(BSc.
CSIT-6th Semester)
E-Commerce Lab Report
CSC-370
Submitted By: Submitted To:
Sadhana Khadka Er. Uttam Karki
Symbol No.: 26458/077
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Abstract
“ArtConnect" is a forward-thinking online art marketplace designed to reshape the art e-
commerce industry. Utilising cutting-edge web technologies and a user-centric design approach,
ArtConnect aims to provide a seamless and intuitive experience for artists, collectors, and art
enthusiasts. With a focus on authenticity and trust, the platform offers robust systems to verify
artworks, ensuring listings are genuine and trustworthy. Additionally, advanced recommendation
algorithms personalise the art browsing experience, and an immersive virtual art gallery allows
users to explore artworks in a realistic setting. For artists, ArtConnect provides tools for
customizing and managing their creations, along with real-time market insights. By fostering a
strong community of artists and art lovers, ArtConnect aspires to redefine the art market,
supporting emerging artists and promoting art appreciation. This project is adaptable and open to
integrating new features to address the evolving demands of the art industry. ArtConnect
envisions becoming a trusted and feature-rich online art marketplace, addressing the limitations
of traditional platforms while pushing the boundaries of online art commerce.
Keywords: ArtConnect, Online Art Marketplace, Art E-commerce, Art Selling, Art Buying 2
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 3
Introduction 3
Background of the System 3
Scope 3
Problem Statement 4
Objective 4
Methodology5
Software Tools 6
Chapter 2 7
Introduction to Literature Review 7
Background Study 8
Chapter 3 9
Framework of Research 9
System Methodology 9
System Design 10
Chapter 4 13
Market Analysis 13
Marketing Strategy 13
Business Model 13
Revenue Model 14
Chapter 5 15
Conclusion 15
Reference 15
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Chapter 1
1.1 Introduction:
The current internet marketplace for works of art, pottery, and handicrafts has a number of notable
restrictions. A dynamic online marketplace created to fill the gap between artists, craftspeople,
collectors, and enthusiasts, In response to the evolving needs of artists, collectors, and enthusiasts,
the concept of "ArtConnect" emerged as a solution to the challenges faced by the existing art e-
commerce landscape. This visionary project seeks to bridge the gap between the virtual and the
tangible, offering an immersive platform for buying and selling art, paintings, pottery, and
handicraft items.
By tackling major issues and integrating cutting-edge features, our platform aims to change the
online art market. The lack of alternatives for individualised customization and pre-ordering is
foremost among these. The opportunity for buyers to impart their distinct vision into the art they
purchase is something that has been absent. Additionally, there is a noticeable gap in the market due
to the dearth of specialised platforms that provide full solutions spanning customisation, pre-order
features, and bidding systems within a single, unified environment. In a world driven by digital
progress, the art industry has found itself at a crossroads of traditional creativity and modern
technology.
In response to the evolving needs of artists, collectors, and enthusiasts, the concept of "ArtConnect"
emerged as a solution to the challenges faced by the existing art e-commerce landscape. This
visionary project seeks to bridge the gap between the virtual and the tangible, offering an immersive
platform for buying and selling art, paintings, pottery, and handicraft items. (“E-Commerce Web
Development in Wiga Art”).
1.2 Background of the System:
Art, in all its forms, has historically served as a reflection of culture, emotion, and human
expression. However, the art market's transition to the online realm posed significant challenges.
Existing platforms often lacked key features such as art customization, pre-order options, and secure
payment systems.
Trust issues related to authenticity and the need for a more immersive art experience further
compounded the problem. It is within this context that the idea of ArtConnect was conceived – to
create a holistic and interactive space that addresses these limitations and revolutionises the way art
is bought, sold, and appreciated. (“The History and Legacy of Online Art Galleries”) .
1.3 Scope:
The scope of ArtConnect encompasses a comprehensive approach to revolutionising the art e-
commerce landscape by addressing the objectives set forth in the project proposal. This scope
outlines the key areas of focus for both users and the system, along with the extent to which
research will be explored in each facet.
