E-Commerce Web Dev & Configuration for Sight Loss Nonprofit
- E-Commerce Development ERP Consulting and SI Web Design
- Confidential
- Mar. 2020 - Mar. 2022
- Quality
- 5.0
- Schedule
- 5.0
- Cost
- 4.5
- Willing to Refer
- 5.0
"They not only deliver exceptional, high-quality solutions but also demonstrate a future-proof mindset."
- Non-profit
- Toronto, Ontario
- 501-1,000 Employees
- Online Review
- Verified
Command C developed an e-commerce site on Shopify for a sight loss nonprofit. The team integrated Netsuite and worked on accessibility enhancements, multilingual configuration, data migration, and training.
Command C launched the site on time and within budget. The team achieved WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards and integrated Shopify with Netsuite. They also deployed strategic thinking, communicated effectively, and had a culture of trust. Overall, the team's leadership and vision stood out.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Director - CNIB SmartLife of CNIB
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
CNIB SmartLife provides innovative products, services, and support to help Canadians with sight loss live independently and enhance their quality of life.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire Command C to accomplish?
- To create an accessible-first ecommerce site on Shopify.
- To align efforts with an internal transition to Netsuite and launch with a Netsuite integration for inventory management.
- Ensure the ecommerce site is built with flexibility to scale alongside business growth and equipped with the necessary tools to stay current with evolving technology.
SOLUTION
How did you find Command C?
- Online Search
- Referral
- Other
Why did you select Command C over others?
- High ratings
- Great culture fit
- Referred to me
- Company values aligned
- Other
How many teammates from Command C were assigned to this project?
2-5 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Scope of Work Summary:
This project focused on the development of a Shopify store designed to meet brand guidelines, accessibility standards, and integration requirements with Netsuite for inventory management. The work was executed in phases, starting with selecting a responsive Shopify theme, followed by customizations to meet specific branding, functionality, and accessibility goals.
Key Deliverables:
Discovery and Consultation:
Research and analysis of third-party SaaS connectors for integrating Netsuite with Shopify.
Consultation for technical and demo calls with connector providers.
Support in selecting a connector that meets both immediate and long-term integration needs.
Theme Selection and Setup:
Selection and configuration of a pre-existing responsive theme.
Application of brand-specific customizations (e.g., logos, color schemes) to the theme.
Setup of Shopify store with necessary configurations for payment, shipping, taxes, and transactional emails.
Accessibility Enhancements:
Initial accessibility review and fixes for compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Final accessibility review and fixes prior to launch, including screen-reader usability and keyboard navigation.
Accessibility training for content/marketing teams to maintain long-term accessibility compliance.
Language Support and Multilingual Configuration:
Setup of translation apps for multiple language support.
Configuration of Shopify’s location functionality to support inventory reporting across different store locations.
Integration with Netsuite:
Consultation on the setup and configuration of a third-party connector to integrate Netsuite for inventory management.
Support for the initial integration and setup of API keys for the connector.
Data Migration and Content Deployment:
Client’s responsibility to migrate product, customer, and content data to the new site.
Support for content migration and deployment of static pages, special messaging, and other content.
Training:
Up to two screenshare training sessions for Shopify platform usage.
Optional administrator video training library and accessibility training for ongoing content management.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Timely Delivery of MVP:
Outcome: The store is launched according to the agreed milestones and within the specified budget. combined with the exploration and integration of a new ERP system, all while meticulously ensuring accessibility compliance,
Accessibility Compliance:
Outcome: The store achieved WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards via accessibility audit and rigorous testing.
Integration with Netsuite:
Outcome: Successful integration of Shopify with Netsuite for seamless inventory management. Real-time product data and inventory status flowed correctly from both ends.
Brand and Theme Customization:
Outcome: The theme is customized to align with brand guidelines complete with custom logo, colour pallettes and various accessibility required customizations for ease of use for clients. All elements of brand guidelines met approval from stakeholders.
Multi-Language Support:
Outcome: The store is capable of handling French and English with the capability for automated translations into French equating to greater efficiency in helping the store scale.
