Meesho Seller Guide: Starting Your Online Business Journey

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, Meesho stands out as a game-changer for both experienced retailers and budding entrepreneurs. Offering unique advantages and opportunities, Meesho empowers individuals to venture into the online marketplace with ease. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the details of how to set up a Meesho seller account and explore the benefits and challenges that come with this online platform. Whether you're an experienced seller or just getting started, Meesho could be your gateway to a thriving online business in 2023.

Setting Up Your Meesho Seller Account

Starting your journey as a Meesho seller is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to get your account ready:

1. Register Your Account

To begin selling on Meesho, you'll need to create a Meesho account. The initial requirements for registration include:

• Mobile Number & Email ID
• GSTIN Number (for GST sellers) or Enrolment ID / UIN (for non-GST sellers)
• Active Bank Account with the same GST

Once you've provided these details, you'll be prompted to enter your Store Name, which will serve as the name of your online business. Additionally, you'll need to add a Pickup Address from which orders will be collected by Meesho's logistics partners. With these steps completed, your free Meesho seller account will be ready for action.

2. Listing Your Products

After completing the registration process, you'll gain access to the Meesho Supplier Panel, which is your central hub for managing your online business. The Supplier Panel simplifies the process of listing your products, managing inventory, processing orders, and tracking payments. Here's how to list your products:

What Is the Meesho Supplier Panel?

The Meesho Supplier Panel is your all-in-one solution for online selling. It streamlines various aspects of your online business, from product listing to order processing and payment tracking. Watch the provided video in the panel to get a better understanding.

It's essential to review the legal and policies section within the Supplier Panel to ensure your uploaded catalogs comply with Meesho's policies.

What Is a Catalog?

In the context of Meesho, a catalog is essentially the list of products you want to sell. You can choose to upload a single catalog or multiple catalogs in bulk using a CSV (Excel) file. Within each catalog, you can include a minimum of 1 product and a maximum of 9 products of the same category that you intend to sell. For example, if you wish to sell six sarees, you can include all six products in the same catalog. However, if you want to sell one saree and one kurta, you'll need to create separate catalogs for each category.

How to Upload a Catalog

Uploading your product catalog to Meesho is now a straightforward process. Here's a summary of the steps:

• Select a category when uploading the catalog.
• Upload product images for each item. It's recommended to include multiple images for a better customer view. Detailed image guidelines are available in the Meesho Supplier Panel.
• Provide product details such as the price, GST, and more.

It's advisable to create catalogs with at least 3-4 products to increase the likelihood of receiving orders. In the initial days, consider uploading 5-7 catalogs to improve your visibility and reach potential customers.

Again, make sure to review the legal and policies section within the Supplier Panel to ensure your catalogs align with Meesho's policies.

Getting Orders

Once your product catalog is live on Meesho, you can start selling. Meesho's platform is accessible to more than 11 crore active customers across India. To boost your sales and attract more customers, consider the following tips:

• List more catalogs: Typically, it takes 5-7 catalogs to begin receiving orders on Meesho. The more catalogs you upload, the higher your chances of attracting orders.
• Set the right price: When pricing your products, consider costs and desired profit margins. Competitive pricing can make your products more appealing to customers.
• Use the Price Recommendation Tool: Leverage this tool to determine competitive prices and gain an edge over other sellers, increasing visibility and sales.
• Follow trends: Customers prefer fresh and unique trends. Listing trending products can help you secure more orders.
• Opt for the Next Day Dispatch (NDD) Program: Meesho offers extra visibility to catalogs that qualify for the NDD program, boosting your sales.

Delivery & Payment

When an order is placed for your product, you'll receive an email notification. You can also track order updates in the Meesho Supplier Panel.

Meesho charges the lowest shipping cost for deliveries across India. The logistics partner picks up the product from your location and delivers it directly to the customer.

Payment for your orders is securely deposited into your bank account on the 7th day from the date of order delivery, even for Cash on Delivery orders. You can monitor your deposited balance and future payments through the Meesho Supplier Panel.

