Shop Local RI - An online community marketplace
Challenge
Shop Local RI was in need of a new website following the loss of their digital agency (who was no longer supporting the product). Plagued by bugs, difficult work arounds, and a high attrition rate... the project needed intervention to remain viable. As a multi-vendor marketplace (think "Etsy" for the State of Rhode Island), the challenges were steep to provide a fluid user experience for both shoppers and vendors. Complex integrations with the Stripe Connect platform, in addition to subscription management, were needed. Further, vendors needed easy and maintainable self-service to their own product listings, profiles, and logistical management. Finally, the development needed to be both scalable and adaptable for potential re-use for future adoption. Ideally, we hope the platform will gain traction in other states and communities. Therefore the project was architected to allow for varying options and settings to suit multiple needs.
Solution
Dodgy Code worked together with Nick Merrill Design (Design Agency) and Visual Thrive (Marketing Agency) to complete the project. In our role as developers and UX experts, we were able to achieve success using the Craft Commerce platform. Custom integrations were created with Stripe Connect and Stripe Subscriptions. Code and Design Elements were built to be modular and re-usable, allowing for a smooth transition between desktop and mobile screen sizes and efficient editiability and sustainability in the code base. Alpine.js and HTMX were both used to achieve reactive elements, while an optimised database and attention to performance factors make the site load fast for consumers. Dashboards were designed and implemented with clear guidance and usability for varying personas - including shoppers, business owners, and business vendors. SEO was implemented with robust automated features and clear ability to modify and edit for our Marketing Agency's needs.
Results
Year to Year performance for peak season (December 2021 v. 2022) provided the following results: 40% Increase in Vendor Gross Profits 50% Increase in New Customers 300% Increase in Active Vendors 442% Increased Spend per Customer 533% Increased MMR -47% Subscription Churn Rate
Dodgy Code
We develop for the creatively bold, by creating web experiences that perform, amuse, and impress. Dodgy Code specialises in web development for creative brands, including (but not limited to) brochure sites, non-profits, community platforms, e-commerce, events & entertainment sites, webapps, technology services, and startups. Our experience covers a wide range...
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