From Zero to Launch: Your Marketplace Pre-Launch Checklist
Getting ready to launch your marketplace? It’s an exciting step — but there’s a lot to think about. A successful launch starts with a solid foundation. Whether you’re building a product marketplace, a service-based platform, or both, having a clear pre-launch checklist can make all the difference.
Here’s what to have in place before you go live.
1. Get clear on your core value proposition
Why does your marketplace exist? Who is it for? And what makes it worth their time?
Define:
- The problem you’re solving
- Your key users (supply and demand)
- What makes your marketplace better than what’s out there
A focused value proposition helps keep your messaging, user experience and product decisions aligned from day one.
2. Make sure your supply side is ready
Your marketplace doesn’t work without suppliers — whether that’s vendors, service providers, or hosts. Before you launch, make sure your supply side is well represented and high quality.
- Onboard enough supply to make your marketplace feel alive
- Ensure listings are complete with strong imagery and descriptions
- Test the end-to-end seller or provider experience
Tip: Create a few demo listings yourself so users don’t land on an empty page.
3. Test every step of the user journey
Go through your platform like a new user. Then do the same as a seller. It’s the quickest way to spot gaps or confusion.
Check:
- Sign-up and login flows
- Search and discovery
- Booking or checkout process
- Messaging and notifications
- Payments and payouts
Fixing friction before launch saves you time (and trust) later.
4. Confirm your payments are working properly
Your payments setup needs to be smooth for buyers and sellers. No surprises, no delays.
- Test Stripe (or your chosen gateway) in live mode
- Make sure fees and payout terms are clearly explained
- Double-check your terms and policies
If you’re using Markko, this part is already integrated — just connect your Stripe account and you’re ready to go.
5. Set up customer support basics
Even in the early days, users will have questions. Have simple support in place so you can respond quickly.
Start with:
- A visible contact option (email or live chat)
- A short FAQ covering common queries
- A clear refund or dispute policy
Bonus: Add automated emails or notifications to answer questions before they’re asked.
6. Plan your Day One marketing
A strong launch isn’t about big spend — it’s about clarity. Who do you want to reach, and how will you reach them?
Your launch plan might include:
- A short email to early signups or waitlist members
- Organic social posts or community announcements
- A landing page with a clear CTA
- A small paid campaign to test messaging
Keep it simple, but intentional. You only launch once.
7. Know what happens after launch
Going live is just the beginning. It’s what happens next that shapes your growth.
Have a plan for:
- Gathering user feedback
- Iterating based on early behaviour
- Tracking key metrics (supply growth, bookings, GMV)
- Staying in touch with early users
Make learning a core part of your post-launch rhythm.
Final thoughts
Launching a marketplace is a big milestone — but with the right prep, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Use this checklist to get your foundations right, so you can go live with confidence.
Building on Markko? We’ve taken care of many of these steps already — from payments to onboarding flows — so you can focus on growth, not setup.
Got a launch in mind? Get in touch — we’d love to help you bring your marketplace to life.