| Case Study: |
Boat Bits |
| Web Address: |
www.boatbits.co.uk |
| Date of Website: |
Redesigned May/June 2003 |
| Package: |
Advanced Ecommerce Package |
| Extras: |
Content Management System
Streaming Media
Forum |
Background
BoatBits is one of Wales largest suppliers of new and second hand boat parts based in Swansea, South Wales. They needed a website that allowed visitors to search through their vast selection of boat parts. BoatBits also act as agents to people selling their boats, so it was required that these boats could be advertised on the site.
The owners of BoatBits have extensive experience and knowledge of the boating sector and wanted to use this experience to add to the websites usefulness. It was agreed that some sort of question and answer section would be required.
Another important part of their requirements was that they needed the ability to manage their catalogue of parts, boats, etc. on the website themselves as these changed daily.
BoatBits had no access to a Merchant Account, which is normally required to accept credit or debit cards over the internet, so another option was required.
Solution
We created a dynamic database driven website with a powerful search facility that allows visitors to BoatBits to find the exact part they are looking for.
A section was added that displayed the current boats for sale sorted by type. To further increase the chance of someone putting an offer on a boat, a video of the boat was added where possible. This was implemented using Microsofts Video Streaming Technology.
Our forum component was also included in order to implement the question and answer section. It allows visitors to select a topic and view any related questions. The ability to ask questions requires users to sign up and register as a BoatBits member.
The ecommerce side of the website was mainly handled through a seamless integration of Hex Designs shopping cart and the ecommerce provider PayPal. This type of integration allows a merchant to accept card payments as payment on their credit card.
boatbits.co.uk was shortlisted for the eCommerce Awards 2003.
If this scenario sounds like your business then please contact us and we would be
happy to discuss your requirements.
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