Category: Getting Started

Welcome to the Vendrux documentation center. We understand that creating mobile apps can seem daunting, especially when you’ve invested significant time and resources into your website. Vendrux bridges this gap, allowing you to leverage your existing web presence while providing your users with a premium mobile app experience.

Understanding Vendrux’s Approach

The mobile app landscape often presents a challenging decision: build native apps from scratch at significant cost, or settle for a basic web wrapper that fails to meet user expectations. Vendrux offers a sophisticated middle ground through a hybrid approach that brings together the best of native and web technologies.

How Vendrux Works

Vendrux operates on a unique three-pillar system that combines native app capabilities, your website’s existing infrastructure, and a flexible configuration layer. Let’s explore each component:

Native Elements 📱

The foundation of your Vendrux app is built with pure native code – Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. This isn’t just a technical choice; it’s essential for delivering the performance and experience users expect from mobile apps. The native layer handles critical functions like:

• Navigation: Users experience smooth, responsive navigation through a native bottom tab bar that feels natural on each platform
• Push Notifications: Direct integration with device notification systems ensures reliable delivery and proper handling
• Deep Linking: Seamless handling of links between app content and external sources
• Device Features: Access to camera, location services, and other device capabilities when needed

Think of the native layer as a sophisticated frame that holds your website content while providing all the benefits of a true mobile app.

Your Website Content 🌐

Your website serves as the dynamic heart of your mobile app. This approach offers several powerful advantages:

• Content Synchronization: Any updates you make to your website automatically appear in your app, eliminating the need for separate content management
• Feature Parity: All your existing functionality – from e-commerce to user accounts – works seamlessly within the app
• Development Efficiency: Your web development team can maintain both website and app content using familiar tools and processes
• Proven Systems: Your existing backend, databases, and business logic continue to power your app experience

This isn’t simply displaying your website in a frame – Vendrux optimizes how your web content is presented and handled within the native app container, ensuring it feels natural and responsive.

Configuration Layer ⚙️

The configuration layer is where Vendrux truly shines, offering unprecedented flexibility without requiring app store updates. Through the Vendrux Dashboard, you can:

• Control Navigation: Customize how users move through your app, including tab bar organization and deep linking behavior
• Style Your App: Adjust colors, icons, and visual elements to match your brand
• Manage Features: Enable and configure push notifications, authentication, and other functionality
• Set Rules: Define how different types of content and links should behave within your app

Think of the configuration layer as your app’s control center, allowing you to fine-tune the experience without diving into code.

The App Publishing Process

We transform your website into native mobile apps through a streamlined 30-day process that ensures quality while maintaining efficiency. The journey includes:

1. Kickoff & Setup: We collect your assets and requirements
2. App Configuration: Our team builds and configures your app
3. Testing: You preview and test your app
4. Store Submission: We handle all technical requirements
5. Launch: Your app goes live on both platforms

For a detailed breakdown of each phase, see our complete App Publishing Process Guide.

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Core Features

Navigation and Structure

The foundation of any great mobile app is intuitive navigation. Vendrux provides powerful tools to create a navigation structure that feels natural and native to mobile users. Through our dashboard, you can configure a bottom tab bar navigation, manage deep linking behavior, and control how different types of content are displayed in your app. Our navigation system supports:

Push Notifications

Push notifications are crucial for engaging your mobile app users. Vendrux offers multiple ways to send notifications, supporting both OneSignal and Klaviyo integrations. Whether you need automated content notifications or targeted marketing messages, our system provides the tools you need:

E-commerce Integration

For e-commerce websites, Vendrux provides seamless integration with popular platforms, particularly Shopify. Our Shopify integration enables:

• Native shopping experience
• Push notifications for orders
• Cart synchronization
• Customer account management

Learn more about our Shopify integration:

User Authentication

Authentication is critical for personalized experiences and secure access. Vendrux supports multiple authentication methods to match your existing system while maintaining a native feel. Our authentication system is flexible and secure:

Analytics and Tracking

Understanding how users interact with your app is essential for optimization and growth. Vendrux integrates with leading analytics platforms to provide comprehensive insights into user behavior and app performance:

Security and Optimization

We provide tools and guidelines to ensure your app is secure and performs optimally:

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Development Resources

While Vendrux handles the complex native app development, we provide powerful tools and APIs that allow developers to customize and enhance the app experience. Whether you’re looking to modify the appearance, add custom functionality, or optimize performance, our development resources provide the flexibility you need.

