OrderSlotsOrderSlots

Supplier Workflow:
12 Simple Steps to Success

Set up your catalog first, then connect with buyers and start selling.

This is the recommended workflow: Build your store → Open the doors → Start selling.

The Complete Supplier Workflow

Follow these 12 steps to transform your ordering process. Most suppliers are up and running in under 30 minutes.

Section 1: Initial Setup

Step 1

Register Your Business

Create your supplier account in under 2 minutes. Verify your email and you're ready to start.

  • Sign up at orderslots.com
  • Choose 'Supplier' account type
  • Enter your business details
  • Verify your email address
Step 2

Set Delivery Boundary

Define your delivery area. Buyers within this boundary can discover you via search.

  • Navigate to Delivery Area in the side menu
  • Set your delivery radius (default: 10 km)
  • Buyers within boundary can discover you
  • Share your Supplier ID for buyers outside boundary
Step 3

Add Categories

Organize your products into categories for easier browsing and management.

  • Create product categories
  • Example: Fresh Veg, Dairy, Meat
  • Categories are supplier-specific
  • Easy to manage and update
Step 4

Add Products

Build your product catalog. Add individually or upload hundreds via CSV.

  • Add products one by one
  • Or bulk import via CSV
  • Set prices, units, descriptions
  • Assign products to categories

Section 2: Buyers & Slots Management

Step 5

Connect with Buyers

Now that your catalog is ready, invite buyers! Two ways: invite existing customers or approve requests.

  • Your catalog is ready to show
  • Invite existing buyers via email
  • Or approve buyer requests
  • Buyers see products immediately
Step 6

Manage Buyer Connections

Review and approve buyer requests. View their business details before approving.

  • View pending requests
  • Review buyer information
  • Approve or reject with one click
  • Approved buyers can start ordering
Step 7

Create Your First Slot

Set up an order window with cutoff and delivery dates. Name it clearly for buyers.

  • Name your slot (e.g. 'Monday Delivery')
  • Set order cutoff date & time
  • Set delivery date
  • Add optional notes for buyers
Step 8

Add Items to Slot

Select which products are available for this delivery. Easy browse and select interface.

  • Browse your product catalog
  • Select products for this slot
  • Add or remove items anytime
  • Only selected items visible to buyers
Step 9

Publish Your Slot

Review everything and make your slot live. Buyers can now see it and start ordering.

  • Review slot details
  • Check all products are added
  • Click 'Publish'
  • Slot status changes to 'Open'

Section 3: Daily Operations

Step 10

Receive Orders Before Cutoff

Monitor orders in real-time as buyers place them. See what's popular before the cutoff.

  • Buyers browse and order
  • You see orders in real-time
  • Monitor until cutoff time
  • System blocks orders after cutoff
Step 11

Collect & Complete

Download all orders, prepare deliveries, and mark the slot complete. Then create the next one!

  • Download orders (CSV/PDF)
  • Print picking lists
  • Prepare and deliver orders
  • Mark slot as 'Completed'
Step 12

Killer Feature: Copy Slot

Copy any slot and its items from the history and set new dates.

  • One-click slot duplication
  • Retains all products and settings
  • Just update the dates
  • Create weeks of slots in minutes

Then Repeat - It's That Simple!

After completing your first slot, use the Copy function to create the next one in 2 minutes. All products automatically copy over!

Your Weekly Routine

Monday

Copy last week's slot, update dates, publish (2 min)

Tue-Thu

Monitor orders in real-time, adjust inventory

Friday 6PM

Cutoff passes, download orders, pick & pack

Weekend

Deliver orders, mark complete, ready for next cycle

Why This Workflow Works

Real benefits from day one. No learning curve, no complicated setup.

Time Saved

Far less time than phone/email ordering. Redirect hours back to growth.

Fewer Errors

Buyers enter orders directly. No miscommunication, no typos, no mistakes.

Easy to Repeat

Copy last week's slot in 2 clicks. Create weeks of slots in minutes.

Create Multiple Slots at Once

✅ Yes! The system allows you to have multiple active slots running simultaneously.

Example Weekly Schedule

Monday Delivery Slot

Cutoff: Friday 6PM → Delivery: Monday 8AM

Open

Wednesday Delivery Slot

Cutoff: Monday 6PM → Delivery: Wednesday 8AM

Open

Friday Delivery Slot

Cutoff: Wednesday 6PM → Delivery: Friday 8AM

Open

Each slot operates independently with its own products, cutoff times, and buyer orders.

Ready to Transform Your Ordering Process?

Join suppliers who've streamlined their workflow. Start with Step 1 today - registration takes just 2 minutes.

No credit card required • Free forever plan available • Set up in 30 minutes