eCommerce Platform 2024

Swapit.com.au

Custom eCommerce rebuild for collectibles store, migrating from restrictive Shopify templates to flexible custom framework with enhanced product catalog and streamlined operations

100% Cost Reduction
50%+ Performance
Custom Platform
Swapit.com.au Website Before Swapit.com.au Website After

Project Overview

Custom eCommerce rebuild for collectibles store

Problem

Limited Shopify Customization

Original site relied on standard Shopify storefront with limited customization, frustrating edits, inefficient workflows, and dependency on costly paid add-ons ($20–$30 each) that failed to deliver needed functionality.

Key Issues: Lack of live stock tracking, poor category organization, inadequate search capabilities, and restrictive templates.

Solution

Custom eCommerce Platform

Rebuilt the entire platform with modern architecture, eliminating add-on dependencies and delivering tailored functionality for collectibles including Pokémon cards, trading cards, NRL cards, and plush toys.

Result: Enhanced performance, usability, and scalability with streamlined operations and increased sales potential.

My Role

Full-Stack Developer & eCommerce Specialist

I collaborated with the client to identify their requirements and delivered a tailored eCommerce solution that enhanced performance, usability, and scalability. This project demonstrates my capability in eCommerce redevelopment, platform migrations, and creating client-specific features to streamline operations and boost sales.

Strategic Approach

Custom eCommerce rebuild process

Organization

Enhanced Product Catalog & Organization

The rebuild involved migrating from Shopify's rigid structure to a flexible custom framework, emphasizing performance, security, and maintainability. I incorporated modern tools for data handling, UI components, and deployment, ensuring the site could scale with the client's growing inventory.

  • → Migration from restrictive Shopify templates to custom framework
  • → Modern architecture emphasizing performance and security
  • → Scalable design to accommodate growing inventory
  • → Iterative development based on client feedback
SwapItt Product Page Before SwapItt Product Page After Before
Search

Advanced Search & Filtering

Robust category and subcategory systems for easy navigation of collectibles like Pokémon cards, trading cards, NRL items, and plush toys, allowing seamless product management without restrictive templates.

  • → Low-res imagery that didn't highlight craftsmanship
  • → Generic, template-driven user experience
  • → Underperforming SEO with poor structural clarity
  • → Brand positioning misaligned with premium market
SwapItt Product Details Before SwapItt Product Details After After
Migration

Platform Migration & Architecture

Shifted from trades directory aesthetic to luxury coastal brand that resonates with affluent homeowners investing in premium upgrades. The rebrand focused on creating a sophisticated visual identity that reflects the quality of their craftsmanship and appeals to their target market of design-conscious clients.

  • → A powerful, intuitive search engine with support for keywords
  • → Advanced filtering enabling customers to locate specific items
  • → Improved discovery rates and user experience
  • → Real-time inventory updates to prevent overselling
SwapItt Category Page After SwapItt Category Page After After

Premium Brand Repositioning

Enhanced eCommerce capabilities for collectibles business

A powerful, intuitive search engine with support for keywords, attributes, and filters, enabling customers to quickly locate specific items and improving discovery rates. Real-time inventory updates prevent overselling, automate stock alerts, and provide accurate availability displays, addressing a core pain point from the original setup.

SwapItt Homepage After Redesign

Technical Implementation

Modern, performance-focused architecture

Custom Framework

Modern architecture with flexible framework replacing restrictive Shopify templates

Advanced Search

Powerful search engine with keyword support, filtering, and improved discovery

Inventory Management

Real-time stock tracking, automated alerts, and accurate availability displays

Responsive Design

Cross-device compatibility with optimized mobile experience for all screen sizes

Transformation Results

Immediate impact across all key metrics

100%
Cost Reduction
Eliminated expensive Shopify add-ons and monthly dependencies
50%+
Performance Boost
Faster loading times and improved user experience
Custom
Functionality
Tailored features specifically designed for collectibles business

Before vs After Summary

Old Shopify Site

  • Restrictive template limitations
  • Expensive add-on dependencies
  • Poor stock management
  • Limited customization options

New Custom Platform

  • Flexible, custom-built architecture
  • Zero monthly add-on costs
  • Real-time inventory tracking
  • Tailored for collectibles business

UI/UX Framework

Tailwind CSS + Headless UI

Modern styling with utility-first CSS, accessible components, and responsive design patterns for professional user experience.

Ready to Transform Your eCommerce Platform?

If your store faces similar constraints—whether on Shopify, WooCommerce, or another platform—let's discuss how I can rebuild it to meet your exact vision and objectives.