Customization

Vendrux offers multiple approaches to customize your app’s appearance and behavior. Our customization tools allow you to create an app experience that perfectly matches your brand while maintaining native performance and functionality.

Visual Customization

Control how your website appears within the app environment:

Functional Customization

Extend your app’s capabilities through our native bridges:

Push Notification Development

Implement advanced notification features:

Testing and Quality Assurance

Thorough testing is crucial for delivering a high-quality app experience. Our testing tools and guidelines help ensure your app functions perfectly across all devices and scenarios.

Testing Infrastructure

Comprehensive testing resources:

Performance Optimization

Tools and guides for optimal app performance:

Testing Tools

Screen recording and debugging tools:

Development Best Practices

Code Organization

• Keep custom CSS and JavaScript organized and documented
• Use consistent naming conventions for custom elements
• Maintain separate styles for app-specific modifications
• Document all custom implementations

Testing Strategy

• Test on multiple devices and OS versions
• Verify performance impact of customizations
• Ensure consistent behavior across platforms
• Monitor analytics for usage patterns

Security Considerations

• Follow secure coding practices
• Implement proper error handling
• Protect sensitive user data
• Validate all user inputs

Widget Development

Vendrux provides a suite of pre-built widgets to enhance your app:

Version Control and Updates

Vendrux manages app updates and versioning, but you should:

• Document all custom modifications
• Track changes to custom code
• Test updates before deployment
• Maintain backup copies of customizations

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Legal Requirements and Compliance

Successfully launching and maintaining a mobile app requires adherence to various legal requirements and privacy regulations. Vendrux helps you navigate these requirements while ensuring your app remains compliant with app store policies and international privacy laws.

Privacy Policy Requirements

Every app needs a comprehensive privacy policy that accurately reflects how user data is collected, used, and protected. This is not just a best practice – it’s required by:

• App Store Guidelines
• Google Play Store Policies
• Privacy Laws (GDPR, CCPA)
• Third-party Services (Analytics, Push Notifications)

Key resources:

User Data and GDPR

If your app may be used by EU residents, GDPR compliance is essential. Key considerations include:

• User consent for data collection
• Right to data deletion
• Data processing transparency
• Privacy by design

Resources for managing user data:

Store Compliance

Both Apple and Google have specific requirements that must be met:

Apple App Store:

• Account deletion functionality
• Privacy declarations
• Data usage transparency
• Sign in with Apple (if using other social logins)

Google Play Store:

• Data safety section
• Runtime permissions
• Personal/sensitive data handling
• Privacy policy requirements

Our platform helps ensure compliance through:

• Built-in account deletion functionality
• Privacy-respecting analytics integration
• Secure data handling
• Compliant push notification implementation

For specific requirements and implementation details, you can refer to:

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Getting Started

1. Review the App Publishing Process
2. Check the Launch Requirements
3. Set up your Vendrux Dashboard
4. Plan your Push Notification Strategy

Support and Resources

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Process Overview

Our app publishing process consists of seven key stages, designed to get your app live within 30 days while ensuring it meets both your requirements and app store standards.

1. Kickoff & Setup

After signing up, you’ll receive a welcome email with a link to our onboarding form. You’ll need to provide:

• Your website URL
• Brand assets (logos, color schemes)
• App icons
• Any specific preferences for your mobile app

Timeline: We’ll confirm receipt of your materials within one business day.

2. App Configuration

Our technical team begins building your app, focusing on:

• Replicating your website’s navigation structure
• Setting up core functionality
• Implementing necessary backend connections
• Configuring all required integrations

This phase often involves multiple iterations as we refine the app based on your feedback. We handle all technical complexities while keeping you informed of our progress.

