September 08, 2022

How to Enhance Your eCommerce Store with AR and VR

How to Enhance Your eCommerce Store with AR and VR
Nicolina Savelli

Nicolina Savelli

Marketing

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

VR is essentially a virtual experience and eCommerce is an analog – digital experience. It is also important as an eCommerce retailer to use VR to market your products. Many web sites use VR for integration marketing strategies. VR is a proven way to create memorable customer experiences that stick. It cements a person's image and makes them talk more about your products/services.

What is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Augmented reality (AR) is an integrated virtual reality solution using text graphics, audio or other interactive technology integrated with real objects. Augmented reality rendering of images and data to real-world objects.

AR technology uses virtual data to merge real world experiences into virtual reality. Technical features include multimedia, 3D modelling, realtime tracking and registration, Intelligent Interaction, Sensing and many more.

How does AR work?

The matrix morphs to reality as technology progresses. The technology continues to improve and make the line between real and virtual life blurr even though Keanu is unable to differentiate himself between the pair. Augmented reality (AR) will soon become a reality for everyone. Augmented reality refers to mixing interactive digital elements into a virtual reality.

What is the difference between VR and AR?

Virtual reality versus augmented reality

The difference between augmented and virtual technologies can be difficult. Here is an overview of Franklin Institute's science-tech museums: Virtual reality offers an immersive experience that is completely immersive - including everything in a physical, real world. Augmented reality on the one hand does not eliminate real life. Rather it adds digital aspects into the live experience, usually via the iPhone. Currently AR technology is much advanced than virtual reality.

Use augmented reality to bring your products into your customers' homes

Augmented reality has become widely accepted for projecting things into the world around us. This helps save people from the need to guess what the product will fit. A similar feature is offered to eCommerce furnishings sellers that many retailers haven't even seen before. You can't sit on the new couch. You see the room in which the furniture should fit. Is a couch large? Can you use the yellow colour on the curtains? What are the shades of green and grey? Currently, most of the vBR and AR retail experience is bespoke by big retailers.

Let customers try products via virtual reality eCommerce

A major challenge in eCommerce is that consumers are forced to purchase a product without first looking at it. Because of these reasons the return policy on the website makes it so important to succeed—a customer is assured that the return policy will help them make a purchase. Virtuality can help bridge that gap at least partly. Using VR shopping experiences, customers can examine a product in all directions. VR offers a great advantage in enhancing a shopping experience.

What is Virtual Reality and eCommerce?

Virtual reality is the creation of an immersive visual world. Alternatively, the more complicated “headsets” VR are offered on smartphones such as HTC Vive and Oculus Quest. For retailers, using case models generally restructures and innovates in-store experiences, such as digital e.g., the advantage of shopping in person. Let's examine some examples of businesses currently employing Virtual Reality in their products and some possible future applications of VR.

Virtual Reality growth and statistics

Virtual reality has taken over the tech industry. The report says that by 2022, the VR industry will employ a total of 50.2 million people every single day. As virtual reality technology becomes easier, it is expected the use rate to increase quickly, and that 64m users will be in use by 2022.

Enhancing our world

In reality, it is simple to use the idea that the visual enhancement can be applied in realtime. Looks easy. Why does TV use graphics? However, augmented-reality is much better than all the technology that has been seen on television, though some new TV effects have been created. The computers display graphically, but in a limited way. Next-generation augmented-reality systems display visual images according to the perspective of the viewer.

The Role of Virtual Reality in eCommerce

Despite the prominence of virtual reality in gaming and entertainment, the retailers and eCommerce industries are also enjoying it -- and for good reason. Virtual reality is able to increase online shopping experience, while helping consumers overcome a “touch gap”. How do e-commerce companies use VR?

Using VR to aid the shopping experience

Although it cannot substitute for real shopping, it could provide another alternative to shopping. Virtual reality lets users navigate through online stores rather than clicking on a link. They can go on “examples” of an online shop to find that distractions have practically no effect. What's better than that? People can do this almost anywhere. eBay's Virtual Reality Department Store One example of an online retail store using virtual reality is this virtual reality department store from eBay and Myer. The two companies have collaborated on creating a store where customers can view millions of items through VR headsets.

