[Grant Proposal Preview] VMerch
Company Details
Company Name: Bag.Solutions
Registration Number: N/A
Email: VMerch@ecobag.vet
Website:
Socials:
Project Intro
VMerch is the first eco-conscious, Web3-enabled phygital merchandise marketplace built on VeChain. It enables NFT projects, creators, and communities to transform their digital art into physical products embedded with NFC or QR technology for blockchain-verified ownership.
VMerch simplifies the entire merchandising process, covering design, production, fulfillment and customer support, so creators can focus on community growth while users enjoy authenticated products, crypto payments, and Shop-to-Earn (S2E) rewards.
Team Overview
| Role | Name | Relevant Background | Profile URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Co-Founder | Joseph M | Founder of Bag.Solutions and Co-founder of EcoBag. Experienced in product design, brand strategy, and blockchain community building. 5+ years in blockchain, UI/UX, and marketing. | VMerch (@VMerch_shop) |
| Co-Founder | Joseph A | Co-founder of EcoBag, strategic lead at VMerch. 10+ years in blockchain operations, logistics, and DAO community engagement. | Keeping it Green (@keeping_green) |
| Tech Lead | Andranik | Senior Full-Stack Engineer with 10+ years in E-commerce, FinTech, and Web3. Skilled in React, Node.js, Prisma, and blockchain integrations. Delivered VMerch Phase 1. |
Grant Details
Problem
There’s a gap between digital ownership and real-world utility. Many projects and NFT creators struggle with high costs, complex logistics, and lack of tools to launch physical merchandise. Fulfillment and logistics are rarely streamlined, and there’s no easy way to link NFTs to physical products. This limits their revenue potential, stifles community engagement, and NFTs remain speculative online assets rather than expressions of tangible ownership.
At the same time, the fashion and merchandise industries are significant contributors to global waste, while sustainable production methods remain out of reach for many smaller creators. Without a streamlined, eco-conscious solution, most communities find it difficult to bridge digital collectibles with tangible, real-world items.
Solution
VMerch provides an eco-conscious, blockchain-integrated marketplace for NFT-linked merchandise. Creators can easily turn their digital art into physical products embedded with VeChain NFC chips or QR codes for on-chain proof of authenticity.
Key features:
- A central hub where NFT projects are showcased together
- End-to-end fulfillment for production, packaging, shipping, and customer support
- Revenue sharing provides projects with passive income
- Eco-conscious operations, with a portion of revenues pledged toward plastic cleanup and progressive adoption of sustainable packaging and recycled/upcycled materials
- NFC-enabled and NFT-linked merchandise for blockchain-verified authenticity
- A future-ready roadmap including token-gated access, on-chain utilities, and crypto payments
- New utility for VeBetter, enabling users to spend B3TR tokens to purchase merchandise, directly supporting local creators while strengthening sustainable commerce while earning a cash back
This approach empowers creators with new revenue streams, users with verifiable ownership, and the ecosystem with measurable sustainability impact.
Business Model
VMerch operates as a sustainable Merch-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform that merges traditional e-commerce profitability with blockchain-powered transparency and community engagement. The model is designed for long-term self-sufficiency, ensuring consistent revenue generation beyond initial grant funding, while staying aligned with VeChain’s and VeBetterDAO’s mission of sustainable, verifiable commerce.
1. Merchandise Sales
- Direct-to-Consumer Sales: Verified, eco-friendly products purchased through VMerch’s marketplace.
- Branded Collaborations: Joint merchandise lines with NFT projects, dApps, and creators.
2. Merchant Onboarding & Fulfillment Fees
VMerch manages the full merchandise process — from design to delivery — for partners and creators. In return, it retains fulfillment and logistics fees while partners earn a share of sales. This scalable model expands with each onboarded project and growing marketplace volume.
3. DAO-Integrated Incentives
Through VeBetterDAO, VMerch distributes Shop-to-Earn (S2E) rewards and Eco Points to incentivize sustainable purchases, boosting retention and engagement.
4. Sustainability Reinvestment
A share of profits funds eco-initiatives such as plastic cleanup, carbon offsets, and recycling partnerships, ensuring every merch sale contributes to measurable impact.
VMerch’s multi-stream model supports growth independent of recurring grants, aligning commercial success with environmental outcomes.
Execution Plan
VMerch’s roadmap is structured across four 2-month phases (8 months total), with each phase expanding functionality and ecosystem integration.
