Industry:
- Automotive
Website:
QA1, a leader in the aftermarket automotive industry, sought to transform their underperforming website. Classy Llama took on the challenge, working through budget constraints, complex data integrations, and unexpected hurdles to deliver a high-performance ecommerce solution tailored to QA1’s needs.
A Journey of Resilience
In 2022, at the SEMA event, Classy Llama representatives Tate and Paul met with QA1, a respected brand in the aftermarket automotive industry. Recognizing the opportunity to make a real impact, Tate and Paul worked persistently to earn QA1’s trust and win the project. QA1’s website was slow, lacked essential features like year-make-model search and filtering, and struggled with ERP integration, making it difficult for customers to find the right products and for QA1 to manage inventory effectively.
Initially, the project was scoped at $400,000 to $500,000, but budget concerns from QA1 led to lengthy negotiations and scope adjustments. Communication challenges emerged as QA1 was not fully aware of the cost implications of the detailed, custom features they desired. Classy Llama’s Paul and Travis intervened to address these concerns, restoring QA1’s confidence in the team’s ability to deliver a high-quality site within a revised budget.
Goals & Strategies
- Integrate Year-Make-Model Search
Enhance customer experience with intuitive search and filtering by vehicle compatibility. - ERP Integration
Connect QA1’s ERP for seamless inventory and order management. - Improve Site Performance
Address site speed issues to improve overall usability and customer satisfaction. - Modernize Design
Create a visually appealing, user-friendly design that reflects QA1’s brand identity. - Implement Fraud Prevention Measures
Secure the site against potential threats following a post-launch incident.
Classy Llama’s technical team faced considerable challenges integrating QA1’s ERP system, which had limited documentation and vendor support. Mid-project, the original plan to use the SEMA Data Co-op app was abandoned due to technical limitations, requiring a pivot to middleware through Celigo and a third-party fitment app from the BigCommerce marketplace. These shifts demanded adaptability and close coordination to ensure data flowed accurately and efficiently.
After launch, a major security incident underscored the importance of robust protections. Thousands of fake customer accounts and orders flooded the site, requiring swift intervention. Classy Llama implemented enhanced security measures, including NoFraud, and temporarily disabled customer account creation to halt the attack, preserving QA1’s operations and reputation.
Outcome & Conclusion
Despite the rocky path, QA1’s new website launched with a host of improvements, including year-make-model filtering, optimized product pages, and a streamlined ERP integration. Performance metrics showed increased efficiency, while the upgraded design provided a modern, customer-friendly experience. This success was a testament to Classy Llama’s persistence, adaptability, and client-centered approach. The project concluded with a satisfied client and a stronger, more trusting relationship between QA1 and Classy Llama.
QA1’s website transformation exemplifies Classy Llama’s commitment to overcoming technical challenges, navigating budget concerns, and delivering tailored ecommerce solutions. The project underscores the importance of resilience and teamwork in bringing client visions to life.
