How to Buy Services “From the Shelf”

Buying services “from the shelf” on JOIST Marketplace is a streamlined workflow designed for Buyers who want to start a collaboration quickly using a pre-defined and curated service package. Each service listing provides clarity on scope, deliverables, methodology, and pricing—allowing you to initiate a project immediately. 

This guide walks you through the full process, from browsing services to contracting and managing your project. 

What Are “Shelf Services”? 

Shelf services are ready-made service packages created and curated by providers.
They include: 

• A clear and structured service description 
• Well-defined deliverables 
• Timeline and pricing 
• A transparent methodology 
• Dependencies or risks 
• Provider credentials and reviews 

These services allow Buyers to initiate projects instantly with complete visibility on what they will receive. 

1. Browse and EvaluateAvailable Solutions

Explore the Marketplace to find services that match your business needs. 

Steps 

1. Navigate to the “Solutions” tab. 
2. Use filters such as: Price, Markets, Technology and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 
3. Open any Solution to review all details. 

What to Look for: 

• Clarity of scope 
• Specific, measurable deliverables 
• A defined methodology 
• Identified risks or prerequisites 
• A clear value proposition 

These elements help ensure that the service is accurate, complete, and actionable. 

2. Select a Solutionand Initiate Purchase

When you identify a service that meets your requirements, you can begin the purchase workflow directly from the listing. 

Steps: 

1. Click “Book” on the service page. 
2. Review the automatically generated contract details. 
3. Proceed to confirmation. 

This is a native user flow within JOIST Marketplace, designed for speed and clarity. 

3. Develop theContract 

Once your booking is approved by the Service Provider, price and Tax are confirmed you start developing the Contract. 

The contract includes: 

• Scope of work 
• Milestones and tasks 
• Expected deliverables 
• Timeline 
• Payment structure 

Buyer Review Checklist: 

• Are the deliverables fully understood and aligned with your needs? 
• Are milestone timelines reasonable? 
• Are risks or dependencies clearly addressed? 
• Is the structure consistent with what was shown in the service listing? 

If something needs adjustment, you can deliberate changes with the Service Provider before acceptance. 

4. Contract isAccepted by Both Parties and Project is Initiated 

Once everything looks right, you can formally initiate the collaboration. 

Steps: 

1. Confirm that Contract is accepted by the Service Provider. 
2. The project will appear under “My Challenges”. 
3. You initiate the payment per milestone, and provider receives a notification and begins work. 

All timelines officially start from this point. 

5. Manage the Project and Review Deliverables

The project will follow the structured workflow. 

You can: 

• Monitor milestone progress 
• Communicate with the provider via project chat 
• Review uploaded deliverables 
• Request revisions 
• Approve completed milestones 

This keeps the project transparent and organized. 

6. Approve Milestones and Release Payments

Payments are tied to milestone approval, ensuring accountability on both sides. 

Steps: 

1. Review the deliverable.
2. Click “Approve Milestone” when satisfied. 
3. Payment for that milestone is automatically released. 

This ensures a fair and traceable payment structure. 

7. Leave a Review for the Provider

At the end of the project, feedback helps build trust within the Marketplace. 

Steps: 

1. Click “Leave a Review” upon project completion. 
2. Rate quality, communication, and timeliness. 
3. Add an optional comment. 

Your review contributes to the ongoing service curation and helps future Buyers assess providers.