Smith's Ice

Smith's Ice is a leading supplier of bagged ice, known for delivering to service stations, supermarkets, pubs, clubs, and more. Looking to expand beyond their traditional wholesale model, Smith's Ice aimed to reach a new audience by offering home deliveries for events like weddings, parties, and other special occasions.

Challenge
Smith's Ice needed a website that would make it easy for everyday customers to order ice for their events. The challenge was to create a user-friendly platform that could handle different types of orders and deliveries while also allowing customers to find nearby stockists and calculate the right amount of ice for their needs. A key requirement was a flexible delivery system that could offer specific days and times for deliveries, ensuring a smooth and reliable service.

Solution
To meet these needs, a custom e-commerce website was developed, designed specifically for Smith's Ice's new direct-to-consumer market.

• Simplified Ordering Process: The website was built to offer a straightforward and easy-to-navigate experience for customers. It includes a delivery scheduling feature that allows users to select the best day and time for their ice delivery, providing flexibility and convenience for events.
• Custom Delivery Options: A unique feature of the platform is its ability to let Smith's Ice offer specific delivery slots, such as certain days of the week or specific time windows. This customization helps to ensure that customers receive their ice exactly when needed, making the service more reliable and customer-friendly.
• Integrated Tools for Customers: The site includes helpful tools like an ice calculator to assist customers in figuring out how much ice they need and a stockist locator to find nearby stores that carry Smith's Ice products.
• Secure Payment and Seamless Checkout: The site uses TillPay for secure payments, providing a smooth checkout experience for all users.

Results
The new e-commerce website successfully caters to Smith's Ice's direct-to-consumer customers, particularly for event-based deliveries. The platform is easy to use, offers flexible delivery options, and includes features that help customers plan their ice needs more efficiently. By focusing on customer convenience and flexibility, Smith's Ice is well-positioned to reach new markets and grow its business.

Conclusion
This project demonstrates the power of a tailored approach to web development. By building a custom solution that meets specific business needs, Smith's Ice can now connect directly with consumers and expand their market reach beyond their existing wholesale network.