Arcadier

What is Arcadier

Arcadier is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that allows businesses and entrepreneurs to create and manage their own online marketplaces. The main purpose of the tool is to provide the technology needed to build multi-vendor platforms for selling goods, services, or rentals without needing to code from scratch. Arcadier supports various business models, including business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), and peer-to-peer (P2P). The company, Arcadier Pte. Ltd., was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Singapore. It aims to make marketplace technology accessible to a wide range of users, from startups testing an idea to large enterprises expanding their business.

Arcadier Features

Arcadier offers a set of features designed to build and scale an online marketplace:

• Multiple Business Models: The platform is flexible and supports different types of marketplaces, including retail, services, and rentals. You can configure it for B2C, B2B, P2P, or D2C operations.
• White-labeled Branding: Users can customize the look and feel of their marketplace to match their brand. This includes adding custom logos, changing colors, and using specific fonts and images.
• Advanced Search & Filter: To improve user experience, Arcadier includes powerful search functions. Customers can search for items using keywords and location, and filter results based on custom parameters.
• Secure Payment Integration: The platform integrates with popular payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal to ensure secure transactions. It automatically handles commission splitting between the marketplace owner and the sellers.
• Multi-Language Support: You can translate your marketplace into multiple languages to reach a global audience. This helps in localizing the experience for different regions.
• API Access and Customization: For users with development resources, Arcadier provides API access. This allows for creating custom features, integrating with third-party software, and building a unique user experience.
• Industry-Specific Solutions: Arcadier provides templates and features tailored for specific industries like Automotive, Real Estate, and Retail to help launch faster.

Arcadier Pricing Plans

Arcadier offers several pricing plans tailored to different business needs and scales. The plans are structured in tiers.

• Basic Plan: This plan is designed for startups and small businesses looking to launch a minimum viable product (MVP). It includes essential features to get a marketplace up and running, with limitations on the number of users and transactions.
• Growth Plan: Aimed at growing businesses, this tier offers more advanced features, higher transaction limits, and greater customization options. It often includes API access for integrations.
• Enterprise Plan: This is a custom plan for large organizations with specific requirements. It includes all platform features, dedicated support, scalable infrastructure, and advanced security options.

Optional services like Curation Services are also available for an additional fee to help with setup and maintenance.

Arcadier Free Plan

Arcadier does not offer a permanent free plan. However, it provides a free trial for new users. The trial period allows you to explore the platform’s features, set up a test marketplace, and understand its functionalities before committing to a paid subscription. During the trial, you can access most of the core features of a standard plan, but there might be limitations on publishing the marketplace live or processing real payments.

How to use Arcadier

Getting started with Arcadier is a straightforward process:

1. Sign Up: Begin by signing up for a free trial on the Arcadier website.
2. Choose Your Marketplace Type: Select the type of marketplace you want to build (e.g., retail, services, rentals).
3. Basic Configuration: In the admin dashboard, give your marketplace a name and a URL.
4. Customize Branding: Upload your logo, choose your brand colors, and customize the homepage layout to align with your brand identity.
5. Set Up Payments: Connect your preferred payment gateway, such as Stripe or PayPal, to handle transactions. Configure your commission rates for sellers.
6. Onboard Sellers: Invite sellers to join your platform. They can create their own profiles and start listing their products or services.
7. Manage Listings: As an administrator, you can oversee all listings, approve new items, and manage categories.
8. Launch: Once you are satisfied with the setup, choose a subscription plan and launch your marketplace to the public.

Pros and Cons of Arcadier

Pros:

• Fast to Market: You can launch a functional marketplace very quickly, making it ideal for testing business ideas.
• No Coding Needed (for basic setup): The platform is user-friendly and does not require technical skills to set up a standard marketplace.
• Scalable: Arcadier's infrastructure is built to grow with your business, from a small startup to a large enterprise.
• Flexible Business Models: It supports a wide variety of marketplace types.
• API Access: The availability of an API allows for deep customization and integration possibilities.

Cons:

• Limited Customization on Lower Plans: Significant design and feature customization is only possible through API access, which may require a developer and a higher-tier plan.
• Transaction Fees: In addition to the monthly subscription, Arcadier may charge a fee on each transaction.
• Dependency on Platform: As a SaaS solution, you do not own the source code and are dependent on Arcadier's platform and updates.

Arcadier integrations

Arcadier provides integrations with essential third-party services to extend the functionality of your marketplace. Through its API, it can connect to many other tools.

• Stripe and PayPal: For secure and reliable payment processing and automatic commission splitting.
• Google Analytics: To track user behavior, traffic sources, and other important metrics on your marketplace.
• Social Media Integration: Allows for login using social media accounts and sharing products on platforms like Facebook.
• Custom Integrations via API: The API allows developers to connect Arcadier with CRM systems like Salesforce, email marketing tools like Mailchimp, and other external software.

Arcadier Alternatives

• Sharetribe: A popular alternative that offers two products: Sharetribe Go for easy, no-code marketplace creation, and Sharetribe Flex for a more customizable, API-based solution. It is known for its strong community features.
• Mirakl: An enterprise-focused solution designed for large retailers who want to add a third-party marketplace to their existing e-commerce operations. It is more powerful but also more complex and expensive than Arcadier.
• Marketplacer: Another enterprise-grade platform that focuses on scalability and helping businesses create successful marketplaces. It offers a wide range of features for managing sellers, products, and orders.
• CS-Cart Multi-Vendor: This is a self-hosted software, meaning you buy a license and install it on your own server. It offers more control over the code but requires more technical management.

Arcadier API

Yes, Arcadier provides a comprehensive set of APIs that allow developers to customize and extend their marketplaces. The APIs give you programmatic access to marketplace data, including users, items, and transactions. This enables the creation of custom front-end experiences, mobile apps, or integrations with other business systems.

To get API access, you typically need to be on a subscription plan that includes it. The API keys and documentation are available within the administrator's developer portal. You can find more information on their developer page.

Here is a basic example of using JavaScript's fetch to get a list of items from the Arcadier API:

fetch('https://yourmarketplacename.arcadier.io/api/v2/items', {
  method: 'GET',
  headers: {
    'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  }
})
.then(response => response.json())
.then(data => console.log(data))
.catch(error => console.error('Error:', error));

Arcadier Affiliate program

Arcadier offers a Partner Program rather than a traditional affiliate program. This program is designed for agencies, developers, and consultants who build marketplaces for their clients. Partners can get benefits like technical support, co-marketing opportunities, and potential revenue sharing. The exact commission rates and terms are typically discussed upon application. To join, you would need to visit the Arcadier website and fill out the application form for their Partner Program. If you cannot find a public program, it is best to contact their support or sales team to inquire about partnership opportunities.