Technology Stack
Laravel
jQuery
Node.js
Vue.js
MySQL
MongoDB
The Client
This online-only car auction platform is open to car sellers and buyers, especially those interested in premium vehicles. The platform admin can verify the details of the sellers and their car images before displaying them on the website. As a result, bidders can bid confidently, knowing they’ll purchase cars from verified sellers. Once done with the bidding, successful bidders also enjoy the facility to get their vehicles shipped to their desired locations.
The Challenge
The client approached Capital Numbers to build this website from scratch and deploy it on the go-live. Having created many complex websites from scratch earlier, Capital Numbers knew the various challenges this web development project could entail. But, the most critical challenge we needed to address was to prepare the website for 500+ hi-res image uploads. We had to ensure users didn’t lose precious pixels during image uploads.
We not only had to ensure flawless uploads, but we also needed to ensure hassle-free downloads. Compressing large files is a problem, especially if they’re above 1.5 GB. Making them zippable and downloadable was even more difficult. It required extensive brainstorming to be able to enable that.
We also had to add an auction timer and a progress bar to display the time left for each auction and ensure the timer and progress bar worked in sync. Besides, our team needed to add custom code to reflect every real-time auction update.
The Solution
Time was vital. We had to take care of everything within eight months. However, the client had deep faith in us. He trusted our work and let us choose the whole tech stack, which included the following:
We built the backend using Laravel because Laravel has excellent user authentication support - which is crucial for onboarding new sellers into the website. Laravel also helps with chunked media uploads, which involves breaking large images into small pieces and then gluing them together on the server side. Because of such reasons, we chose Laravel as the primary backend framework.
As for the website's frontend, we used jQuery as it works with multiple browsers. jQuery is also lightweight and needs fewer lines of code to develop the frontend.
Although we used Laravel and jQuery, we used Node.js and Vue in the comment section’s backend and frontend, respectively, as these techs support real-time communications.
Similarly, although we used MySQL as the site’s primary database, we installed MongoDB for the comment section only. We then hooked Socket.IO on MongoDB to reflect real-time user comments and data flow.
Once we completed working on the comment section, we worked on syncing the progress bar with the auction timer using Web Workers API. We also incorporated a Symfony downloader to help download large files.
In addition, our experts integrated a few more third parties. For example, we added Google Places API to search bidder locations for shipping cars and embedded the currency converter to convert CAD into USD and vice versa.
It was essential to secure all paid registrations and post-auction sales. So, we chose Stripe as the payment gateway.
We handled many such complex integrations, much to the client’s satisfaction. Once we quality-checked all elements in the staging, we finally made the system live on AWS. We stored all images in Amazon’s S3 bucket and handed all digital assets to the client at the end of the partnership.
Results
Throughout the cycle, Capital Numbers ensured consistency between staging and production under the expert guidance of its Project Manager, Laravel developers, and Vue.js engineers. As a result of this team effort, we could successfully achieve the following:
Powerful Online Bidding Website
We could develop an auction website with intuitive features that make online auctioning a breeze.
Numerous Registrations
We made provisions to accommodate numerous sellers and potential buyers to register and place bids.
Unlimited Image Uploads
Because we made provisions for chunked uploads, sellers can upload hundreds of 10 MB or 15 MB car images for auction.
Lag-free Downloads
Because we used a Symfony stream downloader, the client can download large zipped files as big as 2 GB.
Interactive Comment Sections
Because we kept the comment section dynamic, every comment made by bidders and sellers gets reflected in real-time.
Detailed Bidding Sections
We created detailed boxes that record bidding summaries, highest bidders, etc., giving the client complete visibility of the bidding activities.
Reserve Auctions
We developed a reserve auction section that helps sellers set a minimum reserve value that their vehicle will sell for.
No-reserve Auctions
We also created a no-reserve section wherein the seller sells his product to the highest bidder, regardless of any minimum bid.
Two-minute Bidding Window
Our engineers skillfully built an auction timer that resets to two minutes in case someone bids at the last 2-minute window, giving every bidder an equal opportunity.
Timer-Progress Bar Synchronizations
Our Web Workers API integration helps the timer sync with the progress bar, alarming users of the auction time left.
Accurate Currency Conversions
The currency converter we added works well, seamlessly reflecting USD - CAD exchange rates.
Quick Transactions
Our Stripe installation helps process all auction payments reliably.
Correct Distance Calculations
Our distance calculator plugin helps the client calculate distances in miles and quote delivery costs to the highest bidders.
Effective Project Delivery
We did most of these activities by making weekly client calls, often adapting to changes at short notice to speed up delivery.
Live Online Auctions
Because of our hard work and timely website launch, the client:
- Conducts live auctions
- Puts up 500+ car images for auction
- Houses 600+ sellers and bidders within a platform
- Earns revenues from paid sellers and car sales
- Saves costs of auctioning from a physical auction house
Great Reviews
97 Out Of 100 Clients Have Given Us A Five Star Rating On Google & Clutch
Will Hershfeld
Director of Web Services, AdsIntelligence
"They are a well-structured team and that impressed us the most."
Bernice Ang
Founder, Thrive Life Consulting
"Excellent attention to detail and responsiveness."
Katherine Mao
Co-Founder, Yeeo Inc.
"Capital Numbers provides a high level of customer service and support."
Ryan Gallace
Managing Director, Green Property Group
"Everything was organised and streamlined from start to finish."
DeVon Favors
Founder, Creating Favors LLC
"They have an excellent staff and great communication."
Richard Harper
Director, Fifty Blue