User-focused Scope:
● Personalised Customization and Pre-ordering: The platform will enable users to customise
and pre-order paintings, art, pottery, and handicraft items. This feature will encompass
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parameterization for various customization options, ensuring users can tailor their chosen artworks
to their preferences.
● User-friendly Platform: The focus will be on creating an intuitive and user-friendly interface
that accommodates a diverse range of users. Parameters include navigational ease, responsive
design, and accessibility features to ensure a seamless experience for all.
● Verified Artist Program: The system will implement a stringent verification process for artists,
including parameters for verifying credentials, portfolio assessment, and authenticity checks for
listed artworks.
● Review and Rating System: The review and rating system will operate with parameters that
allow verified buyers to provide feedback on their experiences. This system will incorporate
measures to prevent fake reviews and ensure transparency.
● Immersive Virtual Art Gallery: The scope involves the creation of a virtual gallery with
parameters encompassing 3D modeling, interactive features, and realism, enhancing user
engagement and providing an immersive art exploration experience.
System-focused Scope:
● Secure Payment Transactions: The system will implement secure payment gateways with
parameters for encryption, fraud prevention, and compliance with industry standards to ensure safe
financial transactions.
● Artwork Verification and Authentication: Parameters for artwork verification will include
methods such as image recognition, metadata validation, and ensuring the authenticity of listed
items.
The scope of ArtConnect encompasses a multifaceted approach that not only caters to user-centric
features but also ensures the security, authenticity, and convenience of the entire art buying and
selling process. Through extensive research and exploration of various parameters, ArtConnect
aims to redefine the online art commerce landscape, providing a cutting-edge platform that serves
as a hub for artists, collectors, and enthusiasts.
1.4 Problem Statement:
Lack of art customization like Painting Frame size, personal preference paintings etc and
pre-order options on existing platforms. (“Pratapaditya, Pal”)
There is a lack of dedicated platforms for the arts, crafts, pottery, and painting sites online
that offer a bidding system, customization and pre-ordering features in a single platform.
(“Online Art Platform”)
The current online art market faces challenges related to authenticity and trust. (Moorcraft)
1.5 Objective:
To provide users with personalised customization of Painting Frame size, personal
preference paintings etc and pre-ordering features for paintings, Arts, pottery and
handicraft items as they can directly contact to Artist as their contact details will be
available on the website, empowering buyers to create unique and tailored art pieces.
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To Create a specialised online platform exclusively dedicated to arts, paintings and all the
features like customization and pre-order, online Bidding System in a single platform.
To establish a strong foundation by introducing a verified artist program, and a user review
and rating system for verified buyers to share experiences, promoting trustworthy sellers,
and building platform credibility.
To prioritise and ensure the implementation of secure payment transactions within the
platform, safeguarding the financial information of buyers and sellers, and fostering a safe
and trustworthy environment for all monetary transactions conducted on the platform.
To Offer Safe and Convenient Delivery Options by collaborating with reliable shipping or
delivery services agencies.
1.6 Methodology:
Development Approach: Object-Oriented Approach
For the development of ArtConnect, an object-oriented approach will be adopted. This approach
aligns well with the complexity and interactivity required by the project. It focuses on
encapsulating data and functionality into objects, promoting modular design, reusability, and
efficient system organisation. This approach enables better management of the intricate
relationships between various components of the system and facilitates easier maintenance and
scalability.
Development Process:
1. Requirement Gathering and Analysis:
Collaborate with artists, collectors, and potential users to identify their needs and preferences.
Define use cases, user stories, and system requirements. Develop user personas and scenarios to
guide design decisions.
2. System Design:
Create UML diagrams, including Use Case diagrams, Class diagrams, and Sequence diagrams.
Design the user interface using wireframes and mockups. Plan the architecture, including
database design, security protocols, and integration of external services.
3. Implementation:
Develop the frontend using HTML and CSS, focusing on responsive design and intuitive user
interfaces. Implement the backend using Node.js, leveraging its non-blocking I/O and event-
driven architecture. Develop modules/classes corresponding to different functionalities,
encapsulating data and behavior.
