Beginner Seller FAQ

Introduction

When you begin selling on GBFM, it is normal to have lots of questions. This FAQ collects the most common things new sellers ask, so you can find quick, simple answers without searching through lots of guides.

If you do not see your question here, explore the Knowledge Base, or ask in the Seller Community over on the Vendor Hub.

What do I need before I can start selling?

Just three things:

1. A clear product idea
2. A seller account
3. At least one product listing

You do not need a full brand, a website, perfect photos or a large product range.

Do I need to register as a business before selling?

Most beginners start as sole traders, which is the simplest option. You can register officially once you begin earning regularly. If you are unsure, the business basics lessons in the Vendor Hub will help.

How long does it take to publish my first listing?

Most new sellers publish their first listing within:

• 20 to 40 minutes if you already have photos
• 1 to 2 hours if you are taking pictures for the first time

Your first listing is a learning step. You can improve it later.

When will I get my first sale?

It varies. Some sellers receive an order within days; others take a few weeks, depending on:

• Seasonality
• Demand for your product
• Photo quality
• Listing clarity
• Category competition

Slow starts are completely normal.

How much should I charge for my product?

Start by covering:

• Materials
• Your time
• Packaging
• Delivery

The pricing lessons in the Vendor Hub include a simple template for calculating a fair price.

How do I set delivery prices?

You can:

• Include delivery in the product price
• Offer local delivery, if applicable

There is no single correct method. Choose the one that fits your product and your costs. (See Shipping Options on GBFM for the full settings walkthrough.)

What happens after I publish a listing?

Once your product is live:

• Customers can view and buy it
• It appears in the category pages you selected
• You can edit it at any time from your dashboard
• Your dashboard shows your statistics and product status
• You receive a notification when a customer places an order

Publishing is the beginning, not the final version.

Can I edit my listing after it goes live?

Yes, from your dashboard you can update photos, description, price, variations and delivery settings. Most sellers tweak their listings several times in the first month, and that is exactly how it should be.

Do I need lots of products to start selling?

No. One product is enough to begin. Start small and add new items only when you feel ready.

What do customers see when they visit my shop?

Your shop page shows:

• Your profile image or logo
• Your shop bio
• Your products
• Your location (town or region)
• Customer reviews, once you receive them

How will I know when I receive an order?

You receive:

• An email notification
• A notification in your seller dashboard

Orders appear in the Orders tab of your dashboard, where you can see the details and mark the order as shipped once it’s on its way.

When do I get paid?

Payments are only processed through Stripe Connect, with you as the merchant of record. When a customer buys from you, the payment goes to your connected Stripe account immediately at checkout, minus GBFM’s commission. There is no waiting period and no payout schedule to keep track of.

Your earnings land in Stripe first, and Stripe then pays out to your bank account on its normal schedule (typically every few days, depending on your Stripe account settings, you can see exactly when in your Stripe dashboard).

More detail is in How Payments Work and Commission, Fees & Billing.

What if something goes wrong with an order?

You can message the customer and update the order status from your dashboard. The Packaging & Delivery and Support, Disputes & Communication sections cover:

• Delays
• Lost parcels
• Customer questions
• Refunds

You are not expected to know everything at first.

Who do I contact if I need help?

• The Knowledge Base: guides and resources
• The Seller Community: on the Vendor Hub
• The GBFM contact page: for anything the community can’t solve

There is always support available: Contact Support

Summary

• Start with one simple product
• Your first listing can be improved later
• Sales may take time
• Editing listings is normal
• Delivery, pricing and photos can grow with your confidence
• Help is always available

You are at the beginning of something exciting. Take your time and learn step by step.

Need more help?

If you have questions or want support from other sellers, visit the Seller Community on the Vendor Hub.

Return to the Knowledge Base:
https://greatbritishfarmersmarket.co.uk/knowledge-base/