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Company: Platform One
Project: Tradebox

http://www.etrader.uk.com

Dates: Mar 2007 to Dec 2009

How did the project start?

Initially Tradebox started life as a bespoke development for a client who wanted to integrate orders from eBay directly into his Sage Accounts package. This allowed him to remove a post sales administration barrier which was holding back the growth of his online business. During the development of the solution the veil started to be lifted off what eBay really constituted as a sales platform for businesses. We recognised that we could create a niche product in an expanding market place where thousands of businesses were experiencing the same difficulties as the initial customer. Following delivery of the solution we went into R&D to productise this solution.

What options did you consider?

As a member of the Sage Developer programme we had a pretty clear idea of what the customer wished to achieve in terms of his accounts entries. We considered creating a launch tool which would propel stock from within Sage onto eBay. However, we quickly discovered that there were many launch tools of differing qualities and that requiring a potential customer to forego a tool they were happy with would act as a barrier to sale. We therefore decided to concentrate on what we new (Accounts) and create a plug-in accountancy solution.

What help and expertise did you receive?

All of the development work was done in house by the Sage development team, although this did require a close liaison with a number of eBay PowerSellers who volunteered to beta test the first prototype.

Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?

The initial challenge was getting to grips with the eBay interface and fully understanding the potential customer's day to day requirements so that Tradebox would reflect their needs and make the solution as 'sticky' as possible. The most valuable lesson we learned was undoubtedly understanding the customer base.

What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?

Tradebox Finance Manager is the only accountancy plug-in of its kind within the UK for online traders utilising the eBay and Amazon sales platforms. The launch of the product has transformed the company from a service provider to a software product provider and has allowed us to carve out our own niche within an enormous marketplace where we have an amazing reputation for usability and support. The product itself is designed to work in tandem with Sage 50 Accounts and is addressed to the thousands of volume sellers who have control issues over finances and stock.

What are your plans for the future?

Now Tradebox Finance Manager has established a great reputation within the marketplace our plans are to use investment to raise the products profile and capture a market share within the UK. We are also currently working on a new Analytics product for eBay sellers that can be sold globally.