How B2B marketplace platform design streamlined sourcing and purchasing for the African chemical market
Project:
the project
Challenge:
Matta, a technology-backed African marketplace for chemicals, materials, and commodities, needed a platform that unites manufacturers, producers, and importers in a single ecosystem. The founders approached Lazarev.agency to apply B2B marketplace platform design, creating a scalable, customer-centric digital marketplace that conveys trust, showcases value, and enables seamless sourcing, quoting, and purchasing of essential raw materials.
Approach:
We applied B2B marketplace platform design to create a transparent and scalable experience for Matta. Through collaborative workshops, we mapped the buyer and supplier journeys, designing features that enable users to search, compare, request samples, get quotes, and execute purchases efficiently. The platform emphasizes trust, clarity, and ease of use, empowering stakeholders to manage the full lifecycle of chemical and raw material supply seamlessly.
The Project’s
Discovery Phase
Experience Strategy
The homepage acts as the initial point of interaction with the marketplace and the challenge was to organize the informational architecture so that it  guides users to explore the products.
We introduced a search bar for quick queries, accompanied by the option to switch between different category types, and offered a list of the most popular subcategories just below the search bar.
For those who were uncertain and wished to explore, we provided a preview of the catalogue with tabs for switching between category types, mirroring the functionality of the search bar.
Steering towards well-informed purchases
When purchasing chemical products, users not only seek advanced filtering options but also prioritize  access to key information such as the producer's name and the price per package or volume of the product. These factors influence their purchase decisions, and because of that, we have prominently featured them on every product card within the catalog.
Designing transparent product page
Within the intricate realm of the chemical market, it is imperative to have the flexibility to assess and select the desired product volume and quantity options.
We intentionally placed the price per package or kilogram adjacent to the user's choice of product quantity for immediate reference. As soon as the quantity is chosen, Matta promptly calculates and displays the total price. This is a deliberate step towards promoting transparency.
Enhancing conversions via sample orders
Product-related information is filled in by a supplier. However, in instances where the necessary documents are not provided, we have empowered a buyer to request these documents directly.
Additionally, we implemented a feature that allows users to order a sample. This strategic move is aimed at boosting conversions for individuals who may have reservations about committing to a full package purchase.
Sample or doc requests are managed by the supplies in the  "My Orders" and "My Requests" modules and the responses can be accessed by buyers in the same modules later on their side of the marketplace.
Establishing credibility for suppliers
We've introduced a dedicated Supplier page that provides comprehensive information about the supplier's products, documents, location, and offers a direct link to their official website and social media profiles.
On the supplier's side, it's essential to complete this information through their account to establish trustworthiness and appeal to discerning buyers. To facilitate this, we've created advanced settings, profiles, and a streamlined process for adding new products and related information.
Bringing clarity to finances
We've empowered suppliers to take control of their financial aspects through our platform, allowing them to access analytics, monitor orders, and manage requests from buyers. The functionalities of Matta contribute significantly to aiding suppliers in making well-informed decisions regarding their business performance.
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