Marketplace Comprehensive Business FAQ
Questions our users ask about our Marketplace Comprehensive Business
General Overview
What is The Nod Marketplace?
The Nod Marketplace is a curated digital space for Black-owned businesses to list products or services, connect with potential customers, and benefit from a referral ecosystem powered by ambassadors, affiliates, and community leaders.
Who can apply to join The Nod Marketplace?
Black-owned and Black-led businesses across product, service, and creative sectors, whether operating online or physically in Canada.
What makes The Nod different from other marketplaces?
- Community-driven referrals
- Vanguard & affiliate involvement
- Automatic commission splits for groups, Vanguards, and The Nod
- Manual curation for quality control
- Trial period without subscription fees
Does The Nod sell products directly?
No — The Nod connects buyers and merchants but does not handle inventory or resell products. Merchants control fulfillment.
Application
How do I apply to The Nod Marketplace?
Complete the Merchant Registration Form with:
- Business name
- Website
- Social media links
- Business description
- GST & Incorporation numbers (optional)
Is merchant approval automatic?
No. All applications undergo manual admin review to ensure fit with the community and quality standards.
What happens if my application is rejected?
You’ll receive an email explaining the reason. You may improve and reapply or contact support for guidance.
Is there a cost to apply?
No — applying and listing are free during the 6-month trial period.
What happens after approval?
You’ll get access to your merchant dashboard to create listings, manage products, view orders, and track revenue.
What if I don’t have a GST or Incorporation Number?
That’s fine — they are optional unless legally required for your business type.
How long does merchant review take?
Typically 2–5 business days.
Setting Up Your Profile
What content is required for a listing?
- Business description
- At least 1 logo or photo
- Contact details
- Links to website or social pages
Can I edit my listing after publishing?
Yes. Merchants can request updates via support or their dashboard (if applicable).
What formats are accepted for logos/images?
PNG, JPEG, WEBP under 5MB.
Can I list multiple businesses under one profile?
No — each business requires a separate application.
Can I list both products and services?
Yes — you may offer both, but they must fit your business type and description.
Payment, Commission & Stripe Integration
How are payments processed?
Through Stripe Checkout — merchants must set up Stripe Connect (Express or Standard).
Why do I need a Stripe account?
Only merchants connected via Stripe Connect receive payouts.
What happens if I don’t connect Stripe?
You cannot receive payment shares until connected.
How are payments split?
Standard split on each sale:
- Stripe Fee: 2.9% + 30¢
- Merchant: Remainder
- Group Lead (if any): 1%
- Vanguard Referrer (if any): 0.5%
- The Nod Platform: 2%
Can I track the split for each transaction?
Yes — every sale breakdown is logged and available for audit.
Does The Nod take additional commission?
Only the 2% platform fee as part of the split. No hidden costs.
Are there subscription fees?
No — the first 6 months are free of platform subscription fees.
What happens after the trial period?
Subscription fee plans may be introduced. Merchants will be informed in advance.
Is tax (GST/HST) handled by The Nod?
No. Merchants are responsible for their own tax filings.
Can I set my own product prices?
Yes — pricing control remains with the merchant.
Orders, Fulfillment & Customer Interactions
Do I handle my own order fulfillment?
Yes — The Nod is not involved in inventory, shipping, or delivery.
How are customers notified of orders?
Via email confirmation post-payment.
Can I message customers directly?
Yes — once an order is placed, you may contact the buyer via provided details.
Can I cancel orders?
Yes — merchants may cancel orders at their discretion.
How are refunds handled?
You are responsible for your refund policy. The Nod does not process refunds on your behalf.
What if there is a customer dispute?
You handle disputes directly; The Nod mediates only if necessary.
Promotion, Visibility & Growth
How does The Nod promote my business?
- App homepage spotlights
- Social media shoutouts
- Email features
- Group Lead and Vanguard referrals
Can I request to be featured?
Yes — submit a Feature Request Form after onboarding.
Will I be included in the Community Spotlight Program?
Possibly — top-performing or unique businesses are selected monthly.
Can I offer app-exclusive discounts?
Yes — include them in your listing description.
Will my business appear in Radar searches?
Yes — if relevant to the user’s search, interest, or location.
Does The Nod run paid ads for merchants?
Not yet — but promotional campaigns may include featured merchants.
How can I track marketplace performance?
Basic metrics are available in the dashboard or via monthly reports.
Legal, Data & Policies
Am I considered an employee of The Nod?
No — all merchants are independent operators.
What are my tax obligations?
You are responsible for declaring income, GST/HST, and any other taxes due.
Who owns my business content?
You retain ownership, but grant The Nod rights to display and promote your content on-platform.
Can The Nod remove my listing?
Yes — for violations of community standards, legal breaches, or policy updates (with notice).
What happens to my data?
Data is stored securely and may be used for platform services, analytics, or ecosystem reports (non-personalized unless agreed).
Support & Troubleshooting
How do I get support?
Email The Nod Business Support team.
Can I permanently delete my profile?
Yes — submit a removal request to support.
