Maker FAQ
Managing your wholesale business on PBP OMS
What is PBP OMS?
PBP OMS stands for Order Management System. It allows you to seamlessly manage your export wholesale business into one single tool with your buyers, with no fee or commission.
How do I access PBP OMS?
Simply register on https://portal.poweredbypeople.com/login and start adding in your buyers and products. You can then manage your export wholesale orders at once. Make sure to check our Resources section for tutorials.
What are the benefits of managing my wholesale business on PBP OMS?
The benefits are three fold:
1. Access aggregated solutions such as finance and logistics and gain an economic advantage
2. Simplify the ordering process with your buyers. Less back and forth to strengthen your buyer relationship
3. Unlock more opportunities for your business using the free learning resources available to build your business operation up
Is PBP OMS different from PBP MKT?
Yes. PBP MKT is one of our sales channels: a B2B Marketplace connecting makers to buyers through a curated experience. Access is through application only, available in PBP Portal.
Do I need to be selling on the PBP MKT in order to manage my wholesale business and access services through the PBP OMS?
No. You can manage your wholesale orders through the PBP OMS and gain access to our aggregated services straight away, free of charge.
I am already a vendor on PBP MKT, what can I gain from using PBP OMS?
OMS works as a consolidated solution to managing your wholesale export business: you can seamlessly manage your buyer list, orders, payments and shipping and use aggregated solutions such as financing and logistics on all your orders - at no cost.
I have a list of existing wholesale export buyers, how can I manage them on PBP OMS?
It’s simple. You can add and invite them to PBP through the “Buyers” module on the PBP Portal.
Buyers can be added through a .csv upload or individually. Step by step tutorials are available in our Resources section.
Does PBP offer any incentives when adding or inviting my buyers to PBP?
Adding your buyers to PBP OMS ensures that you will always pay 0% commission on their orders. Buyers that are new to PBP will get $100 off their first order (with a minimum purchase of $350 or your minimum order value, whichever is higher). You can write orders for these buyers straight from the PBP Maker Portal - paying no commission and accessing zero-cost advance payments.
How can I join the PBP MKT as a maker?
Please register on PBP OMS and submit your completed application for PBP MKT under Apply for PBP MKT. A PBP team member will review your application and reach out with any additional questions or information. Please note that PBP is only able to accept a limited number of makers at any given time. To learn more about selling on the PBP MKT, click here.
What happens after I apply to PBP MKT?
Once you have successfully gone through our due diligence process and received approval from our team, you will be invited to create your PBP Maker profile and will upload your full product catalog.
What is involved in the due diligence process for makers?
Our due diligence process helps us understand your business better in these areas:
- Business structure and existing sales channels
- General information on how your company is set up
- Business operations including more details on export experience and production capacity
- Products: production, technique, customization process
- Social and sustainability initiatives or the impact that you’re making with your artisans and the communities in which you work
What does it take to get onboarded to the PBP MKT?
We try to make the process as easy as possible. Once you have completed the due diligence process and been accepted to PBP MKT, the following steps are required:
- Complete your PBP Maker Profile - this acts as your storefront on the Powered by People marketplace.
- Upload your full product collection, including high-quality product images, descriptions, pricing (both wholesale & MSRP) and any additional information required.
- You can also download a CSV file and follow the guidelines to bulk upload your products. If you require additional support you can contact your regional account manager for assistance: makersupport@poweredbypeople.com
- Save and Submit all your products by clicking ‘Sell on PBP Market’ on PBP Portal. Your products should show as Pending Approval.
Our team will then proceed to review and approve your product listings and publish your brand page. We may curate your product collection, meaning we may feature some of your products while excluding others. Through the PBP Maker Portal, you can continue to edit and submit new products and variants at any time for review.
How do I set product pricing on the site?
You set your wholesale prices and manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and can dictate wholesale price breaks by volume. We take a commission on the wholesale price that the retailer pays. If you need support setting pricing please contact our team.
PBPs standard international trade terms are Free on Board meaning you as a maker are responsible for all costs associated with the shipment prior to it being loaded onto the shipping vessel. We expect that when setting your product pricing you are taking these costs into account.
Does PBP require exclusivity or am I free to sell through other channels and platforms?
We operate different exclusivity clauses based on the retail channel as follows:
- PBP MKT: No exclusivity: Makers are free to continue selling across any additional sales channels that they wish to.
- PBP Dropship: This sales channel requires exclusivity. Your PBP sales representative can advise on the exclusivity requirements.
What do I do if I want to stop selling on PBP?
If for any reason you would no longer like to sell on PBP, please send an email to makersupport@poweredbypeople.com and we will assist you.