4. Testing:
Perform unit testing for individual components and classes. Conduct integration testing to ensure
seamless communication between different modules. Implement user acceptance testing,
involving actual users to validate the platform's usability.
5. Refinement and Iteration:
Collect feedback from users during testing and incorporate necessary improvements. Refine user
interfaces, enhance performance, and resolve any identified bugs.
6. Monitoring and Maintenance:
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Implement logging and monitoring tools to track system performance and user behaviour.
Regularly update the platform to introduce new features, address issues, and ensure security.
Data Collection and Analysis:
For research-based projects ArtConnect, data collection and analysis play a crucial role in
guiding decision-making and refining the platform's features. Here's how data will be collected
and analyzed:
1. User Behavior and Interaction Data:
Collect user interaction data through the platform's analytics tools.Analyze user journeys,
navigation patterns, and preferences to optimise user experience. Use A/B testing to compare the
effectiveness of different design elements or features.
2. Recommendation Algorithm Data:
Gather data on user interactions, preferences, and feedback. Implement machine learning
techniques to train and fine-tune recommendation algorithms. Analyse algorithm performance
using metrics like click-through rates and conversion rates.
3. Art Authentication and Verification Data:
Collect metadata and visual data of artworks for verification purposes. Analyse image
recognition algorithms' accuracy and efficiency in authenticating artworks.
4. Virtual Gallery Experience Data:
Collect user feedback and engagement data from the virtual gallery feature. Analyse user
satisfaction, time spent, and interaction patterns within the virtual environment.
1.7 Software Tools:
The choice of software tools for ArtConnect should align with its objectives and technical
requirements:
1. HTML and CSS:
These fundamental web development technologies will be used for creating the user interface and
ensuring responsive design.
2. PHP:
PHP can be used for building the backend of the platform, handling server-side logic, and enabling
real-time interactions. It's commonly used in web development for its versatility.
3. Database Management System ( MySQL): A robust database system is essential to store user
data, product information, and transaction records securely.
4. VS Code: It is a powerful code editing software which supports most of the programming
language and is used to develop applications, machine learning models, and websites. It has been
used to develop the web application and also integrate the ML model.
5. Draw.io: Draw.io is a versatile and user-friendly online diagramming tool that allows you to
create a wide range of diagrams, charts, and visual representations. Through this tool,I have created
all the diagrams such as the use case diagram, activity diagram, and sequence diagram for my
project.
6. Figma : Figma is a design platform that can be used to create user interfaces (UIs) for mobile
and web applications. Figma can be used to create high-fidelity mockups of the Heritage Map
application UI, which can then be used to guide the development process.
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Chapter 2
2.1 Introduction to Literature Review:
This topic explores the integration of e-commerce within the art industry, focusing on how digital
platforms have impacted art buying and selling. The current status indicates a significant shift
towards online art marketplaces, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer
behaviours. However, challenges related to authenticity, trust, and personalization persist.
This topic delves into the importance of personalization and customization features in e-commerce
platforms. Current trends show that consumers increasingly value the ability to tailor their shopping
experiences. However, the extent to which these features are implemented in art e-commerce
platforms varies, and their impact on user satisfaction and sales requires further investigation.
2.1.1 Importance of ArtConnect:
ArtConnect, holds profound importance in the modern art landscape. It serves as a dynamic
hub that empowers artists by providing them with a global platform to showcase their work
and gain recognition. Simultaneously, it fosters a vibrant community by connecting art
enthusiasts with their favourite creators, deepening the appreciation for art. By eliminating
geographical barriers, ArtConnect democratises art accessibility, enabling people worldwide
to explore and acquire diverse cultural and regional artworks. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role
in supporting the art economy, integrating innovative technology, and upholding trust and
authenticity standards. In its mission to bridge the traditional art world with the digital era,
ArtConnect contributes significantly to the enrichment of the global art experience.
