Loop Generation

Marketplace app with multi-vendor functionality

Loop Generation, an ethically-minded fashion platform, approached ElifTech with a project to introduce multi-vendor functionality within their existing Shopify store. Loop Generation aimed to empower individual sellers to list their pre-loved clothing, accessories, shoes, and beauty products on their website. Loop Generation sought to optimize its product management and expand its collaboration with individual sellers to increase revenue.

The goal was to create a seamless experience for sellers, allowing them to submit products for verification and publication while maintaining a consistent user experience with the rest of the site.

Industry

E-commerce
Headquarters

UK
Website

Visit website

Services we provided

Web App Functionality Development
Shopify App Customization
Shopify App Integration
UI/UX Design

About the client

Loop Generation is a retail platform dedicated to promoting sustainable fashion by offering high-quality pre-loved items for sale. With a physical store in London's Chelsea and a strong online presence, the company's mission is to contribute to circular fashion and sustainability by reintroducing fine fashion into the market.

Challenge

Loop Generation faced the challenge of enabling private sellers to sell their products through their e-commerce store. They explored various solutions, including building a multi-vendor system from scratch or creating a custom Shopify add-on. However, these options required substantial budgets. Our proposed solution was to leverage an existing Shopify multi-vendor app, integrate it into their store, and customize it to meet their specific needs. This approach was cost-effective and aligned with their budget constraints. One of the technical challenges was determining the full capabilities of the selected multi-vendor app and understanding its limitations. This required extensive communication with the app's support team to discuss possibilities, features, and customization options.

Solution

Multi-Vendor App Functionality Development

We built a cost-effective, custom multi-vendor layer on Shopify. After evaluating apps, we delivered a best-fit integration for Loop Generation that blends seamlessly with the main site, giving users a consistent, intuitive experience across third-party sellers and Loop’s own products.
Custom Features and Functionality

To ensure the app catered precisely to Loop Generation's needs, we customized its functionality. This involved designing and implementing features such as private seller registration, product submission workflows, seller dashboards, and product verification processes. The app was tailored to optimize the experience for sellers and customers, delivering on the project's core objectives. We ensured that the app was built with scalability in mind, allowing for future growth without extensive redevelopment. This flexibility meant that as Loop Generation expanded its roster of private sellers and product offerings, the app could seamlessly accommodate the increased demand.
Integration of the App into the Existing Marketplace

We chose Shopify’s multi-vendor app for its robust, scalable, platform-native capabilities. Our integration delivers real-time sync of products, orders, and user data, executed with meticulous detail to provide a cohesive, streamlined experience for sellers, buyers, and admins.
UI/UX Design

We crafted a seamless, on-brand experience across the main Shopify site and the multi-vendor section. Consistent visuals and mapped user journeys let customers and private sellers move effortlessly, from seller sign-up and listings to inventory management and customer interactions, minimizing friction at every step.
Holistic Software Infrastructure

We seamlessly integrated the multi-vendor app into Loop Generation’s Shopify store. Sellers can manage products easily, and customers can browse and buy from a wider catalog, all within the same familiar storefront. Core operations stayed intact, while the assortment and revenue streams expanded.

Features delivered

Customized Private Seller Registration/Login Pages

We customized the app to include private seller registration functionality. This allowed individual sellers to create accounts, set up their profiles, and access the platform.
Products Management Workflow

We designed a streamlined product submission workflow. Sellers could easily add their products for Loop Generation's managers to verify and publish online. In addition, sellers could edit and manage their products, including product descriptions, images, and prices. This process ensured the quality and authenticity of products.
User-Friendly Seller Dashboard

A user-friendly dashboard was developed for private sellers. This dashboard allowed them to manage their product listings, track sales, and interact with customers efficiently.
Sellers Lists and Profiles

A list of registered sellers was incorporated, making it easy for customers to browse and discover products from various sellers. Each seller had a dedicated profile page, providing information about them and their products.
Product Verification System

We implemented a product verification system where products submitted by sellers went through a review process by Loop Generation's managers. This ensured that only high-quality and authentic items were published on the platform.
Follow Seller Feature

Users could follow their favorite sellers, receiving updates on new products and promotions.
Seller Product Pages

Product pages were created for each seller's products, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers.
Feedback System

We implemented a feedback system to enable buyers to leave reviews and ratings for sellers, enhancing trust within the platform.

Key results and business value

Expanded Product Catalog

The integration of the multi-vendor functionality allowed Loop Generation to diversify its product offerings by onboarding individual sellers. This expanded product catalog attracted a wider customer base and increased the platform's appeal.
Revenue Growth

Loop Generation experienced a boost in revenue as more private sellers joined the platform and listed their products. This growth in sales directly contributed to increased profitability.
Enhanced Sustainability

The introduction of individual sellers aligned perfectly with Loop Generation's mission to promote circular fashion and sustainability. By giving new life to pre-loved items, the platform continued to contribute to eco-conscious shopping practices.
Streamlined Seller Experience

The user-friendly seller dashboard and intuitive submission process streamlined the experience for private sellers, encouraging them to participate actively on the platform. This enhanced user experience contributed to an increase in the value of the targeted users (private sellers), ultimately helping Loop Generation grow its revenue and profit.