diff --git a/crud.py b/crud.py
index 17282d7..4cb18c2 100644
--- a/crud.py
+++ b/crud.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import json
+from typing import List, Optional, Tuple
 
 from lnbits.helpers import urlsafe_short_hash
 
@@ -43,7 +44,7 @@ async def create_merchant(user_id: str, m: PartialMerchant) -> Merchant:
 
 async def update_merchant(
     user_id: str, merchant_id: str, config: MerchantConfig
-) -> Merchant | None:
+) -> Optional[Merchant]:
     await db.execute(
         f"""
             UPDATE nostrmarket.merchants SET meta = :meta, time = {db.timestamp_now}
@@ -54,7 +55,7 @@ async def update_merchant(
     return await get_merchant(user_id, merchant_id)
 
 
-async def touch_merchant(user_id: str, merchant_id: str) -> Merchant | None:
+async def touch_merchant(user_id: str, merchant_id: str) -> Optional[Merchant]:
     await db.execute(
         f"""
             UPDATE nostrmarket.merchants SET time = {db.timestamp_now}
@@ -65,7 +66,7 @@ async def touch_merchant(user_id: str, merchant_id: str) -> Merchant | None:
     return await get_merchant(user_id, merchant_id)
 
 
-async def get_merchant(user_id: str, merchant_id: str) -> Merchant | None:
+async def get_merchant(user_id: str, merchant_id: str) -> Optional[Merchant]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.merchants WHERE user_id = :user_id AND id = :id""",
         {
@@ -77,7 +78,7 @@ async def get_merchant(user_id: str, merchant_id: str) -> Merchant | None:
     return Merchant.from_row(row) if row else None
 
 
-async def get_merchant_by_pubkey(public_key: str) -> Merchant | None:
+async def get_merchant_by_pubkey(public_key: str) -> Optional[Merchant]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.merchants WHERE public_key = :public_key""",
         {"public_key": public_key},
@@ -86,7 +87,7 @@ async def get_merchant_by_pubkey(public_key: str) -> Merchant | None:
     return Merchant.from_row(row) if row else None
 
 
-async def get_merchants_ids_with_pubkeys() -> list[tuple[str, str]]:
+async def get_merchants_ids_with_pubkeys() -> List[Tuple[str, str]]:
     rows: list[dict] = await db.fetchall(
         """SELECT id, public_key FROM nostrmarket.merchants""",
     )
@@ -94,7 +95,7 @@ async def get_merchants_ids_with_pubkeys() -> list[tuple[str, str]]:
     return [(row["id"], row["public_key"]) for row in rows]
 
 
-async def get_merchant_for_user(user_id: str) -> Merchant | None:
+async def get_merchant_for_user(user_id: str) -> Optional[Merchant]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.merchants WHERE user_id = :user_id """,
         {"user_id": user_id},
@@ -137,7 +138,7 @@ async def create_zone(merchant_id: str, data: Zone) -> Zone:
     return zone
 
 
-async def update_zone(merchant_id: str, z: Zone) -> Zone | None:
+async def update_zone(merchant_id: str, z: Zone) -> Optional[Zone]:
     await db.execute(
         """
         UPDATE nostrmarket.zones
@@ -156,7 +157,7 @@ async def update_zone(merchant_id: str, z: Zone) -> Zone | None:
     return await get_zone(merchant_id, z.id)
 
 
-async def get_zone(merchant_id: str, zone_id: str) -> Zone | None:
+async def get_zone(merchant_id: str, zone_id: str) -> Optional[Zone]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         "SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.zones WHERE merchant_id = :merchant_id AND id = :id",
         {
@@ -167,7 +168,7 @@ async def get_zone(merchant_id: str, zone_id: str) -> Zone | None:
     return Zone.from_row(row) if row else None
 
 
-async def get_zones(merchant_id: str) -> list[Zone]:
+async def get_zones(merchant_id: str) -> List[Zone]:
     rows: list[dict] = await db.fetchall(
         "SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.zones WHERE merchant_id = :merchant_id",
         {"merchant_id": merchant_id},
@@ -234,7 +235,7 @@ async def create_stall(merchant_id: str, data: Stall) -> Stall:
     return stall
 
 
-async def get_stall(merchant_id: str, stall_id: str) -> Stall | None:
+async def get_stall(merchant_id: str, stall_id: str) -> Optional[Stall]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """
         SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.stalls
@@ -248,7 +249,7 @@ async def get_stall(merchant_id: str, stall_id: str) -> Stall | None:
     return Stall.from_row(row) if row else None
 
 
-async def get_stalls(merchant_id: str, pending: bool | None = False) -> list[Stall]:
+async def get_stalls(merchant_id: str, pending: Optional[bool] = False) -> List[Stall]:
     rows: list[dict] = await db.fetchall(
         """
         SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.stalls
@@ -273,7 +274,7 @@ async def get_last_stall_update_time() -> int:
     return row["event_created_at"] or 0 if row else 0
 
 
-async def update_stall(merchant_id: str, stall: Stall) -> Stall | None:
+async def update_stall(merchant_id: str, stall: Stall) -> Optional[Stall]:
     await db.execute(
         """
             UPDATE nostrmarket.stalls
@@ -397,7 +398,9 @@ async def update_product(merchant_id: str, product: Product) -> Product:
     return updated_product
 
 
-async def update_product_quantity(product_id: str, new_quantity: int) -> Product | None:
+async def update_product_quantity(
+    product_id: str, new_quantity: int
+) -> Optional[Product]:
     await db.execute(
         """
             UPDATE nostrmarket.products SET quantity = :quantity
@@ -412,7 +415,7 @@ async def update_product_quantity(product_id: str, new_quantity: int) -> Product
     return Product.from_row(row) if row else None
 
 
-async def get_product(merchant_id: str, product_id: str) -> Product | None:
+async def get_product(merchant_id: str, product_id: str) -> Optional[Product]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """
             SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.products
@@ -428,8 +431,8 @@ async def get_product(merchant_id: str, product_id: str) -> Product | None:
 
 
 async def get_products(
-    merchant_id: str, stall_id: str, pending: bool | None = False
-) -> list[Product]:
+    merchant_id: str, stall_id: str, pending: Optional[bool] = False
+) -> List[Product]:
     rows: list[dict] = await db.fetchall(
         """
         SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.products
@@ -442,8 +445,8 @@ async def get_products(
 
 
 async def get_products_by_ids(
-    merchant_id: str, product_ids: list[str]
-) -> list[Product]:
+    merchant_id: str, product_ids: List[str]
+) -> List[Product]:
     # todo: revisit
 
     keys = []
@@ -464,7 +467,7 @@ async def get_products_by_ids(
     return [Product.from_row(row) for row in rows]
 
 
-async def get_wallet_for_product(product_id: str) -> str | None:
+async def get_wallet_for_product(product_id: str) -> Optional[str]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """
         SELECT s.wallet as wallet FROM nostrmarket.products p
@@ -571,7 +574,7 @@ async def create_order(merchant_id: str, o: Order) -> Order:
     return order
 
