§ 01Context
Revolutionizing bakery commerce with low-code: the Vitrina multivendor marketplace. Vitrina, a marketplace specializing in pastries and confectionery products, represents a remarkable fusion of innovative ideas and low-code technology. This platform connects hundreds of bakeries, each with its unique offerings, to eager customers — offering both fast and delayed delivery options.
§ 02Challenge
The genesis of Vitrina was rooted in the client's vision to create an all-encompassing marketplace for bakeries and confectioneries. Off-the-shelf marketplace solutions fell short for several reasons:
- Varied product readiness. Vitrina needed to cater to products with different preparation times, ranging from minutes to days.
- Product expiry dates. Managing product expiration dates and calculating availability on specific dates was crucial.
- Multiple brands. Bakeries and confectioners on the platform had the autonomy to create and manage multiple brands, streamlining order management within a unified personal account.
- Complex catalog filters. The marketplace required a sophisticated filtering system, allowing users to navigate products by assortment and location, factoring in delivery times.
Off-the-shelf marketplace software couldn't model a cake that takes three days to bake. So we didn't use any.— Engagement memo, week one
§ 03Solution
Powering Vitrina
Vitrina's foundation is the low-code platform Bubble.io, seamlessly integrated with delivery service and payment system APIs. The development journey included:
- Crafting detailed technical specifications.
- Designing a distinctive logo and concept.
- Creating interfaces using Figma.
- Building both desktop and mobile versions using low-code tools.
- Integrating external APIs.
- Populating the marketplace with products and manufacturers.
- Collaborating with manufacturers to adapt to the system.
- Rigorous combat testing before launch.
Detailed technical specifications plus a distinctive logo and visual concept — written and designed before a single Bubble element was placed.
Both surfaces built with low-code tools — catalog, product, cart, checkout and personal account, with order tracking across every view.
Delivery service and payment system APIs wired directly into Bubble workflows — no duct tape between the marketplace and the rails it runs on.
Populating the marketplace with real products and manufacturers, collaborating with vendors to adapt to the system, and rigorous combat testing before launch.
§ 04Navigating challenges
Overcoming hurdles was essential for Vitrina's success. The project encountered:
- Data complexity. Managing extensive data, from calorie counts to legal packaging, required constant adaptation to evolving needs.
- Parallel development. Data upload and platform modifications ran concurrently in the initial stages.
- Client-centric agility. Full support was provided to early marketplace sellers, accommodating their suggestions and swiftly integrating new features — all made possible by the low-code platform's flexibility.
Vitrina demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of low-code in executing the intricate logic of a multi-vendor marketplace.
— The low-code advantage
§ 05Result
The low-code advantage
Vitrina demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of low-code technology in executing the intricate logic of a multi-vendor marketplace. From the captivating landing page to the comprehensive catalog, product pages, shopping cart, checkout, and user-friendly personal accounts — all with order tracking features across mobile and desktop — Bubble.io proved itself as the ideal platform.
Present and future
Currently, the platform resides on the basic Bubble tariff. Future plans include tailoring the marketplace to suit various market segments, enhancing its scalability and versatility.
In conclusion
Vitrina's journey exemplifies how low-code development empowers innovation, agility, and client-centric solutions in the realm of online marketplaces. It showcases the power of rapid iterations, customization, and digital transformation — all achieved with a client-centric approach.
PS: When your project involves intricate visuals and complex multi-page logic, optimizing graphics can help ensure seamless performance.
— End of case. Marketplace brief of your own? Start a conversation.
