Vendor FAQ -

Vendor Help & FAQ

How do I set up my store?

Shepherd to Shepherd Vendor Setup Guide

Step-by-Step Instructions for Setting Up Your Store

Welcome, vendor! Follow these simple steps to make sure your store is ready for customers — from signing up to your first sale.

STEP 1: Complete Your Vendor Profile

Log in to your Vendor Dashboard.
Go to Settings → Store.
Add your store information:

Store Name (this appears on your public store page)
Store Description (tell customers about your products or ministry)
Profile Banner and Store Logo (make it look professional!)
Phone number or email for customers to reach you

Click Save Settings.

Tip: A clear logo, nice banner, and short “About” story help build trust.

STEP 2: Set Up Your Payment Method

From your Vendor Dashboard → Settings → Payment
Choose how you want to receive payments (for example, PayPal or Bank Transfer).
Enter your payment details carefully and click Save.

Note: This ensures you’ll get paid automatically when orders are completed.

STEP 3: Add Your Products

Go to Products → Add New.
Fill in:

Product Title
Main Image
Description (clear details about what you’re selling)
Price and (optional) sale price
Category that best fits your item

Choose Product Type:

Simple Product – One item, one price
Variable Product – Options like size, color, or format
External / Affiliate – Links to another website
Grouped Product – Bundle of items sold together

Under the Shipping Tab:

Add weight (optional)
Choose “No shipping class ($0)” unless told otherwise
Click Submit or Publish.

STEP 4: Set Up Your Shipping

Go to Settings → Shipping.
Click Add Shipping Zone.
Example: Zone name “United States” → Region “United States.”
Add Shipping Methods:

Flat Rate – Set a fixed shipping fee (example: $5)
Free Shipping – Offer free delivery
Local Pickup – For local customers only

Click Save Changes.

Note: These rates automatically apply to your products during checkout.

STEP 5: Add Tracking (Optional)

Once an order is placed, go to Orders → Edit Order.
Click Add Tracking Number.
Select your carrier (UPS, USPS, FedEx, etc.).
Update the shipping status (Processing, On the Way, Delivered).

Customers can see updates automatically.

STEP 6: Manage Your Orders

Click Orders in your dashboard.
Each order shows the buyer’s info and what was purchased.
Mark orders as:

Processing → when you’re preparing it
On the Way → after shipping
Completed → when delivered

If shipment tracking is enabled, add the tracking number for the customer.

Tip: Respond quickly to new orders — it helps your store rating!

STEP 7: View Your Earnings

Go to Dashboard → Reports → Overview to see your sales.
Go to Withdraw → Request Withdrawal when your balance is ready (if manual payout).
Watch for deposits using your chosen payment method.

STEP 8: Promote Your Store

Share your store link with your followers or church groups.
Add your store banner to social media.
Ask happy customers to leave reviews!

Vendor Checklist

Step	Task	Status
1	Complete Store Profile	[ ]
2	Add Payment Info	[ ]
3	Upload First Product	[ ]
4	Set Up Shipping Zone	[ ]
5	Add Tracking Info (Optional)	[ ]
6	Manage Orders	[ ]
7	Request Payout	[ ]
8	Promote Store	[ ]

How do I list my products as a vendor?

Shepherd to Shepherd Vendor Product Listing Guide

1) Simple Product

Use this when you are selling a single, standard item with one price and one stock number.

Examples: a devotional PDF, a T-shirt, or a single eBook.

[ ] From your Vendor Dashboard go to Products > Add New
[ ] Select Product Type: Simple Product
[ ] Fill in:
- - Product Title and Description
- - Regular Price (and Sale Price if needed)
- - Upload Product Image
- - Set Stock Quantity (optional)
[ ] Click Submit Product or Publish

2) Grouped Product

Use this when you want to sell multiple related products together as a bundle, but each is also sold separately.

Example: “Bible Study Series Set” (Week 1, Week 2, Week 3).

[ ] Add the individual products first as Simple Products
[ ] Create a new product and select Product Type: Grouped Product
[ ] Scroll to the Linked Products tab and search/select your related products
[ ] Leave pricing blank (each product keeps its own price)
[ ] Add images and description, then Publish

3) External / Affiliate Product

Use this when you want to direct buyers to another website (such as Amazon, your personal store, or a ministry site).

