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LINE and Mobile Commerce Platform in Japan

We created a mobile application for a multinational conglomerate using LINE, one of Japan's most popular mobile applications. Nearly 70% of Japanese citizens use the application. This popularity promotes Japanese consumerism by integrating online shopping features within the app. Mobile commerce is obviously on trend throughout Asia. Transitioning Department Stores to Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce) We worked with a large conglomerate that works in a multitude of industries in Japan. One such industry is retail. Our client sells daily and household goods in its brick-and-mortar stores. For the longest time, many of its services were exclusive to the physical locations. Mobile commerce (M-Commerce) is a form of e-commerce growing rapidly in Japan. LINE apps, using LIFF (LINE Front End Framework), allow companies to sell their products directly to consumers through the most popular communication application in the country. This article discusses the importance of mobile commerce in Japan and how companies use LINE apps to connect with consumers. In department stores, consumers can purchase various goods and sign up for membership. In the past, all purchases and membership services were conducted at the physical location. But the consumer landscape continues to shift. Our client noticed the growing popularity M-Commerce amongst the younger generation. They approached us with a proposal to use LINE and bring their business to their customers' phones and tablets. LINE in Japan E-commerce and online shopping are nothing new, and shopping on a smartphone isn't either. But one of the things the LINE app does well is seamlessly integrate mobile e-commerce into an app that most Japanese people use every day. LINE is the de facto messaging app in Japan. LINE is similar to WhatsApp, WeChat, or Zalo, with a larger user base than Instagram in Japan. For a while, it fits that niche well. You can add friends and chat with them indefinitely, as long as you have mobile data. But LINE's ecosystem has grown over the past decade. It behaves more like a complete social networking service (SNS) than the simple chat tool it once was. This means that people are spending more time in the app. When most people use an application daily, it acts as a primary way to tap directly into their feed. Consumers can follow our client's brand and receive updates on new products or campaigns. They can purchase items and track their accumulated points, then use them to receive gifts and other perks. They can do all of this without ever leaving the app they use to communicate with their friends and family. It's one less click away. It's one less website to visit and one less account to create. Creating a LINE mini-app Using LIFF So customers can use LINE to shop online, but what did SupremeTech help build? We used LINE Front-end Framework (LIFF) to create a LINE mini-app for our client to provide their services to customers. LIFF is a web application platform provided by LINE. LIFF apps can receive data from the LINE platform (such as the LINE user ID). They then use this data to provide features that use user data and send messages on behalf of the user. One of the main features we implemented was the Rich Menu. Rich menus are a staple of LINE and Japanese mobile e-commerce. According to LINE for Business, rich menus are defined as "a menu feature anchored at the bottom of the LINE chat screen. They attract users' attention by filling a large portion of the screen." By setting links along with creatives, you can direct users to various other official LINE account features, as well as external sites, reservation pages, and more." We created this rich menu specifically for our client to promote their services and link directly to their website. From the rich menu, customers can make a points card and access special offers available only to those who follow the client on LINE. >>> Read more related articles: LINE Mini App: Digital Transform Customer Service with Digital Point CardsEnhance the Customer Experience on Digital Platforms While Protecting the Legacy for Luxury Brands Leveling Up Our Technical Expertise There was one major technical challenge that we faced. This was the first project that SupremeTech completed without using any kind of server. Because the project has so many promotions and various requests, we were asked to complete our first serverless project. In hindsight, it wasn't a difficult task, but at the time we had to work and develop in a way we were not used to. In this way, this project was a stepping stone for increasing our company's technical expertise and capabilities. Technical Stack Front End: TypeScript (LIFF framework) Back End: TypeScript Infrastructure: Serverless architecture with AWS (Lambda, API Gateway, SQS, SNS, DynamoDB, WAF, Cloudwatch Log, .CDK.)