3. Customer Testing

Once the initial build is complete, you’ll receive:

• Preview versions of your app
• Test links for both phones and tablets
• Instructions for testing different features

We encourage you to:

• Test all functionality thoroughly
• Navigate through every section
• Try out all features
• Provide detailed feedback on your experience

Testing can continue even after store submission, allowing us to make improvements while the app is under review.

4. Quality Assurance

Our QA team performs comprehensive testing, including:

• Functionality checks across different devices
• Testing of all interactive elements
• Verification of forms and user inputs
• Edge case scenarios
• Performance testing

Any issues identified during QA are immediately addressed and resolved.

5. Store Submission

We submit your app to both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store early in the process, with a delayed release option. This approach:

• Allows us to get early feedback from app store review teams
• Gives us time to make necessary adjustments
• Enables continued testing and improvements while under review
• Provides flexibility in choosing the final release date

During submission, we handle:

• Creating compelling screenshots
• Writing optimized store descriptions
• Selecting effective keywords
• Managing all technical requirements
• Communicating with store review teams

Multiple submission iterations may be needed to meet all store requirements while incorporating your ongoing feedback.

6. Final Optimization

During the store review period, we:

• Actively monitor your app’s status
• Address feedback from store reviewers
• Continue implementing your requested changes
• Make necessary adjustments quickly
• Ensure all requirements are met

7. Launch & Growth

Once you’re satisfied with the app and store approvals are received, we:

• Coordinate the release on your preferred timeline
• Provide promotional materials for your app launch
• Offer guidance on app marketing strategies
• Help set up:
  • Push notifications
  • App promotion banners
  • User engagement tools

Timeline Expectations

Our target is to get your app live within 30 days. However, the actual timeline can vary based on:

• Complexity of required features
• Number of iterations needed
• App store review processes
• Your feedback and requested changes

It’s not unusual to go through multiple rounds of configuration and approval until both you and the app stores are completely satisfied with the result.

Communication & Support

Throughout the entire process, you can expect:

• Regular status updates
• Clear communication channels
• Quick responses to your questions
• Guidance at every stage
• Technical support as needed

Need Help?

If you have questions about the process or want to discuss your specific needs:

Our team is here to ensure your app launch is successful and meets your business objectives.

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Corporate customers get access to a dedicated support channel in Slack.

To ensure the best support experience for everyone, please follow these guidelines when using Slack as a channel for support.

Your dedicated Slack channel is designed to provide support for issues related to our products and services, request changes and status updates for your app’s submission or updates.

We recommend you invite anyone on your team collaborating on your app project to this channel.

The goal with offering support using Slack is to give you a convenient channel to communicate with our team, while involving multiple team members from your company.

You can expect a response within the same business day. While we always try to respond promptly, our typical response time is within a few hours during business hours.

Slack is not a live chat support channel.

Raising issues

To help us address your issues effectively, please include the following information when raising a support request:

• Problem Description: A clear and detailed explanation of the issue you’re experiencing. Remember, what may seem obvious to you might not be to others.
• Steps to Reproduce: Provide a step-by-step description of how we can replicate the issue. Include where to click/tap, what to expect, and what actually happens.
• Screenshots & Videos: Attach screenshots or videos if possible. Visual context can significantly aid in understanding and resolving your issue more quickly.
• System Details: Specify the system you’re using (iOS, Android, or both) and the version number.
• Device Model: Inform us of the device model you’re using (e.g., iPhone X, Galaxy S20, etc.) to help us pinpoint device-specific problems.

By including this information in your initial message, you help us minimize back-and-forth and expedite the resolution process.

Response times

Our support team will respond to your queries within a few hours. Response times may vary depending on the complexity of the issue and the volume of inquiries.

You can expect a response within the same business day. While we always try to respond promptly, our typical response time is within a few hours during business hours.

Escalation for urgent issues

If your issue is urgent or you haven’t received a response within the expected timeframe, please escalate it by sending a direct message to our support lead on Slack or by emailing support@vendrux.com.

We maintain a professional and respectful environment. Please be courteous in your interactions with support staff and other members of the Slack channel.

Thank you for reading these guidelines. We’re here to help and look forward to assisting you effectively through your Slack support channel.