What Happens When I buy/sell a Creation?

Customer Places an Order - goes through:

• Add to Cart
• Checkout
• Enters billing/shipping details
• Pays with a card

Email Notifications Go:

To the Customer

• Order Received / Thank you email
• Order Completed (once marked complete)
• Download links (for digital items like MP3s, ebooks)

To the Vendor (Store Owner)

• New Order Notification
• Vendor sees the order in Vendor Dashboard → Orders

Order Payment Processing

When the payment succeeds:

• Website marks the order as Processing (physical products)
• Or Completed (digital products)

If payment fails:

• Order becomes Failed or Pending Payment

Vendor ships physical creation 

We do not have print-on-demand at this time. If you offer physical copies of books or other products you need to have them available and be prepared to ship them directly to your customer. 

Vendor can log into the front-end dashboard and see:

Vendor Dashboard → Orders

• View the order details
• Mark items shipped
• Add tracking numbers
• Download customer info required for fulfillment

Commission Is Calculated

• Vendor earnings
• Admin commission

This is shown in: Vendor Dashboard → Withdraw

Payouts to Vendors

• Vendor must request payout ($10 or more)
• Admin approves and sends money manually

Digital Products Automatically Deliver

For MP3s, eBooks, PDFs, etc.:

• Customer receives an email with secure download links
• They also get downloads under
  My Account → Downloads
• You do NOT need to send files manually.

Order Status Updates

Vendor updates order progress:

• Processing → Completed (physical)
• Completed is automatic for downloadable products

The customer gets emails for every change

How do I join the co-op?
You can join by purchasing at least one $20 membership share. Visit the “Join Now” page to get started.

What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Members can sell their creations, vote on co-op decisions, and share in profits through Patronage Refunds.

Can I sell books, prints, or music?
Yes! We welcome all forms of creativity: visual art, music, books, photography, and more.

How do I get paid for my sales?
Royalties go to your vendor account. You can request payouts, and payments are handled securely via the Helcim gateway. Patronage Rebates are based on your annual sales and the coop’s profits. Disbursements are set by the coop’s elected board.

Great Creators Co-op Vendor Payout Policy
At Great Creators Co-op, we are committed to ensuring that creators are paid fairly and transparently for their sales through our marketplace. This policy outlines how and when vendors receive payment for their earnings.

1. Customer Purchases
All customer payments are securely processed through Helcim, our payment processor.
Funds from sales are deposited into the Co-op’s merchant account.

2. Earnings Calculation
Vendor earnings are calculated automatically by our system.
Your royalty rate is applied (e.g., vendors receive 65% of the sale price, and the Co-op retains 35% as commission).
Vendors can view real-time reports of their sales and earnings in their Dokan Vendor Dashboard.

3. Payout Schedule
Payouts are issued monthly, on or around the 15th of each month.
Payments cover all completed sales from the previous calendar month.
Refunds, chargebacks, or disputed transactions will be deducted before payout.

4. Payout Method
Payouts are processed through direct deposit or Interac e-Transfer using Helcim’s secure payment tools.
Vendors must ensure their payment details on file are accurate and up to date.

How is this co-op different from Amazon or Etsy?
We're Canadian-owned, member-governed, and non-exploitative. Proceeds go back to creators and shoppers as royalties and patronage rebates. The more you spend the bigger your return.

Can I support the co-op without buying anything?
Yes! You can become a Supporting Member, buy a share or donate directly. You will not be expected to attend coop meetings and will not have a vote if you choose to attend.

Where do your products come from?
Most works are created by Canadian artists, authors, and musicians who are members of this Canadian co-op but creators from around the world are welcome to join and make their work available here too.

Is international shipping available?
Many vendors offer shipping to the U.S. and beyond—check the product page for specific options.

What is an Affiliate Member?
Affiliate Members are organizations like galleries, bookstores, libraries, or festivals who support the co-op and vote alongside creators.

Can we sell works by our creators?
Yes. Affiliates can partner with members or sponsor collections through their storefronts.

How can I invest in the co-op?
Contact us directly. Investor memberships are reviewed and approved individually.

Do I get dividends?
Yes. Investor Members are eligible for dividends if approved by the board.

Do I have a vote?
Investors vote on most resolutions, except those restricted by law.

What is the Great Creators Cooperative Canada?
A member-owned, Canadian online marketplace for creators and supporters of music, art, writing, and more.

Who runs it?
A board of directors elected by members, supported by operational staff and volunteers.

Is my information secure?
Yes, we use secure checkout (Helcim), HTTPS, and follow Canadian privacy laws.

Where can I get help?
Use the contact form, visit the “Help & Support” page, or email us at info@greatcreators.ca.