Solutions:
From the Blog
FAQs About Setting Up a Marketplace
Q: How do I determine which marketplace solution is right for our organization?
Q: How does my budget or funding impact which marketplace we choose?
A: Your budget plays a significant role in determining the right marketplace solution for your organization.
- If you’re considering an e-commerce solution, the starting price typically begins at $10,000, with a recommended budget of $25,000 or more to include customizations, marketing support, and enhanced features.
- However, if your budget is limited or you serve fewer than 50 businesses, a more cost-effective option may be to start with a Member Connection Marketplace (MCM). An MCM platform can start at just $49/month and still provide excellent value by helping businesses showcase their services and connect with customers.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, the number of businesses you’re supporting, and whether you need full e-commerce functionality or a simpler connection-focused platform.
Q: How long does it take to set up a marketplace?
A: The setup time depends on the type of marketplace you choose:
- Member Connection Marketplace (MCM): MCM solutions can be set up in less than one day, making it a quick and efficient option if you’re looking to launch fast. It’s a great fit for service-based or resource-driven businesses that don’t need the full range of e-commerce functionalities.
- E-commerce Marketplace: An e-commerce marketplace requires more time for development, customization, and compliance checks. The average setup time is approximately 4-6 weeks, depending on the complexity of your needs and the number of businesses involved.
Q: What are the steps to get started with a Member Connection Marketplace (MCM)?
A: Getting started with an MCM is simple and quick. Here are the steps:
- Sign Up: Begin by signing up for the MCM platform, which can often be set up in less than one day.
- Choose Add-Ons: Select any additional features you want to include, such as affiliation options, map integrations, or other custom features.
- Get Going: Once you’ve signed up and chosen your options, you’ll be ready to start adding businesses, sharing their offerings, and promoting your marketplace right away.
An MCM is an easy, low-maintenance solution for service-based businesses or those looking for a connection hub.
Q: What are the steps to get started with an E-commerce Marketplace?
A: Setting up an e-commerce marketplace is a more involved process, but we guide you through every step. Here’s how to begin:
- Initial Call: We’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your organization’s goals, the impact you hope to make, the type of marketplace site you need, and your budget. We’ll also review potential marketing add-ons, customizations, and other needs.
- Determine Timeline: Based on your needs, we’ll establish a project timeline, laying out the steps from design and development to testing and launch.
- Sign Contract: Once the details are finalized, and a timeline is agreed upon, you’ll sign the contract to officially begin the process.
- Resource Sharing and Setup: After the contract is signed, we’ll gather all necessary resources (logos, business information, etc.), begin the development process, and provide regular updates throughout the 4-6 week setup period.
- Onboard Businesses: Once the platform is ready, we’ll help onboard businesses to get their products and services online.
- Launch Announcement: After onboarding, we’ll work with you to create a coordinated launch announcement to promote the marketplace and drive traffic to the site.
This process ensures your e-commerce marketplace is fully customized and ready for a successful launch.
Try the Member Connection Marketplace!
No payment needed to see if it’s a fit for your organization