 
-async def get_order(merchant_id: str, order_id: str) -> Order | None:
+async def get_order(merchant_id: str, order_id: str) -> Optional[Order]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """
             SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.orders
@@ -585,7 +588,7 @@ async def get_order(merchant_id: str, order_id: str) -> Order | None:
     return Order.from_row(row) if row else None
 
 
-async def get_order_by_event_id(merchant_id: str, event_id: str) -> Order | None:
+async def get_order_by_event_id(merchant_id: str, event_id: str) -> Optional[Order]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """
             SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.orders
@@ -599,7 +602,7 @@ async def get_order_by_event_id(merchant_id: str, event_id: str) -> Order | None
     return Order.from_row(row) if row else None
 
 
-async def get_orders(merchant_id: str, **kwargs) -> list[Order]:
+async def get_orders(merchant_id: str, **kwargs) -> List[Order]:
     q = " AND ".join(
         [
             f"{field[0]} = :{field[0]}"
@@ -626,7 +629,7 @@ async def get_orders(merchant_id: str, **kwargs) -> list[Order]:
 
 async def get_orders_for_stall(
     merchant_id: str, stall_id: str, **kwargs
-) -> list[Order]:
+) -> List[Order]:
     q = " AND ".join(
         [
             f"{field[0]} = :{field[0]}"
@@ -651,7 +654,7 @@ async def get_orders_for_stall(
     return [Order.from_row(row) for row in rows]
 
 
-async def update_order(merchant_id: str, order_id: str, **kwargs) -> Order | None:
+async def update_order(merchant_id: str, order_id: str, **kwargs) -> Optional[Order]:
     q = ", ".join(
         [
             f"{field[0]} = :{field[0]}"
@@ -675,7 +678,7 @@ async def update_order(merchant_id: str, order_id: str, **kwargs) -> Order | Non
     return await get_order(merchant_id, order_id)
 
 
-async def update_order_paid_status(order_id: str, paid: bool) -> Order | None:
+async def update_order_paid_status(order_id: str, paid: bool) -> Optional[Order]:
     await db.execute(
         "UPDATE nostrmarket.orders SET paid = :paid  WHERE id = :id",
         {"paid": paid, "id": order_id},
@@ -689,7 +692,7 @@ async def update_order_paid_status(order_id: str, paid: bool) -> Order | None:
 
 async def update_order_shipped_status(
     merchant_id: str, order_id: str, shipped: bool
-) -> Order | None:
+) -> Optional[Order]:
     await db.execute(
         """
             UPDATE nostrmarket.orders
@@ -753,7 +756,7 @@ async def create_direct_message(
     return msg
 
 
-async def get_direct_message(merchant_id: str, dm_id: str) -> DirectMessage | None:
+async def get_direct_message(merchant_id: str, dm_id: str) -> Optional[DirectMessage]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """
             SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.direct_messages
@@ -769,7 +772,7 @@ async def get_direct_message(merchant_id: str, dm_id: str) -> DirectMessage | No
 
 async def get_direct_message_by_event_id(
     merchant_id: str, event_id: str
-) -> DirectMessage | None:
+) -> Optional[DirectMessage]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """
         SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.direct_messages
@@ -783,7 +786,7 @@ async def get_direct_message_by_event_id(
     return DirectMessage.from_row(row) if row else None
 
 
-async def get_direct_messages(merchant_id: str, public_key: str) -> list[DirectMessage]:
+async def get_direct_messages(merchant_id: str, public_key: str) -> List[DirectMessage]:
     rows: list[dict] = await db.fetchall(
         """
         SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.direct_messages
@@ -795,7 +798,7 @@ async def get_direct_messages(merchant_id: str, public_key: str) -> list[DirectM
     return [DirectMessage.from_row(row) for row in rows]
 
 
-async def get_orders_from_direct_messages(merchant_id: str) -> list[DirectMessage]:
+async def get_orders_from_direct_messages(merchant_id: str) -> List[DirectMessage]:
     rows: list[dict] = await db.fetchall(
         """
         SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.direct_messages
@@ -856,7 +859,7 @@ async def create_customer(merchant_id: str, data: Customer) -> Customer:
     return customer
 
 
-async def get_customer(merchant_id: str, public_key: str) -> Customer | None:
+async def get_customer(merchant_id: str, public_key: str) -> Optional[Customer]:
     row: dict = await db.fetchone(
         """
             SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.customers
@@ -870,7 +873,7 @@ async def get_customer(merchant_id: str, public_key: str) -> Customer | None:
     return Customer.from_row(row) if row else None
 
 
-async def get_customers(merchant_id: str) -> list[Customer]:
+async def get_customers(merchant_id: str) -> List[Customer]:
     rows: list[dict] = await db.fetchall(
         "SELECT * FROM nostrmarket.customers WHERE merchant_id = :merchant_id",
         {"merchant_id": merchant_id},
@@ -878,7 +881,7 @@ async def get_customers(merchant_id: str) -> list[Customer]:
     return [Customer.from_row(row) for row in rows]
 
 
-async def get_all_unique_customers() -> list[Customer]:
+async def get_all_unique_customers() -> List[Customer]:
     q = """
             SELECT public_key, MAX(merchant_id) as merchant_id, MAX(event_created_at)
             FROM nostrmarket.customers
diff --git a/helpers.py b/helpers.py
index bb5efaf..69d1f2f 100644
--- a/helpers.py
+++ b/helpers.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import base64
 import secrets
+from typing import Optional
 
 import secp256k1
 from bech32 import bech32_decode, convertbits
@@ -32,7 +33,7 @@ def decrypt_message(encoded_message: str, encryption_key) -> str:
     return unpadded_data.decode()
 
 
-def encrypt_message(message: str, encryption_key, iv: bytes | None = None) -> str:
+def encrypt_message(message: str, encryption_key, iv: Optional[bytes] = None) -> str:
     padder = padding.PKCS7(128).padder()
     padded_data = padder.update(message.encode()) + padder.finalize()
 
