Account Setup and Optimization

After your merchant registration is approved, it's time to set up your account for success. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the account setup process and show you how to optimize your profile for maximum visibility and sales.

Initial Account Configuration

Accessing Your Merchant Dashboard

Once your registration is approved, you'll receive:

• Login credentials for the merchant portal
• Welcome email with setup instructions
• Account manager contact for personalized support

1. Visit resqmeals.app/merchant/login
2. Enter your credentials
3. Complete the initial setup wizard

Company and Outlet Selection

Your first step is to configure your company and outlet structure:

Company Setup

• Company Profile: Complete your business information
• Business Hours: Set your operating schedule
• Contact Information: Ensure all details are current
• Business Categories: Select appropriate categories for your business

Outlet Configuration

• Outlet Details: Add specific location information
• Operating Hours: Set individual outlet schedules
• Staff Management: Add team members and assign roles
• Inventory Settings: Configure product management preferences

Profile Optimization

Business Information

Essential Details

• Business Name: Use your official registered name
• Business Type: Select the most accurate category
• Description: Write a compelling business description (150-300 words)
• Contact Information: Ensure all details are accurate and up-to-date

Location and Hours

• Address: Provide complete, accurate address information
• Operating Hours: Set realistic, consistent hours
• Holiday Schedule: Update for special occasions and closures
• Pickup Instructions: Clear directions for customers

Visual Branding

Profile Images

• Logo: Upload high-quality business logo (recommended: 512x512px)
• Cover Photo: Showcase your business atmosphere (recommended: 1200x400px)
• Interior Photos: Add 3-5 photos of your space
• Food Photos: Include appetizing images of your offerings

Brand Consistency

• Use consistent colors and fonts
• Maintain professional image quality
• Ensure photos accurately represent your business
• Update images regularly to keep content fresh

User and Role Management

Adding Team Members

Navigate to /merchant/employees to manage your team:

User Roles

• Owner: Full access to all features
• Manager: Can manage products, orders, and staff
• Staff: Can process orders and update inventory
• Viewer: Read-only access for reporting

Adding New Users

1. Click "Create Employee"
2. Fill in personal information
3. Assign appropriate role
4. Set permissions and access levels
5. Send invitation email

Permission Management

Configure what each role can access:

• Order Management: Who can process and fulfill orders
• Inventory Control: Who can add/edit products
• Financial Data: Who can view sales and analytics
• User Management: Who can add/remove team members

Product Categories and Setup

Category Management

Before adding products, set up your categories:

1. Navigate to /merchant/categories
2. Create relevant categories for your products
3. Organize in logical hierarchy
4. Add category descriptions and images

Best Practices for Categories

• Clear Naming: Use descriptive, customer-friendly names
• Logical Organization: Group similar items together
• Consistent Structure: Maintain uniform category depth
• Regular Updates: Add new categories as your offerings expand

Initial Product Setup

Start with a small selection of products:

Product Selection Criteria

• High Turnover Items: Products you regularly have surplus of
• Popular Products: Items customers frequently request
• Easy Management: Products simple to prepare and package
• Good Margins: Items that provide reasonable profit

Product Information Required

• Name and Description: Clear, appetizing descriptions
• Category Assignment: Proper categorization
• Pricing Strategy: Competitive surplus pricing
• Availability Windows: When items are typically available
• Pickup Instructions: Special handling requirements

Settings and Preferences

Notification Settings

Configure how you receive updates:

• Order Notifications: Real-time alerts for new orders
• Inventory Alerts: Low stock and expiration warnings
• Customer Messages: Communication preferences
• System Updates: Platform news and feature announcements

Payment and Financial Settings

Set up your payment processing:

• Bank Account Information: For revenue deposits
• Tax Settings: Configure applicable taxes
• Pricing Rules: Set discount parameters
• Payment Terms: Define payment schedules

Operational Preferences

Customize your workflow:

• Order Processing Time: Set realistic preparation times
• Pickup Windows: Define customer collection periods
• Cancellation Policy: Set terms for order changes
• Special Instructions: Default notes for customers

Integration and Tools

Mobile App Setup

Download and configure the merchant mobile app:

• Real-time Notifications: Stay updated on orders
• Quick Inventory Updates: Add items on the go
• Order Management: Process orders from anywhere
• Customer Communication: Respond to inquiries instantly

Third-party Integrations

Connect with your existing systems:

• POS Systems: Sync inventory and sales data
• Accounting Software: Automate financial reporting
• Inventory Management: Connect existing stock systems
• Marketing Tools: Integrate promotional platforms

Quality Assurance Checklist

Before going live, ensure:

Profile Completeness

• All business information filled out
• High-quality images uploaded
• Operating hours set correctly
• Contact information verified

Team Setup

• Key team members added
• Roles and permissions configured
• Training completed for all users
• Communication protocols established

Product Readiness

• Initial product categories created
• First products added and tested
• Pricing strategy implemented
• Inventory tracking configured

System Configuration

• Notification preferences set
• Payment information configured
• Mobile app installed and tested
• Integration connections verified

Ongoing Optimization

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Weekly

• Review and update product availability
• Check and respond to customer feedback
• Analyze sales performance
• Update team schedules

Monthly

• Review pricing strategy
• Analyze customer trends
• Update business information
• Evaluate team performance

Quarterly

• Comprehensive profile review
• Strategic planning session
• System integration review
• Training updates for team

Performance Monitoring

Track key metrics:

• Order Volume: Number of orders processed
• Customer Satisfaction: Reviews and ratings
• Revenue Growth: Sales trends over time
• Waste Reduction: Environmental impact metrics

Getting Support

If you need assistance during setup:

Available Resources

• Setup Wizard: Built-in guided setup process
• Help Documentation: Comprehensive guides and FAQs
• Video Tutorials: Step-by-step visual guides
• Account Manager: Personal support contact

Contact Methods

• In-app Support: Direct messaging within the platform
• Email Support: Dedicated merchant support email
• Phone Support: Business hours phone assistance
• Community Forum: Connect with other merchants

Next Steps

Once your account is set up:

1. Add Your First Products - Start with 3-5 items
2. Process Test Orders - Familiarize yourself with the workflow
3. Gather Feedback - Listen to early customer experiences
4. Optimize Based on Data - Use analytics to improve performance

Continue to the next guide: Managing Your Products

Your account setup is the foundation of your success on ResQMeals. Take time to complete each step thoroughly, and don't hesitate to reach out for support when needed.