Vendor Pre-Application Guide
Vendor Pre-Application Guide
Everything you need to know before starting your application — written clearly, without the overwhelm.
We’re so glad you’re here. 💛
This space was built by neurodivergent people, for neurodivergent people — a community founded on connection, creativity, and mutual support. Because this is a dedicated space for our community, all vendors must identify as neurodivergent and be 18 years of age or older.
Vendor Selection Criteria
You must meet all of the following requirements to apply
Age & Residency
You must be 18 years or older and an Australian resident or citizen. Your products or services must be available online, Australia-wide — not dependent on a physical location.
Neurodivergent Identity
You must identify as neurodivergent. Self-identification is fully accepted — no formal diagnosis is required. You must also use neuroaffirming language in all your listings and communications.
Identity Verification
You must complete identity verification as part of your application. This is handled securely through Stripe Identity — you will need a government-issued photo ID and a device with a working camera for the live verification step.
ABN or ACN
You must hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN). Don’t have one yet? Apply free of charge — it’s quick and straightforward:
Insurance — Required for All Vendors
To participate as a vendor in our marketplace, all sellers of physical goods must hold current Product Liability insurance (minimum $5 million), and all service providers must hold current Professional Indemnity insurance (minimum $2 million) relevant to their work. Even if your products or services feel small or low-risk, unexpected situations can arise — having the right cover in place protects you, your customers, and our entire community. Your Certificate of Currency must be uploaded as part of your application.
For small businesses and sole traders, cover is usually affordable and quick to arrange online. Compare options at comparethemarket.com.au or bizcover.com.au. Get covered first, then come back — we’ll be here!
Applications without a current Certificate of Currency cannot be accepted. This is a firm requirement with no exceptions — it protects everyone in our community.
If you offer services, you must also provide your relevant qualifications, certifications, and the name of your registration or regulatory body as part of your application.
Neuroaffirming Language Standards
All vendor listings and communications must use respectful, affirming language
Words matter deeply in our community. We ask all vendors to use language that affirms rather than pathologises neurodivergent identity. As part of your application, you’ll watch a short video and answer a few questions to show your understanding.
| ❌ Please avoid | ✅ Please use instead |
|---|---|
| Disorder / ASD | Autistic / Autism |
| Deficits / Deficiencies | Differences / Variations |
| Suffers from / afflicted by | Lives with / identifies as |
| Normal / abnormal | Neurotypical / neurodivergent |
| High / low functioning | Describe specific needs or strengths |
What to Prepare Before You Start
Having these ready will make your application much smoother
Identity Documents
A government-issued photo ID — driver’s licence, passport, or proof-of-age card. You will also complete a live selfie verification through Stripe Identity during your application, so you’ll need a device with a working camera. The selfie is captured live — you don’t need to prepare one in advance.
Your ABN or ACN
Your active ABN or ACN number. This is verified in real time against the Australian Business Register — make sure it’s current and active before you apply.
Certificate of Currency
A current Certificate of Currency from your insurer, clearly showing the type of cover, the amount insured (minimum $5M Product Liability and $2M Professional Indemnity), and the expiry date. This must be uploaded during your application — it cannot be skipped.
Qualifications (services only)
Digital copies of your relevant qualifications, certifications, or professional registrations, including the name of your registration or regulatory body.
Payment Details
Your preferred payment destination — Australian bank account (BSB + account number), PayPal email address, or Stripe Connect account. This is how your earnings reach you after each sale.
Your Platform Commitments
By applying, you agree to uphold the following as an active vendor
Original Work Only
Everything you list must be your own authentic, original work. Reselling, copying, or infringing copyright or trademark is not permitted on our platform.
Returns & Complaints Policy
You must have a clear, accessible returns policy and a complaints-handling process in place before going live. Your contract is directly with your customer — not with us.
Pricing & Commissions
Pricing and applicable taxes are your sole responsibility. Your prices should account for the 5% platform commission and 1% charity contribution, which are automatically deducted from each transaction at the time of sale.
Fulfilment & Shipping
You are responsible for all order fulfilment, shipping, and delivery. Costs and timeframes must be clearly communicated to customers on your store page.
Platform Role & Liability
The Divergent Hive Marketplace (ABN 45 381 582 204) operates exclusively as a technology intermediary. It does not manufacture, supply, store, or take title to any product or service listed on the platform. All contracts are formed directly between vendor and customer. Customer funds are processed exclusively by Stripe and/or PayPal and do not pass through our accounts at any point. Vendor listings will be automatically suspended if insurance coverage lapses.
What Happens After You Apply
A clear, simple process from application to going live
Submit Your Application
Complete your vendor application including personal details, ID verification, ABN, insurance, neuroaffirming quiz, charity selection, and declarations.
Review — Up to 5 Days
Our team carefully reviews every application. You’ll hear from us within 5 working days. Please check your spam folder!
Set Up Your Store & Go Live
If approved, you’ll receive a link to set up your store — banner, profile picture, bio, and store policies. Once complete, your store goes live and you can start adding products and services.
We will always let you know why, and we’ll always encourage you to apply again. There is no cooling-off period — if you can demonstrate you’ve met the requirements, you’re welcome to reapply straight away.
Tips for a Smooth Application
A little preparation goes a long way
Pre-Application Checklist
Tick these off before you hit submit
- Government-issued photo ID ready to upload
- Device with a working camera available for live Stripe Identity verification
- Date of birth confirmed — must be 18 or over
- Australian residential address details on hand
- Active ABN or ACN number confirmed
- Current Certificate of Currency ready to upload (minimum $5M Product Liability or $2M Professional Indemnity)
- Qualifications and regulatory body details ready (services only)
- Returns and complaints policy in place
- Payment details ready — bank account, PayPal, or Stripe
- Pricing set to account for 5% commission + 1% charity contribution
- GST registration status confirmed
- Ready to watch the neuroaffirming video as part of the application
- Prepared to answer three short quiz questions in your own words
- Charity selected — 1% of your sales will go to your chosen charity
- All planned listings use affirming, respectful language
Oddities & Curiosities
Queer & Identity Expression
Adult Products (18+ Restricted)
