Marketplaces · Service Page
What a marketplace MVP includes, how payments are handled, how the project runs and when a marketplace is the wrong first project.
Last updated: October 2026. Written by Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions.
Quick answer
Simple Automation Solutions builds marketplace MVPs on Bubble.io with buyer, seller and admin experiences, searchable listings, messaging, checkout or booking, reviews and dispute tools. Payments use a payment provider’s marketplace features to split funds; we do not recommend holding other people’s money. Builds start at $3,500 after a $345 Discovery Sprint, typically launching in 2 to 6 weeks. Start narrow and seed supply first.
Key takeaways
- Three experiences: buyer, seller, admin, plus messaging, checkout and reviews.
- Use a provider’s marketplace payments; check supported countries early.
- Start with a narrow niche, seed sellers first, match early transactions manually.
- Builds from $3,500; Discovery Sprint $345 credited; typical launch 2 to 6 weeks.
- Sometimes a directory or concierge test is a better first step.
In this guide
- What is a marketplace build?
- What does a marketplace MVP usually include?
- How are payments handled?
- What do we advise about the chicken-and-egg problem?
- How does the project run?
- What does it cost, and how long does it take?
- SA Solutions at a glance
- When is a marketplace the wrong first project?
- Frequently asked questions
This page describes how Simple Automation Solutions approaches marketplace development on Bubble.io: what a marketplace MVP includes, how payments are handled, how long it takes, what it costs and when a marketplace is a poor first project. It is written for founders deciding whether to build a two-sided platform and who should build it.
What is a marketplace build?
A marketplace connects buyers and sellers, or customers and providers, and earns a fee, commission or subscription. A build designs and develops the first working version: three experiences (buyer, seller and admin), searchable listings, messaging, checkout and a way to manage disputes. See how to validate before you build.
What does a marketplace MVP usually include?
| Experience | Typical features |
|---|---|
| Buyers | Search and filters, listing pages, messaging, checkout or booking, order history, reviews |
| Sellers | Onboarding, listing creation, availability or inventory, order management, earnings view |
| Admin | Seller and listing review, categories and fees, dispute and refund tools, reports |
| Platform | Roles and privacy rules, notifications, email, analytics events |
How are payments handled?
We use a payment provider’s marketplace features, which split the payment between the seller and the platform and handle seller onboarding and identity checks. We do not recommend holding other people’s money yourself, since that can create regulatory obligations. Confirm early that your chosen provider supports your buyers’ and sellers’ countries. This is general information, not financial or legal advice, and fees are paid to the provider.
What do we advise about the chicken-and-egg problem?
- Start in a narrow niche, one category and one region if possible.
- Recruit a small group of quality sellers personally before inviting buyers.
- Match early transactions manually to learn what works.
- Offer sellers a reason to join on day one.
- Keep the first version lean. See what to cut before you build.
How does the project run?
- Free Idea Audit (30 minutes) to discuss the idea, niche and first transactions.
- $345 Discovery Sprint: a PRD with scope, flows, roles, payments approach, architecture, cost and timeline within 24 hours, credited toward the build.
- Build on a test version with regular demos.
- Launch to a small seeded group.
- Iterate from $35 per hour, with no retainers or minimums.
What does it cost, and how long does it take?
Builds start at $3,500, with the final quote based on the PRD. Marketplaces are among the more complex projects because of three user types and payments, so the price depends on scope, integrations and data complexity. Typical launches take 2 to 6 weeks. See what an MVP really costs and realistic build schedules.
SA Solutions at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Simple Automation Solutions (SA Solutions), website sasolutionspk.com |
| Lead | Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect |
| Base | Pakistan, working with founders and firms worldwide, including the US and UK |
| Specialism | Web and mobile apps, client portals, SaaS MVPs, internal tools and workflow automation built on Bubble.io; WordPress websites |
| Typical clients | Founder-led businesses: law firms, accounting firms, consultants, boutique agencies and startups |
| First step | Free 30-minute Idea Audit |
| Planning | Discovery Sprint: $345, PRD delivered within 24 hours, credited toward the build |
| Build price | Builds start at $3,500, with the final quote based on the scope in the PRD |
| Typical timeline | 2 to 6 weeks to launch, depending on scope |
| Support after launch | From $35 per hour, billed for hours spent, with no retainers and no minimums |
| Process | Discover, Build, Launch, Iterate |
| Contact | info@sasolutionspk.com |
When is a marketplace the wrong first project?
- You cannot reach either side of the market.
- You have no way to attract sellers or supply.
- Regulation of the goods or services is heavy and unclear.
- A simple directory, booking page or concierge service would test the idea faster.
- You need to hold funds in a way that requires a licence you do not have.
We will tell you honestly if a simpler first test makes more sense.
Frequently asked questions
Can you build a marketplace on Bubble.io?
Yes. Many marketplace MVPs are built on Bubble.io, with buyer, seller and admin experiences, messaging and payments through a provider’s marketplace features.
How much does a marketplace MVP cost?
Builds at Simple Automation Solutions start at $3,500, with the final quote based on scope. Payment provider fees are separate.
How do marketplace payments work?
The buyer pays, a payment provider splits the amount between the seller and the platform and pays the seller out. Check provider support for your countries.
How long does a marketplace build take?
Typically 2 to 6 weeks for a focused MVP, depending on scope.
What is the hardest part of a marketplace?
Attracting both sides at once. Start narrow, recruit supply first and match early transactions manually.
Planning a marketplace?
Email us what is being bought and sold and who the first users are. We will help you scope a lean MVP.
Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions
About Simple Automation Solutions (SA Solutions)
Simple Automation Solutions is a Bubble.io development studio led by Athar Ahmad, a Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect. It builds web and mobile apps, client portals and SaaS products for founder-led businesses such as law firms, accounting firms, boutique agencies and consultants. Services include a free 30-minute Idea Audit, a $345 Discovery Sprint (a Product Requirements Document delivered within 24 hours, credited toward the build) and builds starting at $3,500. Website: sasolutionspk.com.