Using VR to educate, engage and generate buzz

VR does not give the customer the option to buy something new. It is a platform designed to engage the customer in a way traditional marketing cannot. Take this example: Immersive makeup tutorial from NARS Cosmetics. NARS Cosmetics collaborated on a VR makeup course to help people decide which parts of a video are to be focused on. Instead the user will have to look at the video or click on the video to find a piece to watch. Take a look! Virtual trip to Toms.

Applications of VR for Ecommerce

Let's start with a warning on “Shiny toys syndrome.” Virtual reality really makes sense, but still has an amazing wow factor for most people. But using VR does NOT imply it. You have to make the dream clear to your objectives and direct to improve customer service / customer conversion. How do eCommerce stores think of virtual reality?

Virtual stores

Virtual showrooms are one example that enable your customers to visit your virtual stores online from anywhere. Customers could browse through clothing racks similar to shopping in stores. They also had opportunities to meet friends online or buy online. Market watch reported in October 2020 that technology is improving online shopping experience. One technology called Wormhole enables users to perform real-life shopping simulations with avatars. Thankfully technologies such as these have evolved since the late 1800s.

In-store experience that surprises and delights

Even when it may seem counter-intuitive, especially during the spread and expansion of COVID-19, VR can provide the customer experience they need in the physical store. In 2015, North Face launched a VR Experience offering a shopping experience in Yosemite National Park. We thought it would be an excellent way to improve our story, to use technology and to bring people outdoors to explore.

Virtually try-before-you-buy

VR headsets are helpful in many ways. Perhaps your product has multiple configurations so that customers have a VR headset and can easily see what the options are without having to keep everything on display. Audi has launched the Oculus Rift headset to provide consumers with a better experience with cars and services.

Interactive education

VR can provide the customer with more immersive experiences than traditional methods. Lowes adapted Holoroom technology with VR applications that teach users about using specific software and completing projects.

How Can You Use Virtual Reality in eCommerce?

Virtual Reality has gained popularity for marketing and is now being widely promoted. We are looking to show the best way to use VR in eCommerce as the best way to make money.

Telling your product's story

There's no originality. That was the point of our speech. Do not let this stop your product - it'll still be recognizable. Does this product have similar feelings and experiences? But not. Tell me the best way to make a brand identity by showcasing the story of the brand. It's important to create compelling narratives to appeal to your readers. Doing so will get them to feel emotionally connected to you and allow you to connect to them more effectively.

Improve customer service

93% of our clients will come back when their issues are resolved by you. Customers complaining calls are a good way to prove your worth and maintain loyal customers' trust: they know that when they have problems with your products you can fix that problem quickly and with good communication. Troubleshooting customers' issues can sometimes pose problems to support teams.

Test of products

58% of consumers prefer to try something before buying a product. A 360° view can help customers see a brand from every angle, and may also be helpful in facilitating retail stores. While there are websites available for providing 360 degree product images, there is still no way to test the product online in person.

How to Implement eCommerce VR

The virtual world has become a popular tool for creating profitable e-commerce businesses. The following sections outline how to use virtualization technology. Since this industry is quite new and complex it can be challenging and expensive for eCommerce virtual-reality tools. Here is what it is to do when you find a good team for you to assist with all aspects of your application.

Determine your goals and the experience you want to provide

The implementation of virtual reality is very laborious and requires substantial capital investment, so it's crucial you have clear ideas. What do we want from our target group? How can people get the best out of virtual reality? Tell me the kinds of experiences people want? Give some details. It is important during the implementation process to be able to identify specific objectives and detail the steps required. The upcoming video augmented reality revolution will affect both business and consumer experiences as it will make it difficult for new possibilities to open up. It should be clear from the start to define the goal that is the center of your program's mission.

Market your VR initiatives

You're going to need creative marketing strategies to make your program more visible as your program develops. Tell me the idea. Donations. Virtual reality headsets have less availability than smartphones, but they may pose problems to a company that is able to provide them. Give a headset to a group of people who are interested in hearing. This has happened with eBay and Myer when they launched their online stores. In exchange they donated 20 reusables encouraging the customers to test it. Why don't you market your technology?

