E-Commerce Case Study

E-Commerce Platform Modernization & Search Engineering for GOST.ua

EcomShape partnered with a growing Ukrainian marketplace to improve platform performance, expand catalog search capabilities, and build independent content tools.

GOST.ua marketplace storefront with catalog search and promotional product cards — GOST.ua marketplace storefront and product catalog

Client: GOST.ua
Market: Multi-vendor commerce · Ukraine
Engagement: Technical audit & platform modernization
Focus: Search · CMS · Performance

≈180–200 ms

Search response time

Fast catalog queries across inventories ranging from 1,000 to 1,000,000 SKUs.

4 weeks

Search layer delivery

From implementation and data preparation to production deployment.

$3.6K–$6K

Annual license savings

Recurring third-party search SaaS licensing fees removed.

Zero-dev

Routine publishing

Editors can build multilingual, commerce-ready articles independently.

About the client & engagement

A growing marketplace needed a foundation that could scale

GOST.ua is a growing multi-vendor e-commerce marketplace and regional distribution network in Ukraine. The platform manages tens of thousands of SKUs across construction materials, industrial tools, hardware, and equipment through regional fulfillment hubs with location-based inventory.

GOST.ua engaged EcomShape for an independent technical audit. The audit provided the necessary technical clarity and established the trust required to transfer ongoing development to EcomShape.

Our team then stabilized the codebase through targeted engineering changes: improving catalog search, optimizing the database, building internal content tools, and eliminating operational delays without taking the marketplace offline.

Objectives & the challenge

Commercial growth was outpacing the platform

As the marketplace expanded its vendor network and processed high SKU volumes across fulfillment hubs in three cities, technical debt and architectural constraints slowed feature delivery and made critical catalog workflows fragile.

GOST.ua visual category navigation for construction materials — A deep, specification-rich catalog spanning multiple product categories

Revenue loss from search friction

The exact-match search returned empty results for typos, shorthand technical queries, and keyboard layout slips, sending high-intent buyers away from relevant products.

Performance constraints

The implementation required server resources to scale in proportion to catalog size and traffic growth, increasing infrastructure costs.

Marketing dependency on engineering

Editors could not publish articles independently or embed purchase-ready product cards into SEO content without developer involvement.

The turning point

Technical audit before major investment

GOST.ua asked EcomShape for an independent assessment to establish a clear basis for future investment. The audit identified database performance constraints and the areas where focused intervention would create the greatest business value.

That evidence-based roadmap clarified the modernization priorities and enabled our team to improve the system without interrupting ongoing digital revenue.

01
Audit
Reviewed architecture, code health, database behavior, and delivery constraints.
02
Priorities
Separated immediate revenue risks from longer-term platform improvements.
03
Planning
Defined responsibilities, delivery processes, and a safe implementation plan.
04
Delivery
Shipped targeted upgrades while the marketplace remained operational.

What we did

Targeted engineering across critical platform areas

EcomShape focused on the parts of the platform that directly affected catalog usability, search performance, publishing autonomy, and infrastructure efficiency.

Custom Catalog Search Layer

We replaced rigid exact-match behavior with an open-source, self-hosted search layer built and deployed in four weeks.

Searchable product data: Cleaned and structured existing catalog data so technical attributes could be indexed reliably.
Typo & layout recovery: Added automatic correction for typing errors, shorthand, and keyboard layout slips.
Specification matching: Enabled cross-attribute search for buyers looking for precise tools, materials, or equipment.
Real-time updates: Catalog data updates almost instantly after product changes, including additions or removals, price updates, availability changes, and more.
Predictable performance: Maintained response times of approximately 180–200 ms across catalogs from 1,000 to 1,000,000 SKUs.
No recurring SaaS license: Used open-source software to remove $300–$500 in monthly third-party licensing fees.

GOST.ua search results for a shorthand Ukrainian product query — Search suggestions connect shorthand queries with matching categories, brands, and products

Custom Block-Based Blog CMS

We delivered a Laravel-based publishing system in under a month so the marketing team could create multilingual commerce content independently.

Independent publishing: Editors can create and update articles without waiting for engineering support.
Modular block builder: Pre-built blocks support hero banners, structured text, galleries, and interactive product sliders.
Buyable product embeds: Product cards inside articles display prices and let readers add items to their cart without leaving the page.
Multilingual by design: The CMS supports localized content and media metadata out of the box.

GOST.ua block-based CMS with content blocks and multilingual banner settings — A modular editor gives the content team control over multilingual article layouts

GOST.ua CMS article editor with embedded product cards — Product sliders turn editorial content into a direct commerce surface

Database & Query Optimization

We profiled the busiest routes and optimized the database layer for ultra-fast responses under real marketplace traffic.

Catalog pages without complex SQL queries: Adding a dedicated search data layer eliminated complex SQL queries from catalog pages and result filtering, delivering catalog page responses in 150–250 ms while reducing server infrastructure costs.

Database & Query Optimization

Catalog pages responding in 150–250 ms with lower server infrastructure costs.

