Potential Vendor FAQ’s | Quick Answers

The Hive NZ is New Zealand’s premier vendor-powered marketplace—a dedicated home for Kiwi small businesses to thrive, grow, and sell together.

Born from a desire to make e-commerce accessible and affordable, The Hive NZ bridges the gap between local creators and a massive audience of “shop small” supporters. We aren’t just another faceless platform; we are a collective of entrepreneurs who believe that when one Kiwi business succeeds, we all do.

By joining The Hive, you aren’t just getting a “shop window”—you’re gaining a powerful suite of tools designed to put you in the driver’s seat:

• A High-Traffic Collective: Leverage our powerhouse SEO and established reputation to get your products in front of thousands of customers who are specifically looking to support local.
• Your Own Mini-Website: You get a fully customizable store page to showcase your unique brand identity, complete with your own logo, “About” story, and social links.
• Total Control: From managing your own shipping rates and instant payments via Stripe to running your own auctions and wholesale portal, you have the autonomy of your own site without the massive setup costs.
• A True Community: At the heart of The Hive is our vendor community. Whether it’s through our dedicated Facebook support groups or our “Hive Grow” resources, you’re surrounded by peers who share your drive.

In short: You bring the passion and the products; we provide the platform and the megaphone.

Becoming a vendor on The Hive NZ is a simple, straightforward process. We are always looking for passionate Kiwi businesses to join our growing community!

Here is how to get started:

• Visit the Registration Page: Click on ‘Become a Vendor’ or ‘Sell with us’ located in the header or footer of our website.
• Fill Out Your Profile: You will be asked to provide your business name, contact details, and a brief description of what you create or sell.
• Connect Your Store: During setup, you will link your business to a Stripe account. This ensures you get paid directly and securely the moment a customer makes a purchase.
• Set up your shipping: make sure your store shipping has been set up so you can receive orders.
• List your first product; only stores with an active listings are shown to our customers.
• Wait for Approval: Once submitted, our team will review your application. We do this to ensure all vendors meet our community standards as 100% New Zealand-based businesses.
• Set Up Your Shop: while you’re waiting and from your Vendor Dashboard, you can upload your logo, cover image, set your store Terms & Conditions etc.

Why join The Hive NZ? When you register with us, you aren’t just getting a storefront. You are joining a collective that provides you with advanced SEO tools, AI-powered descriptions, and a supportive community of fellow Kiwi entrepreneurs.

Absolutely. If you are a Kiwi entrepreneur with a passion for what you do, you belong here.

The Hive NZ isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a collective powered by the grit and creativity of local business owners. We believe that a thriving ecosystem needs variety, which is why we open our doors to every type of small Kiwi business.

Whether you are a maker crafting by hand in your garage, a professional offering specialized services, or a digital creator selling downloads across the globe—you are the driving force behind this platform.

• Physical & Digital: From hand-poured candles to downloadable planners.
• Products & Services: From boutique jewelry to local photography or consulting.
• Local & Global: Whether you manufacture right here in NZ or source your products ethically from abroad.

We don’t believe in “caps” or “category limits.” In a healthy market, competition is just another word for a thriving industry. At The Hive NZ, we embrace that energy because it pushes us all to stand out, innovate, and grow together.

Yes, absolutely! We welcome a diverse range of makers and do not offer category exclusivity. The Hive NZ is a thriving marketplace, and we believe that healthy competition is great for everyone. It gives our shoppers more variety and encourages high standards across the board.

Why we embrace multiple makers in the same category:

• Unique Styles: No two Kiwi makers are exactly the same. Even if two vendors sell “Soy Candles,” their scents, packaging, and brand stories will be unique.
• Customer Choice: We want our customers to find the perfect match for their personal taste and budget.
• Healthy Competition: Having multiple vendors in one category keeps the marketplace fresh and exciting.
• Abundance Mindset: There is plenty of room for everyone! Our goal is to grow the “shop local” movement so that all our vendors can flourish.

We encourage you to focus on what makes your business special. Use our SEO tools and AI-powered descriptions to highlight your unique brand story and connect with your ideal customers.

We believe that cost should never be a barrier to starting your dream business. That’s why we offer a range of plans—including a “forever free” option—to ensure every Kiwi entrepreneur can find a home here.

The Hive NZ is a collective powered by its vendors. Whether you are just starting out with your first product or you are a seasoned pro ready to scale, we have a plan that puts you in control.

