Setting up your store

Welcome to Tradeit — Zimbabwe’s leading multi-vendor eCommerce marketplace! Whether you’re selling handmade crafts from Victoria Falls, beauty products in Chitungwiza, or farming supplies in Mutoko, this guide will help you set up a professional and successful online store.

Tradeit allows local entrepreneurs and SMEs to showcase their products to a national audience, manage orders, receive payments, and grow their businesses — all in one place.

This article walks you through how to create your vendor store on Tradeit and configure your profile, branding, settings, delivery zones, payment preferences, and more.

🧭 Step 1: Register as a Vendor

If you haven’t registered yet:

1. Go to https://tradeit.co.zw
2. Click “Start Selling” or “Become a Vendor”
3. Fill in your details:
   • Name
   • Business Name (This becomes your store name)
   • Email & Phone
   • Password
   • Choose Vendor account type

✅ Once submitted, your vendor account will be created and you’ll be directed to the Vendor Dashboard.

🏪 Step 2: Store Setup Wizard (First Time Only)

The first time you log into your dashboard, you’ll see the Store Setup Wizard.

Complete the following:

1. Store Name:
   E.g., “Tashinga Organics” or “Avondale Mobile Supplies”
2. Store URL (optional):
   Your store link will be something like:
   https://tradeit.co.zw/store/tashinga-organics
3. Business Address:
   Add your base location (used for delivery setup).
4. Phone & WhatsApp Number:
   Buyers may contact you directly for delivery or clarification.
5. Store Logo & Banner:
   • Logo: 1:1 square image (e.g., 300x300px)
   • Banner: Wide image (e.g., 1200x400px) — a great place to showcase your products or branding
6. Short Store Description (Tagline):
   E.g., “Affordable tech accessories delivered anywhere in Zimbabwe.”

Click Continue or Finish to save.

🛠️ Step 3: Configure Store Settings

You can access and update your store settings anytime:

Dashboard → Settings → Store

Key Tabs:

🏪 Store

• Name
• Address
• Description
• Location (pin on map if needed)
• Phone & WhatsApp
• Store Category (e.g., Fashion, Groceries)

📷 Branding

• Store Logo
• Store Banner
• Store Opening & Closing Times
• Vacation Mode (if you’re temporarily pausing sales)

🌐 Social Media

• Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or WhatsApp links — customers love vendors with active social pages

📞 Contact Preferences

• Enable contact button for buyers
• Choose how you want to be contacted (Email, WhatsApp, Tradeit messaging)

🚚 Step 4: Set Up Delivery Options

Zimbabwe has a range of delivery needs — from rural drop-offs to same-day Harare deliveries. Configure these under:

Dashboard → Settings → Delivery

Choose Delivery Mode:

• Self-delivery
• Pick-up (at your shop)
• Third-party couriers (e.g., Swift, Vaya, Mhanya Express)

Add Delivery Zones:

Define delivery costs by town, suburb, or province.

Example:

You can also set free delivery for certain products or above a certain order value.

💸 Step 5: Add Your Bank or Ecocash Details

Dashboard → Settings → Payments

You’ll need this info to receive payouts.

Choose preferred payment method:

• ZWL Bank Transfer
• USD Bank (Nostro)
• Ecocash / OneMoney / InnBucks

Fill in:

• Account Name
• Account Number
• Bank/Wallet Name
• Branch or Phone Number (for mobile money)

✅ Payments are released automatically after order completion, minus Tradeit fees (shown in the Seller Policies guide).

📜 Step 6: Review Store Policies

Go to:

Dashboard → Settings → Policies

Set clear rules for:

• Refunds (e.g., within 7 days for unused items)
• Returns (e.g., no returns on food)
• Shipping Time (e.g., 1–2 working days)

These build buyer trust and reduce disputes.

🗺️ Step 7: Preview Your Storefront

Visit:
Dashboard → Visit Store

You’ll see:

• Logo and banner
• Product grid (once you’ve added products)
• Contact options
• Ratings and reviews (once customers start shopping)

🔗 Your unique store URL can be shared on WhatsApp, Instagram, or business cards!

🎨 Pro Tips for a Better Storefront

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Using a blurry or generic logo
• ❌ Leaving delivery fees undefined
• ❌ Forgetting to enter payment info (no payout!)
• ❌ No refund/return policy
• ❌ Poorly written store description (or none at all)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change my store name later?

A: Yes, go to Dashboard → Settings → Store and update the name.

Q: Can I have both Ecocash and Bank transfer payout options?

A: Yes. Add both, and choose a default preference.

Q: Can I set different delivery prices for different products?

A: Yes — you can set custom delivery fees per product and per region.

Q: Do I need to be a registered business?

A: Not required to start selling. However, registered businesses enjoy more trust and may qualify for bigger promotional opportunities on Tradeit.

🛎️ Need Help?

📘 Explore the Vendor Help Centre

💬 Message Tradeit Vendor Support via WhatsApp

📩 Submit a support ticket from your dashboard