Use of Augmented Reality in eCommerce: Creating an Engaging Online Journey

Online shopping has become a major way people buy products, but with so many options, it can be tough for sellers to stand out. Customers today expect more than just a simple transaction; they want a shopping experience that helps them make confident decisions. This is where augmented reality (AR) in eCommerce comes in.

According to a NielsenIQ survey, 56% of shoppers feel more confident in a product’s quality when AR is involved, and 61% prefer shopping at stores that offer AR experiences. For businesses, this means a chance to enhance the customer journey, create more engagement, and build stronger connections with shoppers, thereby increasing sales.

Understanding the Key Differences Between AR and VR

You may hear a lot about AR and VR. These two exciting technologies are transforming how people shop, learn, and play games. But they work very differently. Let us explore some key differences:

Practical AR Application Types

Let’s look at where it’s used and how it improves everyday tasks:

1. Education: AR makes learning fun. Students can see 3D models of complicated concepts or the human body. This helps them understand better than just reading books.
2. Healthcare: Doctors use AR during surgeries to get help from experts far away. Medical students can use 3D models to practice safely. They don’t need real patients to learn. AR also lets students join training from anywhere.
3. Industry Operations: In factories, AR helps find problems early, which saves time. If a machine breaks, experts can guide workers from far away. It also shows safety tips. In warehouses, AR helps find items faster and gives 3D demos to customers.
4. Retail Shopping: AR makes shopping easier. People can try on clothes, glasses, or makeup without touching them. They can also see how things like furniture will look at home.
5. Interior Design: AR helps people see what their home will look like before they buy furniture or paint. They can try different options virtually, making choosing easier. AR is also used in construction and real estate to show how places will look when finished.
6. Military: The military uses AR to train soldiers safely. It also helps plan missions and share updates. AR improves teamwork and makes missions faster and safer.

AR’s Impact on Digital Shopping

AR is changing how people shop online. About 32% of shoppers already use it, and by the end of 2023, around 1.3 billion people are expected to use AR while shopping. It helps customers see how products look, like placing furniture in a room or trying on clothes virtually. This makes them more sure about their choices and lowers the chance of returns.

Seeing products clearly and interacting with them helps people decide faster and feel more confident. Adding AR to your store makes online shopping feel more real and helps your business stand out.

Examples of AR in Action

●  Virtual Try-Ons: Fashion stores use AR to let customers virtually try on clothes, accessories, and makeup, helping them see how products look before buying.

●  Home Décor Visualisation: Furniture brands use AR to show customers how items will look in their homes, making it easier to decide before purchase.

●  Interactive Product Displays: AR lets customers explore products from different angles and in more detail, helping them make informed decisions.

●  Virtual Store Tours: Some retailers offer virtual store tours, allowing customers to easily explore the store from home and find what they need.

Real-World Examples of AR in Online Retail Stores

Let’s explore some real-world examples of AR in eCommerce stores:

●  IKEA: Uses the IKEA Place app to let customers see how furniture looks in their homes before buying.

●  Warby Parker: Offers a virtual try-on feature for glasses so customers can see how different frames look on their faces.

●  ASOS: Allows shoppers to try on clothes virtually to understand fit and style better.

●  Sephora: Uses AR to help customers try makeup products like lipstick and eyeshadow virtually.

●  Amazon: Lets shoppers place furniture and home decor in their rooms using the Room Decorator tool.

●  Nike: Uses AR to show how shoes look on a person’s feet before purchasing.

●  Baby Bunting: Helps parents see how prams and car seats fit in their homes or cars using AR.

How AR Can Drive Conversions, Loyalty, and Sales

Here is how it can help your business:

1. Boosts Sales: When buyers can see how a product fits into their life, they feel more confident and are quicker to place an order.
2. Makes Shopping More Engaging: AR turns regular browsing into an interactive experience. It keeps buyers interested and encourages them to spend more time in your store.
3. Attracts More Visitors: Stores that offer AR features often stand out. This helps bring in more online and offline traffic.
4. Improves Customer Loyalty: A personalised shopping experience leaves a strong impression. Shoppers are more likely to return and buy again. AR features on platforms like Shopify have led to a 94% higher conversion rate.
5. Gives a Better Product View: Buyers can view items from all angles, zoom in, and explore every detail, something regular photos can’t always show.
6. Low Return Rates: When customers know what to expect, they’re less likely to return products. This helps reduce extra costs and hassle.
7. Builds Trust: Letting customers interact with a product before buying builds confidence and trust in your store.
8. Promotes New Products: AR can draw attention to items that buyers might otherwise miss, helping increase interest in your newer listings.

Steps to Integrate AR Features Into Your Online Store

To integrate AR into your online store, follow the given steps:

1. Set Your Goal

Decide what you want from AR: more sales, fewer returns, or better engagement. Think about your customers. What devices do they use? Are they active on social media? Choose products that look better with AR, like clothes, furniture, or makeup.

2. Choose the AR Tool

Use web-based AR if you want easy access without apps. App-based AR gives more control but needs downloads. Social AR works inside apps like Instagram. If you want a quick setup, use ready-made AR tools with built-in features.

3. Create AR Content

Make 3D models that look real and load fast. Keep the design simple to ensure ease of use. Test it on phones and computers to ensure everything works well and nothing breaks.

4. Add It to Your Store

Add AR to your product pages or app. Ensure it runs well on your website, app, and other devices your buyers use.

5. Watch and Improve

Track how shoppers use AR. See if it helps sales. Ask for feedback. Use this data to fix problems and keep improving the experience.

Shiprocket Checkout: Turning Engagement Into Seamless Conversions

Losing customers at checkout? It happens more often than you think. Long forms, unclear delivery dates, and missing payment options can push buyers away right before they’re ready to pay. That’s where Shiprocket Checkout steps in. It is built to make checkout faster, smoother, and smarter. With features like address autofill, quick login, and clear delivery info, buyers can complete their orders in just a few clicks. You can reduce RTOs by up to 30%, cut cart abandonment by 25%, and even boost conversions by 60%. With personalised discounts and COD control, we help you turn more visitors into buyers quickly and smoothly.

Conclusion

Using augmented reality in eCommerce allows you to connect with customers in a new way. It builds trust, boosts confidence in purchases, and makes shopping more engaging. As more customers expect interactive experiences, AR can set you apart from competