Suppliers list detailed product information, as well as delivery, shipping and payment preferences. Buyers search the database to generate a list of suppliers with key products they wish to buy or to locate specific products. Searches can be limited to a specific geographic range so buyers can find organic products as close to home as possible. Once buyers find a supplier for the products they need, they fill out and submit an order form. If the supplier accepts the order, an automated notification system helps guide the order through the shipment and payment process.
Notification is by e-mail, alerts on the website, or both.
Any supplier who currently has or subsequently lists this product is automatically matched with the buyer who needs it. An automated notification and reminder system helps the buyer and supplier to confirm and follow up on this agreement on the specific dates they designate. OrganicTrader has integrated the Intershipper quote system so users can quickly compare the rates of major shipping providers for a specific order. Many suppliers require payment in advance for on-line orders from buyers they have not worked with before. PayPal is an easy and secure way to accept credit card payments from buyers before shipping an order and has proved a valuable tool on many auction and exchange sites.