Seller's Guide

Welcome to Miraj Marketplace: A Seller's Guide to Success

This guide is designed to help you, whether you're a new seller or looking to optimize your existing shop on Miraj Marketplace, a platform dedicated to connecting buyers with authentic Islamic products, eco-friendly and digital goods and services.

Seller Guide: What You Can Sell on Miraj

Our Marketplace Ethos

Miraj is a dedicated marketplace for products and services that align with ethical principles, Islamic values, and sustainable practices. We are committed to fostering a community that supports well-being, environmental stewardship, and faith. While we specialize in and promote Islamic goods, we welcome all sellers whose offerings contribute to a positive and conscientious marketplace.

Our Permissible Products Framework

The foundation of our marketplace is built on what we do not allow. To maintain a safe and trustworthy environment for our community, the following are strictly prohibited:

• Haram (Non-Permissible) Goods: This includes, but is not limited to, alcohol, pork products, intoxicants, and any items derived from impermissible sources.
• Goods Violating Public Decency: Products that are offensive, promote indecency, or are detrimental to societal values.
• Harmful Products: Items that pose a threat to faith, community well-being, or environmental health.

Any product listed must fully comply with these guidelines.

Our Encouraged Product Categories

We actively encourage sellers who offer products that embody our core values. Ideal categories for the Miraj platform include:

• Faith & Education: Islamic literature, art, calligraphy, clothing (modest fashion), and educational materials.
• Conscious & Sustainable Consumerism: Fair Trade, organic, upcycled, and eco-friendly products. This includes items made with sustainable materials, zero-waste kits, and goods designed for longevity.
• Health & Wellness: Natural health foods, supplements, sustainable personal care, and halal cosmetics.
• Artisan & Handmade: Unique, handcrafted goods that support artisan communities and traditional, sustainable techniques.
• Social Good: Products that support charitable causes (e.g., Sadaqah-based initiatives).

Need Clarification?

If you are unsure whether your product aligns with our guidelines or have specific questions, please do not hesitate to Contact Our Seller Support Team before listing. We are here to help you succeed within our marketplace framework.

Part 1: Getting Started - Setting Up Your Shop

1. Registration & Account Creation

• Visit the Seller Portal: Go to the Miraj Marketplace website and look for a "Become a Seller" or "Sell on Miraj" link.
• Provide Details: You will need to provide:
  • Personal Information (Name, Contact Details)
  • Business Information (Business Name, Type - individual, LLC, etc.)
  • Tax Identification Number (for compliance)
  • Valid Bank Account for payouts.
• Agree to Terms: Carefully read and accept the Seller Agreement, Return Policy, and Code of Conduct. This often includes a commitment to authenticity and ethical business practices.

NEW STORE SIGNUP

2. Shop Profile Setup (Your Storefront)

This is your first impression. Make it count!

• Shop Name: Choose a unique, memorable, and relevant name that reflects your brand.
• Shop Logo & Banner: Use high-quality, professional images. Your banner is prime advertising space—use it to showcase your best products or brand message.
• Shop Description: Tell your story! Explain what you sell, your passion, your mission, and what makes your products special. Use keywords like "handmade," "premium," "authentic Islamic art," "modest fashion," etc., to help with search.
• Policies: Clearly state your shipping, return, and exchange policies. Transparency builds trust.

Part 2: Managing Your Listings & Inventory

1. Creating High-Converting Product Listings

• Product Titles: Be descriptive and include key search terms.
  • Bad Example: "Prayer Rug"
  • Good Example: "Large Turkish Oasis Prayer Rug, 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, Green & Gold"
• Product Descriptions:
  • Features & Benefits: List the materials, dimensions, and key features. Then, explain the benefits (e.g., "Made from breathable bamboo fabric for ultimate comfort during prayer").
  • Tell a Story: For items like Islamic art or calligraphy, share the inspiration behind the piece or the meaning of the verse.
  • Be Detailed: Leave no question unanswered for the buyer.
• High-Quality Images:
  • Use multiple angles and close-ups.
  • Show the product in use (a "lifestyle shot").
  • Use a plain, clean background for the main image.
  • Ensure good, natural lighting.
• Pricing Strategy:
  • Research competitors for similar items.
  • Factor in all your costs: Cost of Goods, Miraj Marketplace fees, shipping, and transaction fees.
  • Consider offering bundle deals (e.g., "Misbaha + Gift Box").
• Inventory Management:
  • Keep your stock levels accurate to avoid selling items you don't have.
  • Use SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) to track your products easily.

