MelioraWeb

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re an e-commerce platform that sells shipping container-based products that range from storage, living, and cargo transport solutions. I’m the CEO and founder of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MelioraWeb?

We were looking to create an e-commerce platform that would allow users to search, select, and buy products online. As a result, we engaged MelioraWeb to help us transition from an outdated Shopify store to a Shopify platform that would capture some of the modern online features that we felt our site was missing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

MelioraWeb built a new Shopify site from scratch. One of the key components they integrated into our site was an automated quote response. They also incorporated automation of the users’ location so that we could suggest inventory and pricing to them based on their location — streamlining the process.

Additionally, they folded in an online configuration tool that allows users to select their products and customize them in multiple ways. In order to enable that, they used a 3D configurator to allow users to see what the product would look like, which would then be computed through automated pricing on a regional basis. The MelioraWeb team completed the Shopify site's beta version, and we’re currently in the test environment.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with Mladen (Founder & CEO), and he manages his resources behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with MelioraWeb?

We found MelioraWeb through the person who did our 3D modeling and 3D configuration part of the project. He found Shopify verified developers for us, and we went through an interview process with several firms. In the end, we selected MelioraWeb.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $60,000–$70,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in October 2019, and we have an ongoing partnership.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Initially, we had some concerns with their cost because they were less expensive than local providers so we felt like there could be some deficiencies along the way. However, as soon as we got through building our business requirements and documentation, we saw that MelioraWeb was capable of getting our project completed.

We like that they’re very open to implementing architectural adjustments that pop from time to time. Furthermore, they’re able to produce creative solutions that effectively use their expertise. Throughout the partnership, they’ve also helped us understand the functions of Shopify and how we can use that to our business while staying on time and on budget. Overall, the team has accomplished the original scope of work.

How did MelioraWeb perform from a project management standpoint?

They have a great project management process; we have routine calls and scheduled sprints. We follow an agile development process, and they’ve performed very well. On the backend, they use Jira. On our side, Jira was a bit technical so we chose something else. However, I forgot the name of the tool.

We communicate directly with Mladen via email, and we have weekly Zoom and Google Meet calls. Usually, we discuss their progress, and they show us their work through screen sharing.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their knowledge of the Shopify platform has been impressive. I’d say their biggest talent was guiding us in the right direction at the beginning of our engagement. We didn’t have unachievable expectations, and we didn’t waste dollars chasing impossible things.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t know what areas they could improve. I’ve done over 10 of these development projects and in all of them, we followed an iterative process. Sometimes, we had to make some concessions, but I didn't think it was because of MelioraWeb. Instead, the reason why we faced some challenges implementing some things was because of Shopify’s limitations.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Mladen is very straightforward, intelligent, and easy to work with. He always finds time to meet us during and after work hours. Talking to him makes us feel like we’re talking to a decision-maker who can make things happen. I’ve worked with bigger development shops before where we’re only talking to their project manager who doesn’t really have any ability to push the needle himself.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO of a company that offers apps on Shopify.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire MelioraWeb, and what were your goals?

We worked with MelioraWeb for the creation of our first Shopify application. The application had to be online within 30 days, they were successful.

SOLUTION

How did you select MelioraWeb and what were the deciding factors?

They showed us their seriousness and their knowledge in the field.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

First of all, we had several meetings to set up the project, the design and all the rest.

They helped us and gave their ideas that we took into account. They used several different technologies including html, css ... We had meetings every week to talk about the progress of the application.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

7 people worked on the application, we have always been in contact with Mladen the CEO and Angel the leader of our project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The application had to be online within 30 days, they were successful. It was not difficult to work with them because we shared the same vision.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

We discuss by email, basecamp, google meet .... they respond very quickly with extensive responses.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their know-how, the answers and the solutions they find for everything.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I find that everything is quite clear.