StoreBlocks by BeezHive – Cardano Token Gating for Shopify.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

BeezHive

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will develop an open-source Shopify plugin to integrate Cardano features, enabling merchants to accept ADA and other tokens and offer NFT-based access, enhancing Cardano adoption in e-commerce.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Shopify: We depend on Shopify's platform to integrate our blockchain solutions with e-commerce. This integration is critical as our project seeks to merge blockchain technology with online retail businesses. 

Payment Processing Tools: While we are currently considering NOW Payments for facilitating crypto transactions, we may utilize other third-party payment processors.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Our projects final outputs will be open source, hosted in a public repository under the Apache License 2.0.

[METADATA] Horizons

E-commerce

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution involves creating an open-source Shopify plugin that integrates the Cardano blockchain to enable ADA payments and facilitate NFT-based member access. This approach directly addresses the gap in Shopify's current ecosystem, which lacks the capacity for ADA transactions and leveraging NFTs for exclusive access to products or content.

Our Approach:

• Demand for Cryptocurrency Solutions: With the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in e-commerce, integrating ADA payment and other blockchain options caters to an emerging market segment of crypto-savvy consumers.
• NFTs as Access Tools: Utilizing NFTs for exclusive access to products or content is a novel way to engage customers and build loyalty, a feature currently underexplored in Shopify (for Cardano).

Who will this engage?

• Merchants: We will engage with Shopify store owners interested in adopting cryptocurrency and unique customer engagement strategies.
• Cardano Community: By involving the Cardano community in the development and refinement process, we ensure the tool evolves in alignment with user needs and blockchain developments.

Why is this unique?

Our plugin will not only leverage Cardano’s blockchain technology to introduce NFT token gating, but allow for multiple use cases within Shopify stores for example:

• Discounts for NFT Holders: Merchants can offer special pricing or promotions exclusively to NFT owners, enhancing customer loyalty and incentivizing repeat business.
• Access to Exclusive Products: NFT ownership can grant customers special access to limited edition products or early releases, adding a layer of exclusivity and generating excitement around new launches.
• Customized Shopping Experiences: Depending on the attributes of the NFTs held, customers could experience a personalized shopping environment tailored to their interests and past interactions.

Further Reading on BeezHive Products to be improved from the above:

Nature of the Product: BeezHive

BeezHive encompasses a range of products dedicated to preserving and expanding the global bee population through the integration of blockchain technology and NFTs. Our mission is to bridge the real world with the blockchain ecosystem, creating a sustainable model that benefits both nature and our community.

BeezHive's Products:

1. BezHiveNFTs:

• Description: BezHiveNFTs is an established web3 project that started as a fundraising initiative through the minting of NFTs on the Cardano blockchain, similar to a Kickstarter campaign. Early adopters received NFTs that function like share certificates but come with utility and engagement.
• Operational Apiary: We currently manage one apiary in Bulgaria with over 50 beehives. Our goal is to expand to 100 hives, enabling us to scale our impact and support bee populations more effectively.
• Active Community: Our platform has garnered a dedicated community of early adopters who have minted BezHiveNFTs representing ownership stakes.
• Revenue Streams: Funds raised from NFT sales are allocated to building apiaries and later support the sale of honey and related products through our ecommerce channels, ensuring a sustainable and scalable business model.

BeezHive Staking:

• Description: The BeezHive Staking Platform is unique in that our staking rewards are directly influenced by the value of honey produced. Tokenomics are secondary to the tangible rewards our holders receive.

Honey-Based Products and Distribution:

• Description: Beyond NFTs and staking, BeezHive is expanding into the web2 world by selling honey and honey-related products via ecommerce. This includes infused honey, candles, beeswax lip balm, and skincare products.
• Partner Hives: Partners invest in building their selected number of hives, with 80% of the honey or $ADA value returned to them per harvest. This collaboration supports maintenance and development costs while expanding our product offerings.

Feature Extension and Product Improvements through Catalyst

the above proposal aims to improve our current product offerings by adding a plugin that extends the functionality of our existing NFTs and fungible tokens (FTs) like $NECTAR. Here’s how:

• Improved Product Offerings: By integrating this plugin, we improve our current products—such as BezHiveNFTs and FTs—to offer additional benefits like discounts and rewards for holding and staking. This improvement provides our users with increased value and more engaging ways to interact with our platform, encouraging greater participation and loyalty.
• Expanded Utility: The plugin allows us to offer tangible benefits, such as discounts on honey products and exclusive access to special events or products for NFT and FT holders. This not only improves the user experience but also strengthens the bond between our digital assets and real-world rewards.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Value to the Cardano Community: Our project will extend Cardano blockchain's functionality into the e-commerce sector by enabling ADA payments and NFT-based access on Shopify. This integration will promote wider ADA adoption and illustrate Cardano's capabilities to a global audience of merchants and consumers.

