In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, B2B businesses are increasingly seeking robust ecommerce solutions that can cater to their unique operational complexities. Traditional platforms often fall short, unable to handle the intricate product relationships, bulk ordering capabilities, and variable pricing models inherent to B2B transactions. Recognizing this gap, we recently undertook a transformative project for Labelman, a Zebra Supplies Elite Partner specializing in providing complete business solutions in labelling and barcoding systems.
Client: Labelman
Industry: Printing (B2B)
Service: Bespoke Design, Platform Onboarding, API Development
The Challenge
Labelman's move from WooCommerce to BigCommerce was driven by a need for a more scalable, flexible ecommerce solution. Their extensive product range, including printers, scanners, labels, ribbons, and software, often surpasses 200 related products for a single main item - a scale that traditional related product functionalities simply cannot support. The challenge was to create a seamless, user-friendly online store that could efficiently manage and display these complex product relationships without sacrificing the customer experience.
Innovative Solutions
Flair Consultancy's approach was twofold: leveraging BigCommerce's versatile platform to its fullest potential while introducing custom-developed features to meet Labelman's specific needs.
- Metafields for Extended Product Relationships: To circumvent the limitations of built-in related product functions, Flair Consultancy utilized BigCommerce metafields. These fields can hold up to 65.5K characters, allowing for the inclusion of a comma-separated list of hundreds of product IDs. This innovative use of metafields ensured that Labelman could link all variants, consumables, software, and service contracts relevant to a main product, offering customers a comprehensive selection without overwhelming them.
- Custom Interface for Batch Uploads: Recognizing the importance of efficiency in managing extensive product catalogs, Flair Consultancy developed a custom interface for Labelman. This tool facilitates the batch uploading of related product IDs using CSVs exported from Labelman's ERP system, seamlessly integrating with the BigCommerce REST API. This solution not only streamlines the product management process but also significantly reduces the potential for human error, ensuring that the online store remains up-to-date and accurate.
- Enhanced User Experience: To address the potential complexity of navigating through hundreds of related products, Flair Consultancy implemented a custom tabbed interface. This interface categorizes related products, making it easier for customers to find what they need. Furthermore, a dynamic pagination and live search feature was added, enabling users to filter and view products without leaving the page, thus enhancing the shopping experience and encouraging larger orders.
A Unique User Experience for B2B Customers
We created a visual navigation to help customers choose top level product categories quickly.
Our enhanced product listing on the product page, linking accessories to a parent product.
Using metafields and custom fields, related products can be categorised and tabulated. A quick search and pagination helps to ease the clutter of extensive lists. Each product can be added to the cart without navigating away from the page.
The Impact
The collaboration between Labelman and Flair Consultancy has set a new standard for B2B ecommerce. By pushing the boundaries of what BigCommerce can do, Flair Consultancy has not only solved Labelman's immediate challenges but also provided a scalable model that other B2B businesses can follow. This case study highlights the importance of flexibility, innovation, and customer-centric design in ecommerce, proving that with the right expertise, even the most complex operational challenges can be overcome.
Looking Forward
For B2B businesses contemplating their next digital move, this case study serves as a compelling testament to BigCommerce's capabilities and Flair Consultancy's expertise in B2B ecommerce solutions. As the digital marketplace continues to evolve, partnering with a knowledgeable and innovative developer like Flair Consultancy ensures that businesses can not only meet the demands of today's B2B ecommerce but also anticipate and adapt to the challenges of tomorrow.
In conclusion, the successful transformation of Labelman's online store is a clear demonstration of how advanced customization and strategic platform utilization can unlock new possibilities for B2B ecommerce businesses. Flair Consultancy remains at the forefront of this innovation, ready to assist businesses in leveraging BigCommerce to achieve their ecommerce objectives.
If you would like to work with Flair to enhance your B2B ecommerce store, please get in touch with us today.