Frequently Asked Questions

RETAILERS
BRANDS
SALES REPS
  • Is joining The Main Tab as a Retailer free?

    Yes! Applying and joining The Main Tab as a Retailer is completely free. Our application can be found on our homepage, and takes only moments to complete. Once submitted, we will review and based on the information you provide, we will approve or decline your request. 

  • What if my application is declined?

    We review each application very carefully. If your application is missing information such as a valid address, a website, social media links and any other pertinent information that makes it difficult for us to view or find your store, it may result in a declined application. If you believe we’ve denied your application by mistake, please contact us.

  • I’m an International Retailer, can I join?

    Unfortunately, at this time, The Main Tab is only available to Retailers located in the United States of America.

  • What are NET Terms?

    NET Terms allow Retailers to place wholesale orders now and pay in 30, 60, or 90 days. This gives you some time to sell-through the product in your shop and help with cash flow. Upon approval to join as Retailer, you’ll log in and complete a quick form to apply for NET terms. Once you submit, you’ll have a credit line displayed on your profile within a few minutes. When you checkout a brand and select to pay with NET terms, you will be prompted to either enter a credit card number or connect your bank account. When the payment is due (in 30, 60, or 90 days), your preferred method of payment will be automatically charged.

  • Can I pay by credit card?

    Yes! At checkout, you have the option to pay by credit card, NET terms, or ACH. 

  • How do I find my Sales Reps?

    If you currently work with a Sales Rep for one (or more) of your brands, if those brands are available on The Main Tab, they will simply assign the Sales Rep to you. We currently support Independent Sales Reps and occasionally may work with Distributors, Sales Agencies, or Showrooms. 

  • How do I refer Brands to The Main Tab?

    Currently you can refer a brand to The Main Tab by an email introduction to info@themaintab.com and copy (CC) brand’s contact email. If the Brand applies and is approved, you will receive a $100 credit towards your first order for this brand on The Main Tab!

  • How do I refer Sales Reps to The Main Tab?

    If you have Sales Reps you’d like to recommend, simply send an email to info@themaintab.com and copy (CC) the sales rep. We will invite them to apply and if approved, you will receive a $50 credit!

  • How do I place wholesale orders?

    Once you’re logged in, you can view all our Brands available on the marketplace. If you see a new brand you’d like to carry in your store, simply send them a Connection Request. This notifies the Brand that you’d like to carry their product in your store. They will then review your shop, check for location conflicts, and determine if it’s a good fit for their strategy. Brands have 100% control of their distribution and approval or denial is fully at their discretion. Once they approve you, you can add their product to cart and checkout!

    If you see an existing brand on the marketplace that you currently work with, send them a request as well. This gives them the chance to set you up, assign reps, override the Opening Order Minimum for you and allows you to begin working together on the marketplace. 

    On The Main Tab, each brand will display its own shopping cart. At checkout, you will have the option to check out all the brands you’re connected with or each brand individually. 

    You can also place quick Reorders on The Main Tab! Simply click the Reorder button on the Order Page or Order Table and those items will be added to your cart. You’ll still have a chance to review and edit the cart before checking out!

  • Can I save carts I’m not ready to check out?

    Each time you add products to cart, it will create an individual cart per brand so you can checkout one brand at a time. The brand carts you do not checkout will remain in your Shoping Cart page as drafts until you complete check out or delete them. 

  • How can I view the status of my order?

    You can view the status of your order under “Orders” on your admin section. You can filter the page to view All Order, Pending, Awaiting Fulfillment, Shipped and Declined orders. Once a Brand accepts an order, it will move to Awaiting Fulfillment stage. Once they ship it, you’ll be able to view tracking information. If you have any questions about the status of your order, you can send a message to the brand directly via Messages. 

  • Can I change my order once I’ve submitted it?

    Orders cannot be changed by the Retailer once they have submitted it. If the order is in Pending stage, you can contact the Brand and ask them to decline the order, if you’d like to cancel it. Or if you’d like to change quantities of product (ex: 6 units instead of 12), simply ask the Brand to make this change. Note: the Brand cannot increase quantities or add new products to a submitted order, as this violates commerce guidelines. 

  • Can I update my ship to address after I’ve submitted my order?

    Orders cannot be updated after they have been submitted, however, in the event that the Brand has not yet shipped the order, you may be able to request an address change as long as the package has not been shipped. We highly recommend you contact the brand immediately to request an address change. 

  • How does shipping work?

    Brands have full control of shipping & handling. When they set you up as a retailer, they assign a ground shipping & handling percentage per order you will place. For example, if the Brand ships from New Jersey, they may charge 12% to ship to a California store and 5% to ship to a New York store. 

