Vendor Onboarding Guide

Last Updated: 16/11/2025

Welcome to RSS Merchants!
This guide will walk you through the steps required to become a successful vendor on our marketplace. Please read each section carefully to ensure your account and listings meet our platform standards.

1. Getting Started

1.1 Create Your Vendor Account

To begin selling on RSS Merchants:

  • Visit the vendor registration page.
  • Provide your legal business name and contact details.
  • Submit identification or verification documents if required.
  • Agree to the Terms of Service, Merchant Policy, Vendor Code of Conduct, Refund Policy, and Shipping Policy.

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an approval email.

1.2 Complete Your Vendor Profile

A complete profile builds trust with customers.
Make sure to include:

  • Business name
  • Logo or brand image
  • Store description
  • Contact email and phone number
  • Refund/return policy
  • Shipping information
  • Social media links (optional)

Vendors must keep profile information updated at all times.

 

2. Listing Your Products

2.1 Product Requirements

Each product listing must include:

  • Clear and accurate product title
  • Detailed description (materials, features, dimensions, etc.)
  • High-quality images
  • Accurate pricing
  • Stock availability
  • Shipping and processing times
  • Variants (size, color, etc.), if applicable

Misleading or incomplete listings are not allowed.

2.2 Prohibited Items

You may NOT list:

Illegal or restricted products

  • Counterfeit or replica items
  • Hazardous materials without compliance certification
  • Stolen products
  • Adult/violent content (unless approved and legally compliant)
  • Items violating copyright or trademarks

See the Vendor Code of Conduct for a full list of prohibited behaviors.

3. Order Management

3.1 Processing Orders

When a customer places an order:

  • You will receive a notification by email or dashboard alert.
  • Review the order details immediately.
  • Confirm that the item is in stock.
  • Prepare the order for shipment within the stated processing time.

Timely order processing is required to remain in good standing.

3.2 Packaging Standards

Use packaging that:

  • Protects the product
  • Matches the item’s fragility
  • Prevents damage during transit
  • Is discreet and professional

Include any required documentation (manuals, warranty cards, etc.).

4. Shipping & Delivery

4.1 Shipping Responsibilities

As a vendor, you must:

  • Arrange shipping through your chosen carrier
  • Provide accurate delivery estimates
  • Offer tracking numbers when available
  • Ensure items are shipped on time
  • Clearly state shipping fees on product listings

RSS Merchants does not handle shipping or warehousing.

4.2 Handling Delays

If a delay occurs:

  • Notify the customer immediately
  • Update the expected delivery timeframe
  • Document the cause of the delay
  • Provide solutions (replacement, refund, etc.) when appropriate

Failure to communicate delays may affect vendor rating and account status.

5. Customer Service

5.1 Response Requirements

Vendors must respond to customer inquiries:

  • Politely
  • Professionally
  • Within 24–48 hours whenever possible

Ignoring customers may result in account penalties.

5.2 Resolving Complaints

Common complaint categories include:

  • Late delivery
  • Damaged product
  • Wrong item received
  • Product not as described

Vendors must provide resolutions that comply with their published policies and consumer protection laws.

6. Refunds & Returns

6.1 Refund Policy Requirements

Every vendor must:

  • Publish a clear refund/return policy on their profile
  • Honor refunds according to their stated policy
  • Handle refund requests promptly
  • Provide return instructions when needed

RSS Merchants does not issue refunds on behalf of vendors.

6.2 Non-Compliance Consequences

Vendors who refuse refunds without cause or ignore refund requests may:

  • Receive warnings
  • Have listings limited or suspended
  • Be permanently banned from RSS Merchants

7. Performance Standards

RSS Merchants monitors vendor performance in areas such as:

  • On-time shipping rate
  • Order accuracy
  • Customer complaint levels
  • Refund activity
  • Policy compliance
  • Product quality

Maintaining good performance ensures higher visibility and customer trust.

8. Payments & Fees

8.1 Payment Processing

  • Payments are handled by third-party payment gateways.
  • Vendors must comply with the gateway’s verification and payout requirements.
  • RSS Merchants is not responsible for payout delays caused by the payment processor.

8.2 Platform Fees

Vendors agree to platform commissions and any applicable service fees.
A breakdown of fees can be found in your vendor dashboard or onboarding materials.

9. Account Suspension & Violations

Your vendor account may be suspended or terminated if you:

  • Sell prohibited items
  • Engage in fraudulent behavior
  • Provide poor customer service
  • Fail to fulfill orders
  • Refuse refunds against your stated policy
  • Violate the Vendor Code of Conduct
  • Misuse the platform or customer data

In severe cases, violations may result in immediate banning and legal action.

10. Support & Resources

If you need help, we offer:

  • Vendor help articles
  • Video tutorials
  • Email support
  • Policy documents
  • Product listing guidelines

You can contact our vendor support team at:
📧 contact@rsswebshop.com

11. Updates to This Guide

RSS Merchants may update this Vendor Onboarding Guide as the platform evolves. Vendors will be notified of major updates. Continued use of the platform implies acceptance of the updated guide.