1. The STARTER plan)

Perfect for “testing the waters” or keeping overheads low.

• Monthly Subscription: $0
• Success Fee: 15% on sales (excluding shipping).
• The Best Part: While we call this an introductory plan, there is no expiry date. You can stay on the Starter plan for as long as you like. We only grow when you grow!
• Includes: Your own mini-website, up to 3 simple listings, and full access to our vendor dashboard.

2. The PRO plan

Designed for growing businesses looking to elevate their brand and unlock more potential.

• Monthly Subscription: $5 a month
• Success Fee: 8%. 
• Includes: your own Ecommerce, mini website with 15 listings.
• Why Upgrade? Have more freedom and opportunity to grow your small business, using The Hive’s features.

3. The Pro+ Boost plan

Designed for businesses ready to take center stage and maximize their profit.

• Monthly Subscription: from $14.17 a month
• Success Fee: 0% 
• Includes: Your own full E-commerce mini-website with unlimited listings, priority homepage exposure, and featured marketing.
• Why Upgrade? Maximize your reach, command center stage, and unlock ultimate growth with premium features and maximum platform exposure.

Important Note on Payments

To ensure you get paid instantly and securely, all vendors use Stripe. This means your money goes directly from the customer to your bank account—no waiting for us to process your payouts. Standard Stripe processing fees apply to all transactions.

Yes, you can! However, because you are selling goods in trade, your business must fully comply with New Zealand food laws.

If you make your own food products, you cannot legally prepare them in a standard, unregistered domestic kitchen. You must be registered with your local council or the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and operate from a certified, registered commercial or home kitchen.

Your products must also feature complete ingredient lists, bolded allergen declarations, and a nutrition information panel on both the physical packaging and your online listings.

Before applying, please use the MPI My Food Rules Tool to determine which food safety programme applies to your business.

We like to keep things simple! Our mission is to give you maximum exposure and the guidance you need to scale your business. However, to keep The Hive NZ a professional, secure, and thriving ecosystem for every vendor, we have a few “House Rules” to ensure we all win together.

1. Keeping the Hive Buzzing (External Links & Communication)

The power of The Hive NZ comes from our collective traffic. To keep our marketplace strong and our SEO high, we focus on keeping customers within our ecosystem.

• Links on your Store: You are welcome to link your social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) via Dashboard > Settings > Social Profile. However, external links of any other kind are not permitted within your listings, shop descriptions, or content.
• Direct Communication: When a customer reaches out to you through our platform’s messaging or Q&A systems, all communication and referrals must stay within The Hive NZ. Sending customers to external websites, other marketplaces, or private checkout links is strictly prohibited.
• The Goal: By keeping the shopping journey on The Hive, we protect the community’s growth and ensure that every vendor benefits from the platform’s collective reach.

2. Staying Within the Law (Legal Compliance)

As the leader of your brand, you are responsible for ensuring your products and services meet New Zealand law (and the laws of any country you ship to).

• Prohibited Items: You cannot list items that are illegal, restricted, or require specific permits that you do not hold.
• Knowledge is Power: Understanding the regulations for your specific industry is key to a long-lasting business. For a breakdown of what might apply to you, please visit our Vendor Rights & Obligations page.

3. Professional Standards

The Hive is a community built on the passion of Kiwi entrepreneurs. We do not allow content that is misleading, offensive, or intended to harm the reputation of the collective. We thrive on healthy competition and mutual respect!

The Hive NZ is a home for all Kiwi talent. We know that modern entrepreneurs need flexible ways to trade.

You can absolutely list services and standard products. You can sell wholesale on our platform too.

Want to create excitement around a rare or unique piece? You can also run dynamic auction listings to let buyers bid on your work.

Whether you are a photographer, a maker, or an auctioneer, we make it easy to reach a local audience looking to buy Kiwi.

Yes, absolutely! The Hive NZ supports a massive variety of listing types to suit your business model.

You can easily sell instant digital downloads like files, templates, or patterns that customers receive immediately after checkout.

If you create custom, made-to-order digital work, you can use our virtual product listings. This allows you to collaborate with the buyer first and deliver the final custom assets at a later date.

Don’t worry—getting set up is simple, free, and puts you in professional control of your business from day one.

Because The Hive NZ is a vendor-powered platform, we use Stripe to ensure you get paid directly and securely. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one in just a few minutes without even leaving your shop dashboard.