    We also allow brands to use a retailer’s Shipping Account Number, should the brands be able to support this. Some retailers have their own UPS/FedEx accounts and if you’d like a brand to use this for your orders with them, simply inform them of the details (via Messages). If they can support this request, they can add this info to your account profile and you will not be charged a shipping fee for this brand at checkout. 

  • How do I report damages or make returns?

    We allow our brands and retailers to fully manage this on their own. We recommend reporting damages or missing items within 7 days of receiving your shipment. If you’ve received damaged products, please take photographs. Then please inform us, your brand and/or brand’s Sales Rep about the issue via Messages on The Main Tab. We work with the brand to amend this for you and either send replacements, issue refunds, etc. Please also review your brand’s Terms & Conditions document (found on their Brand Shop Page) for their specific guidelines.

  • What are Brands’ Terms & Conditions?

    Many of the brands on our marketplace have strict guidelines and conditions for their distribution. Each brand has a Terms & Conditions document on their Profile Page. If you are working with these brands, it is up to you to agree and abide by their Terms and Conditions, which may include guidelines on Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP), third party reselling, and other restrictions specific to the brand.

  • How do I communicate with Brands on The Main Tab?

    On The Main Tab, you can message any brands you’re connected with and any activated Sales Reps the brands have assigned to you! We have designed this feature to serve as the main communication channel for all connected users. Our help center is available here too!

  • How do I use a Promotion Code?

    We support two types of promotions on The Main Tab - Public and Private. 

    A Public promotion a brand creates is visible to all retailers viewing and shopping the brand. You will see this on a brand’s Shop Page. To apply this promotion, simply click on the promotion box and it’ll automatically apply to the cart OR type the promotional code in the Promotion Code box at checkout. 

    A private promotion code will be shared with you directly from the brand. This can be a discreet discount only for you, and you can simply use this code when checking out the brand.

  • Can I use this at tradeshows?

    Absolutely! At Tradeshows, if a brand you like and want to order from is on The Main Tab, they can create an order for you & share it with you via the platform! You will always have a chance to review and edit these orders before checking out.

  • What if I have different pricing from certain brands?

    If you have special pricing with one of your brands, they can create a custom Private Promotional code for you to use for as long as they set it (ex: a year, 2 years etc). This code would be specific to you (ex: TheBlueBoutique10) and you will apply a discount whenever you checkout - be sure to save & use this code at checkout each time!

  • I have more than one location. Can I have multiple ship to addresses?

    You can create as many ship-to addresses as you need to. When you log in, go to your Admin Menu → Settings → Manage Addresses. You can enter as many addresses as you need to and set a default Ship To address.

    At checkout, you can select where you’d like to ship the order from your address list. 

  • How can I place the same order for all my stores?

    If you’d like to place an order and have it sent to multiple stores, simply checkout the first order for store one. Then go to your Orders table and click ‘Reorder’. This will create another cart with the exact same products, pending available inventory by the brand. In the cart, select your other store’s address, example: Store 2. Repeat this process as many times as needed.

  • Can I update my ship to address after the order has shipped?

    Orders cannot be updated after they have progressed from Awaiting fulfillment to shipped. In the event that the brand has only created the shipping label, you may be able to request an address change as long as the package has not been dropped off at the carrier. We highly recommend you contact the brand as soon as you realize the incorrect address was selected for the order. Please also contact us via “The Main Tab | Help” so we can help you get in touch with the brand as soon as possible. 

  • Where are the products in The Main Tab’s marketplace shipped from?

    The products purchased via The Main Tab are shipped directly from the Brands. Most brands have inhouse warehousing capabilities, while others have distribution centers which handle their wholesale shipping. The Main Tab does not store, ship, or manage products for authorized brands. Shipping is handled by the brands and fully at their discretion. 

  • Can I message brands/retailers that I am not connected to?

    Brands and Retailers are authorized to message each other only once they are connected via the platform. If a brand denies a retailer request, the retailer cannot contact the brand on the platform. Once the connection is formed, either party can communicate via the Messenger tab. 

  • What happens once I am approved as a brand by The Main Tab?

    Upon being approved by us, you will receive an automated email from no-reply@themaintab.com prompting you to create a password for your account. You may then begin building your brand page and uploading your product catalog as soon as you login. If you’d like assistance with brand setup, please contact us via The Main Tab | Help in the messaging center.  Once you’ve activated your payout settings and completed set up, inform us so we can review your page and publish your brand to the marketpla

  • I’m an International Brand, can I join?

