Understanding Multi-Vendor Orders

How orders work when buying from multiple sellers

5 min read
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Last updated: January 9, 2025

Multiple Vendors, One Checkout

Shop from multiple sellers and pay once! digiMall automatically splits your order and manages separate deliveries while keeping your checkout simple.

How Multi-Vendor Shopping Works

Single Cart, Multiple Sellers

digiMall's marketplace allows you to:

  • Add products from different vendors to one cart
  • Pay for everything in a single transaction
  • Track all orders from one dashboard
  • Manage returns/refunds centrally

Behind the Scenes

  1. You shop and add items from various vendors
  2. Cart groups items by vendor automatically
  3. Single checkout processes payment
  4. Payment splits to respective vendors
  5. Each vendor processes their portion
  6. Separate shipments sent to you

Automatic Order Splitting

How Orders Split

After checkout, your order becomes:

  • Parent Order: Main order with total amount
  • Sub-Orders: Individual vendor orders

Example Scenario

You order:

  • • Phone from Vendor A
  • • Headphones from Vendor B
  • • Case from Vendor C

Result:

  • • 1 Payment of ₦75,000
  • • 3 Sub-orders created
  • • 3 Separate deliveries
  • • 3 Tracking numbers

Order Numbers

  • Main Order: #DM-2024-123456
  • Sub-Orders: #DM-2024-123456-A, -B, -C

Shipping & Delivery Considerations

Separate Shipping Costs

Each vendor charges shipping independently:

  • Vendor A: ₦500 shipping
  • Vendor B: Free shipping (order > ₦10,000)
  • Vendor C: ₦750 shipping
  • Total Shipping: ₦1,250

Different Delivery Times

  • Each vendor has own processing time
  • Different shipping speeds available
  • Items arrive on different days
  • Track each shipment separately

Delivery Options by Vendor

  • Some offer express delivery
  • Others only standard shipping
  • Pickup options vary
  • Different courier services used

Delivery Tip

To receive items together, try to buy from vendors in the same city or those using the same courier service. Check vendor locations before ordering.

Managing Multiple Vendor Orders

Order Tracking

  • Unified View: See all sub-orders together
  • Individual Tracking: Track each vendor's shipment
  • Status Updates: Real-time for each order
  • Notifications: Separate alerts per vendor

Communication

  • Message vendors individually
  • Separate chat threads per vendor
  • Order-specific inquiries
  • Bargaining per vendor possible

Returns & Refunds

  • Return to specific vendor only
  • Partial returns possible
  • Refunds processed per vendor
  • Different return policies apply

Issues Resolution

If problems arise:

  • Contact specific vendor first
  • digiMall mediates if needed
  • Escrow protects each sub-order
  • Disputes handled separately

Multi-Vendor Shopping Tips

Save on Shipping

  • Combine items from same vendor when possible
  • Look for vendors with free shipping thresholds
  • Check if vendors share warehouses
  • Consider vendor location vs. your address

Optimize Delivery

  • Group urgent items from fast shippers
  • Non-urgent items from slower/cheaper vendors
  • Check vendor processing times
  • Consider vendor ratings for reliability

Payment Considerations

  • Single payment covers all vendors
  • Escrow protects each vendor transaction
  • Partial refunds if one vendor fails
  • Payment methods apply to all

Pro Multi-Vendor Tip

Create separate carts for urgent vs. non-urgent items. Checkout urgent items from fast vendors first, then place another order for non-urgent items to optimize shipping costs.

Benefits of Multi-Vendor Shopping

  • Variety: Access to more products
  • Competition: Better prices through comparison
  • Specialization: Expert vendors per category
  • Convenience: One-stop shopping
  • Protection: digiMall oversees all transactions

Potential Challenges

  • Multiple delivery dates
  • Higher combined shipping costs
  • Different return policies
  • Varied customer service quality

Remember

Each vendor is independent. Read individual vendor policies, especially for returns and warranties, as they may differ significantly between sellers.

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