🌱 EcoFinds - Sustainable Second-Hand Marketplace

Empowering Sustainable Consumption through a Second-Hand Marketplace

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🔗 Quick Links

Resource	Link	Description
📚 API Documentation	Postman Collection	Complete API endpoints and testing
🗄 Database Design & Research PDF	Research & Design PDF	Database schema and research documentation
🌐 Live Application	EcoFinds App	Production deployment
🔧 Backend API	API Server	Backend service deployment
🎨 Design System	Figma Workspace	UI/UX designs and prototypes

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🌟 Overview

EcoFinds is a revolutionary second-hand marketplace that promotes sustainable consumption by connecting buyers and sellers of pre-owned goods. Our platform extends product lifecycles, reduces waste, and makes responsible consumption accessible to everyone.

🎯 Vision

Create a vibrant and trusted platform that revolutionizes how people buy and sell pre-owned goods, fostering a culture of sustainability and becoming the go-to destination for conscious consumers seeking unique finds.

🚀 Mission

Develop a user-friendly desktop and mobile application that serves as a central hub for second-hand transactions, leveraging intuitive design to connect buyers and sellers efficiently while promoting a circular economy.

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✨ Key Features

🔐 User Authentication & Profile Management

• Secure Registration & Login: Email and password authentication system
• Basic Profile Creation: Username setup and profile customization
• User Dashboard: Comprehensive profile management with editable fields
• Account Security: Password reset and account verification

📦 Product Listing Management

• Create Listings: Add products with title, description, category, price, and image placeholders
• CRUD Operations: Full create, read, update, delete functionality for user listings
• My Listings View: Dedicated screen to manage personal product listings
• Listing Categories: Predefined categories for better organization

🛍 Shopping Experience

• Product Browsing: Clean, intuitive feed of available listings
• Advanced Search: Keyword-based search functionality
• Category Filtering: Filter products by predefined categories
• Product Details: Comprehensive product view with full specifications
• Shopping Cart: Add and manage items before purchase
• Purchase History: Track previous purchases and transactions

📱 Cross-Platform Design

• Responsive UI: Optimized for both desktop and mobile interfaces
• Modern Wireframes: Clean, user-centric design patterns
• Intuitive Navigation: Seamless user experience across all screens

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🖼 Application Screens

Core User Interface

1. Login/Sign Up Screen

   • App branding and logo
   • Secure authentication forms
   • User-friendly registration process

2. Product Listing Feed

   • Search and filter capabilities
   • Grid/list view of products
   • Quick access to add new listings

3. Add New Product Screen

   • Form-based product creation
   • Category selection dropdown
   • Image upload placeholder
   • Price and description inputs

4. My Listings Management

   • Personal product inventory
   • Edit and delete controls
   • Quick listing creation access

5. Product Detail View

   • Full product information display
   • High-quality image viewing
   • Purchase action buttons

6. User Dashboard

   • Profile information management
   • Account settings and preferences
   • Activity overview

7. Shopping Cart

   • Selected items management
   • Quantity adjustments
   • Checkout process initiation

8. Purchase History

   • Transaction history display
   • Order status tracking
   • Reorder functionality

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🛠 Technical Architecture

Core Technologies

• Frontend: Modern web framework with responsive design
• Backend: RESTful API architecture
• Database: Efficient data structures for scalability
• Authentication: Secure user management system

Data Management

• User Data: Secure profile and authentication storage
• Product Listings: Optimized product catalog management
• Transaction Records: Purchase history and cart functionality
• Category System: Hierarchical product organization

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🎨 Design Philosophy

Our design approach focuses on:

• Sustainability First: Visual elements that promote eco-conscious choices
• User-Centric Interface: Intuitive navigation and clear information hierarchy
• Trust Building: Design elements that foster confidence in transactions
• Community Feel: Features that connect like-minded sustainable consumers

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🚀 Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v14 or higher)
• MongoDB or preferred database
• Git version control

Installation

bash

Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/your-username/ecofinds.git

Navigate to project directory

cd ecofinds

Install dependencies

npm install

Set up environment variables

cp .env.example .env

Start development server

npm run dev

Environment Configuration

env

Database

DATABASE_URL=your_database_connection_string

Authentication

JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret JWT_EXPIRES_IN=7d

File Upload

CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME=your_cloud_name CLOUDINARY_API_KEY=your_api_key CLOUDINARY_API_SECRET=your_api_secret

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📊 Project Status

• ✅ Phase 1: User Authentication & Basic Profile
• ✅ Phase 2: Product Listing CRUD Operations
• ✅ Phase 3: Search & Filter Functionality
• 🔄 Phase 4: Shopping Cart & Purchase System
• 📅 Phase 5: Advanced Features & Optimization

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🤝 Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please read our contributing guidelines and code of conduct.

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add amazing feature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
5. Open a Pull Request

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🌍 Join the sustainable revolution with EcoFinds! 🌍

Every second-hand purchase is a step towards a greener future.