Online-To-Offline Commerce: 13 Commonly-Used Strategies

One such innovation that has gained significant traction in recent years is Online-to-Offline (O2O) Commerce. O2O Commerce represents a set of strategies and business models that effectively bridge the gap between online and offline retail experiences, offering customers a holistic shopping experience. In this article, we will discuss the common types of Online-to-Offline Commerce. Read more about what is O2O Commerce and how it changes the retail industry. Click and Collect: The Blend of Online Convenience and In-Store Efficiency Click and Collect is a popular O2O Commerce strategy that seamlessly integrates online shopping with the in-store pickup experience. Customers have the convenience of browsing and purchasing products from the comfort of their homes, and when they're ready, they can head to a designated physical location to retrieve their items. Retailers like Walmart and Target have successfully implemented Click and Collect services, allowing customers to shop online and then swing by the store for quick and hassle-free pickups. This strategy not only appeals to shoppers looking for convenience but also drives foot traffic to physical stores, potentially leading to additional in-store purchases. Reserve Online, Pay In-Store: Encouraging In-Store Visits Another effective O2O Commerce model is Reserve Online, Pay In-Store. With this approach, customers can reserve products online, secure their desired items, and then complete the payment in person when they visit the physical store for collection. Major players in the fashion industry, such as Zara, have adopted this strategy. It not only attracts customers to visit the store but also minimizes the risk of products being unavailable when customers arrive, improving overall customer satisfaction. Read more about a relevant case study from SupremeTech In-Store Kiosks: Expanding Product Selection In-Store Kiosks have become a valuable addition to brick-and-mortar stores, allowing customers to access a broader range of products than what may be available on the physical shelves. These interactive kiosks often feature touch screens or tablets where shoppers can browse and purchase items not physically stocked in the store. For instance, a consumer electronics store may have in-store kiosks where customers can explore and order various accessories and gadgets. This approach enhances the shopping experience by offering customers an extensive selection while still benefiting from the tactile experience of visiting a physical store. Appointment Booking: Convenience for Service-Oriented Businesses O2O Commerce isn't limited to retail goods; it extends to service-oriented businesses as well. Appointment Booking is a prevalent strategy in this realm. Businesses such as hair salons, spas, and healthcare providers enable customers to schedule appointments online, allowing them to choose their preferred date and time for services delivered at a physical location. For example, a beauty salon might offer an online booking platform where customers can choose their desired haircuts or treatments and book appointments accordingly. This convenience not only caters to customers' schedules but also minimizes wait times and walk-in congestion at the physical location. Geolocation Marketing: Targeting Customers Nearby Geolocation Marketing is a powerful O2O strategy that capitalizes on customers' physical proximity to a store. Retailers use mobile apps or push notifications to send location-based alerts and promotions to customers when they are near a physical store. This tactic encourages customers to visit and make purchases. Imagine walking past a coffee shop, and your smartphone pings with a notification offering you a discount on your favorite latte. This real-time, location-specific marketing type can significantly influence consumer behavior and drive foot traffic. Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping: Visualizing Products in Your Space With the advancement of technology, Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping has gained momentum in industries such as furniture and home decor. AR apps allow customers to use their smartphones or tablets to visualize how products will look in real-world environments before making a purchase. For instance, a furniture retailer might offer an AR app that allows customers to see how a sofa would fit into their living room. This interactive and immersive experience bridges the gap between online product exploration and the tactile nature of in-store browsing. Scan and Go: Streamlining the Checkout Process Scan and Go is an O2O strategy that enhances the in-store shopping experience by simplifying the checkout process. Customers use their smartphones to scan product barcodes as they shop, adding items to their digital shopping carts. When they're ready to leave, they can complete the payment through their mobile device, avoiding traditional checkout lines. Retailers like Amazon Go have successfully implemented this strategy, offering a cashier-less shopping experience that is both convenient and efficient. Scan and Go not only reduces wait times but also eliminates the need for physical cashiers. Curbside Pickup: Convenience Meets Safety The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a surge in Curbside Pickup services. Retailers have adapted by offering customers the option to order products online and have them delivered to their vehicles when they arrive at the store. This approach not only addresses safety concerns but also caters to the desire for convenience. Customers can enjoy the benefits of online shopping without having to enter a physical store, making it an attractive option for those looking to minimize in-person interactions. Pop-Up Stores: A Temporary Touchpoint Pop-Up Stores represent a creative O2O Commerce strategy in which online brands occasionally open temporary physical locations or pop-up shops. These short-lived physical stores offer customers a hands-on experience of the brand's products. Pop-up stores generate excitement and buzz, drawing both online and offline shoppers. They serve as a way for e-commerce brands to establish a physical presence and create a unique, limited-time shopping experience. Delivery from Local Stores: Proximity as an Advantage Delivery from Local Stores is a strategy that leverages the proximity of physical stores to customers. Instead of relying solely on centralized distribution centers, retailers use local stores to fulfill online orders, enabling same-day or next-day delivery. This approach speeds up delivery times and reduces shipping costs, giving customers the convenience of rapid delivery while supporting local stores' roles in fulfilling online orders. Virtual Reality (VR) Shopping: Immersive Online Experiences While less common than other O2O strategies, Virtual Reality (VR) Shopping is on the horizon. VR technology creates immersive online shopping experiences where customers can virtually explore products in a simulated store environment. Imagine putting on a VR headset and strolling through a virtual clothing store, browsing racks of virtual clothes, and even trying them on virtually before making a purchase. While not yet mainstream, VR shopping has the potential to transform how customers interact with online products. Subscription Services with Physical Components: Bringing E-commerce to Your Doorstep Subscription-based businesses, such as meal kit delivery services or beauty subscription boxes, are an interesting hybrid of online and offline commerce. These services combine the convenience of online sign-up and customization with the physical delivery of curated products to customers' doorsteps. For example, a meal kit subscription service allows customers to select their meals online, and then they receive a box with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes at their physical address. This O2O strategy combines online convenience with tangible, physical product delivery. Social Commerce with Offline Events: Building Community Social media platforms have become hubs for Social Commerce, where businesses sell products directly through social media posts and advertisements. To take this strategy a step further and enhance the O2O experience, some businesses complement their online presence by hosting offline events. These events can include pop-up shops, exclusive in-store sales for their social media followers, or gatherings that bring together like-minded customers. By fostering a sense of community and online and offline engagement, businesses can leverage the power of social media to drive traffic to their physical locations while simultaneously expanding their online reach. This blend of social commerce and offline events strengthens brand loyalty and enhances the overall shopping experience for customers. Customize your own O2O strategy with SupremeTech! SupremeTech has expertise in bridging the gap between online and offline commerce for large retail corporations worldwide. Contact us for your own solutions!

Online Retailing Triumph #3: Transformation for a Japanese Coffee Chain 

Discover how a Japanese coffee chain seamlessly transitioned to online success. SupremeTech is delighted to join as a development partner for the web upgrade project. Through Progressive Web App technology, holiday orders soared to 3,000 in a day. Explore other case studies: Online Retailing Triumph #1: Explore Modern Offshore with SupremeTech & ClassmethodOnline Retailing Triumph #2: Success Comes from Small FeaturesEnhancement of Mobile Order Experience for A Coffee Chain Once Upon a Time in Coffee-land: A Tale of Innovation and Transformation In Japan, the scent of coffee filled the air, mixing with the murmurs of technological progress. It all started with a top Japanese coffee chain set on combining tradition and modernity. This captivating story tells of a brand that looked beyond just coffee cups, envisioning a digital world full of potential. A Tale of Innovation and Transformation Not content with the current order app, the renowned coffee chain has been exploring new methods of coffee ordering since 2020. Whispers of Change: How a Web Upgrade Creates Magic Into Holiday Orders  During Japan's festive holidays, the coffee chain aimed to delight customers in a fresh way. A web upgrade revolutionized the ordering process, shifting from an app to a Progressive Web App (PWA). The impact was remarkable, with holiday orders reaching an unprecedented 3,000 in a single day. A simple coffee sip transformed into an innovative experience. So, what brought magic to the coffee chain’s revenue along with the new way of approaching customers? Let’s find out what we have worked on to create success! Creating Delightful Experiences: The Intersection of User Interface and User Experiences  In the digital shift, the user interface (UI) became crucial in shaping user experiences. Maintaining consistency across every item in the system is vital. Working closely with the client, the development team carefully designed UI components that reflected the brand's core identity. This is the focus of the SupremeTech team even before any code is written. With every click and swipe, customers entered a delightful journey where aesthetics and functionality came together to create memorable experiences. Step by Step, Heart to Heart: The Chronicle of Turning Vision into Reality with PWA's Technical The first PWA project of SupremeTech Behind this narrative of success stood SupremeTech's technical process, the architects of this digital evolution. With our first PWA project, we embraced challenges, defying limitations with ingenuity. SupremeTech’s efforts laid the foundation for a retail transformation from aligning with technical requirements to ensuring seamless integration. Flexibility is key The technical journey wasn’t just about code; it was about understanding the brand’s identity and translating it into a digital language. SupremeTech’s commitment to customization, seamless navigation, and lightning-fast responsiveness redefined digital interaction, ensuring that each virtual coffee order was a taste of perfection. Moreover, we allow users to create their own events and promotions. We crafted a seamless solution, making it easier than ever for the client to take the reins. With the introduction of a user-friendly URL and tools, the coffee chain found itself with a dynamic canvas at its fingertips. This novel approach revolutionized content management. Recognizing the need for agility in an ever-evolving digital landscape, SupremeTech handed the power of content creation to the client. The days of waiting for technical tweaks were gone, replaced by a swift and straightforward system that allowed our client to curate and update content anytime. The coffee chain’s virtual realm became a dynamic playground where offers and events waltzed in harmony, captivating the audience at every turn. This newfound agility created a bond of loyalty and excitement, a testament to the synergy between SupremeTech’s innovation and the coffee chain’s commitment to enhancing the user experience. Development systems and technologies Below are the resources and technologies we use to develop the services: Details of entrustment: Design, Implementation, Testing, Migration & Maintenance Platform: Web Development language: PHP, Javascript Let Supremetech help you to start the system now! Start investing in your “magic start” now with the help of Supremetech. Our expertise and solutions will empower you to request! Don't wait, take the first step towards digitizing your customer service now! Book a free consultation with us now!

