Case Study: Homespun Tapes

URL: www.homespuntapes.com

Overview
Started in 1967 by well-know musician, Happy Traum, Homespun Tapes aspired to bring musical enjoyment to aspiring players at all levels by helping them expand their music knowledge, technique and understanding. Homespun Tapes is now known throughout the world for its high level of production and superior quality of instruction. To facilitate its growth, the web site Homespuntapes.com was created which is an extensive e-commerce site for a music instruction media company, featuring product catalogue, shopping cart, and content management functionality. The site currently showcases products for over 19 categories of instruments in nearly every conceivable genre and discipline.

Challenge
Homespun Tapes receives thousands of orders every day and also has a large number of products listed on its web site. The challenge was to provide this extensive mail order company with a complementary web-based system that will provide seamless integration with their current mail order operation with the ability to grow and even absorb the mail order processing, tracking and management systems.

Solution
Oxclove Workshop Ltd. has created a robust and scalable e-commerce application with multiple paths to find and purchase the appropriate instructional product. The system accommodates shipping, and features many custom-centric tools, such as a discussion community for musicians to share experiences. It contains a rich content management system for easy maintenance

Results
The redesign on Homespun Tapes.com has earned a quick return on investment and has steadily increased sales every month since launch. We are currently designing and implementing the next level of content and reporting functionality in support of our long-term relationship with this valued “homespun” client.

The site now allows users to easily find and purchase the products they need. The user is easily swum through a pool of information and is allowed to make choices based on his/her interest. The user group is well categorized to suit individual needs and thus the site allows users to make preferences based on their needs.

The site can be effectively maintained and administered. The site also contains a forum that allows users to communicate with each other and with the Homespun staff. This provides Homespun with effective feedback.