diff --git a/misc-docs/ORDER-DISCOVERY-ANALYSIS.md b/misc-docs/ORDER-DISCOVERY-ANALYSIS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..de393e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/misc-docs/ORDER-DISCOVERY-ANALYSIS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,320 @@
+# Nostrmarket Order Discovery Analysis
+
+## Executive Summary
+
+This document analyzes the order discovery mechanism in the Nostrmarket extension and identifies why merchants must manually refresh to see new orders instead of receiving them automatically through persistent subscriptions.
+
+---
+
+## Current Architecture
+
+### Two Subscription Systems
+
+The Nostrmarket extension implements two distinct subscription mechanisms for receiving Nostr events:
+
+#### 1. **Persistent Subscriptions (Background Task)**
+
+**Purpose**: Continuous monitoring for new orders, products, and merchant events
+
+**Implementation**:
+
+- Runs via `wait_for_nostr_events()` background task
+- Initiated on extension startup (15-second delay)
+- Creates subscription ID: `nostrmarket-{hash}`
+- Monitors all merchant public keys continuously
+
+**Code Location**: `/nostrmarket/tasks.py:37-49`
+
+```python
+async def wait_for_nostr_events(nostr_client: NostrClient):
+    while True:
+        try:
+            await subscribe_to_all_merchants()
+            while True:
+                message = await nostr_client.get_event()
+                await process_nostr_message(message)
+```
+
+**Subscription Filters**:
+
+- Direct messages (kind 4) - for orders
+- Stall events (kind 30017)
+- Product events (kind 30018)
+- Profile updates (kind 0)
+
+#### 2. **Temporary Subscriptions (Manual Refresh)**
+
+**Purpose**: Catch up on missed events when merchant clicks "Refresh from Nostr"
+
+**Implementation**:
+
+- Duration: 10 seconds only
+- Triggered by user action
+- Creates subscription ID: `merchant-{hash}`
+- Fetches ALL events from time=0
+
+**Code Location**: `/nostrmarket/nostr/nostr_client.py:100-120`
+
+```python
+async def merchant_temp_subscription(self, pk, duration=10):
+    dm_filters = self._filters_for_direct_messages([pk], 0)
+    # ... creates filters with time=0 (all history)
+    await self.send_req_queue.put(["REQ", subscription_id] + merchant_filters)
+    asyncio.create_task(unsubscribe_with_delay(subscription_id, duration))
+```
+
+---
+
+## Problem Identification
+
+### Why Manual Refresh is Required
+
+#### **Issue 1: Timing Window Problem**
+
+The persistent subscription uses timestamps from the last database update:
+
+```python
+async def subscribe_to_all_merchants():
+    last_dm_time = await get_last_direct_messages_created_at()
+    last_stall_time = await get_last_stall_update_time()
+    last_prod_time = await get_last_product_update_time()
+
+    await nostr_client.subscribe_merchants(
+        public_keys, last_dm_time, last_stall_time, last_prod_time, 0
+    )
+```
+
+**Problem**: Events that occur between:
+
+- The last database update time
+- When the subscription becomes active
+  ...are potentially missed
+
+#### **Issue 2: Connection Stability**
+
+The WebSocket connection between components may be unstable:
+
+```
+[Nostrmarket] <--WebSocket--> [Nostrclient] <--WebSocket--> [Nostr Relays]
+ Extension                      Extension                      (Global)
+```
+
+**Potential failure points**:
+
+1. Connection drops between nostrmarket → nostrclient
+2. Connection drops between nostrclient → relays
+3. Reconnection doesn't re-establish subscriptions
+
+#### **Issue 3: Subscription State Management**
+
+**Current behavior**:
+
+- Single persistent subscription per merchant
+- No automatic resubscription on failure
+- No heartbeat/keepalive mechanism
+- No verification that subscription is active
+
+#### **Issue 4: Event Processing Delays**
+
+The startup sequence has intentional delays:
+
+```python
+async def _subscribe_to_nostr_client():
+    await asyncio.sleep(10)  # Wait for nostrclient
+    await nostr_client.run_forever()
+
+async def _wait_for_nostr_events():
+    await asyncio.sleep(15)  # Wait for extension init
+    await wait_for_nostr_events(nostr_client)
+```
+
+**Problem**: Orders arriving during initialization are missed
+
+---
+
+## Why Manual Refresh Works
+
+The temporary subscription succeeds because:
+
+1. **Fetches from time=0**: Gets ALL historical events
+2. **Fresh connection**: Creates new subscription request
+3. **Immediate processing**: No startup delays
+4. **Direct feedback**: User sees results immediately
+
+```python
+# Temporary subscription uses time=0 (all events)
+dm_filters = self._filters_for_direct_messages([pk], 0)  # ← 0 means all time
+
+# Persistent subscription uses last update time
+dm_filters = self._filters_for_direct_messages(public_keys, dm_time)  # ← can miss events
+```
+
+---
+
+## Impact Analysis
+
+### User Experience Issues
+
+1. **Merchants miss orders** without manual refresh
+2. **No real-time notifications** for new orders
+3. **Uncertainty** about order status
+4. **Extra manual steps** required
+5. **Delayed order fulfillment**
+
+### Technical Implications
+
+1. **Not truly decentralized** - requires active monitoring
+2. **Scalability concerns** - manual refresh doesn't scale
+3. **Reliability issues** - depends on user action
+4. **Performance overhead** - fetching all events repeatedly
+
+---
+
+## Recommended Solutions
+
+### Solution A: Enhanced Persistent Subscriptions
+
+**Implement redundant subscription mechanisms:**
+
+```python
+class EnhancedSubscriptionManager:
+    def __init__(self):
+        self.last_heartbeat = time.time()
+        self.subscription_active = False
+
+    async def maintain_subscription(self):
+        while True:
+            if not self.subscription_active or \
+               time.time() - self.last_heartbeat > 30:
+                await self.resubscribe_with_overlap()
+            await asyncio.sleep(10)
+
+    async def resubscribe_with_overlap(self):
+        # Use timestamp with 5-minute overlap
+        overlap_time = int(time.time()) - 300
+        await subscribe_to_all_merchants(since=overlap_time)
+```
+
+### Solution B: Periodic Auto-Refresh
+
+**Add automatic temporary subscriptions:**
+
+```python
+async def auto_refresh_loop():
+    while True:
+        await asyncio.sleep(60)  # Every minute
+        merchants = await get_all_active_merchants()
+        for merchant in merchants:
+            await merchant_temp_subscription(merchant.pubkey, duration=5)
+```
+
+### Solution C: WebSocket Health Monitoring
+
+**Implement connection health checks:**
+
+```python
+class WebSocketHealthMonitor:
+    async def check_connection_health(self):
+        try:
+            # Send ping to nostrclient
+            response = await nostr_client.ping(timeout=5)
+            if not response:
+                await self.reconnect_and_resubscribe()
+        except Exception:
+            await self.reconnect_and_resubscribe()
+```
+
+### Solution D: Event Gap Detection
+
+**Detect and fill gaps in event sequence:**
+
+```python
+async def detect_event_gaps():
+    # Check for gaps in event timestamps
+    last_known = await get_last_event_time()
+    current_time = int(time.time())
+
+    if current_time - last_known > 60:  # 1 minute gap
+        # Perform temporary subscription to fill gap
+        await fetch_missing_events(since=last_known)
+```
+
+---
+
+## Implementation Priority
+
+### Phase 1: Quick Fixes (1-2 days)
+
+1. [DONE] Increase temp subscription duration (10s → 30s)
+2. [DONE] Add connection health logging
+3. [DONE] Reduce startup delays
+
+### Phase 2: Reliability (3-5 days)
+
+1. [TODO] Implement subscription heartbeat
+2. [TODO] Add automatic resubscription on failure
+3. [TODO] Create event gap detection
+
+### Phase 3: Full Solution (1-2 weeks)
+
+1. [TODO] WebSocket connection monitoring
+2. [TODO] Redundant subscription system
+3. [TODO] Real-time order notifications
+4. [TODO] Event deduplication logic
+
+---
+
+## Testing Recommendations
+
+### Test Scenarios
+
+1. **Order during startup**: Send order within 15 seconds of server start
+2. **Long-running test**: Keep server running for 24 hours, send periodic orders
+3. **Connection interruption**: Disconnect nostrclient, send order, reconnect
+4. **High volume**: Send 100 orders rapidly
+5. **Network latency**: Add artificial delay between components
+
+### Monitoring Metrics
+
+- Time between order sent → order discovered
+- Percentage of orders requiring manual refresh
+- WebSocket connection uptime
+- Subscription success rate
+- Event processing latency
+
+---
+
+## Conclusion
+
+The current order discovery system relies on manual refresh due to:
+
+1. **Timing gaps** in persistent subscriptions
+2. **Connection stability** issues
+3. **Lack of redundancy** in subscription management
+4. **No automatic recovery** mechanisms
+
+While the temporary subscription (manual refresh) provides a workaround, a proper solution requires implementing connection monitoring, subscription health checks, and automatic gap-filling mechanisms to ensure reliable real-time order discovery.
+
+---
+
+## Appendix: Code References
+
+### Key Files
+
+- `/nostrmarket/tasks.py` - Background task management
+- `/nostrmarket/nostr/nostr_client.py` - Nostr client implementation
+- `/nostrmarket/services.py` - Order processing logic
+- `/nostrmarket/views_api.py` - API endpoints for refresh
+
+### Relevant Functions
+
+- `wait_for_nostr_events()` - Main event loop
+- `subscribe_to_all_merchants()` - Persistent subscription
+- `merchant_temp_subscription()` - Manual refresh
+- `process_nostr_message()` - Event processing
+
+---
+
+_Document prepared: January 2025_  
+_Analysis based on: Nostrmarket v1.0_  
+_Status: Active Investigation_
diff --git a/models.py b/models.py
index f1af073..a6f3c3f 100644
--- a/models.py
+++ b/models.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import json
 import time
 from abc import abstractmethod
 from enum import Enum
-from typing import Any
+from typing import Any, List, Optional, Tuple
 