2.1.2 Role of ArtConnect :
ArtConnect's roles are diverse and essential to its functioning: artists use the platform to
showcase their work, buyers and collectors engage in art acquisition, administrators ensure
platform integrity, developers and designers build and maintain the website, quality assurance
specialists ensure quality, customer support aids users, marketing professionals promote the
platform, data analysts gather insights, payment gateway providers secure transactions, and
logistics services ensure the safe delivery of physical items. Together, these roles create a
thriving ecosystem where art meets commerce, connecting creators with enthusiasts in a
dynamic online marketplace.
2.1.3 Benefits of using ArtConnect :
ArtConnect offers a myriad of benefits. It empowers artists by providing global recognition
and income opportunities. Art enthusiasts benefit from easy access to a diverse range of
artworks, promoting cultural appreciation. The platform's global reach eliminates
geographical constraints, fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Secure transactions and
authenticity checks build trust among users. Its technological innovation enhances the art-
buying experience, while supporting the growth of the art economy. Additionally,
ArtConnect's inclusion of pottery and handicraft items aids in preserving traditional art forms
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and extending their influence worldwide. Overall, ArtConnect is a dynamic force in bridging
artists and art lovers, enriching the art world on a global scale.
2.2 Background Study:
1. E-commerce and rural handicraft artisans:
In this article, an effort is made to primarily concentrate on the following goals: To clarify the idea
of rural artisans and rural handicraft; To draw attention to how e-commerce has helped rural
craftspeople grow; To demonstrate some initiatives taken by governmental and non-governmental
organisations, groups, and people to improve the socioeconomic standing of rural craftsmen using e-
commerce; to assess the pros, cons, opportunities, threats, and challenges that rural handicraft artists
who use e-commerce would confront.Exceptional works of art and crafts are produced by cultural
variety.
The most sought-after handicraft products are jewellery, carpets, woodware, bamboo products,
marble and bronze sculptures, leather goods, paintings, zari goods, and embroidered goods. (Shah )
2. The Impact of e-Commerce on the Handmade Industry:
This case study analyses how Etsy, the largest online marketplace for handmade and vintage items,
used an e-commerce platform to carve out a niche for the handmade industry. It talks about how
Etsy makes money by charging sellers a listing fee, a commission, and upselling advertising options
to promote a seller's goods and increase reach. (Chhatwal) .
3. Artisan economy: inside the business of handmade:
The necessity for business strategies that return financial and creative control to craftsmen is
discussed in this article. It looks at how prices have been rising on online retail sites, where small-
business owners may reach a wider audience of clients, and how big companies continue to copy
ideas that have been handed down through the centuries without giving credit to the original
creators. (“Artisan economy: inside the business of handmade”)
4. Marketing Crafts and Visual Arts: The Role of Intellectual Property:
This manual discusses the connection between the marketing of handmade goods and fine art and
the right application of the intellectual property (IP) system. It covers both how IP may be used to
promote artisans' work and how it can be used to safeguard their rights. (“Marketing Crafts and
Visual Arts: The Role of Intellectual Property”)
5. How to Sell Art Online: The 2023 Insider's Guide:
This manual covers everything from dealing with galleries to marketing for art brands, packaging
and shipping artwork, plagiarism concerns, and copyright protection when selling artwork. It also
covers gallery exhibits, pop-up shops, and offline events for selling artwork. (Winter)
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Chapter 3
Methodology
3.1 Framework of Research.
For the development of our project, "ArtConnect - An Interactive E-commerce Marketplace for
Art, Paintings, Pottery, and Handicraft Items," I have chosen the Scrum framework as our
methodology. Scrum aligns perfectly with our project's requirements due to its Agile principles,
emphasising iterative development, flexibility, collaboration, and regular feedback. Given the
dynamic nature of the art e-commerce landscape and the evolving needs of artists and buyers,
Scrum allows us to adapt and refine the platform incrementally while maintaining a close
connection with stakeholders.
The Scrum framework, a key component of the broader Agile methodology, holds significant
importance in the development and operation of ArtConnect. Here are several reasons why Scrum
is crucial in this context:
● Listening to Art Enthusiasts: Scrum helps ArtConnect pay close attention to what art
enthusiasts want and quickly make changes based on their needs. This ensures that the platform is
always relevant and satisfies the desires of art lovers.
