Onboarding Process
Retailer submits LOI
Retailer sends a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the SNAP Online Purchasing mailbox (sm.fn.snaponline@usda.gov) in which you explain how you fulfill the basic online purchasing and SNAP retailer eligibility requirements.
FNS sends notification letter
Upon receipt, if we have no additional questions, we will send a notification to the retailer indicating that your LOI is complete. This notification e-mail contains authorization materials that you should complete.
FNS reviews retailer authorization materials
Retailer submits authorization materials to FNS for review.
FNS emails retailer welcome package
Once we successfully processes the authorization materials, you will get a “Welcome Package” e-mail—which includes an inactive FNS Internet Retailer number, orientation materials and instructions on next steps.
FNS requests business requirements document and demo (if needed)
The retailer and/or eCommerce platform provider will be asked to submit a Business Requirements Document (BRD) and perform a website demo for our review. Generally, new eCommerce platform providers and retailers using their own eCommerce platform will be asked to submit a BRD and do a demo.
Retailer receives kick-off e-mail
The retailer and relevant stakeholders will be sent a kick-off e-mail that fully explains the testing process and expectations.
Retailer and FNS conduct separate end-to-end testing
The retailer will test their eCommerce platform to ensure it conforms to our requirements, and upon successful completion of this testing, we will then perform the same testing.
FNS confirms SNAP online purchasing launch details
Once testing is successfully concluded, we will communicate to the retailer as it relates to your plans in launching SNAP Online Purchasing (e.g.: launch date and roll-out plan).
Retailer launches SNAP online purchasing
Congratulations! SNAP online purchasing is now operational.