Develop, test, implement and iterate

Finally, develop and test your VR program. Details will vary depending on what you want to achieve. Like the rest of the technologies, this may mean the development of prototypes. You can then refine it further to increase it's effectiveness. VR testing process may vary between programs, though most often you want to evaluate technical capabilities as well as the user experience. Start a virtual environment program and watch how it works across devices. Is everything working right in my system?

What is Augmented Reality and eCommerce?

eCommerce continues to evolve, as is retail. Implementing new technologies is no easy task. But it's also important to take in technological advances and look for opportunities for your future. If you want to make your customers' lives interesting by bringing virtual reality into your shop and creating and strengthening relationships, this could be worth more attention to you.

How Difficult is it to Get Started with AR?

Its easier then most people believe. Many apps can be integrated into Shopify including those that are working on 3D asset design,” he said. Previously the product would have required the submission to a 3D model developer for a 3D model, but now mobile scanning systems are available that allow you to take multiple 3D pictures of a product and convert the 3D image to 3D. For merchants, the functionality may be needed to make small changes in the theme to allow it to appear on the online store front. Follow this guide to get started on Shopify and get help with your project by asking Shopify experts.

How are home furnishing brands finding value in AR?Discover how companies have used augmented reality to boost business results by defining the brand's image.

Augmented Reality in Furniture Stores

While 3D models can assist in the sale of furniture there are many reasons why furniture retailer crates and bars have introduced augmented reality for their apps. Customers no longer need to measure or mark space for size or optimum fit. Then they could see exactly where they were going. The realization of space is improving year on year, and it includes the accurate representation of shadows in the landscape,” says Beauchamp.

Examples of augmented reality in furniture stores

IKEA is the first retailer to use AR in e-commerce. Earlier this year IKEA launched an online shop that lets shoppers place more than 1,000 items at home. In the past few years numerous retail stores have followed suit. Part & Whole, an international designer furniture manufacturer from Canada creates bespoke and custom furniture. This allowed customers to customize their own furniture with 3D technologies. 

Business and Customer Benefits of Using 3D, AR, and VR in Retail

What is different about VR? In simple terms, virtual objects are placed in real-world environment. Virtual reality can replace real world environments. The 3D image is a photo-realistic representation of a tangible object or situation. This explains why the AR and VR platforms are built around these two principles. How does 3D, AR and VR affect eCommerce and its customers?

Offer flexible customization for customers

Are people tired? Yeah. Customers want to see different types of merchandise; it's easy to do AR. The only things needed is a 3-dimensional model. Because of this, 3D models have an excellent return on investment and are much more effective than conventional photographic models. Photographers need to rent their own place and hire their photographers, they can spend some time on the camera shooting, but they usually have only a few pictures to show. It's expensive, says Walker. HORNE has already relied on AR for its product line, including the $7,000 SergeMouille flashlight.

Increased customer confidence and lower return rates

UPS research revealed 27% of respondents returned items because their description wasn’t correct. By offering your customer a virtual test before they buy you're going to give them more choices in terms of buying information. AR has the power in the eyes of retailers because a user can preview the appearance of a product in their space. Daniel Beauchamp, Lead Developer at Shopify. But Beauchamp notes that even if we don't want to be completely hog, putting money into 3D models can have big benefits.

Increased shopping time and higher conversion rates

Video is a critical element to ecommerce. Instructional videos assisting consumers understand products, increases the time logged into a website and improves conversion rate. In fact the average ROI from video sales is 80% higher when customers engage with AR compared to non AR users. Two years from now there is good evidence that AR has comparable effects. In addition, the augmented reality 3D models that are displayed on Shopify products increased conversions in the first half by 255% on average.

More engaging customer experiences

AR allows customers to see products online as much as they would if they visited a physical store. This might be a factor that could make AR experts believe AR's next phase could be an “e-commerce-style experience”. As technology advances, VR may allow the merchants to engage customers differently. Beauchamp shows how he shopped snowboarders.

Develop new products quickly

3D technology can also be applied to retail products. An advanced 3D model can be created to help speed up the process that takes place before sending drawings back. It allows retailers to react more quickly to customer requirements and e -commerce market movements.