Welcome, fellow eCommerce adventurers, to another installment of the eCommerce Explorer series! Today, we don our virtual headsets and venture into augmented reality (AR) – where “try before you buy” takes on a whole new meaning.
First making waves in video games and sci-fi films, AR has now landed in the retail space, changing the way we shop. Whether it’s trying on virtual clothes or seeing how that new sofa fits in your living room, AR is transforming the way customers interact with products. But what does this mean for the future of shopping? How far can AR go in the world of digital commerce?
An overview of AR
First, let’s clarify what augmented reality actually is. In simple terms, AR superimposes digital elements (images, sounds or other sensory enhancements) onto our real environment. Picture this: You’re in your living room and you’re trying to figure out if that colorful chair you saw online will complement your space. Instead of guessing, AR lets you virtually “place” the chair in your room. Suddenly, you don’t just imagine it – you actually see it.
But AR isn’t just for interior design enthusiasts. It creeps into every nook and cranny of the e-commerce world. Want to try sunglasses? AR is here for you. Need to see how this lipstick would look on you? AR is here, saving you the dreaded returns process (and it’s a service worth its weight in gold).
Why should marketers care?
Now let’s talk about treasure: what does it bring to merchants? It is a golden opportunity. Imagine if you could bring your entire inventory to life without needing to rent more space or hire additional staff. Looks pretty good, right?
Here are some other key benefits:
Reduced returns: One of the biggest problems for online sellers is handling returns. With AR, customers can make more informed decisions, significantly reducing the “Oops, that wasn’t what I expected” factor.
Higher conversion rates: When customers can see exactly what they’re getting, they have more confidence in their purchase – and confidence drives sales. Think of AR as a reliable compass that points them straight to the checkout.
Turn window shoppers into buyers: You know those visitors who browse your site but never buy anything? AR can turn these tire enthusiasts into buyers. By giving them an interactive experience, they are more likely to become attached to your product.
Set sail with AR
It’s easy to see why AR is gaining ground in e-commerce. But before you get too excited, there’s still a lot more to discover. How to actually integrate AR into your online store? Let’s see that.
1. Start small with AR apps
You don’t need to rebuild your entire site to include AR. Start by integrating AR into your existing product pages using AR apps. There are many third-party tools that can help you add AR functionality to your site.
2. Use AR in social media campaigns
Who doesn’t love a good Instagram filter? AR isn’t just for your website; it can also spice up your social media. Create a custom AR filter that allows users to “try on” your products and share their virtual experience with their followers. This not only increases visibility but also engages potential customers.
3. Educate your customers
As cool as AR is, some people might still be hesitant to use it. You know, those who still think online shopping is a risky business. So make sure you have clear instructions and a little demo to show them how easy and fun it is to use AR on your site.
Common myths about AR
Before we reach the final port, let’s address a few myths about AR that might scare some traders.
“It’s too expensive!” Of course, developing AR technology from scratch can be very expensive, but there are now plenty of affordable plug-and-play solutions.
“AR doesn’t really have an impact on sales.” In fact, studies show that AR can increase conversion rates by up to 40% and reduce return rates by 30%. It’s like giving your customers insight into how products will fit into their lives, making them more confident and satisfied with their purchases.
“It’s just a trend.” AR may seem futuristic, but it is far from a passing trend. More and more shoppers expect immersive online experiences, and the benefits AR brings are too valuable to ignore.
How far can AR go in the future of e-commerce?
The future of AR in e-commerce is quickly taking shape. By 2025 (that’s soon, friends 🙂), almost 75% of consumers will expect AR to be part of their shopping experience. Virtual fitting rooms, 3D product models and AI-driven personalization will become the norm. As mentioned above, AR could boost online sales by up to 40%a game changer for retailers looking to improve customer experience and increase conversions. The line between online and in-store? It’s about to disappear.
Do we have any AR success stories at home?
Yes, we do! Take our customer Best laminate as an example. With the mission of providing their customers with a personalized experience, we integrated them Roomvo Room Viewer. This convenient feature allows buyers to take a photo of their room and instantly visualize how their chosen flooring will look in their space. The Room Viewer feature helps customers feel confident in their choices in just seconds, making their shopping journey as smooth as a polished floor.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, dear explorers! Augmented reality is not just a sophisticated technology; it’s a practical tool that can make shopping more attractive, reduce returns and increase your sales. It’s not about following the latest trend – it’s about make your store better for your customers. And isn’t that the whole point of e-commerce?
So, AR, are you ready? We hope so, because the future of e-commerce is here, and it’s augmented.
Until next time, Toodaloo from just another e-commerce explorer!
