Developing a sophisticated theatre e-commerce booking system with rules and options specific to the client, in which the ticket type determines the rules of the online check-out system and the customer's ticket cart is updated seamlessly as they make bookings.
The Auckland Theatre Company were working with Terabyte to develop a striking new website but had specific and complex needs for the back-end booking system. Terabyte brought in Endev to help. The booking system needed to create rules based on the types of ticket purchased, so it needed to be able to dynamically reflect what the purchaser actually bought. For example, if the buyer was ordering a Season Pass, they had to book tickets for a minimum of four regular plays and the system had to require this rule to be met. In addition, the client required 'at a glance' visibility of seating availability including special requirements such as aisle seats or disabled access and easy booking of multiple tickets across multiple shows. As an arts organisation operating on slim margins the online system needed to be affordable to create and to maintain.
The Endev Solution:
Endev developed a highly-innovative online booking system using Ajax JavaScript to dynamically populate the order confirmation on the side of the screen while the user is making their booking. This 'on the fly' visibility makes it easy for users to make what otherwise might be complicated bookings. Updates are seamless with no screen refreshing.
The system includes a full check-out and DPS direct payment solution as well as customer service functionality sending both the Theatre Administrator and the customer a confirmation email. The Administrator can easily set up new plays in the system, view bookings to date and close sales once all seats are sold.
Deployment:
The new atc.co.nz site went live without a hitch and the client is thrilled with the results. Not only are bookings easier than ever for customers but the system gives the Administrator unprecedented ease of use and control over content.
More info:
You can learn more about ATC visit www.atc.co.nz.
Find out more about the Auckland Theatre Company project or about how Endev creates commercially successful web applications phone Patrick on 09 368 4691 or email info@endev.co.nz.