Online Auction For Discontinued Tiles: Villeroy & Boch Case Study
Deciding to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, Villeroy & Boch orchestrated a strong alliance with Merkeleon. Premium-quality, discontinued tile collections, once reserved for the select few, now dancing into the hands of retail customers at prices that redefine affordability. Join us as we unravel how Villeroy & Boch partnered with Merkeleon to sculpt a unique platform where premium meets accessibility.
What is Villeroy & Boch?
Founded in 1748, Villeroy & Boch stands as a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and innovation in the world of ceramics. With a rich history spanning over 270 years, the company has become synonymous with select and timeless elegance. Originating in the picturesque village of Audun-le-Tiche in Lorraine, France, the brand has evolved into an international icon, shaping the idea of luxury tableware, bathroom solutions, and, in this particular case, premium tiles.
Objectives of Collaboration
Villeroy & Boch aimed to clear remnants of discontinued collections through an auction platform. The goal was to create a win-win solution that would provide customers high-quality products at affordable prices while optimizing the company’s inventory.
Why Merkeleon?
The decision-making process was not merely about finding software; it was about selecting a partner capable of bringing their vision to life perfectly.
Berk, the representative from Villeroy & Boch, shed light on the reasons behind choosing Merkeleon in an interview. He revealed, ‘I had multiple interviews with different service providers. Design and functionality of the platform and professional + helpful approach of the team were the reasons that I decided on Merkeleon.’
The significance of these factors cannot be overstated. Firstly, the design and functionality of the platform played a major role in the decision-making process. Villeroy & Boch, being standard to elegance and sophistication, sought a platform that not only met their technical requirements but also aligned with their brand aesthetic. Merkeleon’s commitment to delivering a coherent and visually appealing platform resonated with Villeroy & Boch’s vision, setting them apart in a competition.
Secondly, Berk emphasized the professional and helpful approach of the Merkeleon team. In a collaborative endeavor, the dynamics between the client and the service provider are principal. The Merkeleon team’s dedication to professionalism and helpful demeanor guaranteed a productive collaboration.
Merkeleon’s Approach
To solve the task, Merkeleon deployed its standard classic auction software. The payment process occurs through the current payment infrastructure of Villeroy & Boch for stable transactions.
Also, our developers have finalized the following feature. Now, completed auctions can be unloaded from the back office. All this so that the client can further contact winners outside the platform and initiate payment. Such customizations were made to guarantee the flawless extraction of auction data for direct communication between Villeroy & Boch and auction winners.
Our team improved the standard functionality even further. At the request of the client, we introduced new parameters. New parameter Regular Price displays the cost of the product without a discount. Another parameter Total Price shows the total amount of the lot, since the bidding is per square meter.
Product Features
The finalized platform boasts a classic auction setup, enabling users to bid on discontinued tiles. Important features include:
- Unloading completed auctions;
- The Regular Price parameter;
- The Total Price parameter.
Challenges and Pitfalls
Throughout the project, several challenges arose. However, Merkeleon’s proactive and supportive approach streamlined swift solutions.
‘There were some changes required in the platform as we were progressing in the project. However, Merkeleon team was also supportive and proactive to come up with solutions. Thus, we were able to manage these,’ says Berk from Villeroy & Boch.
Overcoming Challenges
Merkeleon’s team exhibited professionalism and adaptability, promptly addressing changes requested by Villeroy & Boch. The flexibility in Merkeleon’s standard functionality showcased their commitment to tailoring solutions to meet the client’s needs.
Results and Impact
The collaboration yielded a successful trial, achieving the desired business results. Villeroy & Boch’s top-grade products became more accessible to a broader audience, setting the stage for potential classic auctions in the future.
‘Thank you for very quick and good quality product and service! I also appreciate the team’s proactiveness,’ says Berk from Villeroy & Boch.
Villeroy & Boch’s journey with Merkeleon exemplifies the success that arises from a synergistic collaboration. By leveraging Merkeleon’s expertise, Villeroy & Boch transformed a challenge into a fruitful opportunity. The future looks promising as the initial trial proved to be a win, setting the stage for ongoing endeavors.
