You’ve built your marketplace. The tech is solid. The design looks great. But without quality supply, there’s no reason for buyers to stick around.
Attracting the right vendors or service providers isn’t just about numbers — it’s about finding the right people, getting them to care, and helping them succeed. Here’s how to do that.
1. Start with a clear pitch
Vendors get pitched all the time. Why should they join your platform?
Make it easy for them to understand:
- What problem you’re solving
- What kind of customer you’re attracting
- What value they’ll get (revenue? exposure? tools?)
Keep your message focused, and lead with benefits. Avoid jargon. Think like a business owner — what would make this a no-brainer for you?
2. Make onboarding simple (and fast)
First impressions count. A clunky or confusing onboarding experience can lose vendors before they even get started.
Make sure:
- The signup process is smooth and fast
- Profile or listing creation is straightforward
- Support is available if needed
Tip: Pre-fill listings, offer templates, or do the heavy lifting for early users. Make it easy to say yes.
3. Offer early-mover advantages
Incentivise your first vendors with something meaningful. Being part of the founding group should feel like an opportunity, not a risk.
You could offer:
- Lower commission fees
- Featured placement in search
- Early access to platform updates
- Co-marketing opportunities
Position it as an exclusive window — not just a discount.
4. Be where your vendors already are
You don’t need to cast a wide net — you need the right people. Go to the places they already hang out online or in person.
- Niche forums, communities or groups
- Local events, meetups or trade shows
- Industry newsletters or podcasts
Focus on genuine conversations over hard sells. Relationships drive results.
5. Use social proof from Day One
People follow people. If you’ve already got early vendors using your platform, show them off.
- Publish case studies or testimonials
- Highlight live listings
- Share behind-the-scenes onboarding stories
Not many yet? No problem. Be transparent about your mission and show that you’re building something with care.
6. Show them the numbers (when you have them)
As you grow, your data becomes a compelling part of your pitch.
Things like:
- Average number of views or bookings per listing
- Conversion rates
- Payout speed and volume
Even rough numbers can build trust — especially when they reflect early traction.
7. Be an actual partner, not just a platform
Vendors don’t want another app — they want a way to grow their business.
So be helpful:
- Share insights on what’s working
- Offer tips to improve listings or photos
- Give feedback from real users
Support breeds loyalty. And loyalty grows supply.
Final thoughts
Quality supply doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a thoughtful, user-first approach — one where your vendors are treated as collaborators, not just content.
At Markko, we make it easy to onboard and support high-quality vendors from day one — whether you’re just launching or scaling fast.
Want help building a vendor-friendly marketplace? Get in touch — we’d love to support your next move.