Samford Bid Day Packages FAQ
Find answers to commonly asked Bid Day package questions below! If you still have specific questions that we have not answered, feel free to call our store at (205) 871-0841, and our team will be glad to help.
1. What is a “Recruitment Happy?”
“Recruitment Happies” are special themed gifts that can be pre-purchased for delivery at the beginning of each round of recruitment. You may select one or all of our three choices, including jewelry, encouragement, and/or self care themed items. Themes are pre-designated for specific rounds of recruitment and cannot be changed. Students will be notified by text, and gifts will be delivered to the HUB in the University Center.
2. How many Bid Day packages do you offer, and what comes in all of them?
We offer 4 Bid Day packages, each curated for your new sorority member. All packages include branded sorority gifts and essentials. We also have add-on items available to customize your order, viewable on our website: smithsvariety.com.
3. How does my student pick up her Bid Day package?
All packages are hand-delivered to the Samford campus on Bid Day, regardless of your chosen shipping method. No need to select special shipping—pickup will be available on campus. Pickup will be in the University Center near the post office from the time bids are opened until approximately 9:00pm.
4. What if my child cannot pick up their package on Bid Day?
We will leave the package at the HUB in the University Center for later pickup and notify your student by text.
5. How do I make sure my student receives the correct sorority merchandise?
Through an exclusive partnership with the Office of Greek Life, we have early access to the sorority bid lists and prepare packages the night before Bid Day. You don’t need to notify us of which sorority your child receives a bid, and we keep placements completely confidential until announced on Bid Day. Please note, we will not allow packages to be picked up before bids have been opened.
6. How will my student know she has a package waiting after selection?
You will provide your student’s name and phone number at checkout. After bids have been opened, they will receive a text message with on-campus pickup details.
7. What happens if my student drops out or is not selected?
We offer full refunds or store credit for Samford swag and gear. We can also create a non-sorority replacement package for your student. Simply email us at brad@smithsvariety.com with any change of plans.
8. Can I personalize what comes in my package?
We aren't able to fully customize the packages since we don’t know each student’s sorority until the night before Bid Day, and we receive a large number of orders. However, we do offer add-on items that you can include to make the package feel even more personal and special for your student. Just click on each package, and you’ll see the list of add-ons specific to each package.
9. Can I buy these items individually - either now or after my student receives their sorority placement?
Most items are exclusive to packages, but remaining inventory will be sold individually at a table on Samford’s Ben Brown Plaza the day of Bid Day (first-come, first-served). Remaining items will be available in store shortly after. Gift wrapping will NOT be provided the day of.
10. When is the last day to order a package?
The final order deadline is August 10. Check our website and social media for reminders. Ordering early is highly recommended.
11. Are Bid Day packages required?
No, they are optional. Packages are a popular, exciting way to celebrate this milestone for your student. Last year, over half of the students going through recruitment received packages, and we expect even more this year!
12. What do I put in the shipping section at Checkout?
Delivery to campus is included in the price of all packages. During Checkout, select Ship and enter Samford's address of 800 Lakeshore Dr, Homewood, AL 35229. You will not be charged for shipping.