You are here which means you want to create an online pharmacy marketplace. That’s a great decision because nowadays, especially after the COVID the demand for online medicine has increased enormously.
On top of that creating an online pharmacy marketplace is easy if you can choose the right solution.
We want to recommend the Dokan Cloud as a marketplace solution to you. It’s the easiest platform out there to create a marketplace. Everything is sorted there already, all you need to do is sign up, design, and start selling.
Yes, it’s that easy.
Want to explore more about the process? Awesome, let’s get started right away!
Growth and Possibility of Online Pharmacy Marketplace in 2025
If you want to launch your own online pharmacy business, now is the best time. The online pharmacy marketplace is set to grow bigger than ever in 2025. Experts predict that the global market could reach over $290 billion by 2032.
More people are choosing to order their medications online because it’s convenient and saves time. Busy schedules and easy access through mobile apps are making this option even more popular.
The growing number of elderly people and patients with long-term health issues also drives this trend. They need regular access to medicines, and online platforms make this process much simpler. Advanced technology like AI and secure systems are also helping people trust online pharmacies.
This creates an excellent chance for entrepreneurs like you to start your own marketplace and meet this rising demand.
How to Start an Online Pharmacy Marketplace – 7 Easy Steps for You
Starting an online pharmacy marketplace may seem challenging, but breaking it into clear steps makes the process manageable. From understanding your audience to configuring your marketplace settings, every step plays an important role.
So, first, let’s take a quick look at the steps to create a pharmacy marketplace:
- Step 01. Research Your Target Audience
- Step 02. Prepare a Budget for Launching Your Marketplace
- Step 03. Signup to the Dokan Cloud Platform
- Step 04. Complete the Onboarding Process
- Step 05. Configure Marketplace Settings- General, Payment, Shipment, Tax etc
- Step 06. Create a Subscription Plan for Vendors
- Step 07. Onboard Your First Vendor
Now let’s get into the details!
Step 01. Research Your Target Audience
The first step in building your pharmacy marketplace is understanding who your customers are. Identify the demographics you want to serve, such as-
- age groups,
- geographic locations, and
- specific medical needs.
For instance, some marketplaces focus on chronic illness management, while others cater to wellness and OTC products.
Pay attention to customer pain points, such as the need for quick delivery, access to rare medicines, or budget-friendly options.
Use surveys, social media, and online forums to gather insights. This research helps you align your offerings with your audience’s expectations and stand out from competitors.
If you know your audience well, you can design a marketplace that meets their needs and builds loyalty from day one.
Step 02. Prepare a Budget for Launching Your Marketplace
Setting a realistic budget is crucial when launching your online pharmacy marketplace. Start by identifying the major costs involved, such as platform subscriptions and marketplace design.
Next, account for marketing expenses. You’ll need to promote your marketplace through ads, SEO, or social media campaigns to attract vendors and customers. Allocate funds for initial promotions to create awareness and build your brand.
Don’t forget operational costs like logistics, vendor onboarding, and customer support. It’s also smart to set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. By carefully planning your budget, you can launch confidently and manage your marketplace efficiently without overspending.
If you need a real time budget estimation for your marketplace, check our blog about “How much does it cost to build an online marketplace in 2025“.
Step 03. Signup to Dokan Cloud Platform
First, you need to sign up for the Dokan Cloud platform to get started. Dokan Cloud offers a 14-day trial period. So you will get plenty of time to explore and test the available features before you make your final decision.
Also, after purchase, you will only need to pay $1/month for the first 3 months. This will give you time to test if your idea is market fit.
While signing up, you need to add your email address and set a password.
Dokan Cloud will take a few minutes to set up the marketplace and you will get a message that your marketplace is created.
Step 04. Complete the Onboarding Process
You need to complete the setup wizard in order to start your marketplace. Choose the Marketplace option, and add the necessary information like your store address, business name, etc to finish.
You can read the documentation on the onboarding process to get a better idea.
Step 05. Configure Marketplace Settings- General, Payment, Shipment, Tax etc
Now, it is time to configure the complex part. You need to configure the important settings for your marketplace platform.
In the general settings, you can configure the basic details, business details, domain, brand details, etc.
You can start by configuring the payment settings of the marketplace. Dokan Cloud has integration with popular payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, Mangopay, etc. You can easily connect them to handle the transactions of your marketplace.
Also, you can set up the shipping settings from the dashboard. You can create different shipping profiles to handle complex shipping calculations, and shipping types (domestic, international) as well.
You can read the guide on how to set up shipping for your marketplace with Dokan Cloud.
We have written all the guides regarding the setup of the Dokan Cloud marketplace. You can check it for a better understanding.
Step 06. Create a Subscription Plan for Vendors
Now for your vendors to sign up and start selling on your marketplace, you need to create subscription plans. Dokan Cloud marketplace platform lets you create subscription plans with options to add trial period, commission (Fixed and Category), vendor capabilities, SEO, and Reports.
Vendors will be able to choose a subscription plan when they sign up for your marketplace.
