Creating a multivendor marketplace is a powerful way to connect sellers and buyers on a single platform.
Dokan, the leading WordPress plugin for multivendor marketplaces, makes it easy to build a fully functional and user-friendly platform. It offers a suite of features, including vendor registration, product management, payment integrations, and customizable settings, designed to help you manage your marketplace efficiently.
In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up your multivendor marketplace with Dokan.
We will cover everything from installation to advanced configurations.
This guide will help you get up and running quickly with Dokan.
Let’s get started-
How to Build a Marketplace Dokan Multivendor Marketplace Plugin
Dokan Multivendor Marketplace is one of the most popular WordPress plugins for building online marketplaces. With over 50,000 active installations on WordPress.org, it has become the top choice among multivendor marketplace plugins. Offering 40+ modules and a wide range of features, Dokan stands out as the leading solution in this category.
Powered by WooCommerce, Dokan is compatible with all WooCommerce features and themes and requires minimal customization to set up and use effectively.
Now, let’s see the steps of how to build a marketplace using the Dokan multivendor marketplace plugin.
Step 1: Activate Dokan to Create Your Multivendor Marketplace
After configuring WooCommerce, you need to install Dokan to create a multivendor marketplace for your products.
Installing Dokan multivendor is as simple as installing any other WordPress plugin.
You can install the plugin from the WordPress dashboard by,
- Navigating to Admin Dashboard -> Plugin-> Add New-> Click the search
- Type Dokan -> Install -> Activate.
Dokan multivendor will also provide a setup wizard that will help you easily set up your marketplace. You can configure Dokan with ease by using its own Wizard.
If you are still confused, go through the video tutorial on Dokan installation.
Step 2: Install a Dokan Compatible Theme
You must install a Dokan-compatible theme. Any theme that is compatible with WooCommerce is also compatible with Dokan multivendor.
However, Dokan has its own theme “Dokani” that you can use for your convenience.
The themes can be found in WP-Admin-> Appearance-> Themes. Make sure the theme is compatible with Dokan.
If you choose another theme, you will need to customize it to be compatible with your marketplace.
Step 3: Configure Dokan General Settings
After installing and activating the Dokan multivendor plugin, you now need to configure all the basic settings. You will find all the settings options at WP-Admin–> Dokan–> Settings.
From here you can:
- Set up your store terms and conditions
- Create store category
- Enable payment gateways
- Configure withdrawal methods
- Allow vendors to upload new products
- Set new product status
- Configure selling options
From the Page Settings option, you can select the pages for the vendor dashboard, order page, store listing, and terms and conditions page.
Remember to click the Save Changes button after configuring all the settings to ensure your changes are saved. Otherwise, your settings will be lost.
You should configure your permalink settings to avoid encountering a 404 error on certain pages. To do this, navigate to WP Admin -> Settings -> Permalinks -> Permalink Settings -> Product Permalinks. Select the checkbox for Custom Base, and enter /product in the provided box.
You have to set your commission rate as well. Go to WP Admin Dashboard -> Dokan -> Settings -> Selling Options -> Admin Commission.
You’ll find different options to insert the percentage or fixed amount. Dokan supports various types of vendor commissions.
Enable Payment Gateways
The Dokan Multivendor plugin supports all WooCommerce-compatible payment gateways, giving you a wide range of options to simplify transactions on your marketplace.
With the free version of Dokan, you can use non-adaptive payment methods such as check payments, bank transfers, and cash on delivery. To enable support for credit cards, debit cards, and other payment methods, you can install the WooPayments plugin.
However, if you want your marketplace to support adaptive payment solutions like Stripe Connect and MOIP, you must install the Dokan Pro version.
Enable Withdraw Methods for Vendors
A smooth withdrawal system is essential for running a successful online marketplace, and the Dokan Multivendor plugin makes it easy to manage this aspect.
To configure the withdrawal settings, go to WP Admin -> Dokan -> Settings -> Withdraw Options. Here, you can customize the withdrawal methods and set the minimum balance required for vendors to request a withdrawal.
Step 4: Upload Products and Setup Admin Shop If You Want
This is an optional step. You can create your store on your marketplace if you want to earn some extra money. All you need to do is enable yourself to sell.
Go to Dokan-> Vendors. Here, you can enable selling by toggling the button. You can upload your products by navigating to WordPress Backend -> Products -> Add New.
To upload products from the front end, navigate to WordPress Dashboard -> Vendor Dashboard -> Products-> Add New. Your registered vendors will upload products this way.
Vendors can add functionalities like shipping, taxes, and product attributes from the product creation form.
Step 5: Allow Vendors to Sign up to Your Marketplace
Now that you have added all the functionalities to your marketplace, you can invite vendors to sign up for your marketplace.
Dokan multivendor has a default registration form that will help vendors sign up for your marketplace.
Or you can create customized registration forms with the necessary fields, especially for your marketplace.
For vendors to start selling, you need to enable selling status from Dokan-> Vendors.
Also, if you want the vendors to upload their products, then you need to change the product status from Dokan -> Settings -> Selling options. You need to enable the New Vendors Product Upload
Vendors can upload their products from the front end as we’ve shown above for the admin shop.
You Are Ready to Sell!
Step 6: Launch Your Marketplace
A strategic launch ensures a strong start. Steps include:
- Hosting a pre-launch event or webinar to create excitement and awareness.
- Collaborating with influencers or industry leaders to reach a broader audience.
- Offering exclusive deals or discounts for early vendors and buyers to encourage participation.
Organize a virtual event showcasing top products on your platform. Invite industry influencers and buyers to participate, creating buzz.
Improve Your Marketplace with Advanced Features
After establishing the core functionality of your multivendor marketplace, adding advanced features can significantly increase the experience for vendors and customers.
Most amazingly, Dokan offers you around 40 exclusive modules to enhance your marketplace activities. Modules such as Product Variations and Product Add-ons allow customization, while Vendor Reviews and Product Q&A build trust and transparency.
Modules like Live Chat and RMA ease communication and post-purchase processes.
To further optimize your marketplace, consider using the Vendor Analytics, and Dokan Subscription Module to enable your vendors with better management tools.
Shipping and Ajax Live Search simplify logistics and product discovery, while the Dokan Mobile App ensures seamless access on the go.
These additions not only improve user engagement but also position your marketplace for long-term success.