Bespoke Ecommerce

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

All that being 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 features or loyalty/reward systems within a off-the-shelf 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 if you're a large, enterprise grade organisation, you may need many more, if not all, of your ecommerce solution and the components within it, to be custom built.

Regardless of your situation, here are some of the most popular custom ecommerce features that help turn your bog standard online store into something a bit more special:

• 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 a neutral (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 your particular 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 you might look to add to provide your customers with maximum convenience.

• Personalised product recommendations - We've all seen them and nothing says “we get you” like intelligent product suggestions. Using data powered algorithms, bespoke recommendations or “frequently bought together” hints add a personal touch that will keep your 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 will help you attract and retain loyal clients. Making every customer feel like a VIP can never be a bad thing after all.

• Custom reporting - Off-the-shelf platforms usually have basic analytics at standard 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 specialist services that don’t usually offer developer APIs - certain CRM systems, shipping providers or custom inventory software - can 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.