A new ecommerce implementation can be challenging. This can be especially true for furniture retailers who face additional challenges and may explore traditional platforms that aren’t designed to handle the complexity of furniture ecommerce.
Fortunately, Blueport Commerce was designed specifically for furniture retailers, and the implementation process eliminates many of the obstacles you might face. Let’s take a quick look at how ecommerce is traditionally implemented and then dig into how Blueport makes ecommerce implementation easy.
Many ecommerce vendors partner with system integrators, which are companies that specialize in implementation. A system integrator may have a great deal of knowledge about general software implementation but will likely not have specialized knowledge of the furniture industry. In turn, you will need to allot time and effort to ensure the integration team understands your business and unique needs.
If you select a traditional ecommerce platform, your ecommerce implementation plan will need to include ample time for educating the system integrator. This learning period lets the integrator get up to speed with the unique challenges of furniture ecommerce, retail operations, various technologies, as well as your individual business and operational processes. During planning you will also map out the design and core functions of the new site.
Your business solutions need to communicate with each other and with your ecommerce platform. Determining if and how your existing technology stack, such as your ERP system, is able to connect with your new ecommerce platform may take some discovery.
After a design phase, your site will be built based on the predetermined specifications outlined during planning.
Because traditional ecommerce platform vendors — and 3rd party system integrators — don’t have in-depth knowledge of the retail furniture industry, their initial build of your solution may not ultimately meet your unique needs. When you begin the testing and modification phase, it's common that there will be additional changes needed. Because this typically turns into numerous iterations, it can result in longer implementation time and delays in launching your new site.
Even after the detailed process of the implementation period, the final result may or may not deliver the optimal product you had created during the planning phase.
Fortunately, when working with furniture and technology experts, you can have an easier implementation process.
At Blueport, our experience and education means that we already understand the furniture industry. We used that knowledge to develop a furniture ecommerce website with the big ticket features you need.
Our deep industry knowledge means your implementation process isn’t limited to getting your furniture ecommerce platform up and running.
You will work with a highly experienced Blueport implementation team who understands the intricacies of the retail furniture industry. Unlike the traditional "get it and attempt to make it work" methods, we help guide your decisions along the way based on our experience in furniture ecommerce and what we learn about your unique business.
Blueport has a streamlined ecommerce implementation plan.
We start by connecting your ERP system and our platform to import your data. This allows us to build a baseline site powered by your data to build a base catalog and configure features.
Since we start with a furniture-focused solution, we are able to spend implementation time getting to know your business, your processes, and your customers. Some business rules we refine with you include promotions, delivery zones and capacity, protection plans, mattress haul away, email marketing, pricing and marketing regions, and more.
Next, we add branding and customizations to deliver the ideal omnichannel experience for your customers. Branding includes personalization like your brand colors, fonts, and styles. Your team can also begin building out custom pages, landing experiences, and your homepage.
Unlike traditional implementations, you can conduct user testing throughout the process as different features are complete. When you approach launch, this incremental process means you are able to focus on final use case testing.
You launch an optimal furniture ecommerce website that exceeds your expectations with better online experiences for your customers and you.
Since our technology roadmap is industry-specific, we provide continuous enhancements to leverage new technology, add features that are relevant to your business, and improve the user experience.
Ecommerce implementation can be a challenge, but, with the right partner, you can be up and running more quickly, more efficiently, and with a better user experience.
Blueport is the software company that can drive the process for you, letting you launch your furniture ecommerce website with fewer headaches and increased ecommerce revenue.
Don’t take our word about revenue. Learn how Levin Furniture leveraged Blueport for a 133% increase in ecommerce revenue. Download your free copy today.