> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vendorspace.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vendorspace.gitbook.io/docs/vendor-portal/portal-overview.md).

# Portal overview

The Vendor Portal is your vendors' window into everything related to their participation in your events. It gives them the information they need without requiring a Vendor Space account or any setup on their end.

***

## Portal Tabs

When a vendor opens their portal link, they land on a clean page with two main tabs: **Overview** and **Messages**.

### Overview Tab

The Overview tab gives vendors a snapshot of their participation across all events:

**Quick Stats**

At the top, vendors see four summary cards:

| Stat                | What It Shows                                   |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Events**          | Number of events the vendor is participating in |
| **Orders**          | Total number of orders placed                   |
| **Total Spent**     | Combined total of all paid orders               |
| **Booths Assigned** | Number of booths assigned to the vendor         |

**Your Events**

A list of all events the vendor is registered for, showing:

* Event name and dates
* Event location
* Event status

**Orders & Payments**

A table of all orders, showing:

| Column     | Details                              |
| ---------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Event**  | Which event the order is for         |
| **Amount** | Order total                          |
| **Status** | Payment status (pending, paid, etc.) |
| **Date**   | When the order was placed            |

**Your Booths**

If the vendor has been assigned booths, each one is displayed as a card showing:

* Booth number
* Booth label (if set)
* Associated event name
* Booth status
* Location notes (if provided)

### Messages Tab

The Messages tab provides a single, continuous chat between the vendor and your organization. There are no separate threads or subjects -- just one ongoing conversation.

* Messages from your organization appear on the left in a muted style
* The vendor's own replies appear on the right in an accent color
* Each message shows the sender name and timestamp
* The vendor can type a reply and send it directly from the portal

When there are unread messages, a dot indicator appears on the Messages tab.

***

## No Account Required

One of the most important things to communicate to your vendors: they do not need to create an account, remember a password, or download an app. The portal link is all they need.

This is especially helpful for vendors who:

* Participate in events infrequently
* Are not comfortable with technology
* Want quick access without extra steps

> **Tip:** When reaching out to vendors for the first time, mention that the portal requires no sign-up. This removes a common barrier and increases response rates.

***

## Mobile-Friendly

The Vendor Portal is fully responsive. Vendors can access it from their phone, tablet, or computer. Everything adjusts automatically to fit their screen.

***

## What Vendors Cannot See

To protect your operations, vendors do not have access to:

* Other vendors' information or booth assignments
* Your internal notes or task lists
* Financial details beyond their own payment
* Your team's messages or internal communication

The portal is designed to give vendors exactly what they need -- nothing more, nothing less.