“Hobby World” Case Study
How a company increased sales on Wildberries using automation via WB API
About the Company
The company Mir Hobby has been operating in the arts and crafts market since 2019 and includes several brands, the most well-known of which are Bestex (yarn and threads) and Globus. Before entering marketplaces, the company operated primarily offline, managing a network of retail stores and a Cash & Carry — style warehouse. The company’s assortment comprises approximately 80,000 SKUs.
In 2020, the company launched on Wildberries and quickly recognized the potential for online sales growth. However, switching to the FBS model introduced new challenges for the business.
Challenges and Objectives
Manual Operations Slowed Growth
Before implementing automation, stock updates and order processing were done manually in Excel. This process was time-consuming and often led to errors, and the order processing speed was limited to 300 orders per day. The company was losing competitive advantages and could not respond quickly to growing demand.
In addition, manually handling labels and barcodes caused numerous mistakes, negatively affecting customer service and potentially impacting profits.
Why They Chose WB API Integration
Direct Integration for Full Automation
Initially, the company tried using the third-party AKRIT module for 1C-Bitrix. However, this did not completely solve the problem — the module required additional manual oversight and did not provide the necessary flexibility.
They settled on a direct integration with the WB API, which allowed them to fully automate order management and stock updates via 1C. This solution provided maximum control and the ability to quickly adapt to changes in the market and the platform.
Implementation Stages
From Initial Steps to a Fully Functional 1C Workplace
Analysis and Task Definition
At the start of the project, the key areas for automation were identified: stock updates and accelerating order processing.
Initial Automation with Google Sheets
The first phase involved automating via Google Sheets, where orders and labels were loaded via the WB API. Warehouse staff used barcode scanners to quickly find and print the necessary labels. This step alone increased processing speed from 300 to 1,200 orders per day.
Full 1C Integration
The next step was developing a specialized module — the «Automated Workplace» (AWP) in 1C. Through this module, warehouse staff could select the appropriate seller’s office, scan the product barcode, after which the label was printed automatically and the order status on Wildberries was updated. Implementation and testing of this solution took about a month.
Deployment
Efficient Operation with a Small Team
The project was carried out by just one developer, with active participation from warehouse staff who helped test and improve the system. Company management handled project coordination and staff training.
The integration process addressed the following issues:
- Transition from a third-party solution to an in-house integration
- API instability at the initial stage, resolved by implementing automatic error handling and retries
- Training employees on the new software
- Managing multiple Wildberries seller accounts within a single interface
Automation Results
Significant Increase in Productivity and Accuracy
Automation delivered tangible results for the company:
- Order volume increased from 300 to 4,000–4,500 orders per day.
- Order processing time was reduced to 2 seconds per order, excluding packaging.
- The error rate due to human factors decreased significantly.
- Just two warehouse workers now handle a volume that previously required larger resources, noticeably reducing the company’s operating costs.
According to the company’s internal statistics, the FBS order share for the Bestex brand grew from 15% in 2022 to 33% in 2025. The Globus brand showed a similar increase, with its FBS share rising from 10% to 36% over the same period.
Qualitative Business Changes
Improved Management and Process Flexibility
Implementing the WB API enabled the company to respond quickly to demand changes and increase process transparency. Employees now work in a clear and user-friendly interface, which minimized errors and made their work more efficient.
During seasonal sales, the company easily handles high order volumes, maintaining consistent service quality.
Future Plans
Expanding Integration and Improving Data Quality
The company plans to expand the integration to include creating product cards via the WB API directly from 1C. This will require cleaning up internal data, as not all product attributes are currently accurately reflected in the accounting system. Automated price updates and using the WB API for sales analytics and other business tasks are also planned.
«I would recommend taking a phased approach to automation. Start with simple tasks — such as stock updates — and gradually expand integration. Test everything on smaller seller accounts to minimize risks. Direct integration with the WB API will give you greater flexibility and full control over processes. And don’t forget to train employees and develop clear instructions — that’s the key to successful implementation and stable company operations»