• Quick & Free Setup: Simply head to your Vendor Dashboard > Settings > Payment. From there, you’ll see a button to connect or create a Stripe account. It’s completely free to open!
• Why Stripe? It is the global leader in online payments. Having your own account means you can track every sale, handle refunds easily if needed, and have your money sent straight to your bank account without waiting for us to process it manually.
• No Technical Skills Needed: The setup process is a guided, step-by-step journey designed for busy entrepreneurs, not tech experts.

Not keen on Stripe or hitting a roadblock? We never want tech to get in the way of your passion. If you’re having trouble setting up your account or have specific concerns about using Stripe, please contact our Admin team immediately. We are here to help find a solution that works for you and ensures your shop can get up and running smoothly.

Pro-Tip: Connecting your own Stripe account is the best way to avoid admin fees and keep your business moving at the speed of light!hly.

At The Hive NZ, we believe your hard-earned money belongs in your pocket as soon as possible. Our system is designed to give you total control over your cash flow through our integration with Stripe.

The Direct Route: Get Paid Instantly

When you set up your store, you’ll be prompted to connect your own Stripe account. We highly recommend this because it puts you in the driver’s seat:

• No Waiting: Payments go directly from the customer to your Stripe account.
• Automatic Deductions: Any applicable fees (see below) are deducted at the point of sale, so the balance that hits your account is your actual profit.
• You Control the Payout: From Stripe, you can transfer your funds to your New Zealand bank account on your own schedule.

Understanding the Fees

To keep the platform thriving and the tools sharp, there are two types of fees deducted before the money reaches you:

Success Fees:

• Vendors on our Free Introductory Starter plan pay a success fee of 15% on sales (calculated on the product price, excluding shipping).
• Vendors on our Pro Plan pay a success fee of 8% on sales (calculated on the product price, excluding shipping). 
• Vendors on our Pro+ Boost plan, your success fee is 0%.
• Stripe Fees: All vendors, regardless of their Hive plan, pay standard Stripe processing fees. These are the costs for securely processing credit card transactions. Check the current Stripe fees for NZ here.

Pro-Tip: Connecting your own Stripe account is the best way to avoid admin fees and keep your business moving at the speed of light!hly.

Short answer: Absolutely! In fact, we highly encourage it.

One of the greatest strengths of The Hive NZ is that it is powerful enough to be your business’s primary home. You can link your own custom domain (e.g., www.yourbrand.co.nz) directly to your Hive store page, giving you the sleek, professional look of a standalone website with all the powerhouse traffic of our collective marketplace.

The Benefits of Using Your Own Domain:

• Professional Branding: Use your custom URL on business cards, signage, and social media bios. It builds immediate trust and makes your brand feel established and “flagship.”
• The Best of Both Worlds: You get the “boutique” feel of your own dedicated URL, while still benefiting from The Hive’s massive built-in audience. You don’t have to choose between a lonely independent site and a busy marketplace—you get both.
• Massive Cost Savings: Instead of paying $50+ per month for a standalone e-commerce platform, you use The Hive as your engine. You save on hosting and tech support while we handle the secure checkout and server speed.
• Exclusive Landing Pages: Want an even more polished entry point for your customers? We offer custom landing pages to give your brand a high-end feel. For our Pro+ Boost vendors, a basic custom landing page is included on request—perfect for matching your domain to a truly bespoke brand experience.

How do I do it?

It’s simple! Just go to your domain provider (where you bought your URL) and set up “Domain Forwarding” to your Hive store link.

Great for Landing pages!

The Hive NZ offers landing pages created for just your brand. To make the most of your custom domain, we can design and build a bespoke landing page directly on our platform for your business.

We offer everything from clean, bare-basic essentials to fully customised layouts tailored to your unique brand identity.

Best of all, we handle the creation for you, giving your forwarded URL a stunning, professional home that converts visitors into customers.

Pro Tip: Did you know? If you are a Pro+ Boost vendor you can claim your own basic landing page for free! Get in touch with our team, and we’ll help you make your brand the star of the show.

You don’t need to be a large corporation to join us, but it’s important to know that when you list products or services for sale on The Hive NZ, you are officially “in business.”

Whether you are testing a new idea or scaling an established brand, you are considered a professional vendor on our platform. This means:

• A Place to Grow: The Hive NZ is designed to be the launching pad that helps you transition from a “maker” to a “business owner.” We provide the professional infrastructure so that even on your first day, you look and act like an established brand.
• No NZBN Required: You do not need a formal New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) or GST registration to get started. Many of our successful vendors start as sole traders using their own names.
• Professional Responsibility: Because you are “in trade,” you have the same responsibilities as any other Kiwi business to provide quality goods and follow the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act. We move away from the “hobbyist” label because we want our customers to trust that every vendor on The Hive—including you—is a professional committed to great service.

