Staple Web

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the vice president of a houseware company based out of New York that sells wholesale products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Staple Web?

We needed to hire a vendor to redesign our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Staple Web developed new code mostly from scratch. They completely redesigned the layout of our existing site, which had been very basic. It’s more of an online catalog than an e-commerce store where people actually shop. A shopping cart function allows customers to request items they're interested in. The platform aggregates that data into a spreadsheet that breaks down details about our customers and popular product categories. We can then reach out to customers directly, and take it from there.

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact was Jimmy Missry. He worked with a team of developers to build our website.

How did you come to work with Staple Web?

I found Staple Web online via a web search, and found they had good reviews. A few colleagues of mine had used them the past, and indicated that they were accommodating, full of good ideas, and made the process quite easy.

How much have you invested with them?

Altogether, we spent about $6,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started this project two years ago, and Staple Web was done within less than a month. I still speak with them on occasion when we want to make updates or add new features. They just did a quick tweak for us last week.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The platform was created relatively quickly, and has worked very well so far. The site is very easy to navigate, and sorts products into 12 different categories of cookware. It even clearly separates specific subcategories, like glass bakeware. Our customers can enlarge photos and zoom in to see item details. This functionality allows more insight than a rudimentary online or hard copy catalog.

How did Staple Web perform from a project management standpoint?

We were happy with their availability and the level of communication. During business hours, I they’d usually reply within an hour. We mostly used email to communicate. Since they're also based in New York, they were also able to meet in person at our office. Whenever anything needs to be done, we send them an email and they complete it within the next day or so.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciated that they explained everything in simple terms. After I conveyed our vision, they built an even better product than we were initially trying to achieve. Their suggestions and alternative ideas always make a lot of sense, since they have more expertise in this area. The process was easy and smooth, and they always stand by their work. Any issues were quickly resolved. They’re invested in retaining and pleasing their clients. I enjoyed working with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I manage day-to-day operations for a wholesale clothing retailer called C.D.B. Apparel, overseeing sales, production, and office activities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Staple Web?

We wanted to launch a website to display our products for customers and improve internal efficiency.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Staple Web started by creating a catalog that integrates with our existing inventory system. It allows me to upload Excel sheets that list our products and I’m able to easily add pictures. I can add fields which the system memorizes and the entire system is organized by clothing type, be it shirts, pants, hats, gloves, etc. These sheets are automatically updated and can be printed as PDFs to distribute among customers so they know what items are in stock.

We’ve continued to add new functionalities, expanding the platform and improving speed. Staple Web added a feature that allows me to track my shipments from overseas and add those dates to the catalog.

We recently added a customer-facing website that allows verified users to view our catalogue online. The CMS allows me to tailor the products each user sees based on their interests.

What is the team composition?

I initially worked with a project manager in the U.S. and an overseas developer. We communicated daily, and it’s nice being able to speak to two representatives with different specialties. I now work primarily with the project manager to work out any routine maintenance issues.

How did you come to work with Staple Web?

They were recommended by one of their previous customers and we’ve worked with them ever since.

How much have you invested with them?

Between $60,000–$70,000. We plan to spend between $8,000–$9,000 on the next phase.

They gave me an initial quote, but actually completed the catalogue system under budget. They were also very accommodating, repairing any issues that arose at no extra cost.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2016 and we continue to add new features. If I find a customer has a specific need, Staple Web provides a customization. I don’t think we’ll ever stop updating simply because my business keeps changing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The system Staple Web provided is a big reason for our expansion over the last two years. It does the job of two employees and has ultimately helped us grow by 30%–35%. Users also love the website, as it saves them from having to make a trip to my office.

How did Staple Web perform from a project management standpoint?

We primarily communicate via email. My account manager visits my office personally or calls if we ever need to clear up a miscommunication.

They’re generally very proactive, pushing me more than I've pushed them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Unlike other companies that try to push standard solutions, Staple Web took time to understand how our company operates. When we first started working together, they came to our office to see how we function on a day-to-day basis and asked questions about our business. I wasn’t sure what solutions would work best for us, but Staple Web worked with us to outline a project that met our needs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Any issues were resolved immediately, so I have no complaints.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Rather than standard, cookie-cutter websites, Staple Web will develop a unique product that will make a positive impact on your business. Be sure to clearly articulate your needs in order to get the most out of your experience.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the Executive Director of camera retailer. We buy and sell photography equipment and we’ve been in business for nearly 47 years.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Staple Web?

We needed to rebuild our outdated website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Staple Web completely revamped our site. In terms of layout, I told them what I wanted, presented a few samples, and they came back with initial proofs which I adjusted as needed. They then built a customized site from scratch that includes a complex backend for inventory and customer service management.

Our industry relies on a number of variants. We have products that come in a variety of sets and packages. We rely on drop shipping and coordinate with FedEx accounts. We sell on multiple channels, including Amazon, eBay and Walmart. All of this is coordinated through our backend.

With eBay, for example, the backend Staple Web provided allows my team to view our inventory page, our FedEx shipping order, and our eBay page, all in one place. I can also directly message the customer and send tracking labels that integrate with eBay automatically.

Another unique feature allows us to differentiate between sellers and buyers in our system, rather than simply labeling them all “customers.” I can store these individuals in our system for future business.

What is the team composition?

I worked directly with Jimmy [Missry, President, Staple Web] and he communicated my needs to his team.

How did you come to work with Staple Web?

They were referred to us.

How much have you invested with them?

Between $100,000–$120,000. It was a complex project and we continued to increase the scope to accommodate all of our camera brands.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together between February 2017–August 2017. The new site went live within a month and we spent the next five months tweaking and adding integrations.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our previous site generated only one or two sales a week. After going live with the new site, we received two or three orders within the first few days alone. We made between $15,000–$20,000 in sales during the first week, so it’s definitely been worth the investment.

I attribute this increase in digital sales primarily to Staple Web’s design work. If customers see an outdated site, they’re hesitant to order. Our new website uses images to highlight our products and the clean look appeals to customers. It’s all about presentation.

How did Staple Web perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate through email, text, and in-person, though I prefer email. Jimmy is always quick to respond, even after traditional business hours. I once emailed him a change request late at night, assuming he’d see it in the morning, but he replied right away. I appreciate that he’s available 24/7.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’ve used a number of e-commerce templates in the past, but none of them could accommodate our complex needs. Even plugins lack the necessary customization. The site Staple Web built meets all of our demands. It allows us to communicate with customers through third-party platforms, edit products, update shipping labels, and create quotes. It was a complex job, but Staple Web met all of our expectations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have no complaints.