Buying things online can be hard, mostly because customers can’t see the things they want in person.
You can get an idea of how the items look from the promotional photos, but keep in mind that they were made to be sold, so they are shown in the best light.
Questions like “Will this vase fit in my living room?” or “What if this wardrobe doesn’t look good in my bedroom?” can come up.
Technology, also known as Augmented Reality, has given us the answer to the question “Will it fit?” (AR). More and more online stores let customers try out their products in their own space or on themselves by showing them in 3D.
Customers can use AR in this way to see if the style and size are a good fit.
AR is used in many different fields, from fashion and beauty to home decor and furniture.
Statista predicts that by 2022, 5% of the market for augmented and mixed reality software will come from the retail industry. AR in retail is expected to be worth $80 billion.
So how can you make the most of AR technology? Let’s both find out.
Easy startup method with Shopify or Woocommerce
If you run an online store and use platforms like Shopify and Woocommerce, it will be easy for you to start using Augmented Reality.
On Shopify, you just need to upload a 3D file of your product in GLB format as a normal media file, and the platform will be turned into AR.
On Woocommerce, all you have to do is choose a plugin that will help you show products in augmented reality, and the rest of your store’s technical settings will be ready.
With these two platforms, all you need to show your products in AR is a 3D file of your products in AR format.
Grow your eCommerce Credibility
When eCommerce store owners use Augmented Reality in their stores, it seems like they really care about their products and want their customers to have the best experience possible when shopping from them.
AR can make the whole buying process for your users easier, faster, and more fun. Instead of having to open several tabs in a browser to read descriptions and technical details, your customers can use their phones to interact directly with the item.
One of the most important things for a customer is to be able to hold the items.
This psychological incentive has been replaced by the idea of getting a box later, which is like getting a gift. Even if it’s just a computer simulation, augmented reality brings a person closer to the goods they are looking at. This makes shopping more fun again.
When buyers see products in augmented reality, they react in a way that they don’t when they see them in pictures or movies.
Users can look at the product in their own homes and decide for sure if it’s right for them.
Attract a younger audience
AR advertising is more than just pictures in two dimensions. The immersive technology lets shops make animations in three dimensions, which can help eCommerce stores explain the benefits of their products better.
Younger people are especially interested in this technology.
A report from Snapchat says that about 93% of its users, most of whom are in Gen Z, are interested in using AR to shop. In fact, Snapchat users are 1.6 times more likely to have already used AR to shop for clothes and makeup.
It has been shown that these users enjoy the experience, so why not use the promise of a 3D experience to get them to your store and to your products?
AR is likely to help them decide more quickly whether or not to buy your items. If a visitor wants to see more versions of a certain item, they can point their phone camera at it and see how it looks in different colors.
Increase your Order Conversion Rates
Having people look at things in 3D can increase conversion rates by a lot.
Rebecca Minkoff’s fashion label says that the use of 3D models has:
Added to Cart Rates went up by 44%; Orders went up by 27% after interacting with a 3D product; Visitors’ Rate Conversion went up by 65%.
Both eCommerce owners and users can see the benefits. Finding the right product is especially important when shopping for clothes and makeup. Since it’s possible that something looks great on a model or mannequin but terrible on a real person. The same is true for an item for the home. They might look great in the 2D pictures, but they look incredibly out of place in their room.
Using Augmented Reality in your store will let your customers see your products where they want them, in their own homes. In this way, people will be able to do more than just read product descriptions and look at static pictures.
Reduce your Returns Significantly
With augmented reality eCommerce, you’ll be able to answer questions yourself and not have to call customer service as often.
Also, this technology can be used everywhere. As with product information, there is no need to make material that is specific to a certain region. Anyone can use augmented reality, and it can be used anywhere!
Customers who are happy with their purchases now return fewer items because each product is more accurately priced and it is easier to meet the buyer’s expectations.
On the other hand, AR can make customers less dependent on customer service. This is because many shoppers ask about product features they don’t fully understand.
When your return rate goes down and your conversion rate goes up, you make more money.
Even though this technology is still in its early stages, it is easy to make AR experiences. All your customers need is a phone, and all you need is a supplier who can give you an AR file.
Augmented Reality eCommerce: beat your competitors
With augmented reality eCommerce, you won’t have to call customer service as often to answer questions.
Also, this technology can be used all over the world. As with product information, there is no need to make regionally specific content. Anyone, anywhere, can use augmented reality.
Customers who are happy with their purchases make fewer returns now that they have more experience. This is because each product is valued more accurately and it is easier to meet the buyer’s expectations.
On the other hand, AR can make people less dependent on customer service. This is because many shoppers ask about product features they don’t fully understand.
If you have a higher conversion rate and a lower return rate, you will make more money.
Even though this technology is still in its early stages, it is easy to create AR experiences. All your customers need is a phone, and all you need is a supplier who can give you an AR file.
Augmented Reality eCommerce: Finding the right supplier
Many eCommerce platforms have made it easy to add an augmented reality (AR) interactive file to a product page, but how do you get an AR file?
There are many people who offer this service, but they aren’t always the ones who sell the product. If this is the case, you would have to:
Buy the product from the distributors;
Send it to the company that will help you make a 3D model;
Wait until the file is done;
Pay to have the item sent back to you;
Depending on where the product is shipped, this process would not only be expensive, but it would also waste a lot of time.
You can avoid this by finding a supplier who can set up the 3D model and find your items at the same time.
You can get your items from some of the best manufacturers in China and also set yourself up to get a 3D AR model.