O2O Commerce: The retail trend enterprises cannot miss!

The retail world is undergoing rapid changes, with COVID-19 playing a significant role in accelerating these shifts. One trend that has emerged as a pivotal game-changer for enterprises is O2O Commerce, which encompasses both Online to Offline Commerce (O2O) and Offline to Online Commerce (O2O). It's crucial for business owners to grasp the essence of this trend. In this article, we will delve into the world of O2O Commerce, exploring its nuances, highlighting its advantages, and providing a roadmap for its effective implementation. Understanding O2O Commerce What is O2O Commerce? Online to Offline (O2O) Commerce refers to the process of enticing online customers to engage with a physical business or location. Imagine a customer browsing an online store's website, finding a product they like, and then visiting the physical store to make the purchase. This is a classic example of O2O Commerce. Conversely, Offline to Online (O2O) Commerce involves offline customers transitioning to the online world. For instance, a traditional store offering online ordering and delivery services. Historical Context of O2O Commerce To understand the significance of this unprecedented retail trend, we must look at its historical evolution. Traditional retail has long been the cornerstone of commerce. Shoppers would visit physical stores, interact with products, and make their purchases in person. Then came the rise of e-commerce, enabling consumers to shop from the comfort of their homes. These two worlds seemed distinct, but the convergence of online and offline commerce was inevitable. This convergence is exemplified by retail giants like Amazon, which started as an online bookstore and later ventured into physical stores with Amazon Go. Such examples highlight how O2O Commerce is rewriting the rules of retail. What are the benefits of O2O Commerce? Enhanced Customer Experience One of the primary advantages of O2O Commerce is the ability to provide customers with a seamless and personalized shopping experience. By leveraging data from both online and offline channels, businesses can tailor their offerings to individual preferences. For instance, a customer browsing online might receive location-based notifications about special in-store discounts or exclusive promotions, encouraging them to visit the physical store. According to a recent survey, 63% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase from a retailer that offers personalized recommendations based on their previous shopping behavior. This statistic underscores the importance of personalization in achieving omnichannel. Boosting Sales and Revenue O2O Commerce is a powerful strategy for boosting sales and revenue. It allows businesses to harness the strengths of both online and offline channels. For instance, a restaurant can use its website to attract online orders and reservations, while also offering in-store dining experiences. This dual approach caters to a broader customer base and maximizes revenue potential. Moreover, data-driven decision making plays a pivotal role. By analyzing customer data across channels, businesses can identify trends, optimize pricing strategies, and allocate resources more effectively. This data-driven approach has led to a 10% increase in sales for businesses implementing O2O Commerce, according to a recent industry report. Implementing O2O Commerce Strategies Steps for E-commerce Business Owners If you're an e-commerce business owner looking to embrace O2O Commerce, here are some essential steps: Integrating Online and Offline Inventory: Ensure that your online store and physical locations share real-time inventory information. This prevents customer frustration due to out-of-stock items and offers a consistent shopping experience.Leveraging Location-Based Marketing: Use geolocation data to send targeted promotions and alerts to customers when they are near your physical store. For instance, a clothing brand can notify shoppers about a flash sale when they are within a certain radius of a store location. Steps for Traditional Retailers Traditional retailers can also benefit from this new type of E-commerce by taking the following steps: Establishing an Online Presence: Create an e-commerce website or partner with online marketplaces to expand your reach. Ensure your online store mirrors the quality and professionalism of your physical store.Utilizing E-commerce Platforms: Embrace e-commerce platforms that offer features like online ordering, home delivery, and curbside pickup. These options cater to the evolving preferences of customers who prefer online convenience. Future Trends of Seamless E-commerce The Future of Online-to-Offline (and vice versa) Commerce As technology continues to advance, the future of online to offline commerce looks promising. Emerging technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping the retail experience. AR, for instance, enables customers to visualize products in their own spaces before making a purchase decision, bridging the gap between online and offline product exploration. Why O2O Commerce Is a Must for Enterprises In conclusion, this is not just a trend; it's a strategic imperative for enterprises in the digital age. It allows businesses to stay competitive by meeting the ever-changing expectations of modern consumers. The ability to seamlessly integrate online and offline channels, enhance the customer experience, and boost sales and revenue makes O2O Commerce a game-changer. Statistics reveal that businesses that successfully implement O2O Commerce strategies experience a 15% increase in customer retention and a 12% increase in overall revenue. With such compelling numbers, it's clear that this retail trend is not something enterprises can afford to miss. Embrace it today, and future-proof your business for tomorrow's retail landscape. Read more about our latest case study in building custom software application to help our client achieve offline-to-online retail.

