AR for Ecommerce

We have been living in the world of lockdowns and restrictions for over a year now. Brick-and-mortar stores are still closed in many countries, so manufacturers and marketers are struggling to boost their sales using ecommerce platforms. However, advanced brands have already worked out a way to recreate the offline shopping experience with AR for ecommerce.

For instance, a retail giant IKEA has been successfully using their augmented reality app IKEA Place for over 5 years. But according to research, 52% of sellers feel unprepared to adopt AR. Many doubt whether AR solutions are worth investing in. Of course, AR provides consumers with fun and engaging experiences but how can ecommerce entrepreneurs profit from it?

As a 3D modeling company, we create 3D objects for any kind of AR tool and also monitor our clients’ strategies. Therefore, we know at least 5 ways you can improve your business with advanced AR for ecommerce.

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But, for starters, what is AR? And how different is it from VR?

AR stands for Augmented Reality and it allows customers to place virtual products in the real context using digital gadgets. In turn, VR technology doesn’t work with real spaces, it’s all about navigating a virtual environment. Therefore, you can’t use VR without special VR glasses or hand controllers. In turn, AR apps work on any smartphone or tablet.

There are different types of augmented reality tools but let’s focus on superimposition-based AR since it’s the best solution for the furniture business. Such apps substitute the original view by adding digital objects on top of it — for example, that’s how the IKEA Place app works.

#1. AR Showcases Product Design in Real Environment 

Using AR for ecommerce, manufacturers provide customers with a fascinating option of adding virtual furniture models into the real environment. Users simply scan their room with a smartphone or tablet camera and select furniture from an online catalog. After the item appears on a screen, they can move and rotate it until the piece takes its place.

Also, AR applications allow users to test all color and style options of a product and examine it in 360° view. This way they can both appreciate all the advantages of design and experiment with furniture virtual placement.

For first-class AR solutions, manufacturers need to order photorealistic 3D models from a CG studio. To achieve realism, CG artists accurately recreate the geometry of a product in 3D and use only custom-made texture maps.

#2. AR for Ecommerce Reduces Goods Returns

According to a Global study of online returns, the top reasons why buyers return goods from Amazon (34%) and other ecommerce platforms (46%) are the wrong size, fit, or color. Obviously, this happens because consumers don’t have a chance to try on the products before purchase.

Using AR for the furniture business effectively solves this problem and reduces returns by 35%. AR apps are designed to correctly calculate the parameters of the room before users put any 3D models in it. Thus, if a digital object can’t fit the space or is too bulky, it will become obvious in an instant.

Same with colors. If the color schemes of an object and interior don’t work well together, a buyer will immediately see it on the screen and select a different shade. After exploring product features in the AR app, customers will be able to make a purchase decision consciously and most probably won’t return the item.

#3. AR Helps Effectively Sell Products via Social Media 

You’ve probably already tried various AR filters on Snapchat or Instagram stories. Those are not just fun for users but also effective for ecommerce entrepreneurs. Many manufacturers and retailers use social media filters to boost awareness of a product and brand, increase audience engagement and outshine their competitors. 

For that, furniture brands can provide customers with AR filters that allow adding pieces from the new collection to the room and encourage them to share their opinion on design. And since consumers like playing with filters and showing their results, it will expand the follower base and increase direct sales on social media. 

Just so you know, not all 3D furniture models work for AR filters.Those should be lightweight objects that are specifically optimized for AR applications. If you have ready-made 3D models of your furniture, you better check with CG artists whether they are compatible with AR apps or not. The latter, in turn, can either optimize your 3D model or create a new one from scratch in the required format.

#4. AR Increases Your Online Store Conversion

Studies show that 61% of online shoppers prefer to make purchases on e-platforms that offer AR technology. If these numbers aren’t motivational, what is? To integrate AR for ecommerce into your e-store, you can use free or commercial licenses or even develop your own AR application. 

Whatever option you choose, an AR tool will definitely improve your conversion. Since customers embrace AR shopping, they will stay longer in your e-store when using the app. With AR, they can take their time and try various designs, explore the whole collection and keep moving virtual objects around the room to find the best position. By prolonging their presence on your ecommerce platform, users boost its conversion.

Another way to increase it is to make your AR application easily shareable. In this case, buyers will be promoting your app by sharing their successful furniture arrangements, hence, bringing more new customers to your shop.

#5. AR Apps and Tools Boost User Engagement

AR for eCommerce offers a highly immersive experience that makes online shopping an engaging game-like process. Not surprisingly, about 70% of consumers are expected to be more loyal to brands that use AR to improve the shopping experience.

The longer a customer uses your AR app, the more likely they will buy from you. And if not, they at least develop a relationship with a brand and product, thereby, establish an emotional connection and get unforgettable experiences. The next time they need a furniture piece, your e-store will be the first shopping destination on their list.

Examine case-studies of CGI projects to see real examples of using 3D technology for marketing purposes.

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Using AR for e-commerce gives manufacturers and retailers a significant advantage over competitors. Firstly, it creates a wow effect and makes shoppers want to try it immediately. Secondly, AR increases consumer awareness of the product and brand. Finally, it boosts your e-store conversion and attracts more new buyers on social media.

Excited to try AR marketing for your business? Order 3D modeling services from us and get high-quality 3D models that work for all AR applications!

Irene Lewis

Content Writer

Irene is a content writer. She previously worked for interior and chess magazines. When not writing articles, Irene finds great pleasure in collecting Star Trek memorabilia, reading Medieval poetry and playing banjo.