Customer and Product Data Migration:
Outcome: Successful migration of customer and product data to the new store. The entire catalogue of over 1000 SKUs were successfully imported without errors.
Improved Customer Experience:
Outcome: The store provides an improved user experience, including navigation, shopping, and checkout. Website analytics showed reduced bounce rates and increased time spent on the site. The use of Shopify tools and customizations enabled an accessible experience for customers to easily navigate and interact with the site.
Training Effectiveness:
Outcome: Staff is trained to manage the site and ensure accessibility in content creation. Managers were successfully trained to be able to train additional internal staff. Post-training support enabled even the most complex tasks to be appropriately documented in a standardized operations process.
Post-Launch Accessibility Performance:
Outcome: Ongoing site accessibility is maintained post-launch. Periodic accessibility audits showed continued compliance and any issues identified during user testing and within the 2-year support period were appropriately addressed.
Customer Satisfaction and Site Usability:
Outcome: The new site delivers a positive customer experience. Customer feedback showed increase site engagement including the duration of a customer's session and the number of product views and significantly decreased bounce rates. There was a noted reduction in customer support inquirires realated to site functionality compared to the previous ecommerce site.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
Command C's project management approach is centered on a seamless blend of strategic thinking, effective communication, and a client-first focus. Their problem-solving under pressure is exemplary; they maintain a calm and decisive approach to overcoming challenges, combined with the exploration and integration of a new ERP system, all while meticulously ensuring accessibility compliance, ensuring projects stay on track, no matter how complex.
At Command C, the balance between big-picture thinking and attention to detail is a key strength. They maintain a focus on long-term strategy while carefully executing each project detail. This ensures that every phase of the project is well thought out and delivers impactful results. Their communication style is clear, transparent, and constructive, ensuring that both clients and internal teams are aligned and expectations are consistently met. Command C was extremely communicative, approachable and responsive through the entire journey.
Client engagement is a priority for Command C, as they foster strong relationships and guide clients through complex decisions. They ensure clients feel heard, supported, and confident in the process. The team encourages open dialogue between stakeholders, facilitating smooth communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
Command C is deeply committed to a client-first approach, prioritizing client needs and delivering tailored, thoughtful solutions that align with business goals. Through a culture of trust and accountability, they empower team members to take ownership and initiative, consistently delivering high-quality work on time.
What was your primary form of communication with Command C?
- Virtual Meeting
- Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
What stands out most about Command C is their exceptional leadership and client-focused approach, combined with a team culture that fosters collaboration, trust, and accountability. The vision and strategic direction set by Sara are clear and impactful, ensuring that every project is driven toward meaningful goals and consistently results in high-quality outcomes. The ability to approach each project with empathy and tailor solutions to meet clients' specific needs demonstrates a deep commitment to client success.
Equally impressive is how Sara empowers the team to thrive by creating an environment built on trust, collaboration, and accountability. The high emotional intelligence displayed by leadership ensures seamless collaboration among all departments within the stakeholder group, third-party integrators, and the development team. It fosters strong relationships, even during high-pressure situations, enabling the team to maintain professionalism and respect across the organization.
The Command C team itself is remarkable, a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and adaptability. They not only deliver exceptional, high-quality solutions but also demonstrate a future-proof mindset, ensuring that they meet clients' current needs while preparing for what's ahead. This adaptability and commitment to craftsmanship make Command C stand out as an organization dedicated to excellence and long-term success.
Are there any areas for improvement or something Command C could have done differently?
Although Command C may not be the most cost-effective option for website development for a non for profit organization, an opportunity for further refinement would be to provide a clearer understanding of the initial cost breakdown during client onboarding. This would help support clients in effectively allocating costs based on the specific needs of each department, enhancing the overall collaboration from the outset.
RATINGS
-
Quality
5.0Service & Deliverables
"Command C took the time to fully understand the requirements and goals, delivering a high-quality product on schedule."
-
Schedule
5.0On time / deadlines
"Command C's project management team worked diligently to keep everything on track and meet all agreed-upon timelines."
-
Cost
4.5Value / within estimates
"the value they provide ensures a high-quality deliverable that effectively supports the achievement of your organization’s goals."
-
Willing to Refer
5.0NPS