Online Auction Platform
Solution for auction management and sales
FinTech company, Switzerland.
Request
Result
Technologies
- PHP
- Yii 2
- HTML/CSS
- jQuery
- Apache HTTP Server
- MySQL
- Google Maps API
- Twilio
Result
Results
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Successful market entry
The platform was launched in Switzerland and continues to grow, serving as a reliable tool for online auctions and sales.
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Monetization achieved
The subscription-based model meets the client’s financial goals, providing a stable and predictable revenue stream.
Challenge
A Swiss FinTech company approached Cogniteq with a request to build a web platform for online auctions and direct sales. The platform needed to support various types of transactions—auctions, direct sales, item exchanges—with distinct rules and features for each mode.
Monetization was a central focus of the platform’s architecture. It was essential to implement a flexible tiered subscription system, offering users different levels of access, features, and transaction capabilities based on their chosen plan. In parallel, administrators required a comprehensive backend toolkit to manage the platform efficiently. This included advanced content moderation, user verification and management, order and subscription oversight, as well as detailed sales analytics to support strategic decisions.
Solution
Cogniteq developed a custom web application to deliver a flexible auction platform supporting various transaction models. The system includes user subscriptions and real-time communication, enabling smooth and dynamic bidding. It also features a comprehensive admin interface for efficient management of sales activities and user monitoring.
The platform prioritizes security and scalability, protecting user data and handling increased traffic without performance loss. This design ensures effective sales management for both users and administrators while maintaining a reliable and responsive environment.
Subscription-based access
Users are divided into different groups based on their subscription plans. Each subscription type defines the user’s permissions, such as the ability to create listings, participate in auctions, initiate exchanges, or access advanced filters and chat features.
Multi-modal sales functionality
The platform supports three types of online transactions: direct sales, auctions, and exchanges. Direct sales allow users to set a fixed price and negotiate or accept exchange offers via private chat. Auctions are time-sensitive: items remain available for 30 days if no bids are placed, but once a bid is made, the auction duration is reduced to 72 hours. Exchanges allow users to propose item-for-item trades under agreed conditions.
Automated listing lifecycle
Each item listed for sale remains active for 30 days. On day 25, sellers receive an automatic notification to either extend the listing or let it expire. If not renewed, the item is deactivated and removed from public view.
Integrated communication system
Private chats are available for each sales project to facilitate negotiation and discussion. Public chats are also enabled, allowing broader conversations around listed items and providing additional transparency.
Client-side functionality
Users can browse and filter items across multiple categories, create and manage their own listings, participate in auctions, and propose exchanges. The interface also supports sending messages, viewing platform news, and managing subscriptions. Payments are securely processed through credit card, PayPal, or PostFinance. The platform is optimized for ease of use and includes real-time interaction features.
Admin & moderation tools
Administrators can verify, block, or delete users, manage item listings, assign ratings, and monitor adherence to content policies. They are able to activate or deactivate articles, send automated or manual emails, manage order pages and subscriptions, edit chat content, and publish portal news. A report dashboard consolidates all key sales and transaction data, supporting data-driven decisions.
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