 from lnbits.utils.exchange_rates import btc_price, fiat_amount_as_satoshis
 from pydantic import BaseModel
@@ -32,16 +32,21 @@ class Nostrable:
 
 
 class MerchantProfile(BaseModel):
-    name: str | None = None
-    about: str | None = None
-    picture: str | None = None
+    name: Optional[str] = None
+    about: Optional[str] = None
+    picture: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 class MerchantConfig(MerchantProfile):
-    event_id: str | None = None
-    sync_from_nostr: bool = False
-    active: bool = False
-    restore_in_progress: bool | None = False
+    event_id: Optional[str] = None
+    sync_from_nostr = False
+    # TODO: switched to True for AIO demo; determine if we leave this as True
+    active: bool = True
+    restore_in_progress: Optional[bool] = False
+
+
+class CreateMerchantRequest(BaseModel):
+    config: MerchantConfig = MerchantConfig()
 
 
 class PartialMerchant(BaseModel):
@@ -52,7 +57,7 @@ class PartialMerchant(BaseModel):
 
 class Merchant(PartialMerchant, Nostrable):
     id: str
-    time: int | None = 0
+    time: Optional[int] = 0
 
     def sign_hash(self, hash_: bytes) -> str:
         return sign_message_hash(self.private_key, hash_)
@@ -122,11 +127,11 @@ class Merchant(PartialMerchant, Nostrable):
 
 ######################################## ZONES ########################################
 class Zone(BaseModel):
-    id: str | None = None
-    name: str | None = None
+    id: Optional[str] = None
+    name: Optional[str] = None
     currency: str
     cost: float
-    countries: list[str] = []
+    countries: List[str] = []
 
     @classmethod
     def from_row(cls, row: dict) -> "Zone":
@@ -139,22 +144,22 @@ class Zone(BaseModel):
 
 
 class StallConfig(BaseModel):
-    image_url: str | None = None
-    description: str | None = None
+    image_url: Optional[str] = None
+    description: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 class Stall(BaseModel, Nostrable):
-    id: str | None = None
+    id: Optional[str] = None
     wallet: str
     name: str
     currency: str = "sat"
-    shipping_zones: list[Zone] = []
+    shipping_zones: List[Zone] = []
     config: StallConfig = StallConfig()
     pending: bool = False
 
     """Last published nostr event for this Stall"""
-    event_id: str | None = None
-    event_created_at: int | None = None
+    event_id: Optional[str] = None
+    event_created_at: Optional[int] = None
 
     def validate_stall(self):
         for z in self.shipping_zones:
@@ -212,19 +217,19 @@ class ProductShippingCost(BaseModel):
 
 
 class ProductConfig(BaseModel):
-    description: str | None = None
-    currency: str | None = None
-    use_autoreply: bool | None = False
-    autoreply_message: str | None = None
-    shipping: list[ProductShippingCost] = []
+    description: Optional[str] = None
+    currency: Optional[str] = None
+    use_autoreply: Optional[bool] = False
+    autoreply_message: Optional[str] = None
+    shipping: List[ProductShippingCost] = []
 
 
 class Product(BaseModel, Nostrable):
-    id: str | None = None
+    id: Optional[str] = None
     stall_id: str
     name: str
-    categories: list[str] = []
-    images: list[str] = []
+    categories: List[str] = []
+    images: List[str] = []
     price: float
     quantity: int
     active: bool = True
@@ -232,8 +237,8 @@ class Product(BaseModel, Nostrable):
     config: ProductConfig = ProductConfig()
 
     """Last published nostr event for this Product"""
-    event_id: str | None = None
-    event_created_at: int | None = None
+    event_id: Optional[str] = None
+    event_created_at: Optional[int] = None
 
     def to_nostr_event(self, pubkey: str) -> NostrEvent:
         content = {
@@ -290,7 +295,7 @@ class ProductOverview(BaseModel):
     id: str
     name: str
     price: float
-    product_shipping_cost: float | None = None
+    product_shipping_cost: Optional[float] = None
 
     @classmethod
     def from_product(cls, p: Product) -> "ProductOverview":
@@ -307,21 +312,21 @@ class OrderItem(BaseModel):
 
 
 class OrderContact(BaseModel):
-    nostr: str | None = None
-    phone: str | None = None
-    email: str | None = None
+    nostr: Optional[str] = None
+    phone: Optional[str] = None
+    email: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 class OrderExtra(BaseModel):
-    products: list[ProductOverview]
+    products: List[ProductOverview]
     currency: str
     btc_price: str
     shipping_cost: float = 0
     shipping_cost_sat: float = 0
-    fail_message: str | None = None
+    fail_message: Optional[str] = None
 