[ ] Select Product Type: External/Affiliate Product
[ ] Add your Product URL (the page where the buyer will be redirected)
[ ] Set a Button Text (example: "Buy Now" or "Visit Site")
[ ] Add price if desired, plus image and description, then Publish

4) Variable Product

Use this when your product has options (sizes, colors, file formats, etc.).

Examples: T-shirts (Small, Medium, Large) or a devotional download (PDF or Word format).

[ ] Choose Product Type: Variable Product
[ ] Go to the Attributes tab:
- - Add a new attribute (for example, Size or Format)
- - Enter values separated by a vertical bar “|” (example: Small | Medium | Large)
- - Check Used for variations and Save attributes
[ ] Go to the Variations tab:
- - Click Create variations from all attributes
- - For each variation:
  - * Click to expand
  - * Check Manage stock?
  - * Enter price and quantity
  - * Add image if needed
- - Save changes
[ ] Add product description and main image, then Publish

Dokan Subscription & Permissions

Feature	$0 Ministry Plan	$30 Marketplace Plan
Add Products	Yes	Yes
Product Limit	Limited (e.g., 5 products)	Unlimited
Simple Products	Yes	Yes
Grouped Products	Not available	Yes
External/Affiliate	Yes	Yes
Variable Products	Limited (e.g., 2 attributes max)	Full access
Store Customization	Basic	Full
Featured Vendor	No	Yes
Support	Basic Email	Priority Support

Tips for Smooth Uploads

[ ] Always click Save attributes before creating variations.
[ ] If your stock box disappears on a Variable product, set quantity inside each variation (Manage stock).
[ ] Use clear, high-quality images under 2 MB for faster loading.
[ ] If you see “You cannot add more products”, your plan may have reached its limit — upgrade from Vendor Dashboard → Subscription.

Download PDF Version

How to set up and apply shipping to my products?

Shepherd to Shepherd Vendor Guide

How to Set Up and Apply Shipping to Your Products (Dokan 4.1.0)

Welcome, vendor! This quick guide will show you how to set up your shipping so customers see accurate costs at checkout. Follow these steps carefully — you’ll only need to do this once.

STEP 1: Check Your Vendor Dashboard

Log in to your Vendor Dashboard.
On the left menu, click Settings → Shipping.
This is where you’ll set up your store’s shipping zones and fees.

STEP 2: Add Your Shipping Zone

Every vendor must have at least one shipping zone. Think of a shipping zone as the area where you’ll deliver your products (for example, “United States”).

Click Add Shipping Zone.
Name it something simple like United States.
Choose your Region(s) (for example: United States, Georgia, or select your country).
Click Add Shipping Method and choose from:
- Flat Rate – Set a fixed shipping cost (most common).
- Free Shipping – Offer free delivery.
- Local Pickup – For local customers picking up orders.
After adding your methods, click Edit beside each one to set your price (for example: $5.00 flat rate).
Click Save Changes.

Tip: You can have more than one zone (for example, “United States” and “Canada”), each with its own rate.

STEP 3: Add Tracking Options (Optional)

If the site admin has enabled it, you’ll see a Shipment Tracking tab. You can add:

Tracking number
Carrier (UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.)
Shipping status (Processing, On the Way, Delivered)

This helps customers know when their order is shipped and received.

STEP 4: Edit Your Product’s Shipping Details

Now that your shipping zone is saved, you’ll apply it to your products automatically.

Go to Products → Edit (or Add New Product).
Scroll to the Shipping tab.
Fill in:
- Weight (optional but helpful)
- Dimensions (optional)
- Shipping Class: leave as “No shipping class ($0)” unless the admin has created special classes like Heavy or Fragile.
Click Save Product.

Note: You don’t have to set prices per product — your rates from Settings → Shipping will automatically apply to every item in your store.

STEP 5: Test It Out

Add one of your products to your cart.
Enter your shipping address at checkout.
You should now see your custom shipping rate (like “Flat Rate – $5.00”).
If you don’t see your rate, double-check that your zone and shipping method were saved correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Issue	What It Means	How to Fix
No Shipping Methods Available	You didn’t create a zone or rate.	Add a shipping zone in Settings → Shipping.
No Shipping Class ($0) only	No classes have been created by admin — that’s normal.	Just leave it as is.
Wrong rate showing	Old rates cached.	Clear your browser cache and re-save shipping settings.

Quick Summary

Step	What You Do
1	Go to Settings → Shipping
2	Add at least one shipping zone (like United States)
3	Add your shipping method (Flat Rate, Free, or Local Pickup)
4	Set your price (example: $5.00) and save
5	Edit your product → Shipping tab → Leave class blank (No Shipping Class)
6	Test your checkout to make sure it shows correctly

How do I set up my shipping?

