VIP SAMPLE SALE: From Concept to 20K+ MAU
VIP SAMPLE SALE is a curated platform delivering the latest NYC sample sales, featuring a seamless user experience and data-driven growth, reaching 20K+ monthly active users.
About
VIP SAMPLE SALE started as a vision to simplify the way fashion enthusiasts access sample sales in New York. The goal was to create a seamless, data-driven e-commerce platform that provides real-time updates on luxury and emerging designer discounts while ensuring an intuitive user experience.
Results & Impact
Shipped in Oct 2024
2006
E-commerce, Fashion
Monthly Active User
20,000+ (2025)
Web Design, Graphic Design, Social Assets Design, Marketing &Growth
35%
Improved Conversions
20,000+
Monthly User
18,000
Email Subscribers
Project Scope
VIP SAMPLE SALE is a curated platform delivering real-time updates on NYC’s top sample sales. I led the end-to-end design and growth strategy, focusing on:
• Website Design & Development – Built a fast, mobile-friendly site.
• UX Optimization – Improved navigation and engagement using analytics.
• Content & Maintenance – Weekly updates on new sales and deals.
• Marketing & Growth – Scaled to 20K+ MAU through SEO, email, and social media.
• Monetization – Integrated affiliate links, with plans for direct sales.
Challenges & Solutions
1️⃣ Fast-Paced Industry → Dynamic UX
👉 Sales change quickly. Users need instant access.
✅ Solution: A clean, visual-first layout for easy browsing.
2️⃣ SEO vs. UX Balance
👉 Needed high rankings without harming usability.
✅ Solution: Optimized structure + speed, reaching top 3 on Google.
3️⃣ Scaling Without Ads
👉 Grew from 0 → 20K+ MAU organically.
✅ Solution: 44% email open rate, social media & influencer strategy.
4️⃣ Monetization Shift
👉 Started as an info hub, needed revenue.
✅ Solution: Affiliate links now, direct e-commerce next.
When conceptualizing VIP SAMPLE SALE, I recognized a gap in the market:
❌ Fragmented Sample Sale Information – Fashion lovers had to manually search multiple sources to find deals.
❌ Inconsistent User Experience – Existing sample sale websites were outdated, cluttered, and lacked clear navigation.
❌ Low Engagement – Many platforms lacked personalization and had poor email marketing execution.
❌ No Centralized Shopping Hub – Users couldn’t easily browse or shop, missing out on opportunities.
User Research Insights
After analysing the data we collected through our qualitative interviews with both doctors and patients, we created a persona to match the qualities of our target users. This persona then helped us create our designs and helped us stay focussed on the needs of the user.
Conclusion: There was a need for an aggregated, easy-to-navigate platform with real-time updates and seamless email notifications.
With these insights, I focused on designing a seamless user experience that prioritized clarity, accessibility, and engagement.
Style Guide
Designed a mobile-first approach, optimizing for browsing on the go.
Integrated direct shopping links, enabling users to access discounts instantly.
UI/UX Design
🎨 Color & Typography: Used a sleek, minimalist design to reflect luxury fashion.
🔘 Navigation: Simplified menus with clear CTAs to improve conversion rates.
With these insights, I focused on designing a seamless user experience that prioritized clarity, accessibility, and engagement.
Tracking Performance with Analytics
I used Google Analytics & Hotjar to measure:
Bounce rates – Optimized the homepage layout to reduce exits.
Conversion rates – A/B tested different email signup forms to increase subscribers.
Email Marketing
📩 Created weekly email campaigns with:
Personalized recommendations based on user preferences
Exclusive pre-sale access for subscribers
Urgency triggers (“Limited time – sale ends in 24 hours!”)💡
Results: Increased email open rates from 18% → 42% in 3 months.
Social Media Engagement
Built an Instagram & TikTok presence, regularly posting:
Behind-the-scenes sample sale sneak peeks
Influencer collaborations to drive traffic
User-generated content to foster community engagement
💡 Results: Grew Instagram followers to 5,000+ in 4 months.
“VIP SAMPLE SALE needed a sleek, user-friendly platform to showcase NYC’s top sample sales. The final site exceeded expectations—fast, intuitive, and visually engaging. The SEO strategy boosted visibility, and the email marketing drove strong user engagement. A game-changer for our brand!”
Ellen
Co-founder | Aglaia Media
Next Steps
Looking ahead, I plan to scale VIP SAMPLE SALE by:
🔹 Adding personalized user dashboards for tailored shopping experiences
🔹 Integrating an e-commerce function to directly sell curated sample sale pieces
🔹 Expanding into new cities (LA, Miami）
💡 “This project taught me how to blend UX design with marketing and business strategy. I learned the power of data-driven decisions and the importance of iterating based on user needs.”