Car Exclusive
Client: Auto Ekskluziv doo
Category: Automotive industry
Technology: WordPress, WooCommercePHP, HTML/CSS, JavaScript
About the client:
Auto Ekskluziv is a company from Karlovac specializing in the import, sale and professional installation of towbars for all makes and models of vehicles. They offer a wide range of products from renowned global and European manufacturers, and they particularly stand out for the speed and quality of installation — new cars are ready in three hours, while on older generations of vehicles with simpler towbars, installation is completed within an hour. This is a local company with a clear competitive advantage and a specific service that requires a precise online presentation in order to attract the right audience.
Project description:
The car hook market is specific in that the user comes with a very specific need — he needs a hook for a specific vehicle, certain specifications, and often installation as well. Such a customer is not looking for inspiration, but a reliable partner who can quickly and clearly show him whether he has what he needs and how much it costs. The client had a solid client base and a good reputation in the local community, but without a strong digital presence, it could not reach a wider audience or provide customers with the ability to order or inquire online.
The task was to build a web shop that fully reflects the client's expertise and reliability, allows for viewing and purchasing products online, and at the same time serves as a conversion tool for scheduling installation.
WooCommerce web shop
The core of the project was the implementation of a functional and clear web shop in WooCommerce. The product catalog is organized by categories and hitch types, with a clear display of specifications, vehicle compatibility and prices. Special attention was paid to the purchase flow — from finding the right product to completing the order — which needed to be as simple and clear as possible, especially for less technically savvy users who may be shopping online for the first time.
In addition to standard e-commerce functionality, a system for product inquiries and contact has been implemented, because some clients do not buy directly but want a consultation or an installation appointment — which is quite common for this type of service and important to support.
Catalog and product management
Given the breadth of the product range — different types of hooks, electrical modules, adapters and accessories for all vehicle brands — it was crucial to set up a logical and scalable catalog structure. The client's team received a CMS that allows them to independently add new products, update prices and manage inventory without the need for technical support.
Integration with ERP system
One of the most technically demanding segments of the project was the two-way integration of the web shop with the client's ERP system. The goal was to eliminate manual work and ensure that data between the two systems was always consistent and up-to-date — without double entry and without the risk of errors.
The integration included synchronization of product catalogs and prices from the ERP to the web shop, automatic real-time stock updates so that customers always see accurate availability, and a return flow of orders from the web shop to the ERP where sales documents are automatically created. The result was a single data flow that saves the client significant administrative time and eliminates the possibility of a customer ordering an item that is out of stock.
Digital Accessibility (WCAG)
The project also included the implementation of digital accessibility standards in accordance with the WCAG guidelines. Although accessibility is not a legal requirement for the private sector to the same extent as for public institutions, there are increasing reasons — ethical, business, and SEO-related — for e-commerce sites to be developed according to these standards.
The implementation included semantically correct HTML throughout the entire site and all shop components, appropriate color contrast that meets the WCAG AA standard, full keyboard navigability including the ordering process and forms, ARIA tags for all interactive elements and dynamic content, properly marked up forms and error messages, and text alternatives for all visual content and product images. Accessibility was integrated into the development from the very beginning, not as an afterthought — which is the only way to consistently apply standards across a complex e-commerce architecture with dozens of pages, forms, and interactive elements.
Visual identity and UX
The site is designed with a clear hierarchy and a pragmatic approach that suits the target group — a predominantly male audience, drivers of all ages, who come to the site with a specific goal in mind. The design is clean and functional, with an emphasis on quickly finding information, clear calls to action, and prominent contact information and hours.
Responsiveness
A significant portion of users come via mobile devices, especially when looking for installation service information on the go or through a Google search. The site is fully responsive and optimized for the mobile experience, with fast loading and clear navigation on smaller screens.
SEO basics
The foundation for organic visibility has been laid — metadata optimization, structured data for products, and local SEO elements that help the client appear in Google results for relevant queries in the Karlovac region and beyond.
Challenges
The most technically demanding part of the project was the ERP integration — each ERP system has its own logic, data structure, and API capabilities, and aligning it with WooCommerce's product, category, and order model requires careful data mapping and robust error handling to ensure reliable synchronization in all scenarios.
At the same time, the implementation of digital accessibility on an e-commerce site is more complex than on an informational site — the checkout process, dynamic display of availability, search filter and cart status notifications are all components that must function properly for users of assistive technologies, and standard WooCommerce themes and plugins often do not provide this without additional work.
In addition, the solution had to remain simple enough for the client to manage the business independently — without dependence on expensive external services or constant technical support.
Result
A complete WooCommerce web shop was delivered, enabling the client to sell online and generate inquiries 24 hours a day, regardless of the physical location's opening hours. The site clearly communicates the client's expertise and reliability, presents the range in a clear and searchable manner, and provides users with all the information necessary to make a purchasing decision or schedule an installation. The client independently manages the content and product catalog without the need for constant technical support.