Step 07. Onboard Your First Vendor
Attracting vendors to your online pharmacy marketplace is vital for its success. Here are practical ways to encourage vendors to register:
- Highlight the Benefits of Joining: Explain how your marketplace can help vendors grow their business. Showcase features like a built-in platform, broader customer reach, and tools for easy order and inventory management.
- Offer Introductory Deals: Provide limited-time incentives such as free registration or discounted subscription plans for new vendors. This makes it easier for vendors to take the first step.
- Run Vendor Recruitment Campaigns: Use targeted ads, email marketing, and social media to reach vendors. Campaigns with messages like “Expand Your Pharmacy Business Online – Sign Up Today!” can catch their attention.
- Simplify the Onboarding Process: Make registration easy with step-by-step instructions, video guides, or one-on-one support. Vendors are more likely to join when the process is clear and hassle-free.
- Share Success Stories; Highlight testimonials or case studies from other vendors who have succeeded on your platform. This builds credibility and trust for your marketplace.
- Introduce Referral Programs: Encourage existing vendors to invite others. Offer rewards like subscription discounts or additional features for every successful referral.
These strategies can help you onboard your first vendor and set your marketplace up for long-term success.
We have a couple of blogs on finding and onboarding vendors. Check these blogs for a smooth vendor management:
- Vendor Guide 101: How to Find Vendors for Your Online Marketplace
- Vendor Guide 102: How to Onboard Vendors on Your Marketplace
Bonus: How to Promote Your Marketplace
Promoting your online pharmacy marketplace is key to attracting vendors and customers. A well-planned strategy can help you stand out in a competitive market.
Here are some effective ways to spread the word about your platform:
(i) Leverage Social Media Platforms
Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase your marketplace. Post engaging content such as health tips, product updates, and customer success stories. Social media ads can also help you reach a wider audience quickly.
(ii) Run Paid Ads
Invest in Google Ads or social media ads to target specific keywords and demographics. For example, targeting phrases like “buy prescription medicines online” or “affordable pharmacy marketplace” can bring in relevant traffic.
(iii) Collaborate with Influencers
Partner with health and wellness influencers who can promote your marketplace to their followers. Their recommendations can build trust and attract more users to your platform.
(iv) Focus on SEO
Optimize your marketplace for search engines by using relevant keywords, writing informative blog posts, and ensuring your website is mobile-friendly. Appearing on the first page of search results can significantly increase your visibility.
(v) Offer Discounts and Promotions
Attract first-time customers with limited-time discounts or free shipping offers. Similarly, encourage vendors to join by offering introductory deals on subscription plans.
(vi) Build an Email List
Collect emails from visitors and customers to send newsletters, promotional offers, and updates. Personalized email campaigns can drive traffic back to your marketplace.
(vii) Attend Health and Wellness Events
Participate in local or virtual health expos to showcase your platform. Networking at these events can help you connect with potential vendors and customers.
Challenges to Create a Pharmacy Marketplace
Creating a pharmacy marketplace involves several challenges. These include meeting legal requirements, building customer trust, managing vendors, and ensuring efficient logistics.
Let’s break these down:
1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Operating a pharmacy marketplace requires strict adherence to laws. Selling medications online involves regulations for prescription verification, patient data protection, and drug authenticity.
These laws differ across countries and regions, so you need to understand and comply with the requirements of your target markets. Non-compliance can result in fines, loss of credibility, or even a shutdown of operations.
2. Building Customer Trust
Customers are often skeptical about buying medicines online. Concerns about counterfeit drugs, expired products, or misuse of personal data are common.
To address this, you need to implement strict quality controls, use secure payment gateways, and be transparent about your policies. Building a trustworthy brand is essential to attract and retain customers.
3. Vendor Management
A successful pharmacy marketplace depends on reliable vendors. Onboarding sellers who meet industry standards and follow regulations can be challenging.
You must regularly monitor their operations to ensure product quality, timely deliveries, and adherence to legal requirements. Providing vendors with clear guidelines and support can help maintain high standards.
4. Logistics and Supply Chain
Medications often have specific storage and transportation needs. Some require temperature-controlled environments, while others must be delivered quickly to remain effective.
Establishing a robust supply chain and partnering with reliable logistics providers is crucial to handle these requirements efficiently.
Conclusion
Starting an online pharmacy marketplace may seem challenging, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding venture.
By researching your audience, setting a clear budget, and using a reliable platform like Dokan Cloud, you can create a thriving marketplace that connects pharmacies with customers in need.
Focus on building trust with both vendors and customers. Provide a
- seamless shopping experience,
- ensure compliance with regulations, and
- offer strong customer support.
These efforts will help establish your platform as a reliable and efficient solution.
With the growing demand for online pharmacies, now is the perfect time to take the leap. Follow the steps in this guide to turn your idea into a successful online pharmacy marketplace. Happy selling!
Subscribe to
Dokan blog
We send weekly newsletters, no spam for sure!
