Project Overview
Munchie is a fast-growing startup company in the Trading Card Game (TCG) landscape, hired TCG player API developer to build a scalable and modern platform that enables users to flip, monitor and trade cards with integrated pricing and OCR-enabled scanning features.
They were looking for a robust solution that could easily interface with the TCG Player API, provide secure payments, and integrate collaboration tools such as Slack. The GainCafe team was thrilled to engage in this opportunity and deliver a future-ready and full-stack digital experience.
Overview
Key Challenges
Munchie was struggling with high bounce rates, growing infrastructure costs, and poor API efficiency — all of which were limiting growth and user engagement.
Our Solution
We led a full UI/UX revamp to improve usability and engagement, optimized the hosting infrastructure using auto-scaling pools (cutting costs from $4,000 to ~$1,500/month), and replaced high-cost API calls with CSV-based import/export systems. The result: faster load times, increased user retention, and a more scalable system.
Project Performance Metrics
Technical Details
Technical Architecture
Technical Features
Security Measures
Scalability Features
Testing Coverage
Detailed Solution
A) Custom MERN Stack Platform
Our core development approach involved a robust MERN stack app development engine! MongoDB offered a schema-flexible backend—ideal for managing dynamic card metadata. Express and Node.js fostered secured APIs, scalable backend logic, and React delivered an engaging user experience.
The React frontend included features like instant card lookup, diverse filters, and easy transition animations, offering users seamless and immersive card flipping experiences. Blended with Redux for state management and streamlined React hooks, the interface was built to manage massive loads without sacrificing speed.
B) AI-Based OCR Integration
We implemented a Python-enabled OCR solution streamlined with machine learning! We integrated the OCR API to scan uploaded card images, spot card names, values, conditions, and match with TCGPlayer's listing autonomously.
By utilizing AI-based preprocessing methods like contrast adjustment, blurring, and bounding box recognition, our Card flipping site developer enhances the accuracy of card identification for mobile-captured and scanned images. This removes the requirement for manual entry, minimises user friction, and ultimately boosts engagement.
C) TCGPlayer API Integration
To provide users with real-time insights into the card market, our card flipping site developer integrated the TCGPlayer API. From card information to live pricing, product availability, and historical data, each aspect is synced through secured API calls.
We further added caching logic and fallback mechanisms to ensure performance and uptime during third-party service interruptions. This approach empowered users to make intelligent decisions regarding trading or flipping cards within the platform!
D) Secured Stripe Payment Gateway
We integrated Stripe to handle diverse transactions securely! The payment system was designed for one-time and recurring transactions, with tokenized card data, built-in fraud identification, and multiple-currency support.
E) Slack App for Internal Workflows
We developed a customized Slack App for automated notifications regarding new card listings, unusual price changes, and flagged OCR outcomes. The application assisted Munchie's team in tracking platform activity in real time.
Implementation & Infrastructure
Streamlined Deployment & Cost Efficiency
Infrastructure was our primary focus across the project! We containerized the app by utilizing Docker and deployed DigitalOcean's Application Platform by leveraging Kubernetes for load balancers and orchestration for the overall traffic management.
Further, we configured auto-scaling and health checks to ensure minimal downtime and maximize cost-efficiency. This setup led to 30% IT cost savings by removing over-provisioned servers and switching to a usage-based billing model without compromising platform performance.
Implemented Tech Stack
Frontend & CMS
- • React.js (with Tailwind & Redux)
- • WordPress (for CMS)
Backend & Database
- • Express + Node.js
- • MongoDB
APIs & Integrations
- • Stripe, Slack, TCGPlayer
- • OCR API (custom for card reading)
DevOps & Deployment
- • Kubernetes, Docker
- • DigitalOcean App Platform
Before & After: UI Transformation
Before
- • Cluttered and outdated layout
- • No accessibility features
- • Inconsistent trading card display
- • Slower navigation
- • Lack of mobile responsiveness
- • Manual card entry and data input
- • Disconnected Slack or team tools
After
- • Modern, sleek and responsive UI
- • Accessible design + Dark mode
- • Interactive card grid with automated AI scan overlays
- • Effortless search, transitions and filters
- • Mobile-first and responsive design
- • OCR-based auto-scanning for accessing card details
- • Real-time Slack notifications integrated directly into the system workflow
Final Impact & Results
This project highlights our capability to combine advanced technologies with business requirements. It was not only about building a platform but also about determining the challenges of the TCG market and delivering smart, scalable, and cost-effective solutions.
From OCR logic to Slack App to Kubernetes cluster, we custom-built everything to Munchie's business objectives under the fixed $70K budget. Ultimately, we delivered measurable cost reductions and enhanced user satisfaction across platforms.
Munchie's platform transformation highlights how the right combination of technology, like AI-based OCR, MERN stack architecture, infrastructure optimization, and effortless API integration, can transform a fragmented platform into a high-performing digital product.