Understanding How Selling Works on GBFM

Introduction

If you are new to GBFM, you may wonder what happens after you create a product, how customers find your items and what the full order process looks like. This guide gives you a simple overview of how selling works from beginning to end. You do not need to memorise everything. Just understanding the flow will help you feel more confident as you start.

Step 1: You Create and Publish Your Product Listing

Everything begins when you create a listing in your seller dashboard.

You will add:

• product title
• images
• description
• price
• stock quantity
• delivery options

Once published, your product becomes visible in:

• marketplace categories
• search results
• your seller shop page

Step 2: Customers Browse the Marketplace

Customers discover your products by:

• using the search bar
• browsing categories
• filtering by product type
• visiting your shop page
• following recommendations from seasonal features

Your listing does not need to be perfect to attract attention. Clarity and honest photos help more than anything else.

Step 3: A Customer Places an Order

When a customer buys your product, you receive:

• an email notification
• a dashboard notification
• an order record in the Orders tab

Customers pay GBFM at checkout through secure payment processing.
You do not need to manage payments manually.

Step 4: You Prepare and Dispatch the Order

Once you receive an order, you:

• pack the product safely
• follow your delivery method
• dispatch within your stated delivery timeframe
• update the order status in your dashboard

Updating the order status helps customers feel informed and reduces questions.

If you need guidance, see the Delivery and Packaging articles in the Knowledge Base.

Step 5: The Customer Receives Their Parcel

The customer receives their parcel and may:

• send you a message
• leave a review
• reorder in the future

Communication with customers stays inside your dashboard for safety and clarity.

Step 6: Your Payment Is Processed Through Stripe Connect

GBFM uses Stripe Connect to handle payments securely.
This means:

• the customer pays at checkout
• Stripe processes the payment
• your earnings (minus commission) appear in your upcoming payouts

Your payout is automatically sent to your bank account based on Stripe’s payout cycle.

For details, see the Payments and Fees section.

Step 7: You Manage Messages, Reviews and Repeat Customers

After your first sale, you may:

• answer a quick customer message
• receive a review
• get a repeat order
• add new products as confidence grows

Strong customer communication helps build trust. Use the Customer Message Templates if you are unsure how to reply.

What You Do and What GBFM Does

Understanding roles makes everything feel simpler.

What You Do

• Make your products
• Create your listings
• Set your delivery options
• Pack and dispatch orders
• Communicate with customers
• Keep your shop updated

What GBFM Does

• Handles payments securely
• Provides the marketplace platform
• Shows your products to customers
• Provides seller tools and systems
• Offers support and guidance
• Promotes the platform to attract buyers

You focus on making. GBFM focuses on visibility and tools.

Common Questions

Do I need to run ads?

No. GBFM handles platform marketing.

Do I need a website?

No. Your shop page on GBFM acts as your online shop.

What if something goes wrong?

The Customer Support guides will help you navigate any issues.

Summary

Here is the full flow in simple steps:

1. You create and publish your listing.
2. Customers discover your products.
3. A customer places an order.
4. You pack and dispatch it.
5. The customer receives it.
6. Stripe processes your payout.
7. You continue communicating with customers and growing your shop.

The whole process is straightforward and becomes second nature with practice.

Need more help?

If you have questions or want support from other sellers, visit the Seller Community on HumHub:
https://social.greatbritishfarmersmarket.co.uk/

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