Phase 1 (Months 1–2): Core Marketplace Launch
- Launch core marketplace on VeBetterDAO
- Enable wallet login (Sign-in with VeWorld)
- Support payments in VET, VTHO, B3TR
- Implement NFC/QR verification
- Introduce token-gated access and eco-packaging
- Target: 500-1,000 users onboarded
Phase 2 (Months 3–4): Marketplace Growth & Early KPIs
- Onboard 3+ dApps and NFT partners
- Launch print shop for bulk and custom orders
- Run ecosystem campaigns (e.g. VMerch × Mugshot Labs)
- Begin tracking KPIs:
- Packages Shipped → Plastic Saved
- Cleanup Funding Generated
- Textile Waste Reduced
- Goal: Establish sustainability reporting and measurable marketplace traction
Phase 3 (Months 5–6): Backend Control & Scalability
- Implement dynamic product updates and fiat-pegged pricing
- Strengthen API security and encryption
- Introduce device verification and adaptive rate limiting
- Scale backend for global order fulfillment
- Goal: Secure, scalable, and globally operable infrastructure
Phase 4 (Months 7–8): Analytics, Gamification & Full Sustainability Tracking
- Launch real-time analytics dashboards for merchants and admins
- Introduce Eco Points system linked to DAO reward rounds
- Deploy blockchain-verified sustainability tracking (Plastic Saved, Cleanup Funding, etc.)
- Goal: Establish transparent impact reporting and gamified user engagement
Target Users
VMerch enables NFT creators, Web3 projects, and digital communities to bring their collections into the physical world without managing complex logistics. It supports artists, DAOs, and gaming communities seeking new ways to engage holders and expand value beyond digital assets. Designed for both Web3-native and mainstream users, VMerch offers an accessible platform that links blockchain-backed authenticity with sustainable production. Its community-driven, eco-conscious audience values transparency, rewards, and creator empowerment. By bridging blockchain innovation with real-world commerce, VMerch drives sustainable adoption and supports a circular, creator-focused economy.
Competitive Edge / Differentiation
VMerch stands apart by integrating eco-conscious operations, blockchain verification, and end-to-end fulfillment within one platform:
- First-of-its-Kind on VeChain: Only eco-conscious phygital merch marketplace with native crypto payments.
- Turnkey Fulfillment: Complete production and logistics handled by VMerch.
- Eco-Conscious by Default: Sustainable materials and plastic cleanup contributions.
- Integrated NFT Utility: On-chain proof of ownership and token-gated perks.
- Community Value Redistribution: Cashback and rewards via Shop-to-Earn model.
Outcomes
Benefits to Users
- Earn cashback rewards in B3TR
- Blockchain-authenticated merchandise
- Seamless crypto checkout
- Access exclusive token-gated perks
Benefits to Apps
- Passive income through revenue sharing
- Marketplace visibility and brand expansion via physical merchandise
- Simplified logistics for Web3-to-consumer sales
Benefits to Ecosystem
- Strengthens VeBetter commerce adoption
- Provides eco-conscious print solutions for ecosystem
- Generates measurable environmental impact through sustainability KPIs
X2E Model
Shop-to-Earn (S2E):
Every purchase rewards users with cashback in B3TR, token-gated perks, and DAO incentives, converting shopping into an earn-and-impact activity.
Token Allocation Model
- 65% Community Rewards (cashback, loyalty programs)
- 20% Team
- 10% Operations, Marketing, Maintenance
- 5% Endorsement
Grant Request
Amount: USD $30,000
Budget Allocation
- Backend development, UI/UX, and core infrastructure
- NFC/QR integration
- Eco-friendly packaging setup
- Marketing and onboarding
- Security audits and platform scaling
Disbursement Plan
| Milestone | Description | Funding (USD) | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront (Prototype) | Preview of platform and structure | $5,000 | - |
| 1 – Core Features & Launch | Backend, wallet login, payments, NFT verification, Shop-to-Earn, eco packaging. Launch on VeBetterDAO and onboard 500–1,000 users. | $10,000 | 2 months |
| 2 – Marketplace Growth | Onboard 3+ dApps/NFT projects, track early sustainability KPIs (Plastic Saved, Cleanup Funding, Textile Waste). | $5,000 | 4 months |
| 3 – Backend & Security Scaling | Implement fiat-pegged pricing, API security, and device verification. Expand backend for global ops. | $5,000 | 6 months |
| 4 – Analytics & Sustainability Tracking | Launch analytics dashboards, Eco Points system, and blockchain-verified impact reporting. | $5,000 | 8 months |
Expansion Plan
VMerch will expand alongside the VeChain and VeBetterDAO ecosystems, serving as the default Merch-as-a-Service provider for onboarded projects.
Growth will come from collaborations (e.g. EcoBag, B3trBeach ), Web3 conventions, and mainstream adoption via simple UX bridging Web2 and Web3 commerce.
Long-term, VMerch aims to become a global hybrid eco-commerce hub, merging blockchain transparency with sustainable retail operations.