Winner: iframes
Judged by: ChrisThomas, Reseo
Trying on sunnies at chemists and petrol stations is one thing, buying them online is another. Customers want to make sure they look and feel right because a quality pair of shades can be pricey.
Websites have to find ways to at least match or better the customer experience of a store and iframes has found innovative methods of bridging the gap in its first year of operation.
Its website allows users to virtually try on glasses by uploading a photo of themselves, which the site will automatically superimpose an image of the glasses over.
To conquer another gap, iframes delivers for free within two days, and accepts returns within 100 days of purchase for nothing.
The Victorian business has five employees and took nine months to build its website, battling communication issues throughout the construction.
Edward Lakman of iframes said the best tip he can offer from his experience is persistence, and take “small bets on your ideas”.
Lakman said he also affilliated with tourism and hospitality groups as sunglasses are a “value add” to those industries. He offered discounts and giveaways on social media, his philosophy being that “there must be a strong link between what you offer and the other social media company’s offering, [it] must be a win-win-win for you, the other social media company and the customer”.
The site targets 16-to-39-year-olds looking for “internationally competitive” prices, Lakman said. The key to the site’s design was simplicity, search results that match customer input, letting customers visualise what the glasses would look like when worn, and easy checkout
He offered this tip: “Be your own customer, i.e., what do you look for in sunglasses?”
Runner-up: Vinomofo
Wine-deals website Vinomofo is also the winner of this year’s Best Website (under 20 employees) and was a Smart50 Awards finalist.
The many accolades for this two-year-old Victorian business with 14 staff relate to its easy-to-use functionality, simple but stylish appearance and extensive product offer.
The site launched in 2011 and was later sold to Catch of the Day, then the original three owners bought it back this year. The company offers wine selected for members and eschews the “bowties and BS” that some associate with the drink.
