1. Finding & Browsing Stores
Every merchant on Frontstore operates a clean, dedicated storefront link (e.g. `frontstore.ng/ade` or a custom brand domain like `mybrand.com`). These storefronts are fully responsive and optimized for mobile devices, working flawlessly even in low-bandwidth areas.
When visiting a store, you can browse items grouped by category collections, search for specific products via the search bar, and view pinned "Signature Treatments" representing the vendor's featured offerings.
2. Placing Your First Order
Adding products to your order is simple:
- Tap the Buy or Order button beneath any item in the store's grid to add it to your cart.
- Toggle open the Order Bag from the top bar or side column.
- Enter your customer details: Name, WhatsApp Number, and preferred delivery or pickup arrangements.
- Confirm details and click Place Order. Your receipt details will immediately generate, and an order prompt will open to text the merchant on WhatsApp.
Saved Customer Profiles
Frontstore securely caches your delivery name, phone, and address locally in your browser. The next time you order from *any* shop running on the Frontstore infrastructure, checkout fields pre-fill instantly.
3. Booking Time-Slots & Services
For service-based items (such as salon bookings, consultations, or photo sessions), Frontstore embeds a calendar picker directly into the shopping flow:
1. Pick Date & Time
Click Book, then select a date (up to 5 days out) and click on an available time slot.
2. Fulfill Details
Under delivery address, list the session location (if mobile) or note any special requests.
4. Flexible Payment Options (Frontstore Pay)
Frontstore Pay supports secure local payments and verifies transactions in real-time.
- Local & International Cards: Pay securely using Visa, Mastercard, or Verve.
- Mobile Money Networks: Pay via MTN MoMo, M-Pesa, or Telebirr instantly.
- Virtual Bank Transfers (DVA): Transfer exactly to the temporary unique account number generated on the receipt page. Once transferred, the payment confirms dynamically without manual screenshots.
5. The Escrow & Buyer Protection System
To reduce fraud, Frontstore acts as a secure escrow holder. Your money does **not** land in the merchant's withdrawable wallet immediately.
How It Works
- You submit payment for your order.
- Frontstore locks the funds securely in the escrow framework.
- The vendor ships your goods or performs the booked service.
- You confirm delivery on your digital receipt page. Once clicked, the funds are released to the vendor.
- If the merchant fails to deliver or ships a wrong item, you file a dispute to freeze the escrow payout, allowing our support team to mediate.
6. Shopping via WhatsApp with Nina AI
When you click to chat on WhatsApp with a Frontstore merchant, you may be greeted by **Nina AI**. Nina acts as a helper directly in the thread:
7. Order Invoices & Feedback
After checking out, you receive a dynamic order tracking URL. Visiting this page allows you to view the real-time status of your order: