Shopping on Bee Local Marketplace
Welcome to the Bee Local marketplace! Our platform connects you with authentic local vendors selling fresh produce, artisan goods, and unique pre-loved items. This guide will help you make the most of your shopping experience.
What Makes Us Different
- Local Focus: All vendors are UK-based independent businesses
- Quality Guarantee: Every vendor is verified and approved
- Direct from Source: Products come straight from producers
- Community Support: Your purchases support local economies
- Flexible Delivery: Vendors offer delivery or collection options
- Secure Payments: All transactions protected by Stripe
Browsing Products on Bee Local
Visit the Marketplace
Click "Marketplace" in the main navigation or visit directly at /marketplace/browse to see all available products from local vendors.
Browse by Category
Products are organized into three main categories:
- Local Produce: Fresh food, honey, organic vegetables, artisan breads
- Pre-loved: Vintage items, antiques, refurbished goods, sustainable choices
- Services: Local service providers and consultants
View Vendor Storefronts
Click on individual vendors to see their full product range, delivery areas, and business information. Each vendor has their own dedicated storefront.
Using Search and Filters
Find exactly what you're looking for with our powerful search and filtering system:
Search Options
| Search Type | How to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Type the product you want | "organic honey" |
| Location Filter | Enter your postcode for local results | "SW1A 1AA" or "M1" |
| Price Range | Set minimum and maximum prices | £5 - £50 |
| Category Filter | Choose specific product categories | Local Produce only |
Delivery Areas
Products are only available in vendors' delivery areas. Check the postcode filter to see what's available in your location.
Understanding Product Pages
Each product page provides comprehensive information to help you make informed purchases:
Product Information
- Product Images: Multiple photos showing the item from different angles
- Detailed Description: Complete information about the product
- Price & Availability: Current price and stock status
- Vendor Information: Details about the business selling the item
Category-Specific Details
- Local Produce: Organic status, harvest dates, storage instructions
- Pre-loved Items: Condition, age, brand, authenticity details
- Services: Service areas, availability, consultation options
Adding Items to Your Cart
Build your order by adding products from one or more vendors:
How to Add Products
- Browse products and click on items you're interested in
- Review product details, price, and vendor information
- Select quantity (check stock availability)
- Click "Add to Cart" button
- Continue shopping or proceed to checkout
- View your cart anytime by clicking the cart icon
Important Shopping Rules
- Minimum Order: £50 minimum per vendor for delivery
- Mixed Orders: You can order from multiple vendors in one transaction
- Stock Levels: Items are reserved for 30 minutes after adding to cart
- Delivery Zones: Only products available in your area will show up
Secure Checkout Process
Complete your order with our secure, streamlined checkout system:
Checkout Features
- Secure Payments: All transactions processed through Stripe
- Multiple Vendors: Order from several vendors in one transaction
- Account Integration: Faster checkout for registered customers
- Guest Checkout: No registration required for one-time purchases
Step-by-Step Checkout
- Review items in your cart and quantities
- Verify delivery addresses for each vendor
- Choose delivery or collection options
- Enter your contact and billing information
- Select payment method (card, digital wallet)
- Review order summary and total costs
- Complete payment to confirm your order
Payment & Pricing Details
| Cost Component | Details | When Applied |
|---|---|---|
| Product Price | Set by individual vendors | Always |
| Delivery Fee | Per vendor, varies by location | When delivery selected |
| Service Fee | Platform processing fee | Per transaction |
| VAT | UK VAT where applicable | On eligible products |
Tracking Your Orders
Stay informed about your order status from confirmation to delivery:
Order Status Updates
| Status | Description | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Order Placed | Payment confirmed, vendor notified | Immediate |
| Processing | Vendor preparing your order | 1-24 hours |
| Ready for Delivery | Order packed and ready to dispatch | 1-3 days |
| Out for Delivery | Order on route to your address | Same day |
| Delivered | Order successfully delivered | - |
How to Track Orders
- Create an account or log in to view order history
- Visit "My Orders" from your account menu
- Click on specific orders to see detailed status
- Check your email for automated status updates
- Contact vendors directly for delivery enquiries
Getting Help & Support
We're here to help with any questions or issues you encounter:
Support Channels
- Knowledge Base: Comprehensive guides and FAQs
- Direct Contact: Email support for specific issues
- Vendor Communication: Direct contact with individual sellers
- Community Forum: Peer-to-peer assistance and tips
Common Issues & Solutions
- Order Problems: Contact the specific vendor first, then platform support if needed
- Payment Issues: Check with your bank, then contact our payment support team
- Delivery Concerns: Track your order and contact the vendor for updates
- Product Quality: Work directly with vendors who handle their own returns/refunds
- Account Issues: Use password reset or contact technical support
Remember
Each vendor manages their own customer service, delivery, and returns. For order-specific issues, contact the vendor directly first.
Manage multiple products efficiently with bulk operations:
Bulk Update Options
- Select Multiple Products: Use checkboxes to select items
- Increase All: Add same quantity to multiple products
- Decrease All: Reduce stock across selected items
- Set All to Same Level: Standardize stock levels
- Apply Percentage Change: Increase/decrease by percentage
Common Bulk Scenarios
- New Delivery Arrived: Add quantities to multiple products
- End of Season Sale: Reduce stock across category
- Inventory Audit: Update all quantities after physical count
- Supplier Issues: Mark multiple items as out of stock
Bulk Update Safety
Always review bulk changes before applying. Use the preview feature to see exactly what will change before confirming.