What it takes to run a member marketplace
Who does what, so a small team can plan for it before launch.
Standard setup doesn't require code, but a member marketplace does take ongoing attention. Your team recruits providers, approves what goes live, promotes the marketplace to members and follows up when something isn't working. Providers keep their own listings current. How much work it takes depends on the program, how many providers you approve and how much support they and your members need, so start with one program and a small group of providers you'd recommend yourself.
What your team owns
| Task | What it involves | When |
|---|---|---|
| Set up | Choose categories, decide which offerings you'll support, write your rules for who can list. | Once, then adjust |
| Recruit providers | Invite member businesses or providers you trust, and answer their questions. | Most at launch, then ongoing |
| Approve | New offerings from invited providers wait for your approval. | As offerings arrive |
| Promote | Tell members through your newsletter, events and website. | Launch, then regularly |
| Follow up | Check what's being used, nudge quiet providers, handle questions. | Regularly |
| Paid programs only | Decide who handles booking changes, cancellations, refunds and customer questions. | Before you take payments |
What providers handle themselves
- The details that apply to each offering, such as price, photos and availability.
- Pausing and resuming their own listings.
- Responding to inquiries, and to bookings where you've turned them on.
New offerings from invited providers wait for your approval, so what members see stays within your rules. Your own offerings publish straight away.
What you don't need
- Code. Standard setup doesn't require it.
- A payments project on day one. A directory or inquiry program runs without payments. Paid bookings and payouts come with Marketplace, when you choose.
Free and paid
The free Discovery setup is one provider with up to 10 offerings. Discovery supports links and inquiries. Inviting more providers needs a paid plan, and paid bookings and payouts require Marketplace. See pricing.
Plan your time
- Decide which program you're starting with: a directory, inquiries, or one paid series.
- Name the person who approves offerings and answers providers.
- If you take payments, name who owns customer support for bookings.
- Put promotion on your calendar: the launch, and a regular mention after that.
- Review after a set period, and decide whether to keep, change or grow it.
Next: How to launch a marketplace to your members · From idea to live