We are often asked how Merchantry differs from traditional drop-ship networks. The quick and easy answer is that Merchantry is more than a network of merchants; Merchantry is a network plus technology and comprehensive product information. This offers a whole host of benefits that make running an ecommerce marketplace easy and seamless.
With a traditional drop-ship network, Marketplace Owners (MPOs) need to employ their own team of content providers because product catalog information typically is provided by the drop shipper in an analog format and, furthermore, is usually incomplete. It’s then up to the MPO to manually research, create and input this information into their ecommerce marketplace. This is not only time-consuming, it’s a lengthy process that results in errors and delays.
By contrast, Merchantry:
- Incorporates all types of suppliers, from drop shippers and drop-ship networks to warehouses and B2B partners
- Provides complete product information, including descriptions, images, attributes, etc.
- Automates product matching
- Supplies digital, ecommerce-ready catalog feeds
- Provides near-live inventory updates from the drop shippers
- Offers flexible and feature-rich catalog management and editing capabilities. MPOs are able to enrich and edit product content (e.g., adding their own images to reflect their brand personality)
- Provides intelligent business-rules-based order routing so orders are sent to the most appropriate drop shipper
What’s Next?
- Check out our blog post: “Supplier Branded or Owner Branded: Does it Matter?”
- Sign up for our newsletter
