What is multi-vendor eCommerce?
Multi-Vendor is an eCommerce platform that allows you to create an online marketplace.
By developing an online marketplace, you can allow different vendors to sell their products through a single eCommerce store.
In other words, an online marketplace is a type of eCommerce site where products or services are offered by several third-party vendors, while all the transactions on the store are accepted by the marketplace operator.
In this blog post, I will be sharing 3 benefits of a multi-vendor eCommerce system for the operator, sellers & buyers. I will also talk about one of the best WooCommerce plugins to develop an online marketplace (or a multi-vendor eCommerce website).
Here are but 3 major benefits of a multi-vendor eCommerce website:
#1 Reduced Cost Of Infrastructure (For Sellers)
Since the cost of developing a multi-vendor eCommerce website is borne by the operator, the sellers or merchants get rid of spending huge amounts of investment on the eCommerce website design, store setup, staff requirements, etc.
As a result, the sellers can offer the best price to the consumers.
#2 Best Product Comparison (For Buyers)
With several options for different products and comparable pricing, the customer gets the maximum advantage of all.
Before making any purchase, the customers can
a. Compare the price of their desired product.
b. Read unbiased reviews about each seller.
c. Get to know about different versions/models available for a single product.
As a result, the sellers can offer the best price to the consumers.
#3 Automated System (For Operator/Owner)
The operator just needs to setup an eCommerce website, maintain it and enhance it regularly to incorporate new features. He doesn’t need to worry about product procurement and shipment anymore.
By developing an eCommerce portal where the sellers and buyers can meet and make transactions, the operator gets a viable business model. All he needs to do is build a solid eCommerce marketplace and reach the mass audience.
Best WordPress Theme For Ecommerce Marketplace Development
Now that we know the advantages of an eCommerce marketplace, let’s understand how you can develop it using your WordPress CMS.
Although there are several themes available for creating an eCommerce marketplace using WordPress, I prefer to choose Flatastic.
Below are some of the great features that you get with the Flatastic theme:
A. One Click Install
Get your basic eCommerce marketplace set up in just one click. You don’t need any web developer to install this theme.
B. Multiple Layouts
You get the option to use multiple layouts. You can set it up as a single-page website or a multi-page website too.
C. SEO Friendly
The code of this plugin is clean, valid, and optimized and therefore good for search engine optimization.
D. Mega Menu
The mega menu allows you to add any content inside the menu like links, texts, images, and even shortcodes.
E. Slider Revolution
Do you want to display a nice slider with great transitions, effects, and animations?
F. Unlimited Footers
You get the option to set 1 or 2 rows footer and in each row, you get up to 5 columns in which you can place as many widgets as you need.
G. 640+ Fonts
This theme comes with more than 640 fonts.
H. Detailed Documentation
Detailed documentation has been provided with this theme so that you can refer to it when you need any clarification.
