Goal
The goal of this VirtueMart to HikaShop migration was to create a modern eCommerce system with enhanced flexibility, improved UI, and a unique inquiry-based purchasing experience tailored to the client’s business model.
Scope of Work
eCommerce migration, HikaShop setup, UI customization based on Figma, custom development, module creation, plugin development, integrations, and checkout configuration.
Key Challenges
- Migrating from VirtueMart to HikaShop while preserving product data and ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting the business flow
- Implementing a non-standard eCommerce flow where products are not directly purchasable, requiring removal of Add to Cart and replacing it with inquiry-based actions
- Customizing product listing and detail pages to match Figma designs precisely, including layout, labels, and filtering behavior
- Designing and implementing custom product filtering logic, especially for combined conditions like “Available” showing multiple stock states
- Handling product configuration complexity using both characteristics and custom fields, while keeping the system flexible for future client decisions
- Developing a secure access control system using one-time codes to restrict direct page access
- Integrating multiple third-party tools (live chat, forms, email marketing) while maintaining performance and consistency
- Customizing pricing, tax rules, and checkout workflows to match specific regional and business requirements
Work Done
- Migrated the eCommerce system from VirtueMart to HikaShop for improved flexibility and performance
- Set up HikaShop and customized product listing and detail pages as per Figma designs
- Removed standard eCommerce features like quantity selection and Add to Cart button
- Implemented a “Contact Us About This Item” feature for inquiry-based product flow
- Developed custom product labels and advanced filtering logic using custom code
- Configured product data using both characteristics and custom fields, and demonstrated both approaches to the client
- Created custom modules including Featured Timepieces, Sold Timepieces, Featured Blogs, and FAQ
- Developed a custom component (accesscode) and system plugin (accessgate) to secure pages using one-time access codes
- Integrated Tawk.to live chat for real-time customer support
- Configured RSForm Pro and integrated it with Mailchimp for lead capture and email marketing
- Customized pricing display to show single price instead of discount/original price
- Configured region-specific tax rules in HikaShop
- Updated cart and checkout flow including default country/state, shipping, and payment methods
- Implemented custom product tag filtering logic for better search results
- Added newsletter subscription section and breadcrumb navigation for improved UX
- Performed end-to-end testing of product flow, inquiry system, and integrations
Result
The final result of this VirtueMart to HikaShop migration is a fully customized eCommerce platform with a unique inquiry-based product flow, advanced filtering system, secure access control, and seamless integrations.