2. Product Categories & Authenticity

• Categorize Correctly: Place your product in the most specific category possible (e.g., Home & Living > Islamic Decor > Canvas Calligraphy). This makes it easier for buyers to find you.
• Authenticity is Key: Miraj Marketplace's reputation is built on trust.
  • Books: Ensure they are from reputable publishers.
  • Art & Calligraphy: Do not sell unauthorized reproductions of an artist's work.
  • General Goods: Be honest about materials and origin. Do not mislabel products.
  • Halal - Declaring halal certification of authenticity drive customer confidence.

Part 3: Fulfillment & Customer Service

1. Order Processing & Shipping

• Set Clear Processing Times: Specify how long it takes you to prepare an order for shipment (e.g., "1-3 business days").
• Shipping Options:
  • Decide if you will offer free shipping (often by building the cost into the product price), flat rate, or calculated shipping.
  • Integrate with reliable carriers (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx, or local equivalents).
  • Always Use Tracking Numbers! This protects you and keeps the customer informed.
• Packaging: Your packaging is part of the brand experience. Use clean, secure packaging. A simple "Thank You" note can enhance customer satisfaction.

2. The Heart of Your Business: Customer Service

• Respond Promptly: Aim to answer customer messages within 24 hours.
• Be Professional and Polite: Even in difficult situations, maintain a respectful tone.
• Handle Returns Gracefully: Have a clear, fair return policy and stick to it. A positive return experience can turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal one.
• Encourage Reviews: Politely follow up with customers after they receive their order and encourage them to leave a review. Do not offer incentives for positive reviews.

Part 4: Payments, Fees, & Policies

1. Understanding the Fee Structure

Miraj Marketplace typically charges two main fees:

• Transaction Fee: A percentage of the total sale price (including shipping). This is the primary fee for using the platform.
• Payment Processing Fee: A fee charged by the payment gateway (like Stripe or PayPal) for processing the transaction.
• Subscription Fees (Store) monthly, yearly based on micro store.

Always check the latest fee schedule in your Seller Dashboard.

2. Payouts

• Payouts are usually sent to your online account on a regular schedule (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) after a holding period to ensure order completion. 

3. Seller Protection & Policies

• Familiarize yourself with Miraj's policies on Prohibited Items, Intellectual Property, and Seller Code of Conduct. Violations can lead to suspension.

Part 5: Growing Your Business on Miraj

1. Marketing Your Shop

• Leverage Social Media: Promote your Miraj products on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest. Use relevant hashtags (#IslamicArt #ModestFashion #MirajMarketplace).
• Utilize Miraj's Tools: If the platform offers promotional spots, seller showcases, or advertising options, consider using them.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list from your own website or social media to announce new products and offers.

2. Optimizing for Success

• Analyze Your Data: Use the analytics in your Seller Dashboard to see which products are getting views and sales. Understand your traffic sources.
• Ask for Feedback: Listen to your customers' reviews and messages to improve your products and service.
• Run Sales and Promotions: Timely promotions around Islamic holidays (Ramadan, Eid) can significantly boost sales.

Final Pro-Tips for Success on Miraj Marketplace

1. Niche Down: Don't try to sell everything. Become the go-to shop for a specific type of product (e.g., "premium leather Quran covers," "hand-painted mosque models," "children's Islamic educational toys").
2. Quality Over Quantity: It's better to have 10 excellent products with great listings than 100 mediocre ones.
3. Build a Brand, Not Just a Shop: People connect with stories and values. Let your Islamic ethics and passion shine through in everything you do.
4. Be Patient and Consistent: Success doesn't happen overnight. Consistently add new products, engage with customers, and promote your shop.

Seller Guide: Product Submission & Moderation

• To uphold the integrity of the Miraj platform and ensure a trusted experience for our community, all product listings are subject to a moderation review prior to publication.
• Upon submission, new product listings enter a mandatory moderation queue. During this period, listings will remain in a "Pending Approval" status and will not be visible on the public storefront.
• Our moderation team reviews each submission against our Marketplace Policies to verify compliance with standards for authenticity, categorization, content appropriateness, and listing quality. Upon successful approval, the product will be automatically published and visible to customers. Sellers will be notified of the approval status via their seller dashboard.

Seller Payout

Miraj facilitates secure and timely payouts through our trusted partners, Stripe and PayPal. All sales revenue is deposited directly into your verified external account.

