In a Multi-Vendor setup, there are three options for configuring and accessing shipping accounts:

1. Full Merchant Control: The merchant configures the shipping account and generates shipping labels for all orders, including vendor orders.

2. Full Vendor Control: Vendors configure their own shipping accounts and generate shipping labels for their orders.

3. Hybrid Model: A combination of both approaches.

Let's discuss the advantages of each approach and the setup required in Shipturtle.

Note: These options apply when shipping is managed on the Shipturtle dashboard using our integrated carriers. If the "Vendor sync" feature is used, orders can be pushed to the vendor's store and fulfilled by their order management system. In that case, this article does not apply.

Full Merchant Control

The merchant configures the shipping account and generates shipping labels for all orders, including vendor orders.

Pros: This approach is useful when working with small vendors. It simplifies the process for vendors without shipping accounts and gives the merchant more control.

Cons: The merchant bears the shipping costs, so it's important to consider this when setting commission rates with vendors. Additionally, the merchant must ensure vendors use appropriate packaging to avoid higher shipping costs. This method also requires more involvement from the merchant in operations.

Configuration:

1. Toggle the Order Routing setting and confirm the order for vendor processing only after generating the shipping label from the admin login. Vendors can then download the label, prepare the shipment, and notify the merchant/carrier when ready for dispatch.

2. In Settings>Multi Vendor Settings -> Shipping Settings, disable the toggle for vendors to add shippers and generate shipping labels.

Full Vendor Control

Vendors set up their shipping accounts and generate shipping labels for their orders.

Pros: This hands-off approach lets vendors handle everything, including label generation. The merchant doesn't need to worry about shipping costs or packaging.

Cons: Each vendor needs a shipping account, which can be challenging for small vendors. With less merchant control, there may be more shipping errors.

Configuration:

In Settings>Multi Vendor Settings -> Shipping Settings, enable the toggle for vendors to add shippers and generate shipping labels.

Hybrid Model

Some merchants prefer the following hybrid models:

1. Generate Shipping Labels for Selected Vendors: The merchant can adjust settings for individual vendors, overriding the global settings for those specific vendors.

2. Merchant Configures Shipping Account but Allows Vendor to Generate Labels: If the merchant wants to let vendors use their configured shippers, they can toggle the "Allow access of this Shipper to Vendors" setting in the shipper's settings.

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