Ecommerce has completely changed how someone shops, especially with how easy it is to buy a product. However, there is something that it does lack adn that is the ability to touch, see and experience the products. Meaning that this leads to a number of people abandoning their products. That being said, more ecommerce websites are now utilizing AR, which stands for augmented reality.
The benefit of this feature is that it allows the customer to see how the product looks on them or in their homes. AR has the ability to bridge the gap between digital and physical shopping. Yes, you can’t touch the product yet, but you can see how the item looks.
Also read: Designing Quantity Buttons for E-commerce
What is Augmented Reality in Ecommerce?
Augmented Reality utilises digital elements in the real world, usually through the use of a smartphone, tablet or computer camera. This allows the customer to visualise what the product will look like before they purchase.
A great example would be IKEA, allowing their customers to see how the product fits in their home. Eyewear companies and engagement ring brands are also providing their customers with the ability to see how the product looks. Let’s take a look at the benefits of why you should look to implement AR on your website.
Increases Conversion Rates
One of the core challenges in ecommerce is the uncertainty for the customer, especially when they are unsure of the size, fit, colour, or even how it would look in their room. When shoppers place a product in their home or even see what it looks like on them, it is more likely to increase the chances of them purchasing it.
There have been nothing but positive impacts for companies that have implemented this feature on their website to help improve their conversion rate. If you’re a business that struggles with conversion rates, then this might be an area that you should improve.
Reduces Product Returns
Product returns are a major issue for some brands because the customer wants to see how it looks before they commit to it. Although AR doesn’t completely rule out product returns, they do rule out customer returns for those people who say “it’s not how I thought it would look”. This is the benefit of AR, because it sets a more accurate expectation.
Builds Customer Confidence and Trust
Trust is very important for online shoppers. So customers rely heavily on the images, reviews and product descriptions.
It helps to generate more confidence in the product you are selling because they are able to visually see how the product looks. Being this open as a brand helps to build trust and even strengthen credibility.
Improves the Customer Experience
Customers are becoming more demanding, which is why they expect more than just static product photos. This is why they would prefer a more immersive experience when they are shopping online.
The benefit of changing the current browsing experience into a more interactive experience is very important. Instead of scrolling through endless images of products, they can now see how the product looks in just a few clicks of a button. Not just that, but the user can rotate the product as well as move it around the room.
Not only will this create a more enjoyable shopping experience, but it will also increase the session duration of the user.
Gives You a Competitive Advantage
AR is still relatively new to the industry, which is why you need to get this implemented as soon as you can, because it will give you a competitive advantage.
As more ecommerce websites integrate AR into their websites, customers’ expectations will continue to increase. If a customer lands on your website and notices that you don’t have this feature, then it could lead them to leave the website and go onto a competitor that does have this option.
This will soon become a feature that everybody must have, rather than just a nice feature, so it is certainly worth implementing this sooner rather than later.
Works Seamlessly on Modern Devices
A lot of people, especially business owners, believe it needs a complex device or even an app to download for this feature. That is not the case, especially with the modern-day mobile device.
As more online shoppers will use their mobile phones or tablets, AR will easily integrate with the customer’s journey.
The Future of Ecommerce Will Be More Immersive
Ecommerce is constantly evolving, especially with more experimental features on the horizon. Customers don’t just want to add a product to the cart; they want to see how it looks on them or in their home.
AR is bridging the gap between physical stores and online platforms. This means that conversion rates are increasing, the number of returns is reducing, and trust is building overall. It gives your brand that competitive advantage over your competitors. The companies that offer this, whether it is companies like CI Group that offer new conservatory tiles with their conservatory insulation or Specsavers, which allow their customers to see how glasses look on the user’s face. Everybody is exploring this option to give themselves a competitive edge over their competitors.