Trading Card Marketplace Platform
Built a comprehensive trading card platform for a startup, delivering both web presence with Next.js and mobile apps with React Native. Implemented Firebase backend with serverless functions for real-time data sync, authentication, and scalable operations.
Project Overview
We developed a comprehensive trading card marketplace platform for a sports card startup, creating a seamless ecosystem for collectors and traders. The platform combines a web presence built with Next.js and mobile applications developed with React Native, all backed by Firebase and serverless functions.
Our solution enables users to buy, sell, and trade collectible cards with secure payment processing via Stripe, real-time notifications, and advanced search capabilities. The platform evolved from an initial MVP to a mature product in just 8 months, with significant improvements in user retention and marketplace activity.
The technical implementation included migrating to the new React Native architecture, implementing TypeScript throughout the codebase, and creating a robust testing strategy with Detox for end-to-end testing and React Testing Library for component testing.
The Challenge
A sports card startup needed a comprehensive platform to facilitate card trading, collection management, and marketplace transactions with secure authentication and payment processing, while providing a seamless experience across web and mobile platforms.
- Cross-platform Experience: Delivering a consistent and high-quality experience across both web and mobile platforms
- Real-time Functionality: Implementing real-time updates for marketplace listings, bids, and user interactions
- Payment Security: Creating a secure payment system with buyer and seller protection for trading valuable collectibles
- Authentication and Trust: Building a trusted environment for traders with robust user verification and reputation systems
- Scalability: Designing a system that could handle rapid growth in users, listings, and transactions
- Search and Discovery: Implementing advanced search capabilities for finding specific cards across thousands of listings
Technical Implementation
System Architecture
- Modular architecture with shared business logic between web and mobile
- Real-time data synchronization with Firebase
- Event-driven architecture using Firebase Cloud Functions
- REST APIs for third-party integrations
- Optimistic UI updates for improved user experience
Backend Implementation
- Firebase as the primary backend platform
- Serverless functions for business logic and API endpoints
- Cloud Firestore for real-time database capabilities
- Firebase Authentication with multi-provider support
- Firebase Storage for image and asset management
- Algolia integration for advanced search functionality
Frontend Implementation
- Next.js web application with SSR and static generation
- Type-safe development with TypeScript
- State management with Redux for global state
- React Query for server state and data fetching
- Responsive design supporting all device sizes
- Progressive Web App (PWA) capabilities for offline access
Mobile Applications
- React Native for cross-platform mobile development
- Migration from old architecture to new React Native architecture
- Native modules for platform-specific functionality
- Offline-first approach with local data persistence
- Deep linking for seamless web-to-app transitions
- Push notifications for user engagement
Database & Storage
- Cloud Firestore for structured data and real-time capabilities
- Firebase Storage for media assets
- Data modeling optimized for trading card marketplace
- Caching strategies for improved performance
- Data backup and disaster recovery procedures
Testing Strategy
- Detox for end-to-end testing of mobile applications
- React Testing Library for component and integration testing
- Jest for unit testing business logic
- Cypress for web application end-to-end testing
- Test-driven development approach for critical features
Payment Processing
- Stripe integration for secure payment processing
- Custom payment flow for trading card transactions
- Escrow system for buyer-seller protection
- Automated payout system for card sellers
- Payment dispute resolution system
DevOps & Infrastructure
- AWS deployment with CloudFront for content delivery
- CI/CD pipeline for automated testing and deployment
- Environment-based configuration management
- Monitoring and error tracking with Sentry
- Performance optimization and bundle size management
Results & Impact
$2.5M
in funding secured
78%
improvement in user retention
MVP
to mature product in 8 months
The platform helped the client secure $2.5M in funding, achieve 78% improvement in user retention, and rapidly evolve from MVP to a mature product in just 8 months. The marketplace now supports thousands of daily transactions with a thriving community of collectors and traders.
The trading card platform continues to evolve with new features and enhancements, maintaining its position as a leading marketplace in the collectibles space. The strong technical foundation we established allows for ongoing innovation and scaling to meet the growing user base and transaction volume.
Project Information
Project Type
Full-Stack Development
Duration
8 months (MVP: 3 months, Enhancements: 5 months)
Team Size
6 specialists (2 mobile, 2 frontend, 1 backend, 1 QA)
Development Approach
Agile/Scrum with 2-week sprints and TDD
Key Technologies
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