Results & impact

A stable platform with room to grow

Focused interventions improved the customer journey, platform performance, and editorial independence while ongoing marketplace revenue remained uninterrupted.

≈180–200 ms query performance

Search stayed fast across both small and million-SKU catalog scenarios.

$3.6K–$6K annual savings

The self-hosted search layer removed recurring third-party SaaS licensing fees.

Reduced search abandonment

Typo, shorthand, and keyboard-layout recovery helped customers reach relevant products instead of empty result pages.

Real-time inventory updates

Immediate stock synchronization reduced the risk of accepting orders for unavailable items.

Zero-dev routine publishing

The editorial team can publish multilingual articles and monetize organic traffic independently.

Conclusion

Modernization without disruption

Through an initial diagnostic audit and targeted engineering, EcomShape strengthened GOST.ua's core platform while the marketplace remained fully operational.

With better catalog search, independent content tooling, and optimized database processes, GOST.ua now runs on a faster and more stable digital foundation built to support continued regional growth.

Need to modernize an existing commerce platform?

We can audit the current system, identify the highest-value interventions, and build a practical modernization roadmap around your live business.

Discuss your platform

Last Updated: May 14, 2025

Welcome to Ecom Shape (hereinafter – “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms of Service (hereinafter – “Terms”) govern your access to and use of our services, including software development, consultations, integrations, and other services related to e-commerce solutions (hereinafter – “Services”).

Please read these Terms carefully before using our Services. By accessing or using our Services, you agree to comply with these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of the Terms, you may not use our Services.