● Resolving Issues Early: Scrum aids in the early detection and resolution of issues within
ArtConnect. It's akin to identifying and fixing a small imperfection in an artwork before it
becomes a major flaw.
● Accelerating Development: Scrum allows the ArtConnect team to prioritise and work on
crucial features first, expediting their implementation. This is akin to completing essential tasks
promptly, allowing for a quicker and more engaging art exploration experience.
In the context of developing ArtConnect, implementing the Scrum framework, as part of the Agile
methodology, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the project's timely completion, staying within the
budget, and delivering a high-quality and innovative platform for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
3.2 System Methodology (Explanation of Chosen Methodology):
This project is developed based on Agile Methodology. In the Scrum framework, our system
development process follows an iterative and incremental approach. We work in time-bound
iterations called "sprints," each lasting two to four weeks. During these sprints, we prioritise and
execute features and functionalities based on their importance and user feedback.
At the beginning of each sprint, we conduct sprint planning to determine what will be achieved
during that time frame. Daily stand-up meetings keep the team aligned, and at the end of each
sprint, we conduct a Sprint Review to gather feedback and assess the progress. This iterative
process allows us to remain flexible, adapt to changing requirements, and continuously deliver
valuable increments of the project.the steps for implementing Scrum in the development of
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ArtConnect, an online art marketplace, are similar to those outlined for an online bidding system
but tailored to the specific needs of the art e-commerce platform:
● Sprint Planning: During sprint planning, select specific features or user stories to work on in
the upcoming sprint. Prioritise these based on their value to users.
● Prioritization: Ensure that the most valuable and critical features for artists and buyers are at
the top of the backlog to address user needs promptly.
● Sprint Execution: The Scrum Team, including developers, designers, and others,
collaboratively work on implementing the selected features.Daily stand-up meetings (daily scrum)
are held to keep the team aligned, discuss progress, and address any technical challenges or user
concerns.
● Potentially Shippable Increments: Each sprint should result in potentially shippable
increments of the ArtConnect platform. These increments may include features like improved
artwork listings, enhanced artist profiles, or refined search capabilities.
● Sprint Review: At the end of each sprint, conduct a sprint review to showcase the completed
work to stakeholders, including artists and buyers.Gather feedback to refine and adjust priorities
for upcoming sprints.
● Release Planning: Plan for major releases of the ArtConnect platform after several sprints,
incorporating all completed features and improvements.
3.3 System Design
1. Use Case Diagram
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2. Activity Diagram
3. Sequence Diagram
4. Class Diagram
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5. ER Diagram
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Chapter 4
4.1 Market Analysis
The market for art and collectibles has seen significant growth in recent years, with online
platforms becoming increasingly popular for buying and selling artworks. This trend is driven by
factors such as the growing interest in art investment, the convenience of online shopping, and the
accessibility of global markets.
Auction-based platforms offer a unique opportunity for buyers to acquire rare and unique pieces
while allowing sellers to reach a wider audience and potentially achieve higher prices through
competitive bidding.
4.2 Marketing Strategy
To attract buyers and sellers to the platform, a multi-channel marketing strategy will be employed,
including:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to improve the website's visibility in search engine
results pages.
Social media marketing to engage with art enthusiasts and promote featured auctions and
listings.
Content marketing, such as blog posts, articles, and videos, to provide valuable insights
into art collecting, investment, and appreciation.
Email marketing campaigns to notify subscribers of upcoming auctions, new listings, and
exclusive deals and promotions.
4.3 Business Model
The proposed business model for the online marketplace includes the following key components:
1. Auction and Bidding Platform:
The core feature of the website is an auction and bidding platform where sellers can list their
artworks for auction, set minimum reserve prices, and specify bidding increments. Buyers
can browse listings, place bids, and participate in real-time auctions.
2. Commission Fees:
Revenue will be generated through commission fees charged to sellers on successful sales.
The commission rate may vary depending on factors such as the value of the artwork, the
seller's subscription level (if applicable), and any additional services requested by the seller,
such as marketing or promotion.
