Tony James Designs Website
December 29, 2023
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November 9, 2020Comprehensive E-commerce Solutions for LaCakery.co.uk
Project Scope and Challenges
LaCakery's business model, based on a franchise system and highly customized products, presented a multifaceted challenge. The primary goals were to:
- Facilitate easy store location and selection for online customers.
- Offer personalization through custom images and messages on cakes.
- Efficiently manage collection dates and times for orders.
- Provide a robust system for the franchise to manage orders and customer interactions.
Solutions and Features
Store Finder and Redirects
I Implemented a main page with a store finder feature, directing customers to appropriate subdomains based on their location. Once they determined their closest store they could then get directions, contact the store directly or visit the store's subdomain to order online.
This ensured a personalized shopping experience for each franchise location.
WooCommerce Image Upload & Crop Plugin
I developed a custom plugin called WooCommerce Image Upload & Crop which enabled customers to upload and crop images when ordering cakes.
This feature allowed customers to add a personal touch to their orders, enhancing the customization LaCakery is known for.
Click & Collect for WooCommerce
I developed a custom plugin that revolutionized how La Cakery's online orders are managed. Key features included:
Date Blocking: Enabled store owners to block out unavailable dates.
Email Notifications: Automated the sending of collection dates to customers and admins.
Dashboard Integration: Listed upcoming collection dates on the WordPress dashboard for easy management.
WooCommerce Store Selector Plugin:
In addition to the 'Store finder' on the main homepage, I developed a custom plugin which generated a store selector popup when a customer enquired about a cake on the main site, guiding customers through the process of adding products to their cart.
This plugin meant that customers could browse cakes before committing to a store & made choosing a store more seamless, ensuring that orders are placed with the right franchise.
La Cakery Custom Plugin
In addition to the previously mentioned custom plugins suitable for any e-commerce site, a plugin was specifically developed for La Cakery to fulfil the unique requirements of their build.
This plugin addressed several critical needs as follows:
Custom Message Functionality
- Product-Specific Custom Messages
- Admin-Controlled Customization
- Dynamic Character Limits
- Seamless Integration with WooCommerce
Enhanced Product Display & Management
- SKU Display Enhancements
- Sorting Products by SKU
- Customizable Product Titles
User Experience and Accessibility
- Custom JavaScript Implementations
- Customizable Price Display for Variable Products
- Limiting Product Quantities in Cart
Backend Efficiency and Flexibility
- Easy Management of Custom Features
- Streamlined Order Processing
- Integration with Other Systems
Outcomes
Enhanced Customer Experience: The custom plugins, particularly the ones allowing for image upload and crop, as well as the addition of personalized messages, directly catered to the customer's desire for customization. This not only elevated the user experience but also positioned La Cakery as a customer-centric brand in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Operational Efficiency: The introduction of plugins that streamlined product management, order processing, and inventory control greatly enhanced operational efficiency. Features like SKU displays, product sorting by SKU, and quantity limitations in the shopping cart made it easier for the La Cakery team to manage their online store.
Improved Sales and Marketing: The custom plugins contributed to more effective sales and marketing strategies. By offering personalized options and a user-friendly interface, the website likely experienced increased customer engagement, leading to higher conversion rates and repeat business.
Scalability and Flexibility: The plugins were designed with scalability in mind, allowing La Cakery to easily expand and adapt its online offerings as the business grows. This flexibility is crucial for any dynamic e-commerce business operating in a rapidly changing market.
Brand Differentiation: By integrating unique functionalities that align with the brand’s identity, such as custom cake messages and image uploads, La Cakery distinguished itself from competitors. This bespoke approach to e-commerce highlights the brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Data Insights and Customer Understanding: The customized solutions also provided La Cakery with valuable data insights. Understanding customer preferences in customization and shopping habits enabled more informed business decisions and targeted marketing strategies.
Positive Impact on Revenue: The streamlined shopping experience, coupled with unique customization options, likely contributed to an increase in average order value and overall revenue. By meeting customer needs in innovative ways, La Cakery enhanced its potential for upselling and cross-selling.
Strengthened Online Presence: In an era where digital presence is key, these custom plugins significantly bolstered La Cakery's online visibility and attractiveness, making it a strong contender in the online bakery sector.
Project Significance
Further Info
