At Xfive, we believe every e-commerce journey should be as unique as the VW van life itself. That’s why VanCafe, a leader in the Vanagon market, chose us.
Our BigCommerce development services helped us to revamp Vancafe’s online store. It resulted in significant business growth. Discover how we achieved a 24% increase in orders and a 119% revenue boost. We achieved that through custom solutions and strategic implementation.
Client Challenges
Navigating Uncharted Territory
In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Vancafe approached us with a unique challenge. They needed to transition from a limited e-commerce platform to BigCommerce. An e-commerce system we had yet to explore. Our mission was clear. To create an intuitive, high-performing online store for their market of vintage VW van enthusiasts.
Vancafe website circa early 2020
Complex Product Configurations
Vancafe specializes in custom parts for vintage Volkswagen vans. The client required a detailed and user-centric product selection process. We created a solution that handles complex product configurations with a seamless shopping experience.
Integrating Legacy Systems
The existing Vancafe’s website utilized different frameworks. We integrated their extensive product database and attributes into the new BigCommerce platform. We did it without disrupting their ongoing operations.
Design and Development Constraints
Our project team struggled with BigCommerce’s limitations. Custom coding and “hacking” were necessary to create the desired features and functionalities. It made the development process challenging and intricate.
Template Limitations
We used BigCommerce’s default Cornerstone template. It created unnecessary challenges due to its mixed use of various front-end frameworks. This complexity required significant customization efforts to achieve the desired outcomes.
Vancafe website circa 2022
Our BigCommerce Solutions
Developing Custom Product Configurators
To enhance user experience, we developed advanced product configurators. Customers can select and customize parts based on their van’s model and year, ensuring compatibility and satisfaction.
Creating Custom Widgets and Features
We integrated over ten custom widgets to enhance site functionality and aesthetics. These included custom sliders, advanced filtering options, and interactive product views. It improved user engagement and product navigation.
Implementing Deep Navigation
We designed a four-level deep navigation system to help users find specific products. This feature enhanced the user experience by making navigation intuitive and straightforward.
Enhancing Product Galleries
We use GraphQL API to improve the product galleries to prevent low-res images from upscaling. This ensured high-quality visuals, which are crucial for customer engagement and satisfaction.
Enforcing Least Quantity Requirements
For streamlining bulk orders and inventory management, we enforced the minimum quantity requirements for certain products. This customization fulfilled specific business needs and improved order processing efficiency.
Project Successes
Impressive Business Growth
The new Vancafe website, developed using BigCommerce, resulted in remarkable business improvements:
24% Increase in Orders. Enhanced functionalities and user experience led to a significant rise in the number of orders.
77% Rise in Average Order Value. Improved product presentation and customization options encouraged customers to spend more per transaction.
119% Growth in Revenue. The revenue saw a significant increase. It underpins the effectiveness of our custom solutions and BigCommerce’s robust platform.
Positive Stakeholder Feedback
Both internal and external stakeholders praised the new website. Customers appreciated the modern design, ease of use, and improved shopping experience.
Seamless Integration
Despite initial challenges, we imported Vancafe’s existing products and attributes into the new BigCommerce site. This seamless transition enhanced operational efficiency and ensured continuous business operations.
Team Learning and Growth
The project provided invaluable learning opportunities for our team. We gained extensive knowledge of BigCommerce, which we can leverage for future e-commerce projects.
Why BigCommerce for Niche Markets?
Flexibility and Customization
BigCommerce offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing for extensive customization to meet specific business needs. Whether it’s developing custom widgets or configuring complex product options, BigCommerce provides the tools and APIs necessary to tailor the platform precisely to market requirements.
Robust Integration Capabilities
Seamless integration with other systems is crucial for efficient business operations. BigCommerce’s robust integration capabilities ensured that Vancafe’s new e-commerce site worked smoothly with their Acumatica ERP system. This integration streamlined operations, from inventory management to order processing, enhancing overall efficiency.
Scalable Solution
For niche markets, scalability is vital. BigCommerce’s scalable architecture ensures that as Vancafe grows, the platform can handle increased traffic, more products, and higher transaction volumes without compromising performance. This scalability supports long-term business growth.
Enhanced User Experience
BigCommerce’s extensive customization options and user-friendly design templates enabled us to create an intuitive and engaging user experience. Features like advanced product configurators and detailed navigation significantly improved the shopping experience, which is crucial for customer retention in niche markets.
Comprehensive Support and Resources
BigCommerce provides comprehensive support and resources, including detailed documentation and a supportive community. This support was invaluable during the development of custom features and the integration process, ensuring that any issues could be quickly resolved.
Conclusion
The Vancafe project underscores the transformative power of custom e-commerce solutions using BigCommerce. We addressed specific market needs with tailored features and leveraging BigCommerce’s robust capabilities. We boosted Vancafe’s business performance and improved its online presence.
Would you like to achieve similar success using our BigCommerce development services? We can build a customized e-commerce solution for businesses in any niche market. Contact us today to learn more about how we can drive your business forward with tailored e-commerce solutions. To discover more about our capabilities and how we can assist, visit our services page. Let’s bring the van life spirit directly to your customer’s screens!
