Selling Wholesale on Handshake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Requirements to Sell on Handshake
- Installing the Handshake Sales Channel
- Setting Up Your Handshake Supplier Profile
4.1. Profile Page
4.2. Preferences Page
- Setting Up Shipping Rates and Policies
- Adding Information about Shipping and Returns
- Setting Up and Pricing Your Wholesale Products
- Managing and Editing Products on Handshake
- Publishing Your Supplier Profile
- Promoting Your Handshake Profile
10.1. Creating Automatic Discounts
10.2. Embedding a "Shop Wholesale" Button
10.3. Using Handshake-branded Social Media Templates
- Conclusion
How to Sell Your Wholesale Products on Handshake by Shopify
Introduction:
Handshake.com is a wholesale marketplace created by Shopify. With the Handshake sales channel, you have the opportunity to list your wholesale products for retailers to purchase and resell. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selling on Handshake, starting from the requirements to installing the sales channel and setting up your Handshake supplier profile. We will also cover topics like shipping rates and policies, product management, publishing your profile, and promoting your Handshake profile.
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Requirements to Sell on Handshake:
Before you can start selling on Handshake, there are certain requirements your business must meet. This includes being located in the United States, using USD currency, having a payment provider enabled in your store, and having an active Shopify store that has made at least one sale. Additionally, you cannot resell products from other businesses, and your products must comply with the Handshake Product Guidelines and Terms of Service. Make sure your product images also comply with the Handshake Photography Guidelines.
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Installing the Handshake Sales Channel:
Once you confirm that you meet the seller requirements, the next step is to install the Handshake sales channel in your Shopify admin. Installing the sales channel not only allows you to list your products on Handshake but also serves as your application to join the platform. The Handshake team reviews your eligibility within 10 to 14 business days, and if approved, you will receive a notification and the sales channel will become available on your Shopify admin.
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Setting Up Your Handshake Supplier Profile:
After your business is approved, it's time to set up your Handshake supplier profile and preferences. You can find Handshake under the "Sales Channels" section of your admin, and the first page you'll encounter is your "Profile." Here, you can customize your profile by adding a header image, logo, and other details. It's essential to complete this profile as your products and brand information won't be available on Handshake.com until after you publish it. We'll discuss publishing your profile later in the article.
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Setting Up Shipping Rates and Policies:
To ensure a smooth selling experience, you need to set up shipping rates, order minimums, and shipping policies. You can use the existing shipping rates already set up in your admin, whether through Shopify shipping or any flat rates you have created. However, if you use your Shopify store for both retail and wholesale, consider setting up custom shipping rates specifically for Handshake orders. This allows you to have separate shipping rates for your retail and wholesale customers.
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Adding Information about Shipping and Returns:
In addition to shipping rates, you need to provide information about your shipping and returns policies. This includes order processing time, the returns and refunds policy, shipping fees, shipping options, and any other important information that sets proper expectations for wholesale customers. Clear communication regarding shipping and returns ensures a positive experience for both you and your customers.
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Setting Up and Pricing Your Wholesale Products:
Now that the logistics are in place, it's time to set up and price your wholesale products. Your Shopify admin will automatically sync the products you have uploaded to the "Products" page in the Handshake sales channel. If there are products you don't want to list on Handshake, you can easily remove them from the channel. The Handshake sales channel allows you to set up a separate product description and add product images specific to the Handshake marketplace.
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Managing and Editing Products on Handshake:
The "Products" page in the Handshake sales channel gives you an overview of all the products available for sale. From here, you can manage product status, prices, and product categories. You can choose to edit products through bulk editing or individually. If you decide not to make any changes, Handshake will automatically use the existing Shopify product images and description. Make sure to select the appropriate category for your product and set the pricing structure, minimum order quantity, and items sold in a case.
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Publishing Your Supplier Profile:
Once you have set up your products and preferences, it's time to publish your Handshake supplier profile and make it live on handshake.com. Head to the "Profile" page in the Handshake sales channel and click "Publish profile." Confirm your readiness in the pop-up window by clicking "Publish." After publishing, you can view your profile on handshake.com and see how your products are officially available for purchase.
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Promoting Your Handshake Profile:
Now that your profile is live, it's essential to promote it to attract retailers. The Handshake sales channel provides several marketing tools to help you increase visibility. On the "Discounts" page, you can create, manage, and delete automatic discounts for your Handshake products. These discounts can be used for limited-time promotions or to encourage customers to purchase a certain quantity of products. Additionally, you can embed a "Shop Wholesale" button in your online store, directing customers to your Handshake supplier profile. Handshake also offers Handshake-branded social media templates that you can utilize in your marketing campaigns.
Conclusion:
Handshake by Shopify provides an excellent opportunity for wholesale businesses to connect with retail customers. By meeting the seller requirements, installing the Handshake sales channel, setting up your supplier profile, managing products, and utilizing marketing tools, you can effectively sell your wholesale products on Handshake. Remember to regularly update and promote your profile to maximize your sales potential.