Offline-to-Online Commerce with Shopify Plus

Enterprises are using Shopify Plus to sell directly to their consumers because, let's face it, most of us don't like going to the store anymore. One of our clients decided to take some of their more unique products and start selling them online using newly integrated Shopify stores. It seems that Offline-to-Online commerce is an inevitable transformation in this era. Selling Directly to Consumers With Ecommerce You've probably been to a supermarket or drugstore and bought toothpaste. If not toothpaste, you may have bought soap or laundry detergent. If you haven't gone to a brick-and-mortar store to buy any of these consumer goods, which can be found on shelves all over the world, then you're way ahead of the game (or in desperate need of some soap).  Most people use these consumer products on a daily basis. When they run out of what they use, they can easily buy more at the nearest store. Unless they've pledged undying loyalty to a single brand, they're likely to walk down the aisle and compare multiple products side by side on the shelf. This is the traditional way to shop for these types of products. But some products require special treatment. They're not like all the other products, so they don't belong on the shelf next to them. They are branded and marketed more carefully. Not to wholesalers and retailers, but directly to consumers.  But how does a large company, known only as a large company, with consumer goods on shelves everywhere, differentiate itself? One of our clients decided to launch Shopify stores to sell a few select products directly to consumers.  Developing Middleware for Shopify Plus Integration For this project, we partnered with our Shopify Plus partner, Fracta, to create a Shopify custom app in the Japanese market for one of these unique products. Our job was to provide support for SSO login (Single Sign-On login), new account registration, a feature for customers to update their information or deactivate their account, and display the terms of service.  We had to synchronize the client's user information between their existing system provider and the new Shopify stores. We also developed the admin page for easy management when connecting the middleware application to the stores.  Our client was a large corporation that has been selling its household products on Japanese retail shelves for years. This means that they already had a system and store for wholesalers and retailers. However, they wanted to use Shopify to sell their new products directly to consumers. They still wanted to connect their old service provider to the new Shopify stores, but decided that a full migration to Shopify was not an option. Therefore, we decided to connect their current system to the new stores by developing custom middleware for the client.  Streamlining Offline-to-Online Commerce with the aid of a custom-built middleware The client had an SSO application, and wanted end users to use their accounts with their existing service provider to log into the accounts for the two Shopify stores. We integrated the new Shopify stores with the service provider by developing the backend for the middleware. Aside from a last-minute UI change, there were no major technical challenges that pushed us to our limits. In many ways, this was a routine project that delivered the custom and desired Shopify solution for the client.  The Future of Enterprise Offline-to-Online Commerce Rather than going through the list of technical requirements for this project, what I found most interesting was the client's new business model -- and how Shopify Plus can help. This was an established company that most people would passively know their brand from seeing it so often in stores. This is the problem that some companies are starting to address: their brand is only passively understood and recognized. There's nothing compelling or unique about them compared to their competitors. They all make similar, but slightly different, products and put them on the same shelves. As consumers, we are forced to make decisions based solely on marginally different price, quantity, or packaging. So how can these companies get their name out there as more than just a "large manufacturer"? For starters, these same companies are looking at Shopify Plus as a way to sell their products directly to consumers. They're not just trying to sell the same soap or toothpaste; they're getting creative with the products and giving them new aesthetic branding -- using Shopify as a platform to do so.  "The ability to buy what we need online directly from the source is the new normal." Of course they will likely never completely abandon the old sales flow, but they're trying out new methods. But, this could be just the first step in a revolution. Perhaps one day, all of these large consumer goods companies will start developing their own specialty products to sell on ecommerce platforms. As the modern consumer continues to change, our desire to drive to the drugstore is diminishing; the ability to buy what we need online directly from the source is the new normal.  For these reasons, businesses may begin to see Shopify Plus as the best method to streamline their sales. Coupled with a strong technical team, there's no telling what the future of ecommerce will look like. Middleware's Technology stack: Node.js, DynamoDB, Serverless (used for greater scalability) Looking for the same technology solutions? Let us know! SupremeTech has the expertise in bridging offline-to-online commerce. Whether you're about to migrate your business to Shopify Plus or just trying to improve your online store's operations, we offer bespoke solutions to solve your business problems quickly and effectively. Contact us!

The Ultimate Guide to Shopify Custom App Development: Building Tailored Solutions for Your Business

Discover how custom apps can revolutionize your Shopify store, boost business efficiency, and enhance the customer experience. Explore key practices, expert tips, and real-world success stories that will equip Shopify store owners, B2B business owners, product owners, and e-commerce enthusiasts with the knowledge to find the perfect app solutions for their unique business models. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the competitive e-commerce landscape with personalized and scalable Shopify custom apps that elevate your business to new heights.Related articles: Shopify Custom Apps in the Japanese MarketOffline-to-Online Commerce with Shopify Plus What is Shopify Custom App Development? Shopify Custom App Development provides businesses with personalized applications that integrate seamlessly with their stores. According to Shopify experts, it's about "creating tailored solutions that precisely match business needs, offering a competitive edge" in the e-commerce market. Benefits of Custom App Development for Shopify Stores Experts affirm that custom apps offer "focused and efficient solutions, maximizing utility for businesses." These apps also "enhance the user experience, driving customer satisfaction and loyalty" through personalized features like product recommendation engines and interactive interfaces. How Custom Apps Enhance Business Efficiency Custom apps automate tasks and integrate with existing systems, streamlining operations and boosting productivity. Shopify experts highlight that these apps "simplify reporting, enhance decision-making, and keep businesses agile in a rapidly evolving market." In summary, Shopify Custom App Development empowers businesses with tailored solutions, propelling them towards greater success in the competitive e-commerce landscape. Key Practices for Shopify Custom App Development Identifying Your Business Needs and Objectives One of the crucial practices in Shopify Custom App Development is identifying your business needs and objectives. Before embarking on the app development journey, it's essential to have a clear understanding of what you want the app to achieve. Whether it's streamlining internal processes, improving customer engagement, or enhancing the user experience, defining your goals will guide the entire development process and ensure that the custom app aligns perfectly with your business objectives. Choosing the Right App Development Partner Selecting the right app development partner is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your custom app. Look for reputable developers or agencies with a proven track record in Shopify app development. Check their portfolios and client reviews to gauge their expertise and reliability. A capable app development partner will collaborate closely with you, offer valuable insights, and turn your vision into a reality. Communication and a shared understanding of your requirements are key factors in choosing the right partner for your Shopify custom app. Designing User-Friendly and Intuitive Interfaces A user-friendly and intuitive interface is paramount for the success of any custom app. When designing your Shopify custom app, prioritize simplicity and ease of use. Pay attention to navigation, layout, and visual design, ensuring that customers can intuitively interact with the app. A cluttered or confusing interface may deter users, leading to a subpar user experience. Through thoughtful interface design, you can provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for your app's users, fostering engagement and customer satisfaction. Ensuring Scalability and Flexibility Scalability and flexibility are vital considerations in Shopify custom app development. As your business grows and evolves, your app should be able to accommodate increased traffic, new features, and changing requirements. A scalable app can handle higher user volumes without compromising performance, ensuring a smooth experience for all users. Additionally, a flexible app architecture allows for easy updates and modifications, enabling you to adapt to market trends and meet evolving customer demands. Building Tailored Solutions: Customization and Integration Seamless Integration with Existing Shopify Store Systems A critical factor in building tailored solutions is seamless integration with existing Shopify store systems. The custom app should effortlessly work alongside other essential elements of the e-commerce store, such as the product catalog, inventory management, and payment gateways. By ensuring smooth integration, businesses can minimize disruptions to their existing workflows and optimize the overall user experience. A seamless integration approach also streamlines data flow between the app and the store, facilitating accurate reporting and analytics, and enabling businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time data. Testing and Quality Assurance for App Reliability As businesses build tailored solutions with custom apps, rigorous testing and quality assurance are paramount. Thoroughly testing the app's functionalities, performance, and compatibility across different devices and browsers is crucial to ensure its reliability. By conducting comprehensive tests throughout the development process, businesses can identify and address potential issues before the app goes live. This approach guarantees that the custom app functions flawlessly, provides a positive user experience, and adheres to the highest quality standards. Leveraging Shopify Custom App Development for Business Success Enhancing Customer Experience and Engagement Leveraging Shopify custom apps can significantly enhance the customer experience and drive higher engagement. By incorporating personalized features such as product recommendations, tailored promotions, and interactive elements, businesses can create a more immersive shopping experience for their customers. Personalization not only increases customer satisfaction but also fosters brand loyalty and repeat purchases. Shopify custom apps provide the tools needed to understand and cater to individual customer preferences, ultimately leading to improved customer retention and business success. Increasing Sales and Conversions with Personalization One key benefit of using Shopify custom apps is the ability to personalize the customer journey, which can lead to increased sales and conversions. Custom apps can track customer behavior, identify browsing patterns, and analyze past purchase history to deliver personalized product suggestions and promotions. Businesses can entice customers to make additional purchases by offering relevant and timely offers, increasing the average order value, and driving overall revenue. The tailored approach of custom apps can significantly impact the decision-making process, increasing the likelihood of completing a purchase. Explore more: Streamline Your Operations With Shopify Order Management App Tracking and Analyzing App Performance To ensure continued success, it's essential to track and analyze the performance of Shopify custom apps. Utilizing analytics and tracking tools allows businesses to gather valuable data on how customers interact with the app, which features are most effective, and where improvements can be made. Analyzing app performance provides valuable insights that can be used to optimize the app's functionalities, enhance user experience, and make informed business decisions. By continuously monitoring app performance, businesses can stay proactive and responsive to changing customer needs and market trends. Best Practices for Ongoing App Maintenance and Updates Maintaining and updating Shopify custom apps is crucial to ensure they remain effective and secure. Regular app maintenance involves keeping the app up-to-date with the latest Shopify platform changes, bug fixes, and security patches. Moreover, businesses should actively seek customer feedback and insights to identify areas for improvement and new features. Staying proactive with app maintenance ensures that the app remains compatible with the latest devices and browsers, providing a seamless experience for all users. Ongoing updates also demonstrate the business's commitment to delivering an exceptional user experience and can foster greater trust and loyalty among customers. Shopify custom app development is a powerful tool for large-scale businesses In conclusion, leveraging Shopify custom apps is a powerful strategy for businesses to achieve success in the e-commerce landscape. By enhancing customer experience and engagement, increasing sales and conversions through personalization, tracking and analyzing app performance, and following best practices for ongoing maintenance and updates, businesses can optimize their custom apps to drive business growth and achieve long-term success. Custom apps offer the flexibility and capabilities needed to stay competitive and deliver exceptional customer experiences in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce. Let’s SupremeTech help you! Learn more about our expertise in Shopify Plus custom app development through the latest case studies. Contact us to get your tailored solution!

