopened, resalable products may be returned within 14 days (restocking fee applies). Opened or expired PPE cannot be returned.
FF&E & General Merchandise: Unopened, undamaged items accepted within 14 days. Custom or promotional items are final sale.
Defective or damaged items: Contact us immediately; we will replace or refund.
Q20: Do you offer bulk discounts?
A: Yes. Volume pricing is available for pallet quantities, school district contracts, and long-term institutional agreements. Contact us with your estimated annual volume for a custom quote.
Technology & E-commerce
Q21: Is your website secure for payments?
A: Yes. All transactions are processed via Stripe, a PCI Level 1 certified payment processor. We never store your credit card information on our servers.
Q22: Can I track my order online?
A: Yes. Once your order ships, you will receive an email with a tracking number. You can also log into your account (if created) to view order history and status.
Q23: Do you have an API for procurement system integration?
A: Not yet, but it is on our roadmap. For now, we can provide CSV catalogs and electronic invoicing compatible with many government procurement platforms. Contact us to discuss integration needs.
About the Founder & Company Culture
Q24: Who founded VWD?
A: VWD was founded by Mr. Fidelis Okhioya a visionary polymath and entrepreneur committed to building a technology-enabled, minority-owned distribution company. The founder's "Modern Alchemy" approach combines systems thinking, relentless consistency, and a prophetic belief that small businesses can power the new economy.
Q25: What is "The Grid" mentioned on your website?
A: "The Grid" is our metaphor for the interconnected systems of VWD – products, teams, logistics, technology, and customers. As the Master of the Grid, our founder oversees every node, ensuring energy (time, capital, focus) flows where it creates the most value.
Q26: Does VWD give back to the community?
A: Yes. As a minority-owned business, we prioritize diverse suppliers and aim to partner with local Texas communities through job creation, training, and procurement opportunities for other small businesses.
Getting Started
Q27: How can I become a VWD customer?
A: Simple. Visit our Products & Solutions page, browse our categories, and request a quote or place an order. For government buyers, email us directly with your solicitation number or vendor registration request.
Q28: How do I add VWD to my agency's approved vendor list?
A: Send us your vendor application form or portal link. We will complete it within 24 hours, attaching our W-9, capability statement, and insurance certificate.
Q29: Do you offer samples?
A: Yes, for PPE and FF&E items. We charge a nominal fee for samples (refundable upon a qualifying bulk order). Contact us with your sample request.
Q30: I'm an inventor/innovator. How can I collaborate with VWD?
A: We welcome partnerships with technologists, logistics innovators, and product developers. Email us with a brief description of your solution. If it aligns with our mission to modernize distribution, we will explore a collaboration.
📌 FINAL NOTE
This FAQ is a living document. As VWD grows and secures new contracts, we will update it to reflect our expanding capabilities. Have a question not answered here? Contact us directly. The Grid is always listening.