Learn how to set up your merchant account and start reducing food waste while generating revenue

Getting Started as a Merchant

Welcome to ResQMeals for Business! This guide will help you set up your merchant account and start turning your surplus food into additional revenue while contributing to environmental sustainability.

Why Join ResQMeals?

Environmental Impact

Reduce Food Waste: Prevent perfectly good food from going to landfills
Lower Carbon Footprint: Reduce methane emissions from food waste
Sustainability Goals: Enhance your business's environmental credentials

Business Benefits

Additional Revenue: Turn potential losses into profit
Cost Savings: Reduce disposal and waste management costs
Customer Acquisition: Reach environmentally conscious consumers
Brand Enhancement: Improve your sustainability reputation

Eligibility Requirements

Business Types

We welcome various food businesses:

Restaurants: Full-service and quick-service
Cafes and Coffee Shops: Independent and chain locations
Bakeries: Retail and wholesale operations
Grocery Stores: Supermarkets and specialty stores
Catering Companies: Event and corporate catering
Food Trucks: Mobile food vendors

Basic Requirements

Valid business license
Food safety certifications
Commercial kitchen or food preparation area
Ability to handle online orders
Commitment to food safety standards

Registration Process

Step 1: Initial Application

Visit resqmeals.app/merchants/register
Click "Register Your Business"
Provide basic information:
- Business name and type
- Contact information
- Location details
- Business license number

Step 2: Verification

Our team will review your application:

Document Verification: Business license, food safety certificates
Location Verification: Confirm business address
Background Check: Ensure compliance with local regulations
Timeline: Usually 2-3 business days

Step 3: Account Setup

Once approved, you'll receive:

Login credentials for the merchant portal
Setup instructions and welcome materials
Access to training resources
Dedicated support contact

Setting Up Your Profile

Business Information

Business Name: How customers will see you
Description: Brief overview of your business and offerings
Logo/Photos: High-quality images of your business and food
Contact Details: Phone, email, and address

Operating Hours

Regular Hours: Daily opening and closing times
Special Hours: Holidays, events, or seasonal changes
Pickup Windows: When customers can collect orders
Lead Times: How far in advance to list items

Location Details

Exact Address: For customer navigation
Pickup Instructions: Where customers should go
Parking Information: Available parking options
Accessibility: Wheelchair access and other accommodations

Understanding the Platform

Merchant Dashboard

Your central hub for:

Order Management: View and process incoming orders
Inventory Listing: Add and manage available items
Analytics: Track sales, waste reduction, and performance
Customer Communication: Handle inquiries and feedback

Mobile App

Quick Updates: Add items on the go
Order Notifications: Real-time alerts for new orders
Inventory Management: Update availability instantly
Customer Messages: Respond to questions quickly

Complete Merchant Journey Overview

Phase 1: Registration and Approval (Days 1-3)

Submit Application: Complete registration at /merchants/register
Document Verification: Upload business license and certificates
Admin Review: Wait for approval (typically 2-3 business days)
Account Activation: Receive login credentials and welcome materials

Phase 2: Account Setup (Days 4-7)

Initial Login: Access merchant dashboard at /merchant/login
Company Configuration: Set up business profile and details
Outlet Setup: Configure location-specific information
Team Management: Add staff members and assign roles
Payment Setup: Configure banking and payment processing

Phase 3: Product and Inventory Setup (Week 2)

Category Creation: Set up product categories at /merchant/categories
Initial Product Listing: Add first products at /merchant/menus
Inventory Configuration: Set up stock management at /merchant/inventory
Pricing Strategy: Implement competitive surplus pricing
Quality Standards: Establish food safety and quality protocols

Phase 4: Operations Launch (Week 3)

Test Orders: Process initial orders to test workflow
Staff Training: Ensure team understands all procedures
Customer Service: Set up communication protocols
Performance Monitoring: Begin tracking key metrics

First Steps After Setup

1. Add Your First Items

Start with a strategic selection:

High-Turnover Items: Products you regularly have surplus of
Popular Products: Items customers frequently request
Easy-to-Manage: Simple preparation and packaging
Good Margins: Items that provide reasonable profit
Test Variety: Different categories to gauge demand

Recommended Starting Items:

Day-old baked goods (bread, pastries)
Prepared sandwiches or salads
End-of-day hot food items
Surplus packaged goods
Seasonal produce

2. Set Competitive Pricing

Discount Range: Typically 30-70% off regular price
Market Research: Check similar businesses in your area
Value Proposition: Balance profit with customer appeal

3. Create Pickup Procedures

Designated Area: Clear pickup location
Staff Training: Ensure team knows the process
Order Verification: System for confirming customer identity
Timing: Efficient handoff procedures

4. Complete Inventory Setup

Step-by-Step Inventory Configuration:

Access Inventory Management: Navigate to /merchant/inventory
Create Product Categories:
- Go to /merchant/categories
- Add relevant categories (Bakery, Prepared Foods, Beverages, etc.)
- Set category descriptions and images
Add Initial Products:
- Click "Create Product" at /merchant/menus/create
- Fill in product details (name, description, category)
- Upload high-quality photos
- Set pricing and availability
Configure Inventory Tracking:
- Set stock levels and alerts
- Configure automatic updates
- Set expiration date tracking