Each vendor must create their own shipping zone so customers see accurate rates at checkout. Follow these steps:

Go to your Vendor Dashboard → Settings → Shipping.
Click Add Shipping Zone.
Name the zone (example: “United States”).
Select the region or country you deliver to.
Click Add Shipping Method and choose one of the following:
- Flat Rate – Set a fixed fee (example: $5 per order)
- Free Shipping – Offer free delivery
- Local Pickup – For nearby customers who pick up orders
Click Edit beside each method to enter your specific rate.
Click Save Changes when finished.

Note: Your shipping settings apply automatically to all products you upload. You can add additional zones later (for example, Canada or International).

17. How do I set up my shipping?

Answer:

1️⃣ Go to your Vendor Dashboard → Settings → Shipping.

2️⃣ Click "Add Shipping Zone".

3️⃣ Enter a Zone Name (for example: "United States" or "Local Orders").

4️⃣ In the Regions box, start typing your area and select:
   - United States (US)
   - or a specific state like Georgia (GA)
   - leave blank only if you are setting up a "Rest of the World" zone

5️⃣ Click "Add Shipping Method" and choose one:
   - Flat Rate
   - Free Shipping
   - Local Pickup

6️⃣ Click "Edit" next to your method and set your rate:
   - Method Title: Flat Rate or Standard Shipping
   - Tax Status: Taxable (or None)
   - Cost: Enter your price (example: 5 for $5 shipping)

7️⃣ Save your settings.

You can add multiple zones if you ship to different regions (for example, "Local", "United States", "Rest of the World").

18. What shipping sizes should I use for banners or images?

Answer:

Recommended vendor image sizes:

- Store Banner: 1200 x 390 pixels
- Store Logo: 300 x 300 pixels (square)
- Product Image: 600 x 600 pixels minimum
- Product Gallery Images: 600 x 600 pixels or higher

Tip: Use JPG for photos and PNG for logos or graphics with transparent backgrounds.

19. What if my shipping isn’t showing at checkout?

Answer:

✅ Make sure:
- You created at least one shipping zone (like United States)
- You added a shipping method (Flat Rate, Free, or Local Pickup)
- You entered a cost (0 or higher)
- You saved your settings

If it still doesn’t appear, clear your browser cache or contact support — your master zone may need to be refreshed by the admin.

20. What does the admin shipping zone mean?

Answer:

The site administrator creates a main "master" zone (United States + Rest of the World).
This setup allows your vendor dashboard shipping options to appear.
Each vendor controls their own rates, methods, and delivery areas.

How do I test my shipping setup?

To make sure your rates display correctly for customers:

Add one of your own products to your cart.
Go to the checkout page and enter your address.
Verify the correct shipping method and price appear (for example, “Flat Rate – $5.00”).
If no rate appears, go back to Settings → Shipping and check that your zone and method were saved.

Note: If you use browser caching or optimization plugins, clear your cache after changing shipping settings to see updates immediately.

Why can’t I see the Shipping tab when editing products?

If the Shipping tab isn’t showing under your product edit page, try the following:

Make sure the Dokan Shipping option is enabled by the site admin.
Confirm you have added at least one Shipping Zone in your dashboard under Settings → Shipping.
Log out and back in after saving your settings.
If you are a ministry vendor, note that shipping may be disabled for digital-only products.

Tip: If you sell physical products, be sure to use the Marketplace plan for full shipping access.

How do I set up local pickup for my store?

How do I set up Local Pickup for my store?

Answer:

If you want customers to pick up their orders in person (for example, from your home, church, or business), follow these steps:

1️⃣ Go to your Vendor Dashboard → Settings → Shipping.

2️⃣ Click "Add Shipping Zone".

3️⃣ In the Zone Name box, type something like "Local Pickup".

4️⃣ In the Regions box, type your local area or state (for example: Georgia, Texas, or your city).
   - This tells the system which customers can choose local pickup.
   - If you leave it blank, it will apply to all customers, which may not be what you want.

5️⃣ Click "Add Shipping Method" and select "Local Pickup".

