Bespoke Ecommerce

A bespoke ecommerce solution is a fully custom built online shopping platform designed around your business. Unlike off-the-shelf platforms - Shopify, WooCommerce etc which provide pre made themes and offer very limited flexibility, a bespoke ecommerce system is developed from scratch to match your unique workflows, branding and functionality.

All that being hat said, a bespoke ecommerce solution doesn’t always mean everything needs to be built from the ground up. Sometimes, it refers to a specific custom component within an existing platform i.e. a personalised checkout, advanced search or loyalty system within a standard WooCommerce store. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds - tailored features and user experiences supported by the stability of a trusted ecommerce platform.

Bespoke ecommerce features & benefits

A bespoke ecommerce system may have one, multiple or all of the following features. As we have alluded to above, many organisations are perfectly happy using their off-the-shelf ecommerce platform with one or two custom components whereas some enterprise grade organisations may need many more, if not all of their ecommerce solution and the components within it, to be custom built.

Either way, here are some of the most popular custom ecommerce features that help turn a standard online store into something that stands out.

• Advanced search and filtering - When you’ve got a big inventory, finding the right item can be akin to hunting for a needle in a haystack. Custom search tools with autocomplete, intelligent filters and personalised suggestions make browsing an ambivalent if not positive, experience. Tailored to your unique categories, your customers find what they want faster which is a win win for all involved.

• Custom checkout flows - Having checkout processes that fit a specific audience’s preferences such as a simplified one page checkout, custom payment gateways or subscription options, can and does increase conversion rates and reduce the dreaded abandoned cart trap. This is a common bespoke component that many businesses add to make the checkout process a breeze.

• Personalised product recommendations - Nothing says “we get you” like smart product suggestions. Using data powered algorithms, bespoke recommendations or “frequently bought together” hints add a personal touch that keeps customers coming back for more.

• Custom product configurator - Give your customers creative control! Whether it’s choosing colours, materials, engravings or styles, a bespoke product configurator allows your shoppers to design their perfect product right on your site. This can be a key differentiator and helps your customers feel personally connected to the products they buy from you.

• Membership and loyalty programmes - Everyone loves perks - fact. Custom loyalty programs with points, tiers and exclusive offers keep customers hooked and coming back for more, making every customer feel like a VIP which can never be a bad thing!

• Custom reporting - Off-the-shelf platforms often have basic analytics but adding custom dashboards for live insights, detailed customer behaviour patterns or specific sales trends can help you make much better strategic decisions going forward.

• Integration with niche/bespoke third party services - Integrating your ecommerce platform with specialised services that don’t usually offer developer APIs - certain CRM systems, shipping providers or custom inventory software - will help to streamline your operations and improve the experience for both staff and customers.

• Branded Email and notification system - Customising order confirmation emails, shipping updates and abandoned cart notifications with bespoke designs and messaging only reinforces your brand identity and makes customer communications feel more personal.