Cefar

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CMO of AO Home. We’re an online seller of bespoke furniture. Because we’re solely an online business, we offer multiple shipping options, which was key while creating a concept for our e-commerce site.

What challenge were you trying to address with Cefar?

We wanted an e-commerce platform that met our needs. From the reviews that we saw, we were interested in Magento.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed a Magento 2 e-commerce site for us. Based on our initial conversations with their team, Magento seemed like the way to go. They were integral in determining our process and direction for our platform.

They’re now providing ongoing support for the site. If there’s something that needs to be corrected, we can usually do that ad hoc. Since the project went live, we’ve been working with them to make general updates so we never stay static.  

How did you come to work with Cefar?

In our search for Magento developers, they gave an excellent presentation and showcased their experience working on similar development projects. Other agencies didn’t have the same, well-rounded knowledge that they did. They actively provided recommendations and suggestions, which sealed the deal for us. 

How much have you invested with them?

The initial project cost about $25,000–$30,000. However, factoring in our ongoing support, the total has risen to about $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the work in early 2017, and our collaborations are ongoing.

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

Their recommendations and ability to provide suggestions to our development process resulted in a high-quality product. They have a complete understanding of their industry, so it was always great hearing feedback from them.  

How did Cefar perform from a project management standpoint?

They contributed ideas to our development process, helping us bringing out new ideas. The team was cooperative and inspirational in suggesting ideas to move forward. That’s why our relationship worked so well. We set forth expectations, and they were perfectly matched. Their team beat the vast majority of the deadlines we set. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Our relationship is built on effective communication and our mutual aim to get the best possible results. Rather than just getting the projects done, they genuinely want to help. We aren’t just another number to them, but a company and partner.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. Deadlines and communication were perfect. There were a few times that I dropped late-night emails and still always received a response. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Understand what you want to start with. Their team will help you expand on that and get the most out of your project. Be open to their ideas because they’ll come with thoughts that you might not have thought of.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Chief Operating Officer of Calder Conferences & World of Travel; a business travel company that specialises in working with HM Government and public sector organsiations - delivering cost savings and operational efficiencies to support our customers in meeting their procurement and business objectives.

For what projects/services did your company hire Cefar?

Our company website was developed in the early years of the web and as such hadn't really been updated. Cefar pro-actively contacted us as a result of them reviewing our website and came to me with suggestions and recommendations on how to improve both the look and feel of our site and more importantly, make the site become a sales aid for our Business Development Team.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted our site to become more relevant, informative and dynamic. With the ever changing direction of marketing, we wanted the site to encompass all our legacy hard copy marketing collateral so that we had a single point of reference for our customers; plus delivered on our strategy for reducing waste and Environmental policy for reducing our carbon footprint.

How did you select this vendor?

I was impressed by Surinder's direct approach to us. She wasn't pushy from a sales perspective, rather more informative and presented me with ideas to ponder over. Having given due thought and consideration, plus undertaking benchmarking against other similar companies, I appointed Cefar as I was impressed with their absolute customer focus and their attention to detail.

Describe the project in detail.

Once Cefar were appointed, Surinder pro-actively met with our project team to gain a total understanding of our business and objectives. Collaboratively she developed both a detailed at summary project plan that clearly identified milestones. We're always kept up to speed throughout all of the projects we have appointed Cefar for; transparency by Cefar ensured we are all on the same page and avoids misunderstandings.

What was the team composition?

Since first working with Cefar several years ago, we have always dealt with Surinder as our primary point of contact. In that she has been constant, she has a thorough knowledge of both our business and our team.

In addition to Surinder, depending on the project, we have also worked with various of her team members in regards creative design, development, testing, etc - though always via Surinder as our single point of contact. The company are not a hire 'em, fire 'em which delivers confidence to us whenever we are looking at digital and media projects.

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

From the very first time Cefar redeveloped our website we immediately recorded successes in reducing our hard copy marketing collatoral and meetings our Environmental Policy objectives. Throughout the years we have worked together, Cefar have always kept our online presence relevant, upto date and intuitive functionality.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Surinder as our central point of contact/project manager, is very experienced in her field - both technically and personally. She takes responsibility and always communicates effectively by whatever media our team prefer. The project plans are collaboratively developed that creates buy-in from all sides. The plans are consistently updated and create detailed and at a glance milestones of delivery.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was and have always remained impressed with Surinder and the team at Cefar's customer focused approach to service. Their technical understanding is second to none, and their creative flair is outstanding. Whilst Cefar are appointed as a supplier to us, we have forged a strong working partnership whereby we now actively see the team as part of our own.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Due to their transparency in communications and quality of delivery, I can't think of any area where they could improve.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of Balcony UK & EasyFix Balustrades. We specialize in stainless steel module balustrade systems. 

What challenge were you trying to address with Cefar?

We wanted to improve traffic through our website and create more business opportunities. Our company hired Cefar to assist us with that goal. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

Cefar developed a bespoke system that specializes in the products we sell, such as glass balustrades or anything that requires a guarding or railing with any type of glass, wire, or bar. With this system, users can plot the dimensions of their space in 3D, and we receive that information as an email inquiry from the client. We provide quotes based on that information which then turns into a new lead.

While there are generic systems like this one in the market, Cefar specifically tailored our product to our needs. For example, they included details about our different types of balustrades within the interface. This system links to our website, where we sell parts and pieces and explain our design, building, and installation services.

Furthermore, we had a name change about a year ago, and Cefar assisted with the rebrand of the main company and the bespoke website linked to that. They also helped us with marketing.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with four people from their team. Cefar assigned a project manager that passes on the tasks to the designers and developers.

How did you come to work with Cefar?

We were in the same managed company space that they were when we first set up.

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent around £25,000 (approximately $32,000 USD) on their work.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them on this specific project in 2018, and the collaboration is still ongoing.

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

The customization system is pretty new at the moment and we are still working on it. There are some tweaks that need to be made, but that is probably my fault rather than theirs. I would like to add to it to make it even better in the future.

How did Cefar perform from a project management standpoint?

Cefar does exactly what they say they’re going to. We mostly communicate through emails and conference calls, as well as meetings every now and then.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re an approachable team and we have a good relationship with them. I’m quite happy with Cefar.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could be a little more specific with their quotations, especially when discussing a personalized project like this one. Things were a little vague at times, and then we’d see an unexpected charge all of a sudden, but I think that it’s the same with everyone. I know it’s my fault as well for not being as specific.

Sometimes some of the details can get a little lost. We’ve asked for things at times that weren’t being done and had to end up going back to do a little bit of rework. However, Cefar is quite open to these issues and will address them accordingly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be precise and specific. Clients must make sure that they are fully versed in what they want from the start so that it doesn’t come back and bite them in the end. Defining things clearly with Cefar is the best thing to do.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I run my own Aromatherapy manufacturing company.

For what projects/services did your company hire Cefar?

Branding Digital Design

What were your goals for this project?

Enhance corporate image and re brand product packaging.

How did you select this vendor?

Reccomendation

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Cefar have re branded my business logo and designed packaging labels for all products.

What was the team composition?

This consisted of Managing Director and several designers.

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Improved professional image of my company.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Excellent communication. They considered exactly what I required and delivered a high-quality end product.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I am satisfied with my service.