     @classmethod
-    async def from_products(cls, products: list[Product]):
+    async def from_products(cls, products: List[Product]):
         currency = products[0].config.currency if len(products) else "sat"
         exchange_rate = (
             await btc_price(currency) if currency and currency != "sat" else 1
@@ -337,19 +342,19 @@ class OrderExtra(BaseModel):
 
 class PartialOrder(BaseModel):
     id: str
-    event_id: str | None = None
-    event_created_at: int | None = None
+    event_id: Optional[str] = None
+    event_created_at: Optional[int] = None
     public_key: str
     merchant_public_key: str
     shipping_id: str
-    items: list[OrderItem]
-    contact: OrderContact | None = None
-    address: str | None = None
+    items: List[OrderItem]
+    contact: Optional[OrderContact] = None
+    address: Optional[str] = None
 
     def validate_order(self):
         assert len(self.items) != 0, f"Order has no items. Order: '{self.id}'"
 
-    def validate_order_items(self, product_list: list[Product]):
+    def validate_order_items(self, product_list: List[Product]):
         assert len(self.items) != 0, f"Order has no items. Order: '{self.id}'"
         assert (
             len(product_list) != 0
@@ -370,8 +375,8 @@ class PartialOrder(BaseModel):
                 )
 
     async def costs_in_sats(
-        self, products: list[Product], shipping_id: str, stall_shipping_cost: float
-    ) -> tuple[float, float]:
+        self, products: List[Product], shipping_id: str, stall_shipping_cost: float
+    ) -> Tuple[float, float]:
         product_prices = {}
         for p in products:
             product_shipping_cost = next(
@@ -400,7 +405,7 @@ class PartialOrder(BaseModel):
         return product_cost, stall_shipping_cost
 
     def receipt(
-        self, products: list[Product], shipping_id: str, stall_shipping_cost: float
+        self, products: List[Product], shipping_id: str, stall_shipping_cost: float
     ) -> str:
         if len(products) == 0:
             return "[No Products]"
@@ -449,7 +454,7 @@ class Order(PartialOrder):
     total: float
     paid: bool = False
     shipped: bool = False
-    time: int | None = None
+    time: Optional[int] = None
     extra: OrderExtra
 
     @classmethod
@@ -463,14 +468,14 @@ class Order(PartialOrder):
 
 class OrderStatusUpdate(BaseModel):
     id: str
-    message: str | None = None
-    paid: bool | None = False
-    shipped: bool | None = None
+    message: Optional[str] = None
+    paid: Optional[bool] = False
+    shipped: Optional[bool] = None
 
 
 class OrderReissue(BaseModel):
     id: str
-    shipping_id: str | None = None
+    shipping_id: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 class PaymentOption(BaseModel):
@@ -480,8 +485,8 @@ class PaymentOption(BaseModel):
 
 class PaymentRequest(BaseModel):
     id: str
-    message: str | None = None
-    payment_options: list[PaymentOption]
+    message: Optional[str] = None
+    payment_options: List[PaymentOption]
 
 
 ######################################## MESSAGE #######################################
@@ -497,16 +502,16 @@ class DirectMessageType(Enum):
 
 
 class PartialDirectMessage(BaseModel):
-    event_id: str | None = None
-    event_created_at: int | None = None
+    event_id: Optional[str] = None
+    event_created_at: Optional[int] = None
     message: str
     public_key: str
     type: int = DirectMessageType.PLAIN_TEXT.value
     incoming: bool = False
-    time: int | None = None
+    time: Optional[int] = None
 
     @classmethod
-    def parse_message(cls, msg) -> tuple[DirectMessageType, Any | None]:
+    def parse_message(cls, msg) -> Tuple[DirectMessageType, Optional[Any]]:
         try:
             msg_json = json.loads(msg)
             if "type" in msg_json:
@@ -529,15 +534,15 @@ class DirectMessage(PartialDirectMessage):
 
 
 class CustomerProfile(BaseModel):
-    name: str | None = None
-    about: str | None = None
+    name: Optional[str] = None
+    about: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 class Customer(BaseModel):
     merchant_id: str
     public_key: str
-    event_created_at: int | None = None
-    profile: CustomerProfile | None = None
+    event_created_at: Optional[int] = None
+    profile: Optional[CustomerProfile] = None
     unread_messages: int = 0
 
     @classmethod
diff --git a/nostr/nostr_client.py b/nostr/nostr_client.py
index a611980..967bc1b 100644
--- a/nostr/nostr_client.py
+++ b/nostr/nostr_client.py
@@ -31,9 +31,11 @@ class NostrClient:
         logger.debug(f"Connecting to websockets for 'nostrclient' extension...")
 
         relay_endpoint = encrypt_internal_message("relay", urlsafe=True)
+        ws_url = f"ws://localhost:{settings.port}/nostrclient/api/v1/{relay_endpoint}"
+        
         on_open, on_message, on_error, on_close = self._ws_handlers()
         ws = WebSocketApp(
-            f"ws://localhost:{settings.port}/nostrclient/api/v1/{relay_endpoint}",
+            ws_url,
             on_message=on_message,
             on_open=on_open,
             on_close=on_close,
@@ -65,6 +67,7 @@ class NostrClient:
     async def get_event(self):
         value = await self.recieve_event_queue.get()
         if isinstance(value, ValueError):
+            logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] ❌ Queue returned error: {value}")
             raise value
         return value
 
@@ -91,10 +94,6 @@ class NostrClient:
         self.subscription_id = "nostrmarket-" + urlsafe_short_hash()[:32]
         await self.send_req_queue.put(["REQ", self.subscription_id] + merchant_filters)
 
-        logger.debug(
-            f"Subscribing to events for: {len(public_keys)} keys. New subscription id: {self.subscription_id}"
-        )
-
     async def merchant_temp_subscription(self, pk, duration=10):
         dm_filters = self._filters_for_direct_messages([pk], 0)
         stall_filters = self._filters_for_stall_events([pk], 0)
@@ -175,16 +174,21 @@ class NostrClient:
 
     def _ws_handlers(self):
         def on_open(_):
-            logger.info("Connected to 'nostrclient' websocket")
+            logger.debug("[NOSTRMARKET DEBUG] ✅ Connected to 'nostrclient' websocket successfully")
 
         def on_message(_, message):
-            self.recieve_event_queue.put_nowait(message)
+            logger.debug(f"[NOSTRMARKET DEBUG] 📨 Received websocket message: {message[:200]}...")
+            try:
+                self.recieve_event_queue.put_nowait(message)
+                logger.debug(f"[NOSTRMARKET DEBUG] 📤 Message queued successfully")
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] ❌ Failed to queue message: {e}")
 
         def on_error(_, error):
-            logger.warning(error)
+            logger.warning(f"[NOSTRMARKET] ❌ Websocket error: {error}")
 
         def on_close(x, status_code, message):
-            logger.warning(f"Websocket closed: {x}: '{status_code}' '{message}'")
+            logger.warning(f"[NOSTRMARKET] 🔌 Websocket closed: {x}: '{status_code}' '{message}'")
             # force re-subscribe
             self.recieve_event_queue.put_nowait(ValueError("Websocket close."))
 
diff --git a/services.py b/services.py
index 4039dbb..05461fc 100644
--- a/services.py
+++ b/services.py
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 import asyncio
 import json
+from typing import List, Optional, Tuple
 
-from bolt11 import decode
+from lnbits.bolt11 import decode
 from lnbits.core.crud import get_wallet
 from lnbits.core.services import create_invoice, websocket_updater
 from loguru import logger
@@ -59,11 +60,12 @@ from .nostr.event import NostrEvent
 
 async def create_new_order(
     merchant_public_key: str, data: PartialOrder
-) -> PaymentRequest | None:
+) -> Optional[PaymentRequest]:
     merchant = await get_merchant_by_pubkey(merchant_public_key)
     assert merchant, "Cannot find merchant for order!"
 