6️⃣ Click "Edit" next to Local Pickup and fill out:
   - Method Title: Local Pickup
   - Tax Status: None (or Taxable if required)
   - Cost: 0 (usually free)
   - Save Changes

7️⃣ You can add more pickup zones if you serve multiple areas.
   For example:
      - Local Pickup (Atlanta)
      - Local Pickup (Savannah)
      - Local Pickup (Nashville)

✅ Tip: In your store description or product details, include your pickup address or note like:
   "Local pickup available in Atlanta, GA – message us after ordering to arrange a time."

22. Why can’t my customers see Local Pickup at checkout?

Answer:

Make sure:
- You’ve added at least one shipping zone.
- You selected Local Pickup as the shipping method.
- The customer’s address matches the region you listed.
- You clicked Save changes after editing.

If it still doesn’t appear, contact support — the master Local Pickup zone may need to be refreshed by the site admin.

23. Can I offer both Local Pickup and Shipping?

Answer:

Yes! You can offer both.

Example setup:
- Zone 1: United States → Flat Rate ($5 shipping)
- Zone 2: Local Pickup → Local Pickup (free)

This allows nearby customers to choose pickup, while everyone else sees regular shipping.

How can I offer multiple shipping options like Flat Rate, Free Shipping, and Local Pickup in one zone?

Answer:

You can offer several shipping methods in the same zone so customers can choose what works best for them at checkout.

Here’s how to set it up:

1️⃣ Go to your Vendor Dashboard → Settings → Shipping.

2️⃣ Click on your existing zone (for example, "United States") or create a new one.

3️⃣ Inside the zone, click "Add Shipping Method" and add:
   - Flat Rate (for standard paid shipping)
   - Free Shipping (for orders over a set amount)
   - Local Pickup (for nearby customers)

4️⃣ After adding them, click "Edit" on each one to customize:
   - Flat Rate → cost (example: 5)
   - Free Shipping → minimum order amount (example: 50)
   - Local Pickup → cost 0 (usually free)

5️⃣ Click "Save Changes" when finished.

Now all three methods will appear to your customers at checkout when their address matches your zone.

💡 Example:
A customer in the U.S. might see:
   - Flat Rate: $5.00
   - Free Shipping (Orders over $50)
   - Local Pickup (Free)

27. Why offer multiple shipping methods?

Answer:

Offering more than one method gives customers flexibility and can increase sales.
- 💵 Flat Rate: Keeps pricing predictable.
- 🆓 Free Shipping: Rewards larger orders.
- 🚗 Local Pickup: Builds relationships with nearby customers.

Customers will automatically see only the methods that match their location and order total.

How do I offer Free Shipping for items over a certain amount?

How do I offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount?

Answer:

You can reward customers who spend a certain amount with free shipping.
Here’s how to set it up:

1️⃣ Go to your Vendor Dashboard → Settings → Shipping.

2️⃣ Click "Add Shipping Zone" or choose an existing one (like United States).

3️⃣ Click "Add Shipping Method" and select "Free Shipping".

4️⃣ Click "Edit" next to the Free Shipping method.

5️⃣ Under "Free shipping requires...", select:
   ➤ "A minimum order amount"

6️⃣ In the "Minimum order amount" box, enter your limit (for example: 50 for $50).

7️⃣ Click "Save changes."

Now, any customer whose total order is $50 or more (before tax and shipping) will automatically qualify for free shipping at checkout.

💡 Tip: You can combine this with other methods like Flat Rate, so customers below $50 still see a regular shipping option.

25. Example setup:

Answer:

Zone Name: United States
Regions: United States (US)
Shipping Methods:
   - Flat Rate ($5)
   - Free Shipping (Orders over $50)
   - Local Pickup (Free)

This gives customers three choices:
✅ Free shipping when spending $50+
✅ Flat rate for smaller orders
✅ Free local pickup if nearby

How do I get paid?

To receive payments for your sales:

Go to your Vendor Dashboard → Settings → Payment.
Choose your preferred payment method:
- PayPal – enter your PayPal email
- Bank Transfer – enter your banking details
Click Save to confirm your setup.

Note: Payments are processed automatically or manually depending on the site’s payout schedule. Check Dashboard → Withdraw for balance and requests.

How do I manage my orders?

To view and update customer orders:

Go to Orders in your vendor dashboard.
Click an order to open the details.
Check the buyer’s information and ordered items.
Change order status as needed:
- Processing – when preparing the order
- On the Way – after shipment
- Completed – after delivery
If enabled, add tracking information (carrier, number, and status).

Tip: Update order statuses promptly to keep buyers informed and improve store trust.

How do I promote my store?

