Augmented Reality improves online shop sales

INVELON is a company that puts Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) solutions in the hands of innovative businesses. We provide solutions that adapt to the specific needs of each sector: we have resources aimed at the world of logistics (storage, assembly, visualisation of information and data, among others) and at the marketing, sales, communication, architecture or design sectors, among others. We also offer you a consultancy service for the development of fully customised applications and solutions.

The key to its success lies in its ability to connect the real world with the virtual one and all the possibilities it offers to encourage customers to interact with the product. We are convinced that it can be an excellent tool for attracting potential buyers and increasing your sales.

We are currently living through a period of expansion of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies in the business world, a commitment by companies to incorporate technologies that will bring them multiple benefits in their processes, such as the ability to simulate situations that would be very complicated to carry out in real life. The adoption of these technologies in companies is a trend that also affects e-commerce, whose businesses have begun to implement resources that add value to their brand compared with the competition.

How can you apply Augmented Reality in your e-commerce to increase sales?

With the arrival of the global pandemic, it has become clear that e-commerce is booming and its development is improving day by day. Companies want to stand out in an ecosystem where all their competitors have a place; as a result, companies are driving the constant search for new resources that improve the user experience and consolidate the customer's central role in the purchasing process. Studies carried out among regular online shoppers indicate that a good number of them would buy more, and even pay more, if they had the chance to try out or interact with services or products through AR.

Fashion

For the fashion sector, the application of technologies based on Augmented Reality has opened up a wide range of possibilities to improve users' shopping experience and strengthen their relationship with, and identification with, the brand. One example is virtual fitting rooms or virtual dressingroom integrated into online stores. They let users see how clothes fit them before buying, since one of the handicaps faced by companies in the online fashion world is the high number of product returns. Thanks to the adoption of AR, they can deal with fewer returns and build customer loyalty, as customers view the brand positively before obtaining the product.

The first company to use virtual fitting rooms was the trainer brand Converse in 2012, with an app. Thanks to it, users could see in real time how the trainers would look on them and, in addition, share it on social media.

Beauty

One of the basic premises in the beauty sector is to give customers the chance to try products on their own skin. AR, for example, allows shoppers to try out the different shades of lipstick, blusher, foundation, mascara, and everything else we can imagine. Thanks to the adoption of these interactive resources, they take the shoppers' experience to another level.

Furniture

The furniture sector has been one of the first to implement applications that use Augmented Reality and also Virtual Reality. It is a resource that optimises and maximises the user experience on their website or APP, turning customers into the protagonists of the design and decoration of their ideal home.

How does AR work on a furniture sales website?

Through customised platforms or mobile apps, users can upload photos of the room they are looking for furniture or decoration for, and place the products available in the shop on it until they find the one they consider most suitable.

Since 2017, Ikea has been using AR so that shoppers can project or check the furniture offered in the catalogue, all without leaving home. This app lets users virtually place its products in the space they want: using the rear camera of their mobile phone, they can arrange the furniture within their room.

Tourism

Travel agencies and major tour operators have also committed to using AR as a basic tool to offer hyper-realistic and immersive experiences to their customers.

Through this technology, agency customers could get to know hotel facilities in advance and even see their own room. In addition, it would make guest check-in easier and provide them with all the information they need: the location of their room, the wifi password, restaurant opening times, the food served in them, and a long list of other things.

Restaurants

The hospitality and restaurant sectors can also gain great benefits from the application of Augmented Reality, especially to attract and retain customers from abroad or from other regions of the country. By using AR to visualise the dishes on their menu, customers can be given all the necessary information about the type of food served, the preparation process and everything they need to decide to visit your establishment.

Benefits of using AR in e-commerce

Implementing solutions that apply innovative technologies such as Augmented Reality is a strong trend in the digital world. The reason lies in the advantages they offer online businesses:

1. Increased sales and customer loyalty

Thanks to their unique and eye-catching format, applications or resources with Augmented Reality spark the curiosity of users or potential buyers, which brings an increase in traffic and, consequently, in sales and customer trust in our brand.

2. They add real value to products

Because they can be tried out before being used, or their details can be examined in depth.

3. They open up new options for developing direct contact with customers

The adoption of Augmented Reality makes it possible for the brand or company to link the information it obtains from customers using AR on its website, in order to improve contact with them or even its products.

4. They offer new ways of presenting your products

It is a way for everyone to have the chance to attend a virtual product presentation, with just an internet connection and a camera that lets them use the Augmented Reality application.

5. It promotes a substantial improvement in the customer experience

With Augmented Reality, the user is the centre of attention for brands. The customer is valued more as a protagonist and not as a mere buyer of an object.

6. Returns are significantly reduced

As we noted earlier, this happens above all on online sales sites for clothes, shoes and accessories.

7. Visual information is favoured over text

Thanks to the adoption of Augmented Reality, a more practical and enjoyable experience is provided for the user, so that they can try, compare and buy what they need most.

8. They provide an incredible source of information about your customers

We can learn about their interests, preferences and habits. This helps companies to improve their products accordingly and adapt them more closely to their buyers' needs.

Undoubtedly, the application of technological solutions based on Augmented Reality favours the development of e-commerce, focusing on the customer, enhancing the shopping experience and seeing sales increase. At INVELON we offer you the opportunity to take a leap into the future, by incorporating an Augmented Reality solution that adapts completely to your product and your brand.