How To Make a Multi Vendor eCommerce Marketplace Website with WordPress (Like Amazon)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a multi-vendor eCommerce marketplace website using WordPress, Elementor, and the Dokan plugin. This step-by-step guide simplifies the process, allowing you to set up a platform similar to Amazon where multiple vendors can sell their products.

Step 1: Get Fast Cloud Web Hosting

• Choose a reliable hosting provider. Recommended option: NameHero.
• Sign up for a plan that suits your needs.
• Access your hosting control panel after setup.

Step 2: Install WordPress

• Navigate to your hosting control panel.
• Find the WordPress installer (often called Softaculous).
• Follow the prompts to install WordPress on your desired domain.

Step 3: Design Your Website

• Log into your WordPress dashboard.
• Go to the Appearance section and select Customize to begin designing your site.
• Adjust your site’s title, tagline, and other settings as needed.

Step 4: Install a Theme

• Choose a theme that supports WooCommerce and Elementor.
• Go to Appearance > Themes.
• Click on Add New and search for your chosen theme, then install and activate it.

Step 5: Get Familiar with Elementor

• Install the Elementor plugin from the WordPress repository.
• Access Elementor through pages to start building layouts.
• Familiarize yourself with the basic features: drag-and-drop interface, widgets, and templates.

Step 6: Add the Multivendor Plugin

• Install the Dokan plugin:
  • Go to Plugins > Add New.
  • Search for “Dokan” and install the plugin.
• Activate Dokan to enable multi-vendor functionality.

Step 7: Manually Create Vendors

• Navigate to the Dokan settings.
• Go to the Vendors tab.
• Add vendor profiles manually by filling in necessary details like name, email, and store info.

Step 8: Create a Menu

• Go to Appearance > Menus.
• Create a new menu and add essential pages (e.g., shop, vendor registration).
• Assign the menu to your desired location and save changes.

Step 9: Create Terms and Conditions

• Use an online generator to create your Terms and Conditions.
• Go to Pages > Add New and paste the generated content.
• Publish the page and link it in your footer or menu.

Step 10: Allow Vendors to Register

• In Dokan settings, navigate to the General tab.
• Enable vendor registration.
• Ensure you have set email notifications for new vendor sign-ups.

Step 11: Configure WooCommerce Settings

• Go to WooCommerce > Settings.
• Set up your store location, currency, and measurement units.
• Ensure that products can be added by vendors.

Step 12: Set Up Taxes

• In WooCommerce Settings, navigate to the Tax tab.
• Enable taxes and configure rates based on your business needs.

Step 13: Configure Shipping

• Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping.
• Add shipping zones and methods based on your target market.

Step 14: Add Payment Gateways

• Navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
• Choose payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).
• Follow setup instructions for each gateway, ensuring to configure payout options for vendors.

Step 15: Handle Payouts

• Familiarize yourself with how Dokan manages vendor payouts.
• Configure payout settings according to your preferred payment schedule.

Step 16: Upgrade to Dokan PRO (Optional)

• If desired, consider upgrading to Dokan PRO for additional features.
• Check the official Dokan website for pricing and features.

Step 17: Import Layout

• If you have a pre-designed layout, use the import feature in Elementor.
• Follow the prompts to upload your layout file and customize it as needed.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully created a multi-vendor eCommerce marketplace using WordPress, Elementor, and the Dokan plugin. This platform allows various vendors to sell their products, enhancing your marketplace's offerings. As next steps, consider promoting your website, onboarding more vendors, and continuously optimizing your platform to improve user experience. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out for help.