Powering a railway legacy's online expansion – the České dráhy success Story

In the heart of Europe, České dráhy, the national railway carrier of the Czech Republic with a rich history and a dedicated following, set out on a mission to modernize its merchandise sales. Their objective? To bring their unique products to a wider audience, improve the customer experience, and streamline operations. With the assistance of 1Presta, a leading Czech PrestaShop agency, and the versatility of the PrestaShop platform, České dráhy transformed its online presence and achieved remarkable results.

The challenge: expanding beyond ticket counters and train stations

České dráhy, a prominent name in the railway industry, has been the backbone of Czech public transportation for years. With a rich history and an extensive network, České dráhy has served millions of passengers, establishing itself as a reliable and essential service provider. Their merchandise, cherished mementos for travelers and railway enthusiasts, was traditionally sold at ticket offices and České dráhy centers. While this model had served them well, the company recognized the immense potential of online retail to reach a broader audience, offer convenient shopping options, and create a centralized hub for their branded products.

However, creating a successful online shop required more than just listing products. České dráhy needed a platform that could seamlessly integrate with their complex internal systems, handle a diverse range of products, and provide a user-friendly experience for customers across different devices.

That’s why they approached 1Presta with a significant challenge: to create an integrated, efficient online store for the fans of the brand that seamlessly connects with their existing systems.

Next stops: better integration and more efficiency

The primary obstacle for České dráhy was the limited capabilities of their existing system. It was ill-equipped to handle the complexities of modern ecommerce, resulting in inefficiency in processing orders and a lack of integration with internal systems. To overcome these challenges, České dráhy needed a modern, flexible, and scalable ecommerce solution that could accommodate their specific requirements and support future growth. PrestaShop's open-source nature, extensive customization options, and robust features aligned perfectly with České dráhy's requirements. The platform's ability to adapt to unique business needs, integrate with existing systems, and scale alongside České dráhy's growth made it the clear choice for building a successful online store.

Laying new tracks with the help of bespoke modules

The project, led by 1Presta, involved the development of several custom modules specifically tailored to meet České dráhy's requirements. These modules included:

• Tax ID (VAT) validation: Ensuring compliance with tax regulations and facilitating smooth transactions.
• Complaints and returns: Streamlining customer service processes and improving user experience by building trust.
• Shipping and payment filter module: Enhancing logistics and payment processes for better efficiency.
• Custom free shipping settings: Offering tailored shipping options to attract more customers.
• Cheapest carrier selection: Optimizing shipping costs for specific customer groups to save money.
• Custom payment module for B2B: Facilitating seamless transactions for distributors and business clients.
• Stock history module: Maintaining daily records of item status to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Delivery notes to XLSX: Simplifying logistics documentation and improving internal operations.

One of the most significant challenges was integrating these custom modules with České dráhy's internal systems. This integration required meticulous planning, numerous adjustments, and extensive customization to ensure a seamless connection between the ecommerce platform and existing infrastructure. But the hard work paid off - these modules not only addressed České dráhy's unique business needs but also enhanced the overall functionality of the online shop, making it a more efficient and user-friendly platform.

Full steam ahead: results of the ecommerce journey

Although specific figures regarding sales increases or other metrics remain internal to České dráhy, the overall improvements in operational efficiency were evident and substantial. The platform has significantly expanded the reach of their merchandise, making it accessible to a broader audience of railway enthusiasts and travelers. The seamless integration with České dráhy's internal systems has streamlined order processing, reducing manual work and associated costs. With the new platform, České dráhy's customers can now enjoy a seamless and user-friendly online shopping experience. The enhanced customer service features, such as the complaint and return forms, have improved customer satisfaction. Additionally, the optimized shipping and payment processes have made it easier for customers to complete their purchases.

At České dráhy, internal operations have also seen significant improvements. The integration of custom modules has ensured that inventory management, order processing, and logistics documentation are more accurate and efficient. These enhancements have contributed to a more streamlined workflow, allowing České dráhy to focus on providing the best possible service to their customers.

Beyond the direct benefits to České dráhy, the online shop has also strengthened the company's brand image. It provides a modern, convenient, and engaging platform for customers to connect with the railway's legacy and express their support.

Looking ahead: continued innovation

The ongoing journey of enhancing České dráhy's ecommerce platform is a collaborative effort with 1Presta. The company is committed to continuous improvement and has plans for further developments in the pipeline. They are actively exploring new ways to enhance the customer experience, optimize operations, and expand product offerings. These plans include the addition of custom modules and optimization of existing features to streamline e-shop operations and improve the user experience. By staying at the forefront of ecommerce innovation, České dráhy aims to meet the evolving needs of their customers and maintain a competitive edge in the market. This commitment to continuous development underscores the dynamic nature of ecommerce, where constant innovation is key to staying ahead.

Conclusion

The success story of 1Presta and České dráhy demonstrates the transformative power of innovative ecommerce solutions. By leveraging the flexibility and scalability of PrestaShop, 1Presta created a robust and efficient ecommerce platform that significantly improved České dráhy's online sales operations. This collaboration highlights the importance of tailored solutions, continuous development, and a user-centric approach in achieving ecommerce success.

As 1Presta and České dráhy continue their partnership using PrestaShop, the future holds exciting possibilities for further advancements and enhancements. This success story serves as an inspiration for other businesses looking to modernize their ecommerce strategies and achieve similar transformative results. By embracing modern technology and prioritizing the user experience, České dráhy has set a benchmark for success in the digital commerce landscape.