What can I sell on PBP MKT?
PBP MKT is meant to serve buyers while sourcing across a wide range of product categories. Our core product categories today include Decor (tableware, vases, wall accents, etc.), Style (clothing, accessories, etc.), Apothecary (candles, soaps, skincare, etc.) and Living (lighting, rugs, textiles, furniture, etc.). Please review our product categories as published on our website. We are always looking to expand and add additional categories and encourage you to submit your application for review.
Will you list all of my products on the marketplace?
We will list your entire catalog granted that each piece complies with our Maker Values Guidelines and our Product Quality Standards. We require all makers on our platform to list full catalogs and update them in a timely manner when existing SKUs are discontinued and new SKUs are added.
How do product customization requests work?
We believe that makers like you are in a unique position to meet the current needs of retail: unique product development and lower minimum order quantities (MOQ)
Retailers are encouraged to customize and buy exclusive colors/patterns, sizes/shapes, and packaging/labeling for their shop. When uploading your products, we ask that you list all possible variants and indicate if a product is available for customized production. If a buyer is interested in an exclusive alternative, we will contact you immediately to confirm the custom variant or packaging request.
My product specifications have changed, how do I update them on PBP?
All changes related to your product can be done in your maker account - log in here
Will PBP assign SKUs to my products or should I share SKUs?
We ask all makers to assign unique SKUs to their products when uploading them to PBP MKT. As a reminder, SKUs should be unique including down to an individual variant level. For example, if you sell a vase in 3 different sizes (S,M,L) and each size is available in 2 different colors (white, black) then you should assign 6 unique SKUs for each product (S-White, S-Black, M-White, M-Black, L-White, L-Black). If you require support with unique SKU creation best practices, you can reach out to our team for assistance (makersupport@poweredbypeople.com)
I’m going on leave or shutting down my production for a period of time, how do I let buyers know this?
Reach out to makersupport@poweredbypeople.com and we would be happy to put your profile on pause.
My production times have changed, how do I let buyers know this?
The lead time displayed on your collection page can be updated within your Maker Profile settings. You can also update lead times for individual products by navigating to the Products page and editing the lead time field for individual products.
I have a large collection, can I import a CSV to PBP MKT?
Yes — you can find an option to bulk import via .csv in the products section.
How often should I update my collections?
You should strive to keep your collection on PBP as up to date as possible and recommend twice a year minimum. Some examples of when you should immediately update your catalog are:
- If you discontinue production of a particular product or product line
- If you have updated pricing for any of your products
- Whenever new products are added to your wholesale collection
Please review our Resources section for more information on Buying season.
How can I update my catalog?
From your account, you can upload and/or edit your wholesale catalog.
- Upload: Upload products individually or in bulk via a .csv upload
- Edit: At this time, you can make edits to individual products or bulk update your products from the product list.
- Coming soon: The ability to bulk edit via CSV — Export your catalog, make all the required changes in the downloaded .csv, and re-upload to reflect the edited fields.
Step by step tutorials are available in our Resources section
Are there key timing for updating my pricing?
We understand your pricing may change at the beginning of each year, and we would encourage you to update it as early as possible in January, as well as ahead of any key buying season. For pricing guidance, we also encourage you to review PBP´s Learning Universe, which offers webinars and useful documentation including worksheets for export readiness including a pricing module (see Snapshot: Export pricing and distribution costs).
Once your products are updated, please make sure to contact your regional lead for fast approval (NB. products should be marked as pending approval )
My products are showing as Pending approval, who shall I advise when updating my collection and pricing?
Once you’ve updated your collection and/or pricing, email makersupport@poweredbypeople.com or your regional manager to advise them of the same. Your products will then be approved by our team.
I’d like some support with uploading my collection, can the PBP team help?
For any other support you can reach out to makersupport@poweredbypeople.com or directly to your regional manager at PBP.
What sales channels does PBP provide access to?
- PBP MKT: The online B2B marketplace www.poweredbypeople.com where buyers can register and easily source wholesale from listed global makers.
- PBP MKT+: A personalized service to support larger retailers such as LVMH, Banana Republic, Liberty London etc., to meet unique product assortment needs. MKT+ opportunities often require custom products and PBP Verified status.
- PBP DropShip: PBP collaborates with large and medium sized retailers to bring a sustainable product assortment to their storefronts. To be considered for dropship, we may require your products to be landed in the US and at a consistent stock level. If your products are not landed in the US, we may purchase inventory from you and manage the entire process. You should also be PBP Verified to access PBP Dropship opportunities.
Which large retailers does PBP work with?
