A Responsible Online Store Thriving in a Tightly Regulated Industry.
Gudvio is a Slovak online store specializing in nicotine products for adults. It blends a responsible approach to sensitive goods with modern technologies – from two-step age verification to a gamified loyalty program and a personalized shopping experience.
Industry:
Retail
HQ:
Bratislava, Slovakia
Start of cooperation:
2024 - present
Core technologies:
Typescript, PHP, Node.js, Next.js, MySQL, Google Cloud
Expertise:
Architecture design, UX/UI, online store development, loyalty system integration, security, age verification, long-term technical support
Few industries are as tightly regulated as online nicotine sales. Legal restrictions, high technical demands, and ethical concerns make digital innovation particularly complex. The key challenges include legal bans on sales to minors, mandatory age verification, and strict distribution controls.
Gudvio launched with a clear vision: to merge responsible sales with a high-quality shopping experience and modern technology. From the outset, the brand emphasized transparency, safety, and values-driven communication. Its goal was to build an online store that customers trust while complying with all market regulations.
The client was looking for a technology partner who could bring its values to life through a robust digital platform. Our earlier collaboration on Fuego proved we could deliver secure, stable, and thoughtfully designed solutions – making us a natural fit for the Gudvio project.
From the beginning, we worked with the client to define a clear objective: to develop a modern online store that meets all legal requirements for selling regulated products while offering a seamless, trustworthy shopping experience.
At the heart of this project was the balance between technical precision and customer respect – from secure age verification and a reliable loyalty system to a communication style that was clear, fair, and aligned with the brand’s values.
Our aim was to create a long-term solution that builds trust, supports ethical shopping behavior, and reinforces Gudvio’s credibility. The brand set out to prove that even in a tightly regulated industry, it’s possible to build a business based on transparency, loyalty, and innovation.
Creating an online store in a regulated industry like nicotine sales required a careful mix of technical precision, legal compliance, and alignment with brand values.
The main challenges included:
Two-step age verification without hurting the user experience: We needed to implement a legally sound age check in two steps: at purchase and at delivery. The flow had to feel simple and intuitive – even for less tech-savvy users – without being off-putting.
Robust data protection and role-based access control: Handling sensitive data demanded strict access rules, secure architecture, and transparent user roles. The system also had to meet GDPR standards and support easy auditing.
A scalable and motivating loyalty system: We designed a tiered, point-based program that encouraged repeat purchases while staying fair, easy to use, and ready for future marketing integrations. Scalability and reliability were essential.
Technical solution in line with brand philosophy: Gudvio positions itself on values like respect, transparency, and education. Every detail – from interface language to how discounts are shown – needed to reflect those principles.
By addressing each challenge thoroughly, we delivered a solution that complies with regulations while earning customer trust and loyalty.
It was clear from the start that Gudvio needed more than just a software provider – they wanted a partner who could navigate complex legal frameworks while honoring the brand’s mission.
We conducted a deep analysis of their business goals and regulatory constraints, then proposed a secure, flexible platform built on custom infrastructure. This gave Gudvio complete control over data management, permissions, and performance – all essential in a tightly regulated market.
We also developed an intuitive admin panel, enabling the Gudvio team to manage content, launch promotions, and run the loyalty system independently – without developer support.
The platform meets all legal and GDPR requirements while providing a rock-solid foundation for further growth and transparent customer engagement.
Development began in April 2024, and the online store went live just six months later – in September.
How can technology support a philosophy of responsible sales?
Read more in our interview with Gudvio COO Linda Chudá →
All nicotine purchases must be age-verified. Gudvio uses Adulto, a trusted service that enables verification via bank ID or ID upload. The process is secure and user-friendly. The second step occurs during delivery, where the courier confirms the recipient’s age. This setup meets all legal requirements without disrupting the customer journey.
Customers earn points for purchases, reviews, and interactions. Over time, they unlock new tiers and better rewards – discounts, special offers, free shipping. The system is fully integrated with the admin dashboard, allowing easy updates to conditions, rewards, and promotions. It reinforces loyalty and gives customers a sense of meaningful participation.
With sensitive data like ID scans and addresses, security was key. All roles are permission-based, every action is logged, and the system is fully auditable. Admins can delete or anonymize data as needed – ensuring both legal compliance and real-world data safety.
The first marketing campaigns after launch – such as the “1 + 1 Free” offer – attracted strong customer interest. At the same time, we observed attempts to create multiple accounts in order to repeatedly claim the same benefit. This behavior risked distorting the data and undermining trust in the rewards system.
To prevent misuse of promotions or fake account creation, we quickly implemented additional layers of protection. Every registration is tied to a unique phone number verified via SMS. The system monitors IP addresses, limits verification attempts, and automatically deletes unverified accounts. As a result, the customer database remains clean, and all rewards are distributed fairly – to real users only, without loopholes or abuse.
From day one, Gudvio set out to combine trust, fairness, and innovation. Our technical solution reflects that mission – in every feature, behavior, and interaction. The result is a platform built for responsibility and growth.
Gudvio launched in September 2024 and gained over 11,400 registered users in just 10 months – an exceptional result for a regulated market. These numbers confirm that clarity, safety, and transparency strongly influence customer behavior.
Registered users perform significantly better than guests:
The loyalty system played a key role in driving retention and engagement.
The most impactful campaign was Black Friday’s “1 + 1 Free” event. During Black Week (Nov 25 – Dec 1, 2024):
With smart timing, a strong campaign, and a scalable platform, Gudvio turned a short-term promo into long-term customer loyalty.
Monthly order growth has stabilized at +12%, with repeat purchases and higher cart values forming a strong foundation for future success.
We built the Gudvio brand from the ground up with a clear vision – to create a modern, legal, and respectful space that treats customers fairly and acts responsibly toward society.
At bart.sk, we found a partner who shares those values. They never say “it can’t be done.” Even on sensitive topics, they find smart, meaningful solutions that move the project forward. Their proactive mindset, long-term approach, and ability to respond quickly have been a huge asset to us.