Benefits of Selling on Meesho

Now that you're well on your way to becoming a Meesho seller, let's explore the advantages that set Meesho apart from other online marketplaces.

1. Low Commission Rates

Meesho boasts remarkably low commission rates compared to industry standards. While many online marketplaces charge commissions ranging from 5% to 20%, Meesho's rates are often closer to 1.1% to 1.4%, depending on the commodity type and category. This competitive pricing empowers retailers to set competitive prices for their products and achieve higher profit margins.

Lower commission fees are a game-changer for small businesses with tight profit margins, making Meesho an attractive platform for sellers looking to maximize their profitability.

2. Lack of Collection Fees

Unlike many e-commerce platforms that impose collection fees and fixed charges on each product sold, Meesho offers a breath of fresh air to sellers by eliminating these extra costs. On Meesho, there are no chargeable fixed or collection fees, ensuring that sellers keep more of their hard-earned money.

This fee structure allows retailers to focus on their business growth without worrying about excessive deductions from their earnings.

3. 24/7 Operation

One of Meesho's significant advantages is that it operates 24/7, unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This continuous availability extends the window for generating interest among potential customers and closing sales.

Sellers can now engage in productive activities or enjoy personal time, knowing that orders can be generated regardless of their physical presence. The infrastructure needed to fulfill orders is always in place, enabling sellers to tap into a broader market.

4. Penalty-Free Returns

Returns are a common challenge in e-commerce, and they can be a significant pain point for online retailers. Many platforms penalize sellers for returns, regardless of the reason. Meesho, however, stands out by not penalizing sellers for returns, regardless of the cause.

Meesho handles both forward and reverse logistics, making it easier for retailers to manage returns without incurring additional costs. This seller-friendly approach promotes customer satisfaction and trust.

5. No Hidden Shipping Fees

Unexpected shipping fees are a major reason why customers abandon their shopping carts. Meesho addresses this issue by bundling shipping costs into the product's price. For example, if a seller prices a product at ₹300, Meesho will display the listing price as ₹350 to account for delivery expenses.

This approach eliminates the need for sellers to pay for shipping, reducing a significant hurdle in the e-commerce business.

Challenges Faced by Meesho Sellers

While Meesho offers numerous benefits, it's essential to be aware of some challenges that sellers may encounter when using the platform.

1. Enormous Delivery Expenses

Meesho takes on the responsibility of shipping and distribution costs, which can result in higher delivery expenses compared to other platforms. While sellers usually have strategies to mitigate shipping charges, Meesho follows a standard practice of increasing the listing price to cover these expenses. Sellers must be aware of the potential impact on their pricing strategies.

2. Varying Degrees of Quality Control

Meesho's quality-checking procedures may not be as stringent as some sellers would prefer. Consequently, customers may occasionally receive damaged or substandard products. This can be detrimental to the reputation of both the platform and the sellers, even if the sellers conduct their own rigorous quality checks. Maintaining a strong commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction is crucial for success on Meesho.

3. Slow Delivery and Inconsistent Customer Support

Customers often report delays in receiving Meesho products, which can negatively affect the perception of both the platform and the seller's brand. Sellers who rely on Meesho's delivery service may encounter challenges in delivering orders on time. Additionally, inconsistent customer support can result in unsatisfied customers and harm a seller's chances of building a loyal customer base.

Conclusion

Meesho offers an attractive platform for sellers looking to establish or expand their online business in 2023. With low commission rates, the absence of collection fees, 24/7 operation, penalty-free returns, and no hidden shipping fees, Meesho provides a host of advantages that set it apart from other e-commerce platforms. While there are challenges, including delivery expenses, quality control, and customer support, sellers can succeed on Meesho by carefully managing these aspects.

Whether you're a small business looking to boost your profitability or an aspiring entrepreneur seeking an entry point into the world of online retail, Meesho is a platform worth exploring. By following the steps outlined in this guide and being mindful of both the benefits and challenges, you can embark on a successful journey as a Meesho seller and make the most of the dynamic e-commerce landscape.