How to Build a Marketplace App Without Code Using Bubble.io
Marketplaces are among the most valuable internet businesses and among the most complex apps to build. Bubble.io handles them natively. Two-sided user model, Stripe Connect split payments, review system, and the chicken-and-egg launch strategy.
Why Marketplaces Are Bubble’s Best Use Case
Marketplace applications — platforms that connect buyers and sellers, clients and service providers, employers and freelancers — are among the most valuable internet businesses ever built. They are also among the most complex applications to build. Bubble.io handles marketplace architecture natively: two-sided user models, Stripe Connect for split payments, review systems, messaging, and search — all without writing code. This guide walks through exactly how.
What Every Marketplace App Needs
Provider Profiles
The supply side of the marketplace. Providers create profiles: photos, description, services offered, availability, location, pricing, and qualifications. Public profile pages discoverable via search. Verification and review system that builds trust.
Buyer Accounts
The demand side. Buyers create accounts, search for providers, view profiles, book or purchase, pay, and leave reviews. Buyer history, saved favourites, and messaging with providers.
Booking or Order Flow
The transaction that connects buyers and providers. Booking request, confirmation, payment (via Stripe Connect), and fulfilment. Status tracking from booking through to completion. Cancellation and refund handling.
Search and Matching
Buyers find providers via search filters: location radius, service type, price range, availability, rating. Results returned as a list or map view. Smart sorting (by rating, price, distance, or relevance).
Reviews and Trust
Both sides review each other after each transaction. Average rating displayed on profiles. Review history visible. Flagging system for inappropriate reviews. Trust signals that reduce friction for first-time buyers.
Payments with Platform Fee
Stripe Connect handles split payments: buyer pays full amount, platform takes a percentage fee, provider receives the remainder. All automated. Tax documentation handled by Stripe. Dispute management via Stripe.
The Data Architecture
User
user_type
: option set (Buyer, Provider, Both)
provider_profile
: ProviderProfile (linked on provider signup)
ProviderProfile
user
: User
display_name
: text
bio
: text
service_category
: option set
hourly_rate
: number
rating_average
: number (denormalised)
review_count
: number (denormalised)
stripe_connect_id
: text
connect_status
: option set (Pending, Active)
is_verified
: yes/no
Booking
buyer
: User
provider
: ProviderProfile
service_date
: date
amount_buyer_pays
: number
platform_fee
: number
provider_receives
: number
stripe_pi_id
: text
status
: option set (Pending/Confirmed/Complete/Cancelled)
Stripe Connect Payment Split
amount_buyer_pays
= 10000 (e.g. £100.00 in pence)
platform_fee_pct
= 0.15 (15%)
platform_fee
= amount_buyer_pays * platform_fee_pct = 1500
provider_receives
= amount_buyer_pays – platform_fee = 8500
// Stripe payment intent
POST /v1/payment_intents
amount = 10000
application_fee_amount = 1500 (platform keeps this)
transfer_data[destination] = provider’s stripe_connect_id
// Stripe automatically routes: £85 to provider, £15 to platform
Launch With Simulated Supply First
The hardest problem in marketplace building is the chicken-and-egg problem: buyers do not come without providers; providers do not sign up without buyers. Solve this by manually recruiting 10-20 high-quality providers before opening to buyers. Reach out personally, explain the vision, and offer founding provider benefits (zero commission for the first 6 months, featured placement, input into the product roadmap). Launch with a curated supply and buyers will find value immediately.
Build Your Bubble.io App With Expert Help
Pakistan’s leading Bubble.io development team. Multi-tenant SaaS architecture, Stripe billing, and full product builds done right from day one.
