We’ve answered some of the most common questions about selling online through our ShopWhereILive.com platform.
Yes! Our site is adaptable to all types of businesses. You can sell services, event tickets, instant downloads (think music, e-books, tutorials, etc.), and more.
Additionally, because of our 'Send Inquiry' feature that replaces the 'Add to Cart' button on lead-generation products, businesses can take advantage of the feel of an e-commerce product, but instead get a lead sent directly to their email inquiring about their specific product or service.
No. However, we partner with the local Chamber because of the good work they're already doing for small businesses in the community. Their additional resources can benefit your business, and we'll make an introduction to make sure you're aware of their resources. Members of the local Chamber receive a substantial discount for selling on the site, but again, it is not required.
No. We have many vendors that run businesses out of their homes or have only virtual businesses. Part of our mission is to help bring light to all types of businesses that exist in a community and put them all on one website together.
If you have ever used Facebook or Craigslist, you will be able to learn and use our platform. Every field is labeled along with instructions for you to follow, plus we have a build-in knowledgebase to assist you when you have a question.
Yes! Our website works just as well on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. You can conduct all of your business on your phone, if desired.
The initial setup of your store can be done in ten minutes or less, which involves a few images, adding your social media accounts, connecting to a Stripe account, setting up your policies, and a few other key pieces of info.
Adding products really depends on the amount of items/services you have to list. Each product listing can be done in just a few minutes (possibly longer if you need to take photos or write product descriptions from scratch).
However, once your store is set up and products are added, the website can really be used however you want for your specific business. Some businesses utilize the site as their main website, listing new products weekly, fulfilling orders often, and updating their offerings.
Other businesses prefer to just list stagnant product offerings and/or services that they don't need to keep up, only visiting the site when they have an order or a new lead inquiry.
Possibly. Each direct sales company has different policies and rules. It is a requirement that independent contractors investigate the rules for their particular company and selling products online through other websites before listing their business on our site.
Most companies prohibit the sales of their products on 3rd party websites, but you may be able to list your products or product types, and instead of 'Add to Cart' you can use our affiliate link button to send them to your business website for the actual purchase.
96% of Americans now shop online, and more money is spent online through marketplace websites than individual websites.
Consumers like to shop and compare all on one website, and marketplaces allow for them to compare and make decisions quicker than having to research several different companies or products through individual searches.
We're providing an additional channel to market and sell your products. You’ll be exposed to more customers that frequent the marketplace or came to visit other vendors on the site. Marketplaces are a prime spot for obtaining shoppers who don’t know about you yet.
The platform offers reduced marketing costs compared to other sales channels. When the platform is marketed, your business is also marketed at the same time.
For more advantages about marketplaces, visit here:
https://www.shopwhereilive.com/advantages-of-selling-on-a-marketplace-website/
This site works best when it is a team effort from the chamber, the businesses, and Shop Where I Live. By partnering with the local Chamber organization the site has credibility, influence, and reach within the community. The Chamber organization has agreed to make the website a staple piece of their ongoing efforts including their website, communications, and publications/social media, and more.
Businesses should also recommend and promote their own shops on the site, sharing content, and local finds. Additionally, Shop Where I Live will promote the site through social media, press, and other outlets. We are also building email lists to send regular updates and special promotions to customers.
