Shelf space, moved online
A corner shop rarely makes what it sells. It chooses products, gives them shelf space and earns a margin. Carrying works the same way online.
The seller lists a product and agrees to let other stores show it. Another store adds it to their page.
Who does what
When a buyer checks out from that store, the seller ships the order and the store earns a commission. Nobody holds extra stock.
The store's job is choosing well and bringing in buyers. The seller's job is making a good product and getting it there on time.
Why it suits small stores
A range of three products looks thin. A range of twenty looks like a shop. Carrying lets a small store look complete without tying money up in stock.
It works the other way too. A maker with no audience can reach buyers through stores that already have one.
A worked example
Say a maker sells a canvas shoe for €60 and sets a 12% rate. A running store adds it to its page. A buyer comes through that store and buys one pair.
The maker ships the shoes as normal. The store's commission of €7.20 is recorded on the order. The maker reached a buyer they'd never have found, and the store earned without touching a box.
When carrying isn't the right fit
If a product needs fitting, installation or a lot of advice, the store and seller need to agree who handles that first. Carrying works best for products a buyer can choose from a good page.