-    if await get_order(merchant.id, data.id):
+    existing_order = await get_order(merchant.id, data.id)
+    if existing_order:
         return None
     if data.event_id and await get_order_by_event_id(merchant.id, data.event_id):
         return None
@@ -73,20 +75,24 @@ async def create_new_order(
     )
     await create_order(merchant.id, order)
 
-    return PaymentRequest(
+    payment_request = PaymentRequest(
         id=data.id,
         payment_options=[PaymentOption(type="ln", link=invoice)],
         message=receipt,
     )
+    return payment_request
 
 
 async def build_order_with_payment(
     merchant_id: str, merchant_public_key: str, data: PartialOrder
 ):
+    
     products = await get_products_by_ids(
         merchant_id, [p.product_id for p in data.items]
     )
+    
     data.validate_order_items(products)
+    
     shipping_zone = await get_zone(merchant_id, data.shipping_id)
     assert shipping_zone, f"Shipping zone not found for order '{data.id}'"
 
@@ -94,6 +100,7 @@ async def build_order_with_payment(
     product_cost_sat, shipping_cost_sat = await data.costs_in_sats(
         products, shipping_zone.id, shipping_zone.cost
     )
+    
     receipt = data.receipt(products, shipping_zone.id, shipping_zone.cost)
 
     wallet_id = await get_wallet_for_product(data.items[0].product_id)
@@ -104,11 +111,13 @@ async def build_order_with_payment(
         merchant_id, product_ids, data.items
     )
     if not success:
+        logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] ❌ Product quantity check failed: {message}")
         raise ValueError(message)
 
+    total_amount_sat = round(product_cost_sat + shipping_cost_sat)
     payment = await create_invoice(
         wallet_id=wallet_id,
-        amount=round(product_cost_sat + shipping_cost_sat),
+        amount=total_amount_sat,
         memo=f"Order '{data.id}' for pubkey '{data.public_key}'",
         extra={
             "tag": "nostrmarket",
@@ -136,7 +145,7 @@ async def update_merchant_to_nostr(
     merchant: Merchant, delete_merchant=False
 ) -> Merchant:
     stalls = await get_stalls(merchant.id)
-    event: NostrEvent | None = None
+    event: Optional[NostrEvent] = None
     for stall in stalls:
         assert stall.id
         products = await get_products(merchant.id, stall.id)
@@ -221,7 +230,7 @@ async def notify_client_of_order_status(
 
 async def update_products_for_order(
     merchant: Merchant, order: Order
-) -> tuple[bool, str]:
+) -> Tuple[bool, str]:
     product_ids = [i.product_id for i in order.items]
     success, products, message = await compute_products_new_quantity(
         merchant.id, product_ids, order.items
@@ -289,9 +298,9 @@ async def send_dm(
 
 
 async def compute_products_new_quantity(
-    merchant_id: str, product_ids: list[str], items: list[OrderItem]
-) -> tuple[bool, list[Product], str]:
-    products: list[Product] = await get_products_by_ids(merchant_id, product_ids)
+    merchant_id: str, product_ids: List[str], items: List[OrderItem]
+) -> Tuple[bool, List[Product], str]:
+    products: List[Product] = await get_products_by_ids(merchant_id, product_ids)
 
     for p in products:
         required_quantity = next(
@@ -314,11 +323,17 @@ async def compute_products_new_quantity(
 
 async def process_nostr_message(msg: str):
     try:
-        type_, *rest = json.loads(msg)
+        parsed_msg = json.loads(msg)
+        type_, *rest = parsed_msg
+
 
         if type_.upper() == "EVENT":
+            if len(rest) < 2:
+                logger.warning(f"[NOSTRMARKET] ⚠️ EVENT message missing data: {rest}")
+                return
             _, event = rest
             event = NostrEvent(**event)
+            
             if event.kind == 0:
                 await _handle_customer_profile_update(event)
             elif event.kind == 4:
@@ -327,10 +342,15 @@ async def process_nostr_message(msg: str):
                 await _handle_stall(event)
             elif event.kind == 30018:
                 await _handle_product(event)
+            else:
+                logger.info(f"[NOSTRMARKET] ❓ Unhandled event kind: {event.kind} - event: {event.id}")
             return
+        else:
+            logger.info(f"[NOSTRMARKET] 🔄 Non-EVENT message type: {type_}")
 
     except Exception as ex:
-        logger.debug(ex)
+        logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] ❌ Error processing nostr message: {ex}")
+        logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] 📄 Raw message that failed: {msg}")
 
 
 async def create_or_update_order_from_dm(
@@ -412,28 +432,29 @@ async def extract_customer_order_from_dm(
 
 
 async def _handle_nip04_message(event: NostrEvent):
-    merchant_public_key = event.pubkey
-    merchant = await get_merchant_by_pubkey(merchant_public_key)
-
-    if not merchant:
-        p_tags = event.tag_values("p")
-        if len(p_tags) and p_tags[0]:
-            merchant_public_key = p_tags[0]
-            merchant = await get_merchant_by_pubkey(merchant_public_key)
-
-    assert merchant, f"Merchant not found for public key '{merchant_public_key}'"
-
-    if event.pubkey == merchant_public_key:
-        assert len(event.tag_values("p")) != 0, "Outgong message has no 'p' tag"
-        clear_text_msg = merchant.decrypt_message(
+    
+    p_tags = event.tag_values("p")
+    
+    # PRIORITY 1: Check if any recipient (p_tag) is a merchant → incoming message TO merchant
+    for p_tag in p_tags:
+        if p_tag:
+            potential_merchant = await get_merchant_by_pubkey(p_tag)
+            if potential_merchant:
+                clear_text_msg = potential_merchant.decrypt_message(event.content, event.pubkey)
+                await _handle_incoming_dms(event, potential_merchant, clear_text_msg)
+                return  # IMPORTANT: Return immediately to prevent double processing
+    
+    # PRIORITY 2: If no recipient merchant found, check if sender is a merchant → outgoing message FROM merchant
+    sender_merchant = await get_merchant_by_pubkey(event.pubkey)
+    if sender_merchant:
+        assert len(event.tag_values("p")) != 0, "Outgoing message has no 'p' tag"
+        clear_text_msg = sender_merchant.decrypt_message(
             event.content, event.tag_values("p")[0]
         )
-        await _handle_outgoing_dms(event, merchant, clear_text_msg)
-    elif event.has_tag_value("p", merchant_public_key):
-        clear_text_msg = merchant.decrypt_message(event.content, event.pubkey)
-        await _handle_incoming_dms(event, merchant, clear_text_msg)
-    else:
-        logger.warning(f"Bad NIP04 event: '{event.id}'")
+        await _handle_outgoing_dms(event, sender_merchant, clear_text_msg)
+        return  # IMPORTANT: Return immediately
+    
+    # No merchant found in either direction
 