Think of us as your digital megaphone. One of the biggest challenges for a standalone website is “invisibility.” When you join The Hive NZ, you aren’t just getting a shop; you are joining a high-traffic collective that Google already knows and trusts.

We’ve built the platform with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) at its core. Because our site has thousands of listings and constant fresh content, we rank higher for “shop local” and “Kiwi made” keywords than most independent sites can on their own.

To boost your visibility even further, we utilise strategic Brands and curated Product Tags. By assigning your specific brand name and targeted search keywords to your items, you help Google instantly categorise your products. This means when shoppers search for specific niches, styles, or makers, our platform structure pushes your items straight to the front.

By listing with us, your products “hitch a ride” on our authority, making it much easier for new customers to find your brand through a simple Google search.

To sell on our platform, you must fully comply with all New Zealand consumer laws. Because you act entirely on your own behalf when selling to customers, the legal sales contract exists directly between you and the buyer.

You must meet all requirements under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA). This means ensuring your products are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and match their descriptions. The Hive NZ provides a safe platform for you to trade, but you hold full responsibility for your listings and customer resolutions.

Before applying, please review your exact legal duties on the official Consumer Protection guidelines.

Our platform offers an incredibly flexible shipping system designed to match how you do business. From your dashboard, you can configure flat-rate delivery, set up local pick up or set up advanced table-rate shipping based on total item numbers, parcel weight, or cart values.

You hold complete control over your shipping zones. You can choose exactly which countries you are willing to send products to. If you leave a country unselected, overseas customers from that region will not be able to place an order.

Important Policy Reminder: All marketplace sales must be processed securely through our system. Attempting to move a buyer off-platform to complete a sale privately breaks our terms of use, voids your vendor protection, and will result in store suspension.

Yes! In fact, many of our most successful vendors do exactly that. Think of your own website as your personal “boutique” and The Hive NZ as your “high-street storefront.”

Selling here gives you a second stream of traffic. It puts your work in front of buyers who may never have found your individual site. Plus, our collective SEO power helps boost your brand’s overall online visibility.

However, it is important to manage expectations early on. If you direct all your marketing and engagement exclusively toward your private website, your marketplace store will naturally thrive less.

Top Tip: Like any digital storefront, a passive listing rarely succeeds on its own. To get the best results, you need to actively maintain your presence here and treat both platforms as valuable pillars of your business strategy.

We operate a strict “dispatch upon payment” model. As soon as a buyer completes their checkout, your order fulfilment process should begin immediately.

Because we use Stripe, the customer’s payment deposits into your connected account the moment the order is placed. The funds are instantly yours, minus platform fees. You should never wait for Stripe payouts to clear into your personal bank account before starting work.

Are you offering bespoke, made-to-order work? To manage buyer expectations, you must clearly specify your expected production turnaround.

We require you to state these custom processing times directly inside your product descriptions or within your store’s dedicated shipping tab (see step 2 of our shipping guide). Waiting for bank transfers causes unnecessary delivery delays, which can lead to poor buyer reviews or refund requests.

Product and store reviews are pure gold for small businesses! They build instant trust with new marketplace buyers. Our system allows customers to leave a product review for specific items, and a separate store review for your overall business.

Because these are two different steps, you can encourage buyers to complete both. However, keep in mind that product reviews disappear permanently if you delete that specific item from your shop. If you want to keep those ratings, it is always better to edit an existing product listing rather than deleting it.

Your store reviews will remain safe as long as your shop page is active. Because your overall store rating automatically displays on your product listings too, a brilliant strategy is to focus on asking customers for store reviews rather than product reviews.

You do—because you are the face of your brand! At The Hive NZ, we put the customer relationship back in the hands of our vendors. When a buyer has a question or needs a refund, they talk directly to you through our secure messaging system.

This means you hold full responsibility for managing your returns according to your store policies, provided they meet New Zealand consumer laws. If you sell registered goods like food, cosmetics, or children’s items, you are entirely responsible for answering compliance and allergen questions. You have full autonomy over how you care for your community.

Important Policy Reminder: You must keep all customer messages and orders entirely on our platform. Taking conversations off-site breaches our terms and conditions and will result in store suspension.