Measuring Impact:

• Quantitative Metrics: We will monitor the adoption rate of the plugin among Shopify stores, the transaction volumes in ADA, and the utilization statistics of NFT-based features.
• Qualitative Feedback: Feedback from users and merchants will help gauge satisfaction and practical usability, offering insights into further enhancements and broader implications for blockchain in e-commerce.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Community Engagement: We will regularly share updates and insights through Cardano community forums, social media channels, and at blockchain conferences, ensuring transparency and fostering community involvement.
• Open Source Development: By hosting the plugin code on GitHub, we encourage community contributions, which help maintain and improve the plugin, ensuring it remains a robust tool for the community.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

BeezHive has established itself as a trusted and valued member of the Cardano community, known for producing high-quality honey products and building strong relationships. BeezHive’s reputation for transparency and trust makes them well-positioned to ensure accountability in delivering this project. BeezHive’s long-standing commitment to their community guarantees the responsible management of funds and a trustworthy delivery process.

Agrow Labs brings deep expertise in blockchain development on Cardano, having worked extensively within the ecosystem. With experience contributing to a wide array of projects and driving successful blockchain-based solutions, Agrow Labs is uniquely suited to handle the technical aspects of this proposal.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Basic Setup and Storefront Design

• Output: Basic technical setup completed, including API key configuration. Comprehensive design of the Shopify storefront implemented, ensuring branding with the StoreBlocks logo and a layout that supports major Cardano wallets.

Plugin Interface Design and Product Access Control

• Output: Development of the plugin interface for wallet connectivity and the implementation of dynamic product display features. User experience elements for hiding/showing products based on wallet status and intuitive redirection and access control mechanisms for unauthorized users are designed.

Advanced Customization Features and Interface Enhancement

• Output: Shopify App Bridge integration completed with advanced customization tools designed. This includes user-friendly interfaces for selecting token-gated products and specifying NFT/token policy IDs. Design of homepage variations based on wallet connectivity status is also completed.

Security, Deployment, and Final Design Touches

Output: Integration of robust security measures to prevent wallet spoofing and ensure secure transactions. Deployment of the app to a live Shopify store, complete with designed customer support channels and refined storefront presentation.

Close out report

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

BeezHive - Marketing and Community Engagement Role:

BeezHive, known for its active involvement in the NFT space, aims to enhance their offering by developing a Shopify plugin that integrates NFT functionalities. This project is part of their strategy to expand the usability of their NFTs, allowing for innovative e-commerce integrations such as NFT-based access and exclusive content for NFT holders. BeezHive's responsibilities in this project include leading the marketing and community engagement efforts, promoting the plugin within the Shopify and Cardano communities, handling social media outreach. This initiative will help bridge the gap between NFT ownership and tangible e-commerce benefits, providing a novel way for NFT holders to engage with BeezHive’s offerings.

Agrow Labs - Development Management Role:

Agrow Labs oversees the technical aspects of developing the Shopify plugin. Their tasks include backend development, API integrations, security features, and ensuring the plugin’s compatibility with both Shopify’s and Cardano’s ecosystems. Agrow Labs will work closely with BeezHive to align the technical development with the marketing strategies and customer engagement goals.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Total Cost

Total ADA: 254,497 ADA Rate: 1 ADA = $0.34

Total Cost in USD: $86,529

Breakdown of Costs in ADA with Descriptions

Development (Core Functionalities and Integration):

Description: Building the Shopify app, integrating Cardano wallets, and setting rules for dynamic product visibility and checkout processes.

Cost: $48,000 USD

Additional Labor (Support Tasks):

Description: Testing, quality assurance, and technical support to ensure the app functions as expected.

Cost: $4,000 USD

Project Management (Project Coordination):

Description: Managing the project, including writing the proposal, coordinating resources, and engaging with stakeholders.

Cost: $17,019.10 USD

UI Design for Shopify Plugin (User Interface Design):

Description: Creating a user-friendly and visually appealing interface for the Shopify plugin.

Cost: $10,000 USD

Shopify Storefront Design:

Description: Designing a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing storefront within Shopify.

Cost: $5,010 USD

Additional Costs (Miscellaneous Expenses):

Description: Miscellaneous expenses like server fees and unforeseen costs.

Cost: $2,500 USD

Total Cost

Total ADA: 254,497 ADA Rate: 1 ADA = $0.34

Total Cost in USD: $86,529

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Our proposal offers significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by enabling long-term benefits and real-world adoption. By developing a Shopify plugin that integrates ADA payments and NFT-based features, we create a direct pathway for Cardano integration into a global marketplace. This allows merchants to accept ADA payments and utilize NFTs for exclusive access, enhancing Cardano's utility, increasing transaction volumes, and broadening ecosystem participation.

Cost Breakdown Justification:

• Development Costs: The expenses reflect the technical expertise required to build, test, and secure blockchain integrations. Skilled developers with Cardano-specific knowledge are in high demand. Our team has significant experience and charges rates aligned with typical freelance rates for blockchain developers, factoring in regional wages and industry standards to ensure fair compensation.
• Community Benefits: As an open-source project, our work allows the Cardano community to benefit from the codebase. Others can expand or improve upon it for future use cases, amplifying the project's impact and fostering innovation within the ecosystem.

Proportional Costs: The costs are proportional to the complexity of integrating blockchain technology into an existing e-commerce platform like Shopify. Given the potential for adoption and the revenue it could generate,we believe these costs are justified and represent a sound investment in the ecosystem's future growth.