• Stripe Payouts: Funds from Stripe transactions are transferred to your linked account automatically and instantly in the original sale currency (CDN$ or US$).
• PayPal Payouts: Funds from PayPal transactions are consolidated in your Miraj balance. You may manually request a withdrawal through your seller dashboard once your balance meets or exceeds the minimum threshold of $70.00 (CDN or USD).

Seller Guide: Accepting & Managing Orders

Efficiently managing orders is the cornerstone of a successful store. This guide explains how the Miraj platform notifies you of sales and the steps to process them.

1. Automated Order Notification

The moment a customer completes a purchase, our system triggers an automatic email notification sent directly to your registered email address. This alert ensures you are informed of new sales promptly.

2. Accessing Order Details

For comprehensive order management, access your Seller Dashboard. This centralized hub provides a complete view of all order information, including:

• Customer shipping address and contact details.
• Specific items purchased and their quantities.
• The total order value and paid status.

3. Order Fulfillment Workflow

Once you have reviewed the order details in your dashboard, you can proceed with the fulfillment process. This involves preparing the order for shipment, purchasing a shipping label (if applicable), and updating the order status to "Shipped" while adding the relevant tracking information.

Key Summary:

• You are notified of every sale via email.
• You manage orders through your Seller Dashboard.
• You fulfill the order by processing, packing, and shipping the items.

By following this streamlined process, you ensure a reliable and professional experience for your customers.

Seller Guide: Shipping & Deliver Obligations

1. Seller Responsibilities

As a seller on our platform, you are solely responsible for fulfilling the orders you receive. This encompasses the entire post-sale process, from order confirmation to customer delivery. Your key obligations include:

• Order Processing: Efficiently processing orders within the handling time specified in your shop policies.
• Shipment Preparation: Securely packaging items to prevent damage during transit.
• Shipment Dispatch: Arranging for the carrier to pick up the package or dropping it off according to the shipping method selected by the customer.
• Delivery Scheduling: Ensuring the shipment is tendered to the carrier in a timely manner to meet the estimated delivery timeline provided to the customer.

2. Platform Liability Disclaimer

Halal Commerce acts as a facilitator connecting buyers and sellers. The platform is not liable for any issues that arise during the shipping and delivery process, including but not limited to:

• Transit delays
• Lost or damaged packages
• Incorrect delivery addresses
• Customs and import duties for international orders

Sellers are encouraged to work directly with their chosen shipping carrier to resolve any delivery issues and to file claims where applicable.

3. Tools for Success

To support you in meeting these obligations, we provide integrated tools within your Seller Dashboard to streamline order and shipment management. You can use these tools to:

• Print shipping labels.
• Purchase carrier insurance.
• Update order status.
• Upload tracking numbers automatically.

By utilizing these resources, you can ensure a transparent and reliable delivery experience for your customers.

Seller Guide: Managing Returns, Refunds, and Exchanges

1. Policy Principle: Seller-Managed Disputes

At Miraj, we empower our sellers by entrusting them with the management of their return, refund, and exchange processes. This direct relationship allows you to build trust and provide personalized customer service. As such, Miraj does not directly issue refunds or handle physical returns. All related requests and transactions are to be coordinated directly between you and the buyer.

2. Seller Responsibilities & Best Practices

To ensure a positive customer experience, we expect our sellers to:

• Establish a Clear Policy: Create a transparent and fair Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) policy that outlines the conditions for returns, refunds, and exchanges. This should include time frames, item condition requirements, and who bears return shipping costs.
• Process Requests Promptly: When a buyer contacts you with a request, you are obligated to process it according to the terms and conditions published in your shop policy.
• Handle Physical Returns: All returned items must be sent to a return address you provide. Buyers should never be instructed to ship items to Halal Commerce/Miraj.

3. Miraj's Role: Dispute Mediation

We understand that disagreements can occur. If you and a buyer are unable to reach a resolution independently, Miraj offers a mediation process.

• Eligibility: The transaction must meet specific eligibility requirements as outlined in our Seller Policy.
• Process: Upon request, our team will review the case details and attempt to facilitate a fair resolution.
• Outcome: Please note that while we strive to assist, our involvement is mediatory and a specific outcome cannot be guaranteed.

For full details on your rights and obligations, please review our Seller Policy and Agreement

Welcome to the Miraj Marketplace community. We wish you tremendous success in your business endeavors! 

Gomiraj.com