To reach more customers and grow your visibility:

Share your store link on social media, newsletters, and church groups.
Add your store banner to Facebook, Instagram, or website bios.
Ask happy customers to leave reviews on your products.
Keep your store updated with new products and seasonal promotions.

Tip: Consistent branding and communication help customers remember your store.

How do I upgrade my subscription?

To manage your vendor plan:

Go to Dashboard → Subscription.
Select Upgrade to move from a Ministry plan to a Marketplace plan (for unlimited products and features).

Why is my withdrawal pending?

If your withdrawal request is showing as pending, here are the possible reasons:

The minimum withdrawal amount has not yet been reached.
Your payout is waiting for admin review or approval.
The current payout period has not yet begun.
There was an issue with your payment method (incorrect details).

Tip: Double-check your payment details under Settings → Payment and contact support if your withdrawal is delayed beyond the normal processing time.

What are Shepherd to Shepherd’s refund or return policies?

Each vendor is responsible for managing their own refund or return policies. We recommend clearly listing your refund policy on your store page or in each product description.

In general:

Digital downloads are non-refundable once delivered.
Physical items may be refunded or replaced at the vendor’s discretion.
All vendors are expected to handle disputes fairly and in good faith.

Note: If a serious issue arises, Shepherd to Shepherd reserves the right to review the transaction and take appropriate action to protect buyers and sellers.

What should I do if my product or store isn’t visible?

If your products or store aren’t showing on the site:

Make sure your products are Published (not Draft or Pending Review).
Verify your vendor subscription is active and not expired.
Confirm your store visibility is set to Enabled under Settings → Store.
Clear your browser and site cache, then reload your store page.

Note: New stores may take up to 15 minutes to appear publicly after approval.

My images won’t upload — what should I do?

If you’re having trouble uploading product or banner images, try the following:

Make sure the image file size is under 2 MB.
Use common file types like JPG or PNG.
Rename the file to remove spaces or special characters.
Try uploading from a desktop or laptop instead of a phone.
Clear your browser cache and try again.

Recommended Image Sizes for Shepherd to Shepherd Vendors:

Store Banner: 1200 × 300 pixels (landscape format)
Store Logo: 300 × 300 pixels (square format)
Vendor Profile Picture: 400 × 400 pixels (square format)
Product Images: Minimum 800 × 800 pixels, preferably square
Thumbnail Images: 400 × 400 pixels for gallery or listings

Tip: For the best look, use clear images with plain backgrounds and centered products. Avoid blurry or dark photos, and make sure the full image is visible within the frame.

My product says “Pending Review.” What does that mean?

When your product shows as Pending Review, it means it’s waiting for admin approval before being published. This is a normal step for new vendors.

Once approved, your product will appear in your store and on the marketplace. If it stays pending for more than 24 hours, contact support to confirm it’s been reviewed.

My store page loads blank or buttons don’t work — how can I fix it?

If your vendor dashboard or store page is not loading correctly:

Clear your browser cache and cookies.
Disable browser extensions or ad blockers temporarily.
Make sure you’re using the latest version of Chrome, Edge, or Safari.
Try reloading the page in an incognito or private window.
If the problem continues, contact support with a screenshot of the issue.

Note: Most display errors are caused by outdated cached files or extensions that block scripts.

My product prices or shipping rates aren’t saving.

If your prices or shipping updates are not saving:

Check that your internet connection is stable.
Make sure no special symbols (like $ or %) are included in the number fields.
Use plain numbers only (example: 10.00).
Click Save Changes and wait until the page refreshes.
Log out and back in, then verify the update applied.

Tip: Avoid opening multiple product tabs while editing — this can cause one save to overwrite another.

How do I feature my store or products on the homepage?

Featured listings are reserved for Marketplace Plan vendors or by admin selection. To be featured:

Upgrade to the Marketplace Vendor Plan for eligibility.
Ensure your store has a complete banner, description, and logo.
Contact the Shepherd to Shepherd admin team to request a feature spot.

Tip: Well-written product descriptions and clear images increase your chances of being featured on site highlights or newsletters.

Can I create coupons or discounts?

Yes, if enabled by the site admin. To create a coupon:

Go to your Vendor Dashboard → Coupons.
Click Add New Coupon.
Enter your coupon code and discount amount.
Set the usage limit, expiry date, or specific product restrictions if needed.
Click Publish.

Tip: Sharing coupon codes on your social media is a great way to attract new buyers to your store.