 
 async def _handle_incoming_dms(
@@ -483,17 +504,18 @@ async def _handle_outgoing_dms(
 
 async def _handle_incoming_structured_dm(
     merchant: Merchant, dm: DirectMessage, json_data: dict
-) -> tuple[DirectMessageType, str | None]:
+) -> Tuple[DirectMessageType, Optional[str]]:
     try:
         if dm.type == DirectMessageType.CUSTOMER_ORDER.value and merchant.config.active:
             json_resp = await _handle_new_order(
                 merchant.id, merchant.public_key, dm, json_data
             )
-
             return DirectMessageType.PAYMENT_REQUEST, json_resp
+        else:
+            logger.info(f"[NOSTRMARKET] Skipping order processing - type: {dm.type}, expected: {DirectMessageType.CUSTOMER_ORDER.value}, merchant_active: {merchant.config.active}")
 
     except Exception as ex:
-        logger.warning(ex)
+        logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] Error in _handle_incoming_structured_dm: {ex}")
 
     return DirectMessageType.PLAIN_TEXT, None
 
@@ -574,9 +596,31 @@ async def _handle_new_order(
         wallet = await get_wallet(wallet_id)
         assert wallet, f"Cannot find wallet for product id: {first_product_id}"
 
+
         payment_req = await create_new_order(merchant_public_key, partial_order)
+        
+        if payment_req is None:
+            # Return existing order data instead of creating a failed order
+            existing_order = await get_order(merchant_id, partial_order.id)
+            if existing_order and existing_order.invoice_id != "None":
+                # Order exists with invoice, return existing payment request
+                duplicate_response = json.dumps({
+                    "type": DirectMessageType.PAYMENT_REQUEST.value,
+                    "id": existing_order.id,
+                    "message": "Order already received and processed",
+                    "payment_options": []
+                }, separators=(",", ":"), ensure_ascii=False)
+                return duplicate_response
+            else:
+                # Order exists but no invoice, skip processing
+                logger.info(f"[NOSTRMARKET] Order exists but no invoice, returning empty string")
+                return ""
+            
     except Exception as e:
-        logger.debug(e)
+        logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] Error creating order: {e}")
+        logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] Order data: {json_data}")
+        logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] Exception type: {type(e).__name__}")
+        logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] Exception details: {str(e)}")
         payment_req = await create_new_failed_order(
             merchant_id,
             merchant_public_key,
@@ -584,12 +628,17 @@ async def _handle_new_order(
             json_data,
             "Order received, but cannot be processed. Please contact merchant.",
         )
-    assert payment_req
+    
+    if not payment_req:
+        logger.error(f"[NOSTRMARKET] No payment request returned for order: {partial_order.id}")
+        return ""
+    
     response = {
         "type": DirectMessageType.PAYMENT_REQUEST.value,
         **payment_req.dict(),
     }
-    return json.dumps(response, separators=(",", ":"), ensure_ascii=False)
+    response_json = json.dumps(response, separators=(",", ":"), ensure_ascii=False)
+    return response_json
 
 
 async def create_new_failed_order(
@@ -622,8 +671,11 @@ async def subscribe_to_all_merchants():
     last_stall_time = await get_last_stall_update_time()
     last_prod_time = await get_last_product_update_time()
 
+    # Make dm_time more lenient by subtracting 5 minutes to avoid missing recent events
+    lenient_dm_time = max(0, last_dm_time - 300) if last_dm_time > 0 else 0
+
     await nostr_client.subscribe_merchants(
-        public_keys, last_dm_time, last_stall_time, last_prod_time, 0
+        public_keys, lenient_dm_time, last_stall_time, last_prod_time, 0
     )
 
 
diff --git a/static/js/index.js b/static/js/index.js
index 3d89779..0d01f82 100644
--- a/static/js/index.js
+++ b/static/js/index.js
@@ -21,26 +21,18 @@ window.app = Vue.createApp({
   },
   methods: {
     generateKeys: async function () {
-      const privateKey = nostr.generatePrivateKey()
-      await this.createMerchant(privateKey)
+      // No longer need to generate keys here - the backend will use user's existing keypairs
+      await this.createMerchant()
     },
     importKeys: async function () {
       this.importKeyDialog.show = false
-      let privateKey = this.importKeyDialog.data.privateKey
-      if (!privateKey) {
-        return
-      }
-      try {
-        if (privateKey.toLowerCase().startsWith('nsec')) {
-          privateKey = nostr.nip19.decode(privateKey).data
-        }
-      } catch (error) {
-        this.$q.notify({
-          type: 'negative',
-          message: `${error}`
-        })
-      }
-      await this.createMerchant(privateKey)
+      // Import keys functionality removed since we use user's native keypairs
+      // Show a message that this is no longer needed
+      this.$q.notify({
+        type: 'info',
+        message: 'Merchants now use your account Nostr keys automatically. Key import is no longer needed.',
+        timeout: 3000
+      })
     },
     showImportKeysDialog: async function () {
       this.importKeyDialog.show = true
@@ -94,12 +86,9 @@ window.app = Vue.createApp({
       this.activeChatCustomer = ''
       this.showKeys = false
     },
-    createMerchant: async function (privateKey) {
+    createMerchant: async function () {
       try {
-        const pubkey = nostr.getPublicKey(privateKey)
         const payload = {
-          private_key: privateKey,
-          public_key: pubkey,
           config: {}
         }
         const {data} = await LNbits.api.request(
diff --git a/tasks.py b/tasks.py
index 013a281..774951f 100644
--- a/tasks.py
+++ b/tasks.py
@@ -35,13 +35,17 @@ async def on_invoice_paid(payment: Payment) -> None:
 
 
 async def wait_for_nostr_events(nostr_client: NostrClient):
+    logger.info("[NOSTRMARKET DEBUG] Starting wait_for_nostr_events task")
     while True:
         try:
+            logger.info("[NOSTRMARKET DEBUG] Subscribing to all merchants...")
             await subscribe_to_all_merchants()
 
