Borong Bareng Social Commerce

Our challenge is to execute the idea of a collective buying platform targeting local manufacturers as sellers, and consumers who prioritize affordable, and good quality products over brand names. The first month of the project focused on product research and connecting with possible stakeholders. We searched about the market potential for collective buying and studied competitors both local and international, who have implemented similar models. Through meetings, interviews, and surveys we connected with key stakeholders to gather valuable insights and data.

Based on our findings, we decided to build a website to align with our timeline and provide flexibility. We outlined key features based on user needs, documented through user stories, Information Architecture, and User Flow, and created an initial design to give a big picture of the platform. By the end of the first month, we delivered a comprehensive Business Requirement Documents that breaks down our research on collective buying, including business opportunity, competitor analysis, design alternatives, and platform mechanisms.

Version: 24/09/2024

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What did we do after we get the challenge?

The execution of the challenge

We were given 2.5 months to build the collective buying platform, a tight timeline for developing an e-commerce site from scratch. To manage the workload, we prioritized features and divided them into phases. In the first phase, we focused on building the website with Minimum Viable Product (MVP) features. This MVP covers all the essential functions, such as authentication, manufacturer verification, profiles, product listings, ordering/checkout, payment, shipping, refunds, and withdrawals, ensuring that the core purchasing flow works seamlessly.

Within the first few weeks, our developers began setting up the project and familiarizing themselves with the platform’s architecture and requirements. Simultaneously, our designers worked on branding and iterating the platform’s design. After discussions with the client, we decided on the name “Borong Bareng” for the platform and designed its logo, supergraphic, and selected brand colors. Meanwhile, our product team researched and contacted some third-party services such as payment gateway and shipping providers, to provide the platform’s needs. We ensure close coordination with all teams and third-party services to create a smooth integration process.

What did we do to ensure the execution of the challenge run smoothly?

To complete and launch the MVP website within 2.5 months, we broke the first phase into multiple sprints and organized tasks into backlogs or tickets. This structure allowed our team to track progress, prioritize tasks, and identify any complex features that required more time than anticipated or those that were on hold or needed fixes.

Our product team created the Product Requirements Document (PRD) and Functional Specifications Document (FSD) to break down every feature and user need. Based on these documents, we designed solutions that addressed the outlined criteria and user needs. The designs underwent a review by the product team to ensure alignment, and once finalized, they were handed over to the development team.

To ensure that our work met the client’s expectations, we conducted a mid-project review with the client midway through the development timeline. This review helped verify that the designs, user flows, and business requirements were aligned with the client’s vision and addressed all necessary needs.

Development Results

Borong Bareng (borongbareng.com) is a social commerce platform where people can enjoy cheaper prices and have good quality products from local manufacturers. What makes it different from other e-commerce? Borong Bareng provides a collective buying feature which enables local manufacturers to sell their products online, without worrying about the production cost. Collective buying feature gives manufacturers the ability to customize their Borongan such as production target, pre-order time, and other production strategies. Customers can help each other to complete the target by making a purchase. If customers manage to achieve the production target, everyone in the Borongan will enjoy discounted/lower prices.

“Cheaper Together”

Our definition of Collective or Group Buying is a purchasing method where customers get lower prices by working together to complete a group order. Beyond pricing, brand recognition also influences purchasing decisions. In a survey we conducted among frequent e-commerce shoppers, 71.4% indicated that "known brand" affects their buying decisions. However, for certain product categories—such as electronics, fashion, furniture, household appliances, snacks, and stationery—many customers prioritize low prices over brand recognition. With this insight, we focus on partnering with manufacturers in these categories.

In addition to competitive pricing, product quality is crucial. To ensure this, every seller or manufacturer must undergo a thorough verification process to confirm legitimacy and safety.

Note: Our team is still working on this project. We are currently developing value added-features set to launch in the next phase. Check out our site at borongbareng.com. & stay tuned!