Onboarding and Settings
Onboarding is the required setup to access your ShopDot Brand account and publish products. You’ll complete each section in order, with additional tabs inside the Business Terms step.
Settings is where you can return anytime to review or update information entered during onboarding, and to manage ongoing details such as adding or managing Users.
Review our Onboarding & Settings video for step-by-step guidance.
Sections
Please Note: (*) indicates required field
1. My Profile
Your Brand Profile is where you share your identity, story, and values in ShopDot. A complete profile makes your products easier to discover and gives context Sellers may consider when curating for their Customers.
Fields
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Add Your Logo* | Upload JPEG or PNG (512x512–1024x1024 px, Max 5MB). |
| Business Name* | Enter the official name of your Brand as it should appear in ShopDot. |
| Website* | Enter your website (e.g., www.shopdotbrand.com). |
| Values | Select from the list provided (e.g., Eco-Friendly, Handmade). |
| About* | Write a concise description (e.g., Founded in 2015, focused on sustainable grooming). |
| Add a YouTube or Vimeo video link | Optional: short video introducing your Brand or products. |
Giving Back
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Describe Your Program | Briefly describe charitable/community initiatives (e.g., Donate 5% to rescues). |
| Organizations Supported | List by name (e.g., ASPCA, UNICEF). |
2. Business Terms
Business Terms define how your Brand sells on ShopDot. Clear, consistent policies set expectations for Customers and directly impact performance. Fulfillment rate and on-time shipping are industry benchmarks that shape customer experience and Brand credibility.
Commission
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Default Commission %* | Enter the percentage Sellers earn (e.g., 20% = $10 on a $50 sale). |
Note: Global default applies to all products but can be adjusted individually later.
Inventory Rules
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Available Inventory %* | Enter % of eCommerce store stock allocated to ShopDot |
| Safety Stock* | Enter minimum buffer before items are hidden until restocked. |
Shipping Policies
Shipping speed and cost directly affect Customer purchasing decisions and repeat sales.
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Ship From Location* | Enter the fulfillment address. |
| Flat Shipping Rate* | Enter fixed cost per order (e.g., 5 = $5 per order; 0 = Free). |
| Days to Ship* | Enter average fulfillment time in business days. |
Considerations:
- Shipping rates apply at order creation; updates only affect future orders.
- Days to Ship sets Ship By Date; enter realistic numbers to meet expectations.
Returns and Refunds
Return policies clarify options for Customers and set clear expectations for post-purchase support.
Step 1. Return Eligibility
| Option | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Free Returns and Exchanges | Customers return/exchange at no cost. |
| Case-by-Case Basis | Approval required from your Brand. |
| Specified Timeframe | Enter set number of days (e.g., 30). |
| No Returns or Refunds | Products are final sale. |
Step 2. Shipping Responsibility
| Option | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Brand Pays | You cover return shipping. |
| Customer Pays | Customer covers shipping. |
| Depends on Reason | Responsibility changes by cause. |
Note: Returns are handled directly by your Brand. Contact info is included in order confirmations.
Samples
Samples let Sellers or Customers try products before purchase, creating more authentic recommendations.
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Sample Availability* | Select Yes or No. Default = No. |
3. Integrations
Integrations connect your eCommerce store to ShopDot so products, inventory, and orders sync automatically. This ensures listings stay accurate and orders flow back to your store for fulfillment.
- Product listing content and real-time inventory are pulled directly from your eCommerce platform.
- All orders from Sellers automatically flow back to your store.
Shopify Integration
Note: By default, ALL products are automatically added to the ShopDot sales channel when you install the ShopDot app. Changes made in ShopDot do not sync back to your Shopify store.
Connection Steps:
- In Shopify Admin, go to Settings > Domains and find your URL ending in .myshopify.com.
- Enter your store prefix (without .myshopify.com).
- Example: If your URL is petstore.myshopify.com, enter petstore.
- Click Connect.
- You’ll be redirected to Shopify’s login page to grant ShopDot access.
- Follow Shopify’s instructions to add ShopDot as a sales channel.
- You’ll return to ShopDot, and the step will show as complete.
WooCommerce Integration
Note: When you integrate WooCommerce, all published products appear in the Products section automatically. Products moved to Trash are marked as Disconnected in ShopDot. Products set to Draft or Under Review are marked as Inactive.
Connection Steps:
- Enter your complete store URL (without https:// or trailing slash).
- Examples: mystore.com or shop.mystore.com.
- Click Connect.
- You’ll be redirected to your WooCommerce login page to grant access.
- Click Approve to allow ShopDot access.
- You’ll return to ShopDot, and the step will show as complete.
4. Getting Paid
Set up payout details so funds for your shipped orders can be deposited securely and on time. Payouts are processed monthly to U.S. bank accounts only, and bank details are instantly verified for accuracy.
Contact Info
Contact information is required to activate payment processing.
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Legal Business Name* | Enter your registered business name. |
| Business Email Address* | Primary email for payout-related communications. |
| Phone Number* | Enter a valid business phone number. |
Bank Info
Enter your bank details for direct deposit.
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Account Holder Name* | Enter the name exactly as it appears on your bank account. |
| Bank Account Type* | Select Checking or Savings. |
| Routing Number* | Enter your 9-digit bank routing number. |
| Account Number* | Enter your full bank account number. |
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Legal Business Name* | Enter your registered business name. |
| Customer support | Please enter email for customer inquires |
| Technical support | Please enter email for technical support |
| Accounting | Please enter email for accounting needs |
Note:
- Details are encrypted and processed securely.
- If information cannot be verified, you’ll receive an error and must re-enter it.
5. Notifications
Set up your response time and contact details for different types of inquiries.
Response Time
Specify how quickly you will respond to business partners and Customers.
- Must be entered in business days (24-hour increments).
- Minimum value is 1 business day (24 hours).
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Response Time (Business Days)* | Enter a number in business days (e.g., 1 = respond within 24 hours). |
Contact Information
Each category requires a Primary Email, with the option to add up to two Secondary Emails. The same email can be used across categories if preferred.
| Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Customer Support Email* | For customer-facing inquiries (shipping, orders, returns, refunds). |
| Technical Support Email* | For platform functionality issues, integrations, or system updates. |
| Accounting Email* | For payment processing, invoicing, reconciliation, or tax documents. |
6. Users
Users allow you to add or remove team members who can access your Brand account. Shared access ensures coverage and consistency in managing the account.
Adding Users
- Go to Settings > Users.
- Click + Add User.
- Enter first name, last name, and email.
- Click Send Invite.
Managing Users
- Active = User accepted invite.
- Pending = Invite sent, not yet accepted.
- All = Combined view.
You can resend invites, update names, or remove Users anytime.
7. FAQs
Q1. Do I need to complete all onboarding steps before publishing products?
- Yes. All onboarding sections must be completed before products can be published.
Q2. Can Sellers change my shipping, return, or commission policies?
- No. These policies are controlled by your Brand.
Q3. If I offer samples, how are they requested?
- Sellers will see that samples are available and may contact your Brand directly.
Q4. How often are payouts made?
- ShopDot processes payouts monthly for all shipped orders.
Q5. Do User invites expire?
- No. Pending invites remain open until accepted.