1. Definitions
Client (“you,” “your”): Any individual or legal entity that orders or uses the Company’s Services. Project: A specific set of tasks and works agreed upon between the Company and the Client, detailed in a Service Agreement or Specification. E-commerce Solution: Software products, platforms, integrations, websites, mobile applications, and other digital tools designed for conducting online commercial activities. Service Agreement: A separate document (also may be referred to as a Service Order, Proposal, or Specification) detailing the scope of work, timelines, cost, and other specific conditions of a particular Project. These Terms are an integral part of any such Agreement.
2. Description of Services
The Company provides services for the development, implementation, configuration, and support of solutions, which may include, but are not limited to:
- Custom website and e-commerce platform development.
- Development and integration of ERP, CRM, warehouse systems, and other business systems.
- Integration of payment gateways, shipping services, and other third-party services.
- Mobile application development.
- Technical support and maintenance of developed solutions.
- Consulting services in the field of e-commerce.
The specific scope of Services for each Client is determined in a separate Service Agreement.
3. Rights and Obligations of the Parties
3.1. Companys Obligations:
- Provide Services professionally, with high quality, and in accordance with the requirements and deadlines agreed upon in the Service Agreement.
- Inform the Client about significant stages of Project execution.
- Maintain the confidentiality of information received from the Client, in accordance with the “Confidentiality” section.
- Use materials and data provided by the Client exclusively for the purpose of Project execution.
3.2. Client’s Obligations:
- Timely provide the Company with complete, accurate, and reliable information, materials (texts, images, brand elements, etc.), and access necessary for providing the Services.
- Timely make decisions and provide feedback on the Company’s requests.
- Timely and fully pay for the Company’s Services in accordance with the terms specified in the Service Agreement and the “Cost of Services and Payment Procedure” section.
- Not use the Services for any illegal activity or activity that violates the rights of third parties.
- Ensure the availability of all necessary rights and licenses for content and materials provided to the Company for use within the Project.
4. Cost of Services and Payment Procedure
The cost of Services, payment procedure, and terms are determined individually for each Project and are fixed in the corresponding Service Agreement or commercial proposal. Payment may be made based on a fixed Project cost, an hourly rate, or another method agreed upon by the parties. All payments are made in the currency and by the method specified in the Service Agreement. In case of delayed payment, the Company has the right to suspend the provision of Services and/or charge a penalty in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. The Client is responsible for paying all applicable taxes, fees, and duties associated with ordering the Services.
5. Intellectual Property
Client’s Ownership: All intellectual property rights to materials provided by the Client (e.g., logos, texts, images) remain with the Client. The Client grants the Company a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use these materials solely for the purpose of providing Services under the Project. Company’s Ownership (Prior Developments): All intellectual property rights to any prior developments of the Company, including, but not limited to, software code, tools, frameworks, libraries, methodologies, and know-how that the Company uses in providing the Services, remain the property of the Company. Developed Product: Unless otherwise agreed in the Service Agreement, upon full payment for the Services by the Client, the Company transfers to the Client exclusive intellectual property rights to the unique software code and design created specifically for the Client within the Project (hereinafter – “Developed Product”). The Company may grant the Client a license to use elements owned by the Company (Clause 5.2), if they are an integral part of the Developed Product, under the terms defined in the Service Agreement. The Company reserves the right to use general knowledge, skills, experience, and non-confidential ideas obtained during work on the Client’s Project to provide services to other clients, provided that the Client’s confidential information is not disclosed. The Company may mention the fact of cooperation with the Client and use a general description of the Project (without disclosing confidential information) in its marketing materials, portfolio, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
6. Confidentiality
The parties undertake to maintain the confidentiality of any information received from the other Party in connection with the provision of Services that is designated as confidential or is by its nature confidential (trade secrets, personal data, financial information, business plans, etc.). Confidentiality obligations remain valid for 3 years after the termination of these Terms or the Service Agreement. Disclosure of confidential information is possible only in cases provided for by applicable law or with the prior written consent of the Party that provided such information.
7. Warranties and Disclaimer of Warranties
The Company warrants that the Services will be provided with due professionalism and diligence. The Company may provide a limited warranty for the Developed Product (e.g., for correcting errors not caused by the Client, within a certain period after launch), the terms of which are detailed in the Service Agreement. Disclaimer of Warranties: Except as expressly stated in these Terms or the Service Agreement, the Company provides the Services “as is” and “as available.” The Company disclaims all other warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement of intellectual property rights. The Company does not warrant that the Services will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or that any defects will be corrected. The Company does not guarantee the Client’s achievement of specific commercial results as a result of using the Services.
8. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the total aggregate liability of the Company to the Client for any claims arising out of or in connection with the provision of Services (regardless of the form of action: contract, tort, negligence, etc.) shall not exceed the total amount actually paid by the Client to the Company for the Services under the relevant Project within 6 months prior to the date the claim arose, or such other amount as agreed in the Service Agreement. The Company shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages, including, but not limited to, lost profits, lost data, business interruption, even if the Company has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The Company is not responsible for any damage or harm caused by the Clients actions or inaction, the Clients provision of inaccurate or incomplete information, or the interference of third parties not engaged by the Company. The Company is not responsible for the operation of third-party services, platforms, or APIs integrated within the Project (e.g., payment systems, shipping services), unless otherwise expressly provided in the Service Agreement.
9. Term and Termination
These Terms come into effect upon their acceptance by the Client (commencement of Services use or signing of a Service Agreement) and remain in force until the Parties fully fulfill their obligations or until terminated. Either Party may terminate the Service Agreement in accordance with the terms specified therein, or by providing the other Party with written notice 30 days prior to the desired termination date. The Company may immediately cease providing Services and terminate the Agreement in case of a material breach of these Terms or the Service Agreement by the Client, in particular, in case of non-payment for Services. Upon termination of the Agreement, the Client is obliged to pay the Company the cost of Services actually rendered up to the termination date. Provisions regarding intellectual property, confidentiality, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution shall survive the termination of the Terms.
10. Force Majeure
Neither Party shall be liable for non-performance or improper performance of its obligations under these Terms or the Service Agreement if such non-performance is caused by force majeure circumstances that the Parties could not foresee or prevent by reasonable measures. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to: natural disasters, wars, armed conflicts, terrorist acts, civil unrest, strikes (excluding strikes by employees of the respective Party), epidemics, pandemics, decisions of state bodies that make the performance of obligations impossible. The Party for whom force majeure circumstances have arisen must immediately notify the other Party of their occurrence and cessation.
11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms and any relations arising out of or in connection with them or the provision of Services are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ukraine (or other jurisdiction if your company is registered there). All disputes and disagreements arising between the Parties shall be resolved through negotiations. If a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiations within 30 days, it shall be subject to final resolution in the competent court in accordance with the law specified in Clause 11.1.
12. Changes to Terms
The Company reserves the right to amend or supplement these Terms at any time. The Company will notify Clients of any significant changes by publishing an updated version of the Terms on its website and/or by sending a notification to the Client’s email address. The date of the last update will be indicated at the beginning of the document. Continued use of the Services after changes have been made constitutes the Client’s agreement to the updated Terms. If the Client does not agree with the changes, they must cease using the Services.
13. Final Provisions
Notices: All notices, requests, and other correspondence are sent by the Parties to each other in written form (including email, if addresses are agreed). Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, this shall not affect the validity of the other provisions. Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with any Service Agreement concluded between the Company and the Client, constitute the complete and exhaustive agreement between the Parties regarding the subject matter of the Terms and supersede all prior oral or written agreements and representations. No Waiver: The Companys failure to exercise any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision in the future.
14. Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:
Ecom Shape
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://ecomshape.info

E-Commerce Platform Modernization & Search Engineering for GOST.ua

Results at a glance

Search response time

Search layer delivery

Annual license savings

Routine publishing

A growing marketplace needed a foundation that could scale

Commercial growth was outpacing the platform

Revenue loss from search friction

Performance constraints

Marketing dependency on engineering

Technical audit before major investment

Audit

Priorities

Planning

Delivery

Targeted engineering across critical platform areas

Custom Catalog Search Layer

Custom Block-Based Blog CMS

Database & Query Optimization

A stable platform with room to grow

≈180–200 ms query performance

$3.6K–$6K annual savings

Reduced search abandonment

Real-time inventory updates

Zero-dev routine publishing

Modernization without disruption

Need to modernize an existing commerce platform?

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