Can Shopify development services assist with migrating my existing website to Shopify?

Shopify and Shopify Plus are leading e-commerce platforms that offer business owners a range of advantages. This article explores the benefits of migrating to Shopify and Shopify Plus with the help of development services. See more: Makuake STORE – Shopify store development services for an original crowdfunding siteOffline-to-Online Commerce with Shopify Plus Overview of Shopify and Shopify Plus Shopify is an all-in-one e-commerce platform known for its user-friendly interface. Shopify Plus, designed for larger businesses, provides enterprise-level solutions. Migrating to Shopify or Shopify Plus unlocks various opportunities for businesses. Explore related articles: Maximizing ROI with Shopify Plus Checkout ExtensibilityOptimizing Conversion Rates with Shopify Checkout Extensions Advantages of Moving to Shopify Scalability and Growth Opportunities: Shopify allows businesses to expand as they grow, handling high traffic and large product catalogs. Shopify Plus offers advanced scalability features to handle high-volume sales during peak periods.Simplified Management and User-Friendly Interface: Shopify's intuitive interface makes managing online stores easy. The drag-and-drop store builder and centralized dashboard streamline operations.Extensive App and Integration Ecosystem: The Shopify App Store offers a wide range of Shopify custom apps to enhance functionality. Integrations with third-party providers can automate processes and improve the customer experience.Robust Security and Reliable Hosting: Shopify prioritizes security, employing SSL encryption, PCI compliance, and regular updates. Reliable hosting ensures fast loading times and high uptime.Dedicated Customer Support and Community: Shopify provides 24/7 customer support and a supportive community of entrepreneurs and experts. Migrating to Shopify or Shopify Plus through development services offers businesses a powerful e-commerce platform. With scalability, simplified management, extensive integrations, robust security, and dedicated support, Shopify enables businesses to thrive online. Consider the benefits of migrating and leveraging the expertise of Shopify development services for a successful transition to Shopify. Learn more: Streamline Your Operations With Shopify Order Management AppThe Ultimate Guide to Shopify Custom App Development Understanding Shopify Development Services Definition and Purpose of Shopify Development Services Shopify store development services refer to the professional assistance provided by experienced developers to businesses migrating their existing websites to the Shopify platform. These services encompass a wide range of tasks, including website setup, design customization, data migration, integration with third-party tools, and optimizing functionality. Benefits of Utilizing Shopify Development Services Streamlined Migration Process Migrating a website to a new platform can be complex and time-consuming. Shopify store development services simplify the migration process by handling technical aspects, ensuring a seamless transition. Developers have the expertise to transfer data, including product information, customer details, and order history, from the existing website to Shopify. This saves business owners valuable time and minimizes the risk of data loss or errors. 2. Expertise and Experience of Developers Shopify store development services provide access to skilled professionals who have extensive knowledge of the platform. These developers understand the intricacies of Shopify and stay updated with the latest trends and best practices. Their expertise allows them to offer tailored solutions, address specific business requirements, and provide guidance on optimizing the website's performance. 3. Customization Possibilities One of the significant advantages of migrating to Shopify with development services is the customization potential it offers. Developers can create a unique and visually appealing design that aligns with the brand's identity. They can customize themes, implement custom features and functionalities, and integrate additional tools and apps. This flexibility empowers businesses to create a highly personalized and engaging online store that stands out from the competition. Advantages of Migrating to Shopify with Development Services How Shopify Store Development Services Assist with Migration Data Migration and Integration Developers proficient in Shopify can efficiently migrate various data elements, such as products, customer details, and orders, from the existing website to Shopify. They ensure a smooth transfer and integration of these data points, minimizing disruptions to business operations and preserving historical information. 2. Design and Theme Customization Shopify store development services allow businesses to create visually appealing and brand-centric websites. Developers can customize existing themes or create custom designs from scratch to align with the business's unique identity. This level of customization helps businesses create an engaging and memorable online shopping experience for their customers. 3. Functionality and Feature Enhancements By leveraging development services, businesses can enhance the functionality and features of their Shopify store. Developers can integrate additional tools and apps to extend the store's capabilities. This could include implementing advanced search functionality, integrating with email marketing platforms, enabling customer reviews, and integrating social media sharing options. These enhancements provide businesses with the tools to offer a seamless and feature-rich shopping experience to their customers. Successful Website Migrations Using Shopify Development Services Several businesses have experienced successful website migrations to Shopify with the help of development services. For instance, Fashion Trendz, a popular clothing brand, migrated its online store from a different platform to Shopify with the assistance of developers. The migration resulted in a visually stunning website that improved user experience and increased conversion rates. Testimonials from Satisfied Customers Who Migrated to Shopify Numerous businesses have shared positive testimonials after migrating their websites to Shopify with the help of development services. For example, Fresh Foods Market, an organic grocery store, praised the development services for their seamless migration process and the ability to customize their store to match their brand aesthetic. They reported increased customer satisfaction and sales after the Shopify migration. Read more: How to Migrate Website to Shopify?Shopify Order Tracking App for The Food Industry Customization Options in Shopify Development Services Overview of the Flexibility and Customization Options Available One key advantage of migrating to Shopify is the ability to customize your online store to align with your brand identity and business goals. Shopify store development services offer a wide range of customization options, allowing businesses to create a unique and tailored shopping experience for their customers. From design customization to implementing custom features and functionalities, the flexibility offered by Shopify empowers businesses to stand out in the competitive e-commerce landscape. Examples of Customization Features Offered by Shopify Development Services Shopify development services provide many customization features to enhance your online store. These include: Custom Themes and Design: Developers can create custom themes that reflect your brand's aesthetics and provide a seamless user experience. They can customize color schemes, typography, layout, and navigation to match your unique requirements.Custom Functionality: Developers can integrate custom functionalities into your store to meet your specific business needs. This may include advanced search filters, product customization options, subscription-based services, or multi-language support.Third-Party Integrations: Shopify development services enable integration with third-party apps and tools. This allows you to extend your store's functionality by integrating with popular tools for marketing automation, customer support, analytics, inventory management, and more. Importance of Communicating Individual Requirements to Developers Effective communication with developers is crucial to ensuring your customization requirements are met. Clearly articulate your vision, branding guidelines, and desired functionalities to the development team. By providing detailed specifications and examples, you can help developers understand your expectations and deliver a customized store that aligns with your business objectives. Recommendations for Choosing the Right Shopify Development Service Provider Selecting the right Shopify development service provider ensures a successful customization process. Consider the following recommendations: Experience and Expertise: Choose a provider with a proven track record and extensive experience in Shopify development. Look for client testimonials, case studies, and portfolios to assess their capabilities.Customization Portfolio: Review the provider's portfolio to ensure they have experience creating custom designs and functionalities similar to what you require. This demonstrates their ability to fulfill your customization needs.Communication and Collaboration: Choose a development team that values effective communication and collaboration. They should be responsive, actively involve you in the customization process, and provide regular updates on progress.Support and Maintenance: Inquire about the post-development support and maintenance services offered by the provider. Ensure they offer ongoing assistance, bug fixing, and security updates to keep your store running smoothly. Conclusion Shopify store development services offer businesses an array of customization options to create a unique and personalized online store. From custom themes and design to tailored functionalities and integrations, Shopify's flexibility allows businesses to showcase their brand identity and meet specific customer needs. Effective communication with developers and careful selection of a reliable service provider is key to achieving the desired customization outcomes. With the right customization approach, businesses can create an engaging and memorable shopping experience that drives customer satisfaction and boosts sales on the Shopify platform. Get your Shopify Plus custom development solutions from SupremeTech! SupremeTech offers comprehensive e-commerce development services for migrating your current website to Shopify. We have the expertise to build tailored software that streamlines your e-commerce management and enhances customer experience. Contact us now to take a step forward and discover how you can make your unique business idea come true with our technical solutions.