    At this time, The Main Tab is focused in the US market, however, we evaluate brands on an individual basis. If you meet our criteria, currently work with US based retailers, and/or have US warehousing capabilities/distributors, we may be able to accept and onboard your brand. Please do complete an application and we will be in touch.

  • What if my application is declined?

    We review each application very carefully. If your application is missing information such as an address, a website, social media links and any other information that makes it difficult for us to view your company, it may result in a declined application. If your brand is not a good fit for us at this time, we may decline your application. 

  • Can I use this at tradeshows?

    Absolutely! At Tradeshows, if your brand is on the Main Tab, you can create shopping cart orders & share it your Retailers. You can create as many Draft Orders as you’d like, save them, and share at a later time too.

  • How is the commission fee + service fee calculated?

    Our commission structure is competitive and in line with industry standards. We have a standard commission rate of 10% and if you are exclusively only on The Main Tab wholesale marketplace, then the commission rate will be 5%.  We have a 5% service fee which applies on all orders. This covers credit card fees– most retailers pay their balance to us via credit card– and allows us to pay you immediately, instead of when the retailer pays us. Any retailers you invite, all orders you write for your retailers, and any Sales Rep orders are always 0% commission.  

  • Can I temporarily mark my brand as “On Pause” or hide my brand?

    If you’d like to pause or hide your brand from retailers, please send us a message at “The Main Tab | Help” and one of our team members will assist you. You will still be able to login to your account and view your brand store and your existing Retailers can still view your brand and place orders, but new Retailers will not be able to find you. 

  • How do I accept and set up new Retailers?

    When a Retailer sends you a Connection Request, you get a chance to review their profile and determine if you’d like to accept or decline them. This is at your discretion and you may have a variety of factors you take into consideration, such as proximity to neighboring stores, retailer aesthetic, retailer’s category, price points, etc. If you want to work with this Retailer, simply click accept. Then you are able to assign the ground Shipping & Handling fee as well as assign a Sales Representative, as applicable. Once you’ve done all of this, Save, and the Retailer will be notified that they can now shop and check out your brand!

  • What are Brands’ Terms & Conditions?

    Each brand must upload a Terms and Conditions document prior to being published on the platform. The terms and conditions document is one of the brand set up requirements and protects you. This allows you to outline expectations from your Retailers, such as discount restrictions, refund and/or return policies, damaged product/packaging, MAP, third party marketplaces, and other brand policies you may have. When you accept a Retailer, The Main Tab | Help messaging center sends a notification to the retailer informing them of the acceptance as well as linking to your Terms & Conditions document.

  • What are NET Terms?

    NET Terms allow Retailers to place wholesale orders now and pay in 30, 60, or 90 days. We provide our Retailers with a line of credit and take on the risk. Upon accepting and shipping an order you receive, we initiate immediate payout to you (less any commissions or fees).

  • How do I invite my existing customers to The Main Tab?

    When logged in, go to ‘My Customers’ and you will see an “Invite Retailers” button on the top right. Click this button and enter the email addresses of the Retailers you’d like to invite and send. Once they receive the e-mail and apply via the link in the email, we know to initiate an automatic connection between you and these Retailers that will be classified as ‘Direct’, thus we do not charge any commissions on orders this retailer places for your brand.

  • How does shipping work?

    Brands have full control of shipping & handling. When they set up a Retailer, you assign a ground shipping & handling percentage to each Retailer. For example, if Brand A ships from New Jersey, they may charge the Retailer 12% to ship to a California store and 5% to ship to a New York store. You, as a brand, receive 100% of the shipping amount you charge to retailers; commissions and fees are never deducted from the shipping amount you assign each retailer.

    We also allow brands to use a retailer’s Shipping Account Number, should the Brands be able to support this. Some retailers have their own UPS/FedEx account number and may ask the Brand if they can support using their account versus charging. If the brand can support this request, they can add this info to the retailer’s account profile and the retailer will not be charged a shipping fee for this brand at checkout.

  • Do we ship directly to The Main Tab or to the retailer?

    Brands will ship directly to the retailer, on the address listed on the order invoice. The Main Tab does not warehouse, store, or ship any products. Shipping and handling is handled by the brand and 100% of the amount charged is paid out to the Brand. 

  • How do I assign my Sales Reps to Retailers?

    When setting up a Retailer, you will be prompted to assign a Sales Rep to the Retailer plus the commission amount you’d like this Sales Rep to receive for orders this Retailer places. If the Sales Rep has an active Main Tab account, once you enter their email, they will automatically be activated and notified that your brand has assigned them a retailer to manage. If the Sales Rep does not have an active account with The Main Tab, they will receive an automated e-mail informing them that your brand has assigned a retailer to them and to apply/join The Main Tab to manage the account.