3. Premium Services:
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Additional revenue streams may include premium services such as featured listings,
enhanced marketing options, and priority customer support, which sellers can pay for to
increase the visibility and exposure of their listings.
4. Advertising and Sponsorship:
Opportunities for advertising and sponsorship partnerships with art-related brands, galleries,
and institutions can provide an additional source of revenue while enhancing the platform's
credibility and reputation within the art community.
5. Membership Programs:
Subscription-based membership programs can offer buyers exclusive benefits such as early
access to new auctions, VIP events, and personalized recommendations based on their
interests and preferences.
4.4 Revenue Model
The primary source of revenue would be through the sale of arts, handicrafts, paintings, and
related items on the website. The website offers a wide range of products sourced from artists,
craftsmen, and suppliers. Revenue is generated through the markup on the prices of these items.
1. Commission Model:
Allowing artists and craftsmen to list their products on our platform for a fee or a
commission on each sale. This encourages a wide variety of sellers to join the platform and
provides a continuous stream of unique products for customers.
2. Premium Listings:
Offering premium listing options for sellers who want greater visibility for their products.
They can pay a fee to have their items featured prominently on the website, increasing their
chances of sales.
3. Subscription Services:
Offering subscription services for both sellers and buyers. Sellers can subscribe to premium
features like enhanced analytics, marketing tools, or dedicated customer support. Buyers can
subscribe to exclusive deals, early access to new products, or curated collections.
4. Advertising and Sponsorship:
Partnering with relevant brands or companies for advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
Artists can also pay for featured spots or banners to promote their work. Additionally, we can
host sponsored content such as artist interviews or behind-the-scenes looks at the creation
process.
5. Affiliate Marketing:
Collaborating with other websites or influencers in the art and craft niche through affiliate
marketing. We can earn a commission for every sale generated through referral links from
these partners.
6. Membership Programs:
Offer a membership program where customers pay a monthly or yearly fee to access
exclusive discounts, early access to new collections, or personalized recommendations based
on their preferences.
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Chapter 5
5.1 Conclusion:
In this section of our ArtConnect project, we've put together a well-thought-out plan using the
Scrum framework, which acts as a guide to keep us on the right path. We've designed how the
ArtConnect system will work and interact with users. Our product while introduced into the
online marketplace for paintings, arts, handicrafts, and more by auction and bidding presents a
lucrative opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for art and collectibles in the digital
age.
By offering a user-friendly platform, a diverse selection of artworks, and innovative features
tailored to the needs of buyers and sellers, the platform can establish itself as a leading
destination for art enthusiasts worldwide, while generating
sustainable revenue through commission fees, premium services, advertising, and sponsorship
partnerships.
5.2 Reference (Works Cited)
“Artisan economy: inside the business of handmade.” Artisan economy: inside the business of
handmade, 2022, https://mailchimp.com/courier/article/artisan-economy-handmade/. “ARTMO.”
ARTMO, https://artmo.com/.
Chhatwal, Geetika. “The Impact of eCommerce on the Handmade Industry.” The Impact of
eCommerce on the Handmade Industry,
https://kadence.com/en-us/the-impact-of-ecommerce-on-the-handmade-industry/.
“Consumer Rights Protection on the Online Auction Website - Situations and Solutions: A Case
Study of EBay.” Consumer Rights Protection on the Online Auction Website - Situations and
Solutions: A Case Study of EBay,
https://www.bileta.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Consumer-Rights-Protection-on-the-Online-
Auction Website-Situations-and-Solutions-A-Case-Study-of-EBay.pdf.
“E-Arts Nepal.” E-Arts Nepal, https://eartsnepal.com/auction/.
“E-Commerce Web Development in Wiga Art.” E-Commerce Web Development in Wiga Art,
https://repository.bsi.ac.id/repo/files/237435/download/eCommerce-Web-Developmen-Wiga-
Art.pdf.
“The History and Legacy of Online Art Galleries.” The History and Legacy of Online Art
Galleries, https://www.singulart.com/en/blog/2023/05/11/history-legacy-online-art-galleries/.
“Imart Nepal.” Imart Nepal, https://imartnepal.com/.
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