The Benefits of Shopify Migration for B2C Business: Why Outsourcing Is A Wise Choice

Shopify migration offers numerous benefits for B2C business sites, enabling them to enhance their online presence and streamline operations. However, implementing and managing the migration process can be challenging, requiring careful consideration and expertise. This is where the outsourcing model becomes a wise choice. Businesses can eliminate unwanted hassles and focus on their core operations by entrusting the migration to professional Shopify migration service providers. Related articles: Exploring 7 Top Online Food Ordering Systems for Small BusinessesA to Z about Shopify App BridgeOffline-to-Online Commerce with Shopify Plus Benefits of Shopify Migration for B2C Business Enhanced user experience and design options One significant advantage of Shopify migration is the improved user experience and design options it provides. With Shopify's robust and user-friendly platform, businesses can create visually appealing and highly functional websites. For instance, Shopify offers responsive design templates that adapt to various screen sizes, ensuring optimal viewing experience on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. By migrating to Shopify, businesses can take advantage of these design options to create a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience for their customers. In addition, Shopify's optimized infrastructure contributes to faster website speed and performance. A study by Kissmetrics found that a one-second delay in page load time can result in a 7% decrease in conversions. Businesses can optimize their website's performance, reducing bounce rates and increasing customer engagement when migrating websites to Shopify. This, in turn, can lead to higher conversion rates and improved overall business performance. Robust e-commerce features and scalability Another key benefit of Shopify migration for B2C business sites is access to a wide range of e-commerce features and scalability. Shopify offers comprehensive tools and functionalities that empower businesses to manage their online stores effectively. For example, Shopify provides flexible product catalog management, allowing businesses to add, edit, and organize their products easily. With features like variants and collections, companies can efficiently showcase their product offerings, making it easier for customers to find what they're looking for. Furthermore, Shopify's seamless integration with third-party apps and plugins expands the capabilities of a business's online store. Whether it's integrating with popular payment gateways, email marketing tools, or social media platforms, Shopify's custom app store offers a vast selection of extensions that can enhance the functionality and reach of a business's online presence. This flexibility and scalability make Shopify an ideal choice for businesses looking to grow and adapt to changing market demands. Read next: Makuake STORE – Shopify store development services for an original crowdfunding site Streamline Your Operations With Shopify Order Management App The Ultimate Guide to Shopify Custom App Development: Building Tailored Solutions for Your Business Streamlined operations and simplified management Moreover, Shopify automates various marketing and sales processes, saving businesses time and resources. For example, businesses can set up automated email marketing campaigns using apps like Klaviyo or Omnisend to engage with customers, recover abandoned carts, and offer personalized promotions. Additionally, Shopify provides analytics and reporting tools integrated with apps such as Google Analytics or Metrilo, offering valuable insights into customer behavior, sales performance, and marketing effectiveness. These data-driven insights enable businesses to make informed decisions and optimize their strategies for better results. Challenges of Implementing and Managing Shopify Migration Potential complexities and technical hurdles While the benefits of Shopify migration are significant, businesses must be aware of the potential complexities and technical hurdles involved in the process. One challenge is migrating data from the existing platform to Shopify. Depending on the complexity of the business's current setup, migrating data, including product information, customer data, and order history, may require careful planning and execution to ensure a smooth transition. Compatibility issues between different platforms can further complicate the process, requiring data mapping and migration strategies expertise. Additionally, businesses migrating to Shopify may encounter customization limitations and a learning curve. Shopify's platform offers a wide range of customization options, but it may not cater to every unique business requirement. Customizing the theme or functionality may require coding knowledge or assistance from developers. Businesses need to evaluate their customization needs and assess the level of expertise and resources required to achieve their desired outcomes. Shopify Order Tracking App for The Food Industry Time and resource requirements Implementing and managing Shopify migration requires dedicated time and resources from the business. Staff training and skill development may be necessary to ensure that employees are proficient in working with the new platform. Adequate training can empower the team to maximize Shopify's features and functionalities, enabling efficient store management and customer support. Furthermore, businesses must allocate resources for the migration process and ongoing maintenance. The migration process involves data preparation, testing, and ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting the business's operations. Allocating resources for ongoing maintenance, updates, and security measures is crucial to keeping the Shopify store running smoothly and securely. Risk of disruptions and loss of business continuity During the migration process, businesses face the risk of disruptions and potential loss of business continuity. Temporary downtime can occur when transitioning from the old platform to Shopify, potentially losing sales and customer trust. Businesses must plan the migration carefully, considering peak business periods and implementing strategies to minimize downtime. Another critical aspect is ensuring data integrity and customer satisfaction. Data migration must be executed accurately, ensuring customer information, order history, and product details are transferred correctly. Additionally, businesses should communicate with their customers about the migration process, addressing concerns and providing support to maintain a positive customer experience. Learn more: Maximizing ROI with Shopify Plus Checkout Extensibility: Key Insights and Case Studies Can Shopify development services assist with migrating my existing website to Shopify? Shopify Order Tracking App for The Food Industry Why Outsourcing Shopify Migration Services is a Wise Choice Access to expertise and experience Given the potential challenges in Shopify migration, outsourcing the process to Shopify migration service providers is a wise choice. These professionals possess the expertise and experience necessary to handle complex migrations successfully. They have in-depth knowledge of Shopify's platform, best practices, and industry standards, ensuring a smooth and efficient migration process. Outsourcing the migration process provides businesses with peace of mind, knowing that their online store is in capable hands. The service providers can guide businesses through each migration step, offering insights and recommendations based on their experience working with similar businesses. By leveraging their expertise, businesses can avoid common pitfalls and maximize the benefits of migrating to Shopify. Time and cost savings Outsourcing Shopify migration services can save businesses valuable time and resources. Professional service providers have a streamlined process and efficient execution strategies, minimizing the time required for the migration. They can handle complex tasks such as data mapping, platform compatibility, and customization, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities. Moreover, outsourcing the migration process eliminates the potential for errors and delays that inexperienced teams may encounter. Service providers are well-versed in the intricacies of Shopify migration, ensuring a smooth transition without compromising data integrity or customer experience. By avoiding costly mistakes, businesses can save both time and money in the long run. Focus on core business activities By outsourcing Shopify migration services, businesses can free up their internal resources and focus on their core activities. Migrating to a new platform can be time-consuming and requires technical expertise. Delegating this task to experts allows business owners and employees to concentrate on growing their business, developing strategies, and providing excellent customer service. Outsourcing technical tasks to professionals also ensures that businesses stay current with the latest features and updates of the Shopify platform. Service providers can handle ongoing maintenance, security measures, and necessary updates, allowing businesses to stay competitive in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape. Explore more: Optimizing Conversion Rates with Shopify Checkout Extensions Shopify Storefront: The Power of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) with Storefront API Conclusion In conclusion, Shopify migration offers significant benefits for B2C business sites, including enhanced user experience, robust e-commerce features, and streamlined operations. Outsourcing Shopify migration services is a wise choice to overcome the challenges involved in the process. By leveraging the expertise of professionals, businesses can ensure a smooth and efficient migration, saving time and resources. Outsourcing also allows businesses to focus on core activities and stay competitive in the dynamic e-commerce landscape. Consider outsourcing Shopify migration services to unlock the platform's full potential and drive business growth. Get your Shopify/Shopify Plus migration from SupremeTech! SupremeTech offers comprehensive solutions for migrating your current website to Shopify. We have the expertise to build tailored software that streamlines your e-commerce management and enhances customer experience. Contact us now to take a step forward and discover how you can make your unique business idea come true with our technical solutions.

