PayJoy Case Study – Legacy to BigCommerce Replatform & Integration
Modernizing financial inclusion in Latin America through high-performance API automation and Open Source checkout customization.
Background
PayJoy is a mission-driven fintech leader providing smartphone financing to millions of people in emerging markets. By turning devices into collateral, PayJoy enables underbanked consumers in Mexico and Brazil to build credit history and gain access to essential technology. Their legacy custom platform had become a significant bottleneck for growth, necessitating a transition to a modern solution capable of handling highly specialized financing and fulfillment workflows.
Key Challenges Faced
- • Operational Inefficiency: Hard-coded legacy systems prevented the marketing team from making routine content updates.
- • Non-Standard Transaction Logic: A traditional shopping cart did not fit the “one-device-per-credit-line” business model.
- • API Integration Complexity: The need for a secure, custom bridge to communicate with PayJoy’s proprietary financing approval engine.
- • Mobile Performance: Critical need for a fast, responsive interface for users on various mobile device tiers.
Elevating the User Experience
For PayJoy, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about building trust and removing barriers to financial access. We moved away from a cluttered, technical layout to a modern, engaging visual presentation that prioritizes clarity and speed.
Mobile-First Performance & Accessibility
Recognizing that the majority of PayJoy’s audience accesses the site via mobile devices, we optimized the frontend for a wide range of screen resolutions and operating systems. By reviewing analytics on specific phone models used by their audience, we implemented device-specific optimizations to ensure the site remains fast and legible even on lower-tier smartphones. This was paired with a strict adherence to WCAG accessibility standards to ensure inclusive access for all users in Mexico and Brazil.
Streamlined “Buy Now” Journey
Traditional e-commerce designs often distract users with “Mini-Carts” and cross-sells. Because PayJoy’s business model focuses on financing one device at a time, we completely eliminated the shopping cart. We designed a high-impact Product Detail Page (PDP) that features a “Buy Now” button as the singular call to action. This initiates a direct, secure modal for data collection, cutting down the steps to conversion by over 40% compared to the previous system.
Dynamic Clarity & Trust Signals
To reduce checkout abandonment, we integrated a Dynamic Down Payment Calculator. As users select memory sizes or colors, the required down payment updates in real-time, providing immediate transparency. We also leveraged BigCommerce Custom Fields to create structured product comparison tables and integrated native product reviews, providing the social proof necessary to build confidence in the financing process.
Technical Implementation
The technical backbone of the project was the BigCommerce Open Source Checkout. This allowed us to maintain the stability of a SaaS platform while building a bespoke logic layer required for the financing approval process.
Open Checkout Customization
A bespoke checkout flow that handles credit applications and approvals in real-time using the BigCommerce Checkout SDK.
Laravel Middleware Gateway
Managed secure AES-256-GCM encrypted data loops between the storefront and PayJoy’s internal financing engine.
Automated Fulfillment
Real-time inventory and order sync with Cubbo, ensuring accurate stock levels and immediate fulfillment triggers.
Results & Impact
Checkout Velocity
By removing the cart and optimizing the “Buy Now” flow, we significantly reduced time-to-purchase.
Mobile Ready
The site is optimized for performance across a wide spectrum of mobile devices and regional connectivity speeds.
API Sync
Achieved a seamless data loop between the storefront, financing approval, and logistics fulfillment.
New Listing Page
New listing page with Brand selector, dynamic calculated pricing and filters
Product Details Page
Mobile first design
Custom fast checkout optimized for repeat users and localized customers.
