Are you ready to turn your skills into flexible income? Campus Collective is the student-to-student marketplace where you can offer beauty, fitness, academic, and lifestyle services. This comprehensive vendor guide will walk you through everything you need to know to succeed — from creating your first listing to becoming a Top Vendor.

Getting Started

Step 1: Create Your Vendor Profile

  1. Sign up with your university email address
  2. Verify your account through the confirmation email
  3. Complete your profile with a professional photo and bio
  4. Add your social links (optional but recommended)

Your profile is your first impression. Make it count! Use a clear, friendly photo and write a bio that showcases your personality and expertise.

Step 2: Create Your First Listing

Creating a listing is simple:

  1. Click “Create Listing” from your vendor dashboard
  2. Choose a category: Beauty, Fitness, Academic, or Lifestyle
  3. Upload photos: Show off your work with high-quality images
  4. Write a description: Explain what you offer and what makes you unique
  5. Set your price: Research similar services and price competitively
  6. Configure availability: Set up your calendar and booking windows

Pro Tip: Listings with 3+ photos and detailed descriptions get 2x more bookings than basic listings!

Best Practices for Success

Pricing Your Services

When setting your prices, consider:

  • Competition: Check what similar vendors charge on your campus
  • Experience: New vendors often start lower and increase as they build reputation
  • Time & Materials: Factor in your time, supplies, and travel
  • Campus Location: Some services can charge premium rates in high-demand areas

Don’t undervalue your work, but remember — competitive pricing helps you get your first bookings and reviews.

Creating Compelling Listings

Do:

  • Use clear, well-lit photos
  • Write detailed descriptions
  • Highlight what makes you unique
  • List any certifications or experience
  • Set realistic turnaround times

Don’t:

  • Use blurry or filtered photos
  • Copy other vendors’ descriptions
  • Promise unrealistic results
  • Forget to proofread for typos

Managing Your Calendar

Your calendar is crucial for avoiding double-bookings:

  1. Block off class times and personal commitments
  2. Set buffer time between bookings
  3. Update availability weekly
  4. Enable auto-blocking after each booking

The Payment Process

Understanding how you get paid:

  1. Member books your service and pays through Stripe
  2. Payment held in escrow until service completion
  3. Complete the service and mark it as finished
  4. Member confirms completion (or automatic after 24 hours)
  5. Funds released to your account in 2-3 business days

You can withdraw earnings once you reach the $20 minimum payout threshold.

Earning Leaderboard Points

Points make you stand out and increase your visibility. Earn points by:

  • Completing bookings (10 points each)
  • Getting 5-star reviews (5 bonus points)
  • Securing repeat clients (15 points for 3+ bookings from same member)
  • Quick response time (2 points for replying within 1 hour)
  • Perfect attendance (10 bonus points for 10 bookings with zero cancellations)

Vendor Status Progression

Rising Vendor (0-10 bookings)

  • Building your reputation
  • Basic profile visibility
  • Access to standard features

Active Vendor (11-50 bookings)

  • Increased search ranking
  • “Active Vendor” badge on profile
  • Priority customer support

Top Vendor (51+ bookings, 4.5+ rating)

  • Featured in Campus Spotlight
  • Highest search placement
  • Special “Top Vendor” badge
  • Exclusive vendor perks

Communication Best Practices

Great communication = great reviews:

  1. Respond quickly to messages (within 24 hours)
  2. Be professional but friendly
  3. Confirm details before the booking date
  4. Send reminders 24 hours before appointments
  5. Follow up after service completion

Handling Difficult Situations

If a member cancels:

  • Stay professional and understanding
  • Offer to reschedule
  • Review your cancellation policy in your listing

If you need to cancel:

  • Notify the member immediately
  • Apologize and explain briefly
  • Offer alternative dates
  • Note: Frequent cancellations hurt your leaderboard standing

If there’s a dispute:

  • Try to resolve directly with the member first
  • Stay calm and document everything
  • Contact Campus Collective support if needed
  • Our team mediates fairly based on evidence

Growing Your Vendor Business

Get More Bookings:

  • Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews
  • Share your Campus Collective profile on social media
  • Offer first-time client discounts
  • Create package deals (e.g., “5 tutoring sessions for the price of 4”)
  • Keep your availability updated

Build Client Loyalty:

  • Provide exceptional service every time
  • Remember client preferences
  • Offer loyalty rewards for repeat bookings
  • Ask for feedback and implement suggestions
  • Stay consistent with quality

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overcommitting: Don’t accept more bookings than you can handle
  2. Ignoring messages: Always respond to inquiries promptly
  3. Inconsistent pricing: Keep your rates stable unless raising them gradually
  4. Poor time management: Always arrive on time or early
  5. Neglecting your profile: Update photos and descriptions regularly

Success Stories

“I started as a Rising Vendor doing nails in my dorm. Six months later, I’m a Top Vendor with 80+ bookings and $2,400 earned. Campus Collective helped me build a real business while in school!” — Maya R., Beauty Vendor

“Tutoring through Campus Collective pays better than my old campus job, and I set my own hours. Plus, I’m helping my classmates succeed. It’s a win-win!” — James T., Academics Vendor

Your Next Steps

Ready to start your vendor journey?

  1. Complete your profile with professional photos
  2. Create your first listing with detailed descriptions
  3. Price competitively for your first 5-10 bookings
  4. Promote your services to friends and classmates
  5. Deliver amazing experiences and watch your bookings grow

Remember: Every Top Vendor started with zero bookings. Focus on quality service, build your reputation one booking at a time, and watch your campus business thrive.

Campus Collective helps you earn doing what you love, gain real-world experience, and build a resume-worthy portfolio — all while helping your fellow students.

Welcome to the vendor community! We can’t wait to see you climb the leaderboard. 🚀