Supplier FAQ
Everything brands and manufacturers need to know about joining the Centerpiece Lab supplier network.
General
What is Centerpiece Lab?
Centerpiece Lab powers micro-stores run by gyms, coaches, athletes, and creators. These sellers promote products to their own communities, creating high-trust retail channels for your brand. As a supplier, you gain new distribution without managing influencers, affiliates, or complex integrations.
Who are your sellers?
Our sellers include: • Martial arts gyms • Fitness trainers • Athletes and competitors • Community creators • Lifestyle influencers • Niche groups with loyal audiences Each seller runs a branded store and selects products that fit their audience.
Why should suppliers join Centerpiece Lab?
You gain immediate access to a network of high-trust, community-driven micro-stores. Benefits include: • Higher conversion rates than traditional ads or influencer campaigns • Zero upfront cost • No influencer contract management • Centralized customer service, tax handling, and fraud protection • Automatic order syncing and simplified logistics • Controlled pricing that protects your brand
Is there a cost to join?
No. There are no listing fees, setup fees, or platform fees for suppliers.
Do suppliers need to sign a long-term contract?
No. Agreements are flexible and can be ended at any time, provided you fulfill outstanding orders.
Getting Started
How do I become a supplier?
Complete the supplier application form. Our partnerships team reviews applications within 2–5 business days.
What criteria do you use to approve suppliers?
We evaluate: • Product quality • Fulfillment reliability • Accurate product information • Reasonable processing times • Good customer service history • Fit with active, lifestyle, or performance-driven communities
What information do I need to provide?
You'll be asked for: • Brand name & website • Catalog or product links • Categories • Processing times • Fulfillment locations • Contact details • Tax documentation (W-9 / W-8BEN) for payouts
Catalog & Products
How do I upload my catalog?
You can provide your catalog through: • Shopify API sync • WooCommerce API sync • CSV upload • Google Sheet • Shared product links • A packaged folder of images + data We import and optimize everything.
Do you edit product descriptions?
Yes. We use AI to: • Improve clarity • Optimize SEO • Format variants, sizes, and colors • Make descriptions community-friendly Core product info remains accurate and supplier-approved.
Do sellers modify my product listings or prices?
No. Sellers cannot change: • Pricing • Titles • Variants • Core descriptions Your brand stays consistent across the network.
Can I choose which sellers can carry my products?
Yes. You can allow broad access or limit your products to selected sellers.
Can I remove products later?
Yes. You may remove products at any time as long as existing orders are fulfilled.
Orders & Fulfillment
How do I receive orders?
Orders sync directly to your system through: • Shopify order sync (via API) • WooCommerce order sync (via API) Integration takes 10–15 minutes. If you don't use Shopify/WooCommerce, we support: • Email notifications • Dashboard order processing • CSV exports • Custom API (high-volume brands)
Who handles customer support?
We do. Centerpiece Lab manages: • Customer questions • Returns • Exchanges • Refunds • Order status communication You only need to fulfill the product.
Do I need to provide inventory to you?
No. You fulfill orders from your existing warehouse or logistics partner.
What is the expected processing time?
We require suppliers to ship within 1–5 business days. Faster processing leads to more seller adoption.
Who handles returns?
We coordinate all customer interactions. Depending on your policies, returns may be: • Sent back to you • Refunded without return • Replaced or exchanged
Who handles sales tax?
We do. Centerpiece Lab is a Marketplace Facilitator, meaning: • We calculate tax • We collect tax • We remit tax • We file tax returns You do not manage sales tax for orders through our platform.
Payments & Economics
How do payouts work?
Suppliers receive automatic payouts on a predictable schedule (weekly or biweekly). You earn a fixed payout per product sold.
Do I pay any fees?
No. You do not pay: • Platform fees • Listing fees • Subscription fees • Influencer commissions • Affiliate fees • Sales tax obligations Centerpiece Lab only earns when the network earns — behind the scenes.
Do I set my prices?
Yes — you set your retail price, and sellers must match it. Sellers cannot raise or lower your pricing. Your brand and pricing integrity stay fully intact.
Can sellers run discounts on my products?
No — unless you explicitly authorize it.
How does sales tax affect my payout?
Sales tax is collected by Centerpiece Lab and remitted by us. Your payout excludes sales tax and includes only the product revenue you specify.
Are there hidden costs?
No. You only cover normal fulfillment expenses (shipping, packaging). Everything else is handled by our platform.
Technical & Integration
Do I need Shopify or WooCommerce?
No, but they provide the fastest experience. • Shopify: Full API sync • WooCommerce: Full API sync Other options: • CSV uploads • Dashboard management • Custom API integration • Email-based orders
How long does integration take?
Shopify and WooCommerce integrations typically take 10–15 minutes.
How does inventory sync work?
With Shopify/WooCommerce: • Automatic inventory updates • Variant-level sync • Real-time availability • Auto-hide for sold-out items Without them: • Manual updates via CSV or dashboard • Custom API available for large partners
What happens if a product goes out of stock?
We automatically: • Remove it from seller stores • Prevent overselling • Notify relevant sellers • Reactivate it when stock returns
Policies & Requirements
Do suppliers need to collect or remit sales tax?
No. As a Marketplace Facilitator, Centerpiece Lab handles all sales tax obligations.
What documentation is required?
For payouts: • W-9 (US suppliers) • W-8BEN (international suppliers) • EIN / Tax ID • Business registration (if applicable)
What product categories are not allowed?
We prohibit: • Weapons • Adult items • Illegal/dangerous goods • Counterfeit items • Anything violating safety or health regulations
Are there pricing rules?
Yes: • Your price must match the price on your own ecommerce store • Sellers cannot modify pricing • Discounts must be supplier-approved • Underpricing/undercutting is not allowed This protects both brand consistency and margins.
Can I blacklist certain sellers?
Yes. You may restrict distribution to selected sellers.
Support
How do I contact support?
You receive: • Priority supplier support • Dedicated email access • A partner success manager once approved
How long does onboarding take?
Most suppliers are fully live within 3–7 days, depending on catalog size.
Can I pause or stop selling?
Yes. You can pause listings or end your partnership at any time. All existing orders must still be fulfilled.