    Once the Sales Rep applies, we review and approve/decline their application. If approved, the Sales Rep will be able to log in and begin managing their assigned Brands and Retailers.

  • How do I see other Brands on The Main Tab?

    Brands on The Main Tab are not able to view or communicate with other active brands for privacy purposes pertaining to confidential information, pricing and marketing efforts. 

  • How do I upload products to my brand page?

    Once you’re approved to join The Main Tab, you can login and start building your Brand Portal. You have the option of manually uploading your product or bulk uploading via CSV file. We are happy to assist should you need guidance with building your page & adding your items. Please be sure to adhere to our standards and refrain from using profane language or listing inappropriate or banned items. A full list of these guidelines will be provided to you when you are approved to join the marketplace.

  • How do I upload product images?

    When setting up your brand, you’ll be able to add images in several sections, such as:

    • Banner image - a poster on your brand profile page
    • Profile image - smaller, round image, often a logo
    • Carousel images - up to 9 images, usually lifestyle images, that Retailers can browse through when viewing all brands on the marketplace.
    • Product images - images pertaining to a SKU (or variant), added when uploading your products.
    • Please review our photography guidelines to be sure you’re adhering to our standards and refrain from uploading any images that may be classified as prohibited images. It is at our discretion to determine if an image you upload is considered inappropriate. 
  • How do I mark items as “Out Of Stock” on The Main Tab?

    To mark an item as OOS you can simply update the inventory levels to zero (0) for the SKU and retailers will not be able to add the item to their cart as it will appear “Out of Stock” on the product page. You can also unpublish a SKU so it is no longer visible on your storefront. You can publish again whenever you’d like.

  • How can I manage inventory on The Main Tab?

    Inventory is managed via the brand portal under the “Product Catalog” tab. Here you can update inventory levels for each product and adjusting the number entered in the inventory field. When you receive an order, you can decrease the quantity of the SKU ordered or remove it, as long as the order is in Pending stage. Once you’ve accepted the order, you can no longer edit the inventory on the order. In the event that you receive an order that cannot be fulfilled or has limited inventory, please decline the order and inform your retailer. 

  • How do I create a Promotion Code?

    We support two types of promotions on The Main Tab - Public and Private. A Public promotion a brand creates is visible to all retailers viewing and shopping the brand. 
    A Private promotion is discreet and can only be shared on an individual basis. For example, if a Retailer received damaged products and wants to return them, you can create a custom code giving them a dollar or percent amount off on their next order!

  • What if I have different pricing for certain Retailer?

    If you have negotiated special pricing with one of your Retailers, we recommend you create a custom Private promotional code for them to use, for as long as you set it (ex: 1 year, 2 years etc). This code would be specific to the Retailer (ex: TheBlueBoutique10) and they can apply this discount whenever they checkout.

  • What are the Order Stages?

    When the Retailer submits an order, you’ll be notified and can view the order in your Order Table. The order will be in Pending stage. At this point, you can decrease quantities on the orders or do an order split.
    Once you accept the order, it will go in Awaiting Fulfillment stage. At this point, the brand is fulfilling the order and preparing for shipment. Once you’ve packed the order and want to ship it, a new field will display where you you can insert the Tracking Number on the Order Page. Once you enter this information, you can then click ‘Save & Complete’ order, at which point the order is closed and completed. You can also print or download the Invoice and Packing Slip of the order at throughout these stage.

  • How do I create an order for a Retailer?

    To create an order, simply shop your brand and build a shopping cart! Then title your cart, add a note, and share the link with your Retailers. Your cart will be saved under Orders > Drafts (and can be shared again with any active Retailers!). The order you share with the Retailer will be a cart, which is interactive and lets the retailer take part in editing as they see fit for their business. We’ve seen a 90% check out rate with these interactive carts versus traditional invoices or POs.

  • Can I cancel an order?

    Brands on The Main Tab have the right to decline a pending order or keep it as pending until the order is able to be fulfilled. We highly recommend Brands keep retailers informed on any order related concerns such as fulfillment issues, low inventory, or late delivery. If you cannot fulfill a pending order, please contact the retailer directly via Messenger. Please reach out to us if you wish to escalate any order related concerns and our team will assist you. 

  • Can I export orders?

    Yes! Simply click the export button and select the applicable filters, such as  “All orders in the Awaiting Fulfilment” stage from the last 5 days. This will give you a .csv file of all the orders in this stage, by line item. It’s a great tool to share with your warehouse, as they’re often able to import this on their backend for shipping!

  • Where can I go if I need assistance?

    If you have any questions or need any assistance with your brand portal, please do not hesitate to send us a message via the Messages center at “The Main Tab | Help” and one of our team members will assist you. 

  • Can My account be suspended or terminated?

    The Main Tab has the right to suspend or terminate any accounts at any time for any reason.

  • What products are prohibited on The Main Tab?

    The below is not an exhaustive list and can change at any time, but some products we currently do not allow include:

    • Any CBD/THC products.
    • Counterfeit products or products that you do not have the right to sell (e.g., products that you do not make or that are not under your brand)
    • Firearms / firearm ammunition
    • Weapons, including knives, explosives and related items
    • Products containing any amount of drugs, including prescription, legal or illegal drugs
    • Any products that contain Cannabidiol (CBD) or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
    • Drug paraphernalia
    • Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vape sticks or pens, hookah pipes and other smoking paraphernalia
    • Any hazardous, toxic, flammable, biohazardous, unsafe or dangerous products
    • Any recalled products
    • Children’s car seats or harnesses
    • Pornography, including images, videos or other offensive materials
    • Products that are offensive or promote, incite or glorify hate or violence towards any person or group
    • Culturally insensitive products
    • Products related to terrorist organizations
    • Digital goods, including software
    • Gift cards
    • Currency, coins, cash equivalents, Bitcoin or other similar digital currency
    • Stamps
    • Fine art
    • Gambling or lottery related items
    • Any perishable foods, including meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and dairy products
    • Any products containing asbestos or flame-retardant chemicals
    • Counterfeit goods
    • Used goods
    • Any other products that The Main Tab determines, at its discretion, to be inappropriate for wholesale on The Main Tab marketplace.
  • Do I have to be an Independent Sales Rep?

    The Main Tab is on a mission to provide Independent Sales Reps with a comprehensive tool allowing them to manage and scale their wholesale business in a marketplace. Where other marketplaces end up replacing reps, we embrace and empower them to build and sustain their business. Every Sales Rep is carefully vetted internally and we mostly work with Independent Sales Reps but, at our discretion, may also work with agencies or distributors.

  • How do I sign Up?

    If you are invited to join The Main Tab by a brand, you will receive an email link to sign up and once you submit your application it will go through our vetting process. 

    You can also apply to join via our Sales Rep Application on TheMainTab.com/application

  • How does it work once I’m approved?

    Once reviewed and approved, you will receive an email to set up your password and can then log in. You can create your profile page and begin to manage your Brands and Retailers, create and view your orders, and communicate with your clients.

  • Can I invite retailers to the platform?

    Of course! In your My Retailers section, there is a button on the top right that allows your to invite existing retailers you work with. They will receive an e-mail from you asking them to sign up on The Main Tab and work with you on the platform. Once they log in, they will have to find the brand you represent, and the brand will have to assign you as the sales rep for this account. At this stage, the brand also enters the commission percentage you will receive for all orders this retailer will place.

  • Can I invite brands to the platform?

    Absolutely! In your My Brands section, there is a button on the top right that allows you to invite brands you work with. They will also receive an email asking them to sign up on The Main Tab. Once we approve them, they can set up their page, add their products, and begin working with their retailers & you.

  • Why were some of my Brands were not approved to join The Main Tab?

    The Sales Reps we work with may represent multiple brands. Of those brands, we may only approve a few to join the marketplace. Our decision process is thorough and we may decide that some brands aren’t a good fit at this time or do not meet our criteria for the marketplace community.

  • How do I review orders on The Main Tab?

    You can review all your orders under the Orders table. You may also view all Order Drafts you’ve created and share them, as often as you’d like to, with any of your retailers on The Main Tab.

  • How do I accept or decline orders?

    Sales Reps are not authorized to take any actions on orders. Only the brand can edit, accept, or decline orders, as they often have real time insights on shipments and inventory. 

  • How do I create suggested orders?

    To create a suggested order, simply login to your Sales Rep account and click the “Create Order” button on your Orders page.  This will automatically take you to view and shop your brands. Select the brand you’d like to create an order for, then simply add to cart. Once you’ve added a title and a note for your retailer, click “Save & Share This Order” and follow the prompts to send it to your retailer.

  • Can I discover new brands and retailers?

    As an authorized Sales Rep, you may only view the brands that you work with and that have assigned you to specific retailers. Only retailers have the ability to view all brands in the marketplace. 

  • How do I receive payment?

    If you’re assigned as a Sales Rep to an order/retailer, once a Brand ships & completes an order, your commission payout is automatically initiated. You can connect your bank account when you create your account & your payments will be submitted there.