Here are some examples of the large retailers PBP works with: LVMH, Banana Republic, Liberty London, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Shoppe Amber Interiors, Hawkins New York, Ganni, World Market, The Citizenry, Indigo, The Smithsonian and more.
What if I already have a country distributor? Should I sell different products on PBP?
We would encourage you to offer your full collection through PBP marketplace as a key sales channel, but understand that specific distributor agreements include exclusivity clauses due to which you may not be able to do so. Please contact makersupport@poweredbypeople.com to review your available collection together.
How does PBP promote my business?
We have a multifaceted approach to connecting you to international buyers, here are some of the ways we do this:
We’ve built a network of over 25,000 existing US and European buyers. Our in-house sales representatives are communicating with our buyer network daily.
We run marketing and public relations campaigns for our makers across social media and industry publications.
We’ve built strategic partnerships with retailers, other large platforms, trade shows, and relevant networks to provide the broadest exposure possible for our makers.
Trade shows selection and attendance
Does PBP attend any trade shows?
PBP attends the Shoppe Object show in New York twice a year, as well as the High Point show once a year in North Carolina.
What is the process to have my products featured in the PBP booth?
The PBP team will select the full collection of products to be showcased. We will contact you directly to request products and advise on logistics and fees applicable.
I am attending the same trade show as PBP, what would be the best practice to avoid competition?
Aside from price alignment which is required, PBP also offers buyers a special show incentive which we would love for your buyers to benefit from too. Our sales team will share this incentive with you ahead of time, and will further discuss with you how you can transact directly through the PBP OMS at the show.
How will I be notified about new orders?
You will receive an email notification with order details when an order has been placed on PBP MKT. You can view additional order details and confirm new orders by logging into the PBP Portal and selecting the ‘Orders’ tab.
I have a question about an order I received, who can I speak to?
If you can’t find the answer to your question within our FAQ section, you can always reach out to our Sales Support team at salessupport@poweredbypeople.com
Can I contact my buyer about an order?
No, at this time we ask makers to not contact any buyer directly. All communications, coordination, invoicing and payments are managed through the PBP platform and by our inhouse Sales Support team. Any questions about an order you’ve received should be directed to our Sales Support team atsalessupport@poweredbypeople.com
Where can I find information about the buyer for a specific order?
Buyer details are shown on orders within the PBP Portal and are also shared in the email notification you receive once an order has been placed. If you need any additional details about a buyer related to an order you’ve received, please contact our Sales Support team at salessupport@poweredbypeople.com
I’m unable to view my order on the PBP Portal, what do I do?
We’re sorry to hear that! Powered by People is still a new company and we’re working hard everyday to improve our tech but bugs still arise from time-to-time. If you’ve received an email notification about a new order but can’t see that order when you log into the PBP OMS follow these steps:
- Respond directly to the email and notify our Sales Support team of the issue - they will troubleshoot and notify you when the issue is resolved.
I received an order but I can only partially fulfill it. What should I do?
If you are only able to partially fulfill an order you can reach out to our Sales Support team at salessupport@poweredbypeople.com and let us know what products and quantities you can fulfill and your expected shipping date. Our Sales Support team will adjust the order and notify the buyer of any changes.
Do not produce an order if you cannot fulfill it in full. The reason we ask our makers to confirm quantities in each order before producing is that our buyers often purchase in sets and if they are not able to receive a full order they may choose to cancel the order.
I received an order for an item that is currently out of stock, what should I do?
If certain items are currently out of stock we can work with the buyer to decide the best path forward. Our buyers understand that handmade goods take care and time to produce. As a result, most buyers are happy to wait for goods to be shipped within 1-2 months of order placement.
Please reach out to salessupport@poweredbypeople.com to let us know when you expect to be able to ship out your order. We will then work with the buyer to decide whether or not they can wait for the goods to be produced or if the order should be canceled.
I am unable to fulfill an order by the expected shipping date I had initially provided, what should I do?
You can update the expected shipping date for products directly in the PBP Portal by navigating to the order and pressing the “Adjust Shipping Date” button. You will be prompted to enter an updated expected shipping date along with a reason for the adjustment.
One of my existing buyers placed an order with my business through PBP MKT but I’m still being charged for commission. What should I do?
In order to qualify for commission-free sales on PBP MKT, makers should share their buyer’s contact details with PBP prior to a sale being placed. Please send an email to salessupport@poweredbypeople.com and we will support you with this.
How will I get paid?
You will receive payment for confirmed orders directly into the bank account that you have saved on file on the PBP marketplace. At this time we are only able to make payments directly to bank accounts and cannot accommodate payments via cash, cheque, or any alternative payment methods.
What is PBP’s overall commission structure?
See the table below for a breakdown by sales channels, buyer types, and order type.
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