Elevating the Shopping Experience & Optimising Conversions with Augmented Reality

May 29, 2024

Brought to you by SHOPLINE and Viewa

How can retailers optimise conversions with high-value, high-consideration products? Whether it's a couch, spa, dining room table, or pool, how can retailers showcase their products to maximise conversions?

With 81% of shoppers researching products online before making a purchase, all touch points in their journey need to be optimised. 3D product visualisation has a significant impact on key business metrics, driving a surge in average order value 69% and customer engagement 58%

SHOPLINE and Viewa recently hosted a webinar on Elevating the Shopping Experience & Conversion Optimisation for High Consideration Products with Augmented Reality. They discussed the customer journey for purchasing high-consideration products, emphasised the importance of visualisation in the customer research phase, and provided examples of how augmented reality can enhance the buyer's journey.

Watch the webinar on demand here:

Webinar Resources

Augmented Reality Examples:

3D models and configurators - optimisation for web visualisation.

View the 3D Model here: https://weavehome.com.au/pages/build-a-bed

Advantages: 

✅ 2.5 x dwell time

✅ 58% increase in customer engagement

✅ Material & Fabrics

✅ Reduced Photography

✅ Increased Sales

Learn more about Viewa’s 3D Design Service >>

WebAR: Uses web browser & camera to launch AR

Advantages: 

✅ No download or native app

✅ Customisable

✅ Dynamic textures in AR mode

✅ Animation support

✅ Conversions

✅ Products

Learn more about Viewa’s AR Services >>

AI Examples:

AI Interior Design: Leveraging AI to provide space analysis and product selection

Advantages: 

✅ Engagement

✅ Customer direction

✅ Upsell & Cross sell

✅ Conversions

View the live AI Demos here: 

https://room-next.viewa.com/demo/assistant/66022da8c740c36c7b677c49 

https://room-next.viewa.com/demo/assistant/66022c49c740c36c7b677bfc 

Augmented Reality and 3D Technology Trends

The session explored the rise of smartphone-based shopping and how COVID-19 accelerated this trend. Over 62% of people now use their phones to make purchases, thanks to improved technology such as larger screens, faster internet, and better cameras. 81% of shoppers do their research online before making a purchase, often using their smartphones. Therefore, capturing attention through interactive websites is crucial.

Customer Journey and Visualisation Importance

The customer journey for high-consideration products is more complex due to the significant investment of time and resources. Visualisation plays a crucial role during the research phase, helping customers make informed decisions. Augmented reality (AR) allows customers to virtually place products in their own homes, significantly enhancing their buying experience and speeding up the decision-making process. According to the Harvard Business Review, customers using AR are 94% more likely to make a purchase.

Enhancing the Shopping Experience

🌟 Initial Exploration Phase

During this phase, customers are open to various options and rely heavily on online research. 3D and AR tools can capture their interest by providing an interactive and immersive experience.

🌟 Trust Building and Emotional Connection

A fast, user-friendly website builds trust and credibility. Visualisation tools help create an emotional connection by allowing customers to see how products will look and feel in their own spaces.

🌟 Addressing Pain Points and Customisation

High-consideration products often come with unique challenges. AR and 3D configurators address these pain points by letting customers explore different configurations, colours, and materials, ensuring they find the perfect fit.

🌟 Balancing Trust, Price, and Value

When customers see their customised product in a realistic setting, they are more likely to perceive added value, making them willing to invest in upgrades and customisations.

Try for yourself: https://plungie.com/en-au/pools/arena

Building Relationships and Increasing Customer Lifetime Value

Unified commerce platforms like SHOPLINE connect online and offline experiences, enhancing customer loyalty and retention. Post-purchase marketing can further engage customers based on their previous interactions.

✅ Only 37% of retailers have unified loyalty and membership programs across both online and offline channels.

✅ A mere 6% of retailers currently utilise unified commerce, but this is expected to rise to 31% in the next 12 months.

✅ AR usage leads to a 94% increase in purchase likelihood and a 69% increase in average order value.

The integration of AR and 3D technology into the ecommerce landscape is not just a trend but a necessity for high-consideration products. These tools enhance the customer journey, build trust, and ultimately drive conversions. Retailers must embrace these technologies to stay competitive and meet the evolving expectations of modern shoppers.

Like to learn more about SHOPLINE? Let's chat.

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