The Recipe for a Perfect Shopify Store

I'm not a chef, but I love food and like to think that using Shopify to build an online store is like cooking in a professional kitchen. The kitchen (Shopify) is equipped with state-of-the-art knives, ingredients and spices, and all the pots and pans you could ever need (don’t judge my lack of kitchen vocabulary!) These tools and ingredients are what Shopify and Shopify Plus make available to everyone in their ecosystem. Just sign in, grab a cutting board and some fresh herbs, then start cooking - er, I mean selling! However, unlike a restaurant with a pre-determined menu from which everyone orders their meal, Shopify stores need to be one-of-a-kind, bespoke solutions. For most recipes, there's nothing stopping you from creating a Michelin-starred online store immediately. But what if your vision requires something a little different - something with a little more pizazz? Unlike a restaurant with a predetermined menu, the same Shopify store can't be reused for customers. Like a flavorful new recipe, online businesses sometimes require unique, out-of-the-box ingredients or adjustments to create the perfect solution. That's what SupremeTech does for our Shopify and Shopify Plus projects. We provide the extra spice! Shopify Store Recipe: Makuake Storefront After working on Makuake's admin page, we developed an understanding of their business model and demonstrated the ability to build a quality product. It was then that we were approached with a second opportunity: help develop the Makuake storefront.  The way the storefront works is pretty simple. The merchant submits their business or project to the Makuake team, which approves it in the admin system. After review, the product can be listed and sold on the storefront. Easy. Most of the features needed for this project were readily available through Shopify Plus public applications. However, after adding the necessary applications, we realized that a few key ingredients were missing. Shopify Public Apps: Not Everything Needs to be Made From Scratch We started by finishing the UI/UX of the storefront. This task was relatively easy; to stick with the gourmet kitchen theme, we were just slicing onions and cracking eggs. We implemented most of the UI/UX using Shopify Plus tools and received the desired images and themes from the client. We were able to use PageFly, one of Shopify's public apps, to create the store’s landing page with ease. There is no reason to go to all the extra effort to build an app from scratch if a perfectly acceptable one already exists; sometimes canned tomatoes are better for the recipe than fresh ones. Although this part of the project was not the most labor-intensive, it was incredibly valuable. After all, the beautiful UI/UX is what our end users see when they make a purchase, so it requires extra attention. Makuake has a unique way of presenting its products on its Shopify Plus-powered store. Users can search for their favorite products by filtering by features or special tags attached to each product. Users can also search for the most recently added products, which is especially helpful for repeat customers of the Makuake store who want to keep up with the latest gadgets and inventions. A Dash of Spice: Shopify Custom Solutions While the UI/UX was built using available Shopify tools, there was one particular challenge that could not be solved with those tools alone. Makuake Store is a wonderful platform that supports entrepreneurship. It gives people a way to sell their unique creations, including craft spirits and alcohol. However, like most parts of the world, Japan has a legal drinking age (20 and up). Therefore, Makuake Store needed a way to distinguish between age-restricted products and normal products. The goal was to prohibit the purchase of age-restricted products with a credit card. We did this by adding a custom attribute to shopping cart items. This allows users to add different products to their shopping carts but prevents them from purchasing age-restricted products along with regular items. Not every online store sells age-restricted products, but in this case it was a necessary feature. Without it there would be no way to legally sell delicious craft spirits on the site. Season to Taste: Shopify Development Allows for Trial and Error One of the most significant technical challenges for this project was the product ranking list. Users can choose to view the most popular products for the week or month by clicking on the ranking list. The challenge, however, was to display only the top 20 ranked products out of a list of over 1,000 found in the admin server. This means that each time the API is called 1,000 products are processed but only 20 are displayed. Displaying the 20 products is not an issue, but the amount of load time is nearly 10 seconds. This is far too long to be waiting for a screen to load. We tried several different solutions to reduce the loading time of the ranked list, and we finally managed to reduce the time from 10 seconds to 5 seconds. We were able to do this by implementing pagination and breaking a large amount of information into smaller, bite-sized chunks.  There is also a rankings page on the Makuake storefront home page, but it only displays the top 5 products in a banner. As with the full rankings page, the long load times were detrimental to the overall user experience of the store. However, because the banner is on the home page, long load times are even more inexcusable. The longer the user has to wait for the information to load, the more likely they are to lose interest or click away from the page altogether. "A Shopify store is rarely seasoned to perfection on the first try." Again, we tested several different methods to speed up the process of loading the ranking banner. We found that when the banner took 5 seconds to finish loading, the rest of the page was also backed up. No one likes to look at a bland, white screen when trying to quickly browse products in an online store.  After some trial and error, we decided to apply the lazy loading technique to the banner. No matter what, the banner would take some extra time to load. Therefore, we used this technique to load the banner last and avoid having an unloaded page below it.  A Shopify store is rarely seasoned to perfection on the first try. Most of the time, all you need is a little extra salt. However, sometimes you need to add more acidity or sweetness to create a perfectly balanced creation. Although the Makuake storefront was not a project chock-full of difficulties, finding and implementing the perfect set of solutions required time and patience.  After about half a year of development, we completed and released the storefront. The constant trial and error may have been tedious at times, but the end product was well worth it.  At the end of the day, customer, or user, satisfaction with their experience is what truly matters. Project Technical Stack Programming languages: JavaScript, liquidServer & Databases: ShopifyApplications connected via APIs: Shopify Storefront’s API, 3rd party app’s API Contact us to get custom solutions for your Shopify business. We offer custom development services to streamline your store management and more!

