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.

80%

Time Saved

Save 80-90% of time vs phone/email ordering. Redirect hours back to growth.

95%

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 1200+ 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