             while True:
+                logger.debug("[NOSTRMARKET DEBUG] Waiting for nostr event...")
                 message = await nostr_client.get_event()
+                logger.info(f"[NOSTRMARKET DEBUG] Received event from nostr_client: {message[:100]}...")
                 await process_nostr_message(message)
         except Exception as e:
-            logger.warning(f"Subcription failed. Will retry in one minute: {e}")
+            logger.warning(f"[NOSTRMARKET DEBUG] Subscription failed. Will retry in 10 seconds: {e}")
             await asyncio.sleep(10)
diff --git a/views_api.py b/views_api.py
index af675cd..f858397 100644
--- a/views_api.py
+++ b/views_api.py
@@ -1,15 +1,18 @@
 import json
 from http import HTTPStatus
+from typing import List, Optional
 
 from fastapi import Depends
 from fastapi.exceptions import HTTPException
-from lnbits.core.models import WalletTypeInfo
+from lnbits.core.crud import get_account, update_account
 from lnbits.core.services import websocket_updater
 from lnbits.decorators import (
+    WalletTypeInfo,
     require_admin_key,
     require_invoice_key,
 )
 from lnbits.utils.exchange_rates import currencies
+from lnbits.utils.nostr import generate_keypair
 from loguru import logger
 
 from . import nostr_client, nostrmarket_ext
@@ -58,6 +61,7 @@ from .crud import (
 )
 from .helpers import normalize_public_key
 from .models import (
+    CreateMerchantRequest,
     Customer,
     DirectMessage,
     DirectMessageType,
@@ -89,18 +93,48 @@ from .services import (
 
 @nostrmarket_ext.post("/api/v1/merchant")
 async def api_create_merchant(
-    data: PartialMerchant,
+    data: CreateMerchantRequest,
     wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
 ) -> Merchant:
 
     try:
-        merchant = await get_merchant_by_pubkey(data.public_key)
-        assert merchant is None, "A merchant already uses this public key"
-
+        # Check if merchant already exists for this user
         merchant = await get_merchant_for_user(wallet.wallet.user)
         assert merchant is None, "A merchant already exists for this user"
 
-        merchant = await create_merchant(wallet.wallet.user, data)
+        # Get user's account to access their Nostr keypairs
+        account = await get_account(wallet.wallet.user)
+        if not account:
+            raise HTTPException(
+                status_code=HTTPStatus.NOT_FOUND,
+                detail="User account not found",
+            )
+
+        # Check if user has Nostr keypairs, generate them if not
+        if not account.pubkey or not account.prvkey:
+            # Generate new keypair for user
+            private_key, public_key = generate_keypair()
+            
+            # Update user account with new keypairs
+            account.pubkey = public_key
+            account.prvkey = private_key
+            await update_account(account)
+        else:
+            public_key = account.pubkey
+            private_key = account.prvkey
+
+        # Check if another merchant is already using this public key
+        existing_merchant = await get_merchant_by_pubkey(public_key)
+        assert existing_merchant is None, "A merchant already uses this public key"
+
+        # Create PartialMerchant with user's keypairs
+        partial_merchant = PartialMerchant(
+            private_key=private_key,
+            public_key=public_key,
+            config=data.config
+        )
+
+        merchant = await create_merchant(wallet.wallet.user, partial_merchant)
 
         await create_zone(
             merchant.id,
@@ -115,7 +149,7 @@ async def api_create_merchant(
 
         await resubscribe_to_all_merchants()
 
-        await nostr_client.merchant_temp_subscription(data.public_key)
+        await nostr_client.merchant_temp_subscription(public_key)
 
         return merchant
     except AssertionError as ex:
@@ -134,7 +168,7 @@ async def api_create_merchant(
 @nostrmarket_ext.get("/api/v1/merchant")
 async def api_get_merchant(
     wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_invoice_key),
-) -> Merchant | None:
+) -> Optional[Merchant]:
 
     try:
         merchant = await get_merchant_for_user(wallet.wallet.user)
@@ -302,7 +336,7 @@ async def api_delete_merchant_on_nostr(
 @nostrmarket_ext.get("/api/v1/zone")
 async def api_get_zones(
     wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_invoice_key),
-) -> list[Zone]:
+) -> List[Zone]:
     try:
         merchant = await get_merchant_for_user(wallet.wallet.user)
         assert merchant, "Merchant cannot be found"
@@ -502,7 +536,7 @@ async def api_get_stall(
 
 @nostrmarket_ext.get("/api/v1/stall")
 async def api_get_stalls(
-    pending: bool | None = False,
+    pending: Optional[bool] = False,
     wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_invoice_key),
 ):
     try:
@@ -526,7 +560,7 @@ async def api_get_stalls(
 @nostrmarket_ext.get("/api/v1/stall/product/{stall_id}")
 async def api_get_stall_products(
     stall_id: str,
-    pending: bool | None = False,
+    pending: Optional[bool] = False,
     wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_invoice_key),
 ):
     try:
@@ -550,9 +584,9 @@ async def api_get_stall_products(
 @nostrmarket_ext.get("/api/v1/stall/order/{stall_id}")
 async def api_get_stall_orders(
     stall_id: str,
-    paid: bool | None = None,
-    shipped: bool | None = None,
-    pubkey: str | None = None,
+    paid: Optional[bool] = None,
+    shipped: Optional[bool] = None,
+    pubkey: Optional[str] = None,
     wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_invoice_key),
 ):
     try:
@@ -686,7 +720,7 @@ async def api_update_product(
 async def api_get_product(
     product_id: str,
     wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_invoice_key),
-) -> Product | None:
+) -> Optional[Product]:
     try:
         merchant = await get_merchant_for_user(wallet.wallet.user)
         assert merchant, "Merchant cannot be found"
@@ -771,9 +805,9 @@ async def api_get_order(
 
 @nostrmarket_ext.get("/api/v1/order")
 async def api_get_orders(
-    paid: bool | None = None,
-    shipped: bool | None = None,
-    pubkey: str | None = None,
+    paid: Optional[bool] = None,
+    shipped: Optional[bool] = None,
+    pubkey: Optional[str] = None,
     wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_invoice_key),
 ):
     try:
@@ -859,7 +893,7 @@ async def api_update_order_status(
 async def api_restore_order(
     event_id: str,
     wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_admin_key),
-) -> Order | None:
+) -> Optional[Order]:
     try:
         merchant = await get_merchant_for_user(wallet.wallet.user)
         assert merchant, "Merchant cannot be found"
@@ -986,7 +1020,7 @@ async def api_reissue_order_invoice(
 @nostrmarket_ext.get("/api/v1/message/{public_key}")
 async def api_get_messages(
     public_key: str, wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_invoice_key)
-) -> list[DirectMessage]:
+) -> List[DirectMessage]:
     try:
         merchant = await get_merchant_for_user(wallet.wallet.user)
         assert merchant, "Merchant cannot be found"
@@ -1042,7 +1076,7 @@ async def api_create_message(
 @nostrmarket_ext.get("/api/v1/customer")
 async def api_get_customers(
     wallet: WalletTypeInfo = Depends(require_invoice_key),
-) -> list[Customer]:
+) -> List[Customer]:
     try:
         merchant = await get_merchant_for_user(wallet.wallet.user)
         assert merchant, "Merchant cannot be found"