Static page e-commerce. Released the code for my failed MVP under the GPL.

Hello fellow IHers!

Looking for a project or idea for your IH business?

Maybe my code can help: https://gitlab.com/gabrieljoel/printing-api

It generates e-commerce shops using static pages. You simply fill out a Google Spreadsheet with info for your products and the shop is generated for you. Payments are handled by Stripe.

This is how generated shops look like: https://dist.gaburieru4649.now.sh/

The code is not well documented and still requires some manual work, but I can offer help in case somebody wants to pick this up.

The theory in which I based this idea:

Some non-tech natives or busy people don't have the time or experience to use something like Shopify.

What I found out after talking to potential customers:

My theory was correct, but the solution was incorrect.

Most of these people who can't use Shopify can't also use a Google spreadsheet.

Also, the people who don't have time, they don't want to do anything at all. They are better served by a Shopify consulting business.

Where I think there is still some opportunity:

Shopify is too big and complex for many e-commerce scenarios. A static page e-commerce might work for a certain niche. You could compete on ease of use and price. However, competing on price is dangerous and is getting into B2C territory, which is why I decided to not go forward.

Another potential route might be to sell this to Shopify consultants, so that they can save time and money.

I'm willing to provide help to anybody who might be interested in pursuing this idea.