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What is a Marketplace Platform: The Fullest Explainer A Garden Equipment Online Store Launched in 3 months to reach 17 countries
The company rep asked us for a ready-made eCommerce platform that can be launched as fast as possible, no matter at what cost, the main concern was the reliability of the developed platform. We’ve rolled up our sleeves because it seemed to be an ambitious project.
To timely deliver the developed solution, it was decided to work by sprints using the Agile methodology. Tasks came to us one after another and soon the platform got 17 storefronts localized for each country.
Although the initial request was to launch as a marketplace, after studying the project background, we shortly found out that the online store solution with multiple storefronts will best suit the business needs. Dealers don’t need to run their vendor panels and keep using their ERP system synchronized with our solution.
The store is now based on the CS-Cart platform with the infrastructure managed by our hosting partner, designed and customized for better dealer and ERP management.
To timely deliver the developed solution, it was decided to work by sprints using the Agile methodology. Tasks came to us one after another and soon the platform got 17 storefronts localized for each country.
Although the initial request was to launch as a marketplace, after studying the project background, we shortly found out that the online store solution with multiple storefronts will best suit the business needs. Dealers don’t need to run their vendor panels and keep using their ERP system synchronized with our solution.
The store is now based on the CS-Cart platform with the infrastructure managed by our hosting partner, designed and customized for better dealer and ERP management.
Challenges
- Collect dealers in one network on the site
- Expand the customer base of dealers
- Create a new sales channel
- Introduce a convenient quick online ordering from the nearest dealer
- Synchronize with the internal ERP system
- Organize delivery and provide equipment installation services for customers
Implementing the Project
Dealer network
The developed site provides access to 17 countries-storefronts. A certain number of dealers is assigned to each storefront. They can process orders and make deliveries.
Assigning a dealer when purchasing a product
Customers of the store can choose how to get their orders. There are two options:
The second option implied a modified workflow:
Administrators can change the dealer zone by editing a dealer or using dealer import functionality.
Dealer search on the map and dealer stock check
As the store mainly focuses on enhancing the work of dealers, it was decided first to facilitate their location finding for customers. Customers now can choose the nearest dealer through the introduced Dealer Locator functionality. They enter a zip code and get a list of the dealers that fit that code.
Dealer delivery check, delivery radius
The dealer sets the radius within which an order can be delivered. Our code checks on the product page if the given dealer is suitable for delivery within the given radius and assigns the dealer as the nearest one if it is.
Accounting (commission calculation)
Since dealers are not directly connected to the platform, a separate mechanism for mutual settlements was needed. We introduced a commission system. The administrator can enter different commissions for different dealers. The system generates a file and sends it to each dealer ERP. That file contains data about orders, commission for this dealer, tax data, etc.
Assigning a dealer when purchasing a product
Customers of the store can choose how to get their orders. There are two options:
- Pick up an order in store: customers pick up their orders themselves
- Delivery to the door: a purchase with home delivery
The second option implied a modified workflow:
- Search by dealers: a customer enters a zip code - a map opens - the customer sees the nearest dealer who can deliver the selected product
- Dealer auto-assignment: at checkout the customer enters his or her address - the nearest dealer is auto-assigned
Administrators can change the dealer zone by editing a dealer or using dealer import functionality.
Dealer search on the map and dealer stock check
As the store mainly focuses on enhancing the work of dealers, it was decided first to facilitate their location finding for customers. Customers now can choose the nearest dealer through the introduced Dealer Locator functionality. They enter a zip code and get a list of the dealers that fit that code.
Dealer delivery check, delivery radius
The dealer sets the radius within which an order can be delivered. Our code checks on the product page if the given dealer is suitable for delivery within the given radius and assigns the dealer as the nearest one if it is.
Accounting (commission calculation)
Since dealers are not directly connected to the platform, a separate mechanism for mutual settlements was needed. We introduced a commission system. The administrator can enter different commissions for different dealers. The system generates a file and sends it to each dealer ERP. That file contains data about orders, commission for this dealer, tax data, etc.
Integration with ERP
Dealers do not have direct access to the CS-Cart dashboard. Instead, they work in their familiar ERP system. All orders from the store are uploaded to a special file, which is then sent to the dealers’ ERP system. From there, dealers get to know that an order arrived and needs to be processed. The stock is updated automatically. After changes have taken place in the ERP, files are exchanged, and the stock is updated on the CS-Cart side on a schedule.
Integration with Adyen payments
We developed an add-on that allows accepting payments via the Adyen payment system.
Our team used webhooks to exchange and synchronize data between two applications automatically.
After integration of the new add-on, a new payment method was added. The store can accept eCommerce, mobile, and point-of-sale payments and customize invoices.
Our team used webhooks to exchange and synchronize data between two applications automatically.
After integration of the new add-on, a new payment method was added. The store can accept eCommerce, mobile, and point-of-sale payments and customize invoices.
Design integration
Our front-end developers integrated the design for the website based on the client’s mockups. The whole store including all pages got a refreshed look with cohesive colors and fonts that united 17 storefronts in one style.
Results
A global project localized for every country storefront with the common design and a handy management system for dealers.
Design integration
Custom Development
Design Intergration
Cloud Hosting
Our Services
CS-Cart helps ambitious eCommerce brands build marketplaces with the flexibility to adapt and the scalability to thrive. From your first launch to international expansion, you stay in control — with open-code access, powerful vendor management, and infrastructure that grows with your business.
Amplify your online presence with feature-rich applications for eCommerce. We build high-performance, user-friendly and conversion-based web and mobile online stores and hypermarkets that attract and retain customers.
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