Shopify Custom Apps in the Japanese Market

Creating a Team of Shopify Professionals The beginning of our relationship with the Japanese branding company, Fracta, began with a single project, Makuake STORE. The project became a catalyst for what would blossom into a new partnership. Fracta understands the nuances of corporate branding in Japan, as well as the requirements for the Japanese market. They are also a Shopify evangelist and expert in Japan, and over the years they have established themselves as a premier expert of the platform. At SupremeTech, we provide Fracta with additional technical expertise and the ability to develop Shopify custom apps for their clients. However, Japan is relatively behind the rest of the world when it comes to the realm of eCommerce. Less than a decade ago, there were hardly any platform options for entrepreneurs to start and manage their own eCommerce business. Shopify officially registered in Japan in 2017, and the prevalence of the eCommerce platform has grown. Shopify is becoming the go-to eCommerce platform in Japan and for good reason. It offers all of the customizability that the Japanese market craves. But Shopify’s plethora of public apps alone is by no means perfect and custom apps still require technical expertise. We coupled our expertise in custom application development together with our partner’s deep knowledge of branding, business development, UI/UX, and Shopify services to create online stores that go beyond the standard Shopify offerings. Fracta understands the fine details of Japanese aesthetics and is able to create beautiful themes for the powerful online stores behind them. We make sure that the solutions provided to our clients are exactly what they need. Nothing more, nothing less.  Shopify Online Store Branding and Custom Apps One day, a client of Fracta came to them with the desire to migrate their current online store to Shopify from another eCommerce platform. The client’s store was already mature and contained large amounts of data. At this time, Shopify did not have an appropriate means for which to transfer all of this data over from a different platform – at least, not without shutting down operations for an extended period of time. This is when Fracta approached us with a second project. They asked that we help them build a custom app that could effectively transfer all of the data for their client in a little time possible. It was at this point that we developed our custom app, ST-migrator. This app breaks down large chunks of data into more manageable pieces. With ST-migrator we were able to securely transfer all of the data within two hours using this method.  Communication with Fracta is conducted regularly via Slack, as well as online meetings. It was clear early that communication would not be an issue. We have Japanese-speaking Business Analysts to help smooth over language barriers. However, the engineers of both companies were more than capable of communicating technical requirements via English. We found that this not only made the life of the Business Analyst easier but also strengthened the teamwork and project understanding between both teams.  The success of ST-migrator is ultimately what sealed the deal for our newfound partnership. We knew that we could find tremendous success by combining Fracta’s expertise in the Japanese market and the feedback they received from their valued clients, combined with our ability to create customizations for the Shopify platform. "We stay updated with the Shopify changelog and conduct R&D in order to find new customizations that we believe will help numerous Shopify users in Japan." Following the success of ST-migrator and the advent of the partnership, we knew that it was a good match, like peanut butter and chocolate. Then another project arose. We started developing a custom app called ST-SSO (single sign-on) for a client wanting to implement SSO in their store. Not long after, we started another custom app, ST-Delete Me, which allows the users of a client's online store to deactivate their account. All of the applications added a feature to the clients’ stores that Shopify cannot provide on its own.   In many cases, Fracta receives a specific request from a client, then approaches us with a new business requirement. Then we determine what type of Shopify custom apps, if any, are needed. However, not all of our development with Fracta is done by client request. We decided to continuously search for new methods to improve the experience of not only current clients but also future clients. We stay updated on the Shopify changelog and conduct R&D in order to find new customizations that we believe will help numerous Shopify users in Japan. In addition, SupremeTech also develops custom apps and features in-house using the data and market research provided by Fracta. SupremeTech and eCommerce Software Development  We quickly realized that Japanese clients preferred custom apps to the public apps found in Shopify and Shopify Plus. They prefer to have a store that is tailored to their needs, without the added bulk and unnecessary features that come with public apps. This means that the Japanese market is ripe with clients looking for small adjustments and tweaks to most of the pre-existing features on Shopify and Shopify Plus.  Although our partner has extended knowledge of Shopify and Shopify Plus’ capabilities, they need our help to execute the development of the infinite possibilities for customization that Shopify provides. The customization can be as small as deleting a small feature from a preexisting public app that is not needed by the client, or it can be as large as creating an entirely new app from scratch. The ability to create Shopify custom apps is what makes it a great eCommerce platform. Future Partnerships and Collaboration is Key As SupremeTech continues to grow, we are always looking for new collaborators. We believe that partners such as Fracta have helped us develop our technical expertise and skills. This partnership has deepened our knowledge of eCommerce in Japan, and around the world. Our aim is to continue to create custom Shopify and Shopify Plus solutions for all types of businesses.  Our experience working with Japanese clients, who value customization and impeccable quality, can translate into any market. We hope to partner with like-minded organizations that have similar experiences in their market as with Fracta in Japan. Contact us to get custom solutions for your Shopify business! We offer custom development services to streamline your store management and more!