Discover how 3D and AR technologies are revolutionizing e-commerce, and boosting conversions and sales by enhancing customer experiences.
Blog / How can Visual Commerce make your brand 4x
Discover how online brands with visual commerce technology outperform those without it, driving higher engagement, conversions, and customer satisfaction through immersive experiences.
In 2024 there will be more than 26.5 million e-commerce sites with new ones being added every day. This gargantuan increase in sites can be directly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, before which there were only a measly 9.2 million online stores in operation.
So what’s the takeaway from the stats above?
E-commerce, D2C brands and online marketplaces will have to fight harder than ever to get customer eyeballs in front of them.
In this article, we will take a look at how brands can leverage visual commerce to increase their competitiveness and supercharge their customer attention and engagement.
Visual commerce refers to integrating rich, interactive visual elements into the online shopping experience. Unlike traditional e-commerce, which often relies heavily on text and static images, visual commerce focuses on creating a more immersive and engaging user experience through videos, Product configurators, and Virtual and Augmented Reality.
Popular examples include IKEA using AR to let customers view, visualise, and decide with heightened confidence in their buying journey.
1. Higher Engagement and Conversion Rates : Brands with visual commerce enjoy up to 40% higher engagement rates compared to those that rely solely on static images. This increase in engagement often leads directly to more conversions. Take, for instance, AR can increase conversion rates by 94% when used effectively, an amazing example of this is Wayfair which allows customers to take a photo of their room and then see various products added virtually in place.
2. Lower Return Rates : For every 100 products sold online 18 get returned. The average return rate is 17.6% and climbing, and the most common reasons for returns are incorrect sizing, customer dissatisfaction, product not matching the description, and accidental ordering. By allowing customers to interact with products in 3D or try them on virtually, brands can significantly lower this figure. For example, retailers using Visual Commerce report a 25% reduction in product returns.
3. Building Consumer Trust and Confidence : Visual commerce fosters trust. Customers who can customise their products to the T on a product configurator, view it in 3D- 360 virtually or see it in AR with the exact dimensions, are more confident in their purchase decision. 71% of shoppers say they would shop more often with a brand if they offered AR. This trust leads to increased brand loyalty, giving brands with visual commerce a competitive edge and value.
4. Minimising Returns and Customer Support Needs : Beyond customer engagement, visual commerce has a direct impact on operational efficiency. Brands like Wayfair and Warby Parker have seen a 25% reduction in returns by using AR and 3D imagery. This saves money on returns and reduces the need for customer support interactions, as customers have clearer expectations about the products they are purchasing.
5. Cost-Effective Product Updates : Brands that rely on static photography for product listings spend enormous amounts on frequent photoshoots, especially for dynamic inventories. With 3D product rendering, brands can easily update their online catalogues without incurring the high costs of reshooting products. This adaptability makes visual commerce a smart long-term investment.
Visual commerce isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about influencing purchase decisions. Studies show that 60% of consumers prefer to shop with brands that offer interactive, 3D product views.
E-commerce decision-makers always look for better technology that can drive up sales.
Real-World Success Stories
Brands like Nike have embraced AR technology with their Nike Fit feature, allowing users to size shoes virtually. This led to a 20% increase in customer satisfaction and significantly boosted conversion rates.
Brands that bank on static imagery are falling behind. I find that I lose interest in a product fast (mostly in the first 5 seconds) when it has more than a dozen photos and each photo shows a dozen different features, ultimately leading to confusion and disengagement. Without interactive tools, they experience lower engagement, higher return rates, and a disconnect from modern consumer expectations. Consumers today expect more immersive experiences, and brands without these capabilities often lose out on potential sales and long-term loyalty.
In contrast, brands using visual commerce increase their conversion rates by over 50%. So, it’s not a question of if, but when brands without visual commerce will need to adopt it to stay competitive.
Considering these indirect benefits is essential to fully appreciate the value of a product configurator beyond its immediate ROI. This comprehensive view aids in making an informed choice about the best solution for your business.
Visual commerce isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. Brands that implement technologies like 3D configurators, 360-degree viewers, Extended Reality, AR, and virtual try-ons will continue to reap the benefits of higher conversions, lower returns, and stronger customer loyalty. The future of e-commerce will be defined by these immersive experiences, and brands without visual commerce risk being left behind.
Are you ready to take your brand to the next level? Explore how RenderEases’s visual commerce technology can transform your business and give you a competitive edge in 2024 and beyond.
Discover how 3D and AR technologies are revolutionizing e-commerce, and boosting conversions and sales by enhancing customer experiences.
Discover the key differences between 3D rendering and traditional photography for product imaging.
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