creating a self-managed referral and feedback site

The Challenge

A non-profit organization wanted to create a portal that would allow retailers to list their business and sell their goods primarily to organization members. Retail businesses would list contact information and goods sold by following a completely self-managing, on-line process. Their listing request would be reviewed by an administrator and either approved or modified, then published. Payment for the listing would be via PayPal®.

Once registered, email notifications are sent, reminding business listing providers of upcoming renewal requirements. Members who buy from any of the listed businesses are able to leave on-line feedback about their experiences with that business.

The Solution

Simplexity designed, architected and built an application where a business can easily list critical information, update the information at their convenience, and pay for listings on-line. Customers of the listed businesses find goods by searching on key words, geographic regions, or general retail categories. Feedback is written, reviewed, then published for visitors to see.

An easy-to-use administrative interface provides the site managers access for reviewing, editing, and publishing listings and feedback. Automatic Email notifications are generated based on dates renewals are due. Sophisticated online reporting provides ways for administrators to understand how the site is being used.

Administration of the portal is managed by people with basic computer skills.

Lessons Learned

The web is all about self-service. Self-service is all about usability. Usability is all about understanding your customer's needs and behaviors, and designing interactions that don’t get in their way.

For more information about how Simplexity can help you today, please email or call Eric Hughes at 510/763.4488.

<< view more case studies >>