E-commerce has revolutionized the way we shop. However, with this shift in purchasing behavior comes an increase in product returns, which cost online retailers a staggering £247 billion in 2023. This alarming statistic prompts the need for a solution that can effectively minimize returns while simultaneously enhancing the online shopping experience. Enter the 3D product configurator, a tool that has the potential to reshape e-commerce and significantly boost sales.
Understanding Product Configurators
A product configurator is a software solution that allows customers to customize a product in real-time, altering aspects such as size, color, or finish. This interactive technology can provide a more accurate representation of a product compared to simple text descriptions, leading to more informed purchase decisions and, consequently, a decrease in product returns.
Features of Product Configurators
Product configurators generally come in two forms: 2D and 3D. The more common 2D configurators provide flat visualizations of products, allowing users to change features like size, color, material, and personalized text or graphics. This is particularly beneficial for brands that offer customizable products, as it simplifies the personalization process for customers.
However, for a more immersive and interactive shopping experience, 3D product configurators take the win.
The Power of 3D Product Configurators
3D product configurators offer a whole new level of engagement, allowing customers to manipulate a 3D model of a product, zooming in and out, rotating it, and viewing it from all angles. This interactive capability gives customers a more comprehensive understanding of the product, reducing hesitation and, in turn, increasing conversions. In fact, studies have shown that users interacting with a 3D product configurator are 66% more likely to be engaged compared to those using 2D tools.
The Unmatched Combination of 3D Configurators and Augmented Reality
3D product configurators are further enhanced when paired with augmented reality (AR), offering almost an in-store shopping experience. Through AR, customers can use their smartphone cameras to either virtually try on products like clothes and jewelry or visualize items like furniture in their homes.
This combination of 3D configurator and AR can significantly reduce product returns. For instance, online home improvement retailer Build.com reported that users who used AR were 22% less likely to return items.
Successful Implementations of Product Configurators
Several brands have already reaped the benefits of product configurators, using them to inspire customers and reduce returns.
Nike
Known for its commitment to personalization, Nike launched NikeID in 2000, a service that allows customers to design and personalize their own Nike products. Now rebranded as "Nike By You", the service enables customers to customize almost every part of the shoe, reflecting their unique style.
Ridley Bikes
Ridley, often referred to as the "brand of product innovation", offers a product configurator on its website that allows customers to build their dream bike. Cycling enthusiasts can choose one of Ridley's bike models, personalize it with their favorite color, finish, and other components, and then view the final design in AR.
Murus
Murus Art partnered with Poplar Studio to create a 3D product visualizer that worked in AR, allowing customers to visualize how art pieces would fit in their homes. Since implementing the AR experience, more than 12% of Murus's online revenue has come from customers who interacted with the 3D product visualizer.
How You Can Own a 3D Product Configurator
If you're an e-commerce store looking to reduce product returns and enhance your customers' shopping experience, implementing a 3D product configurator might be the solution you're looking for, And companies like Tezda could become your next immersive platform, not just for incorporating 3D, but also for a multitude of other features. Read more about it below.
TEZDA is a revolutionary immersive commerce platform ready to transform the e-commerce industry. Combining the power of Web 3.0 and Social Commerce, TEZDA provides a truly unique shopping experience where customers can interact with products and enjoy a dynamic and immersive journey.
With TEZDA, customers can virtually try on clothes and accessories, explore furniture and home decor items in their own home, and even take virtual tours of physical stores. TEZDA also uses AI to recommend products to customers based on their past purchases and browsing history.
Ready to revolutionize your e-commerce store with a 3D product configurator? Get started today with TEZDA and transform the way your customers shop online.