Managed service providers (MSPs) operate in a complex ecosystem where efficiency and flexibility determine success. Managing multiple vendors, ensuring clients have the right products and streamlining procurement can be time-consuming. That’s where Sherweb’s Self-Service Portal (SSP) comes in.
Our self-service portal’s marketplace feature is designed to streamline this process. With this powerful tool, resellers can create catalogs, assign products, and allocate them to various organizations seamlessly. Let’s explore how this feature can enhance your business.
Why MSPs need a self-service marketplace
By leveraging the marketplace feature within the SSP, partners can take full control over product catalogs, customize offerings for different clients and ensure seamless customer experience without any back-and-forth between partner and their customers.
The value of customization in an MSP supply chain
When MSPs work with a cloud distributor like Sherweb, they rely on us to provide seamless access to SaaS and cloud solutions from various vendors. But every IT service provider has different customer needs. That’s why the ability to create and assign product catalogs within a self-service marketplace is a game-changer. It allows partners to tailor their offerings, provide clients with the right solutions and maintain control over their procurement process.
Let’s dive into how Sherweb’s marketplace feature in the self-service portal empowers MSPs to operate with greater efficiency and flexibility.
How to use the marketplace in the self-service portal
Step 1: Creating a catalog
The first step to leveraging the marketplace feature is creating a catalog. This process is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing resellers to curate a selection of products that best fit their clients’ needs, whether it’s software licenses, cybersecurity solutions or cloud infrastructure services. catalogs can be tailored to include a diverse range of offerings.
This flexibility ensures that resellers can provide personalized solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
How to create a catalog:
- Log into the Self-Service Portal and navigate to the Marketplace section.
- Open the admin section of the portal
- Navigate to the Marketplace section
- Click the “Add Catalog” button.
- Provide a name and description (this remains internal and invisible to customers).
- Search for products by name, SKU, or description and use filters to refine results (e.g., filtering by subscription type or vendor).
- Once selections are made, click “Update Catalog” to save.
Assigning products ensures that clients only see relevant and approved offerings.
Adding or removing products: MSPs can modify catalogs at any time to reflect changes in their service lineup.
Pro tip: If newly created catalogs don’t show available products immediately, wait 1-2 minutes and refresh the page. This short delay is expected as the system updates.
Step 2: Allocating catalogs to client organizations
Each catalog can be assigned to specific client organizations. This is particularly useful for MSPs managing multiple businesses, as it allows them to tailor offerings based on client-specific needs. This targeted approach improves client satisfaction and streamlines management for resellers.
Assigning a catalog to an organization:
- Open the catalog you want to assign to your customers.
- Select a customer from the available list.
- Once assigned, the organization will gain access to the marketplace and can start purchasing products.
Note: An organization can only be assigned to one catalog at a time. If reassignment is needed, simply select a new catalog, and the system will update accordingly.
Important vendor configuration requirements
Customers can only see products from vendors they are already configured with. This means:
- If a customer has a Microsoft license, they can view and purchase other Microsoft products.
- If a customer does not have a Bitdefender license, Bitdefender products in the catalog will remain hidden until configuration is completed.
Best practice: Before assigning a catalog to a customer, verify their vendor configurations to avoid confusion.
Key benefits of the marketplace in Sherweb’s Self-Service Portal
The marketplace feature within Sherweb’s Self-Service Portal is more than just a procurement tool, it’s a strategic advantage.
- Efficiency: Reduce the time spent managing product assignments and approvals.
- Customization: Offer tailored product selections for different customer needs.
- Scalability: Easily add or remove products as business needs evolve.
- Automation: Let customers purchase directly without additional intervention.
By streamlining procurement, MSPs can focus more on customer relationships and business growth rather than administrative tasks.
Get started with the self-service portal today!
By empowering MSPs with the marketplace feature in our self-service portal, Sherweb continues to make it easier to manage, scale, and optimize cloud offerings. Don’t miss out—unlock the full potential of your business today!
Ready to take control of your product management? Learn more about becoming a Sherweb partner
