How BulkBuy was initialized
As students, we are aware of the overwhelming amount food, that we are forced to purchase in bulk. Grocery stores like Costco, Walmart, FreshCo etc stock the products which is way too much as a single student. A report from the CBC found that 396 kilograms of food per capita is wasted in Canada each year from overload of groceries (CBC, 2022).
This is what created BulkBuy.
BulkBuy came from the growing demand for convenient and cost-effective grocery shopping solutions. With busy lifestyles and an increasing emphasis on sustainability, we wanted to create a platform that allows people to purchase groceries in bulk, reducing packaging waste and saving both time and money.
What it does BulkBuy do? BulkBuy is a web application that enables users to browse a wide range of grocery items and purchase them in bulk quantities at discounted prices. Users can select the products they need, specify the quantity they want, and have them delivered to a location near them, making grocery shopping more efficient and eco-friendly.
Let's talk features ⭐ ChatBot
Our program posses a chatbot that can help user's report issues, explain how BulkBuy is used and other issues that they ran into when using the website.This is our way of helping user's navigate throughout website with third party.
How we built BulkBuy
BulkBuy was built using modern web development technologies. We used a combination of front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create a user-friendly interface. For the back end, we utilized a robust server framework and a secure database to handle user accounts, order processing, and inventory management. The delivery logistics are managed through a third-party integration to ensure smooth and timely deliveries.
Figma is a prototyping and design tool, which we used to map out the different screens and functions for our mobile application.
The challenges we ran into
Building BulkBuy came with its fair share of challenges. One of the main hurdles was integrating with various suppliers and distributors to source bulk grocery products at competitive prices. Additionally, ensuring accurate inventory management and timely deliveries required meticulous planning and coordination. Another challenge was integrating Redis and Docker. We never used Redis before and had an infinite loop in our Docker build process.
What we're proud of! We are proud to have created a platform that not only simplifies grocery shopping but also contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing packaging waste. Our accomplishment lies in the positive impact BulkBuy can have on both users' lives and the environment.
What we learned During the development of BulkBuy, we learned valuable lessons about e-commerce, logistics, and sustainability. We gained insights into the complexities of supply chain management and the importance of building strong partnerships with suppliers and distributors.
Our vision for BulkBuy is to continue expanding our product offerings and reach more customers. In the future, we plan to introduce features such as personalized recommendations, subscription services, and further integration with local farmers and producers to support sustainable agriculture. We are committed to making grocery shopping easier, more affordable, and more environmentally friendly for everyone.