The technologies of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are no longer the stuff of science fiction. In today’s retail sphere, these technologies are at the frontline of revolutionizing online and in-person customer experiences. And over time, AR & VR will only become more popular as they continue to enhance our shopping experience.
These technologies allow customers to experience products more interactively and engagingly, increasing customer satisfaction and ultimately leading to increased sales. In this blog post, we will explore how e-commerce businesses can offer AR and VR in their shopping experience to enhance their customer’s experience and drive sales.
How to Offer AR and VR in Ecommerce Shopping
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have the potential to revolutionize the ecommerce shopping experience by allowing customers to interact with products in new and exciting ways.
AR allows users to superimpose virtual images onto the real world, creating a hybrid view. In ecommerce, AR can be used to try on clothes virtually, visualize furniture in a room, or see how makeup will look.
VR creates a fully immersive digital experience, usually achieved through a headset. In ecommerce, VR can be used to create virtual showrooms, allowing customers to browse and interact with products in a lifelike setting.
Both AR and VR have the potential to improve the online shopping experience by making it more interactive and personal, leading to increased customer engagement and satisfaction.
• Use AR and VR for product visualization.
Product visualization is one of the most common ways to offer AR and VR in e-commerce. This allows customers to get a more realistic view of what the product looks like, helping them make an informed decision about their purchase. To achieve this, businesses can use tools like Augmented Reality Product Visualizer (AR-PV) which allow them to create engaging 3D product visualizations that customers can interact with from any device. For example, customers can use AR to see how a piece of furniture would look in their living room or VR to see how a piece of clothing would look on a model. This can help customers make more informed decisions and increase their satisfaction with their purchases.
• Use AR and VR for product try-on.
Another way to offer AR and VR in e-commerce is through product try-on. This allows customers to virtually ‘try on’ items before they buy, giving them a better idea of how they will fit and look on them. With a virtual try-on, customers can enjoy the convenience of “trying on” products from the comfort of their devices. Whether it’s through mobile or other camera-equipped devices, consumers can quickly evaluate and purchase items without ever leaving home. By driving traffic to your website from multiple channels and providing customers with a unique shopping experience, VTOs entice potential buyers. Moreover, augmented reality allows people to try out products before investing in them by allowing them to observe how an object looks in real-world settings.
• Use AR and VR for product demonstrations.
AR and VR can also be used to offer product demonstrations. This allows customers to understand better how the product works and its features by seeing it in action. For example, a customer could use AR to see how a bike looks when fully assembled or use VR to tour all the features included with an appliance. This helps customers make informed decisions and increases their satisfaction with the product. Customers will be able to make more educated purchases as a result of this.
• Use AR and VR to create an in-store experience
Virtual reality can bridge the gap between traditional stores and online shopping. By using VR, businesses can create an immersive in-store experience for customers that mimics the physical store without bringing them into a brick-and-mortar location. This allows customers to browse through products, compare prices and make informed decisions from anywhere in the world. In addition, AR can be used to provide customers with product recommendations while they shop, giving them a more personalized experience. This can help customers feel connected to the store and increase customer satisfaction, leading to increased sales.
• Use AR and VR to create buzz and engagement.
AR and VR can also create buzz and engagement around a product. Because of this, more people will learn about the goods, which ultimately boosts sales. Businesses can use AR/VR tools to create unique experiences such as virtual tours of their store or products, 360° product demonstrations, and interactive games that can be played with products. This can help to increase customer engagement and create a more memorable shopping experience.
• Use AR and VR for product customization.
Businesses can offer AR and VR for product customization. This allows customers to customize their purchases in real time, giving them a more personalized experience. For example, a customer could use AR to visualize how different furniture colors would look in their living room, or they could use VR to view 3D images of custom clothing designs before buying.
Customers can use AR to see how a product looks with different colors or patterns or VR to design their product. This can help customers feel more connected to the product and increase their satisfaction with their purchase.
• Use AR and VR for product storytelling.
Finally, businesses can offer AR and VR for product storytelling. This gives customers a more immersive experience with the products they buy by providing them with in-depth information about the product. For example, customers could use AR to explore a vintage car’s history or VR to understand how a piece of technology works. Customers can boost their satisfaction with their purchase by better understanding the goods and making more educated decisions.
Final thoughts
These are but a few applications for AR and VR in business and e-commerce. Businesses can get a competitive advantage in a market that is becoming more congested by giving customers a better purchasing experience. As technology advances, more opportunities will arise to provide customers with immersive visuals, interactive experiences, and personalized product customization. This will make shopping easier and more enjoyable for customers, allowing businesses to build loyalty and drive sales.
