ML MerchLab
Basket 0 Start Creating
How it works

How MerchLab moves from creator idea to merch enquiry.

The public journey should feel simple. The operational journey behind it needs to be structured enough for creator applications, artwork review, product setup, baskets, enquiries and later payments.

Apply as a Creator Browse Designs
Platform map

Three connected journeys, one marketplace.

This is the layout we should use as the roadmap while the prototype becomes a database-backed app.

Creators

Apply, upload and promote.

  1. ApplyCreator sends details, portfolio and style.
  2. Submit designsDashboard collects artwork, product choices and notes.
  3. Share collectionProfile and design pages become the creator's promotional route.
Customers

Browse, customise and enquire.

  1. DiscoverBrowse by creator, theme, design or product.
  2. Choose productSelect product, colour, size and quantity.
  3. Basket enquirySubmit the order enquiry ready for production review.
Internal team

Review, approve and manage.

  1. Review creatorsApprove or decline creator applications privately.
  2. Approve artworkMove design drafts through production readiness.
  3. Track enquiriesManage basket enquiries and future order statuses.
MVP build flow

What needs to become real next.

This page now acts as both an explainer and a build checklist, so the project does not drift into only being a nice-looking front end.

01

Database foundation

Move applications, design submissions, orders, creators and products from JSON/static arrays into MySQL tables.

Next backend priority
02

Private admin dashboard

Build proper admin screens for approvals, product setup, creator management, enquiries and order status tracking.

Internal only
03

Creator accounts

Replace the preview dashboard with login, creator-specific uploads, draft status updates and profile management.

Creator portal
04

Checkout and fulfilment

Convert checkout enquiries into real payments, production queues, customer emails and fulfilment rules.

Commerce phase
Prototype testing

Use these actions to test the current flow.

1. Submit applicationCreates a creator application record. 2. Upload draft designCreates a design submission record. 3. Add product to basketTests product, size and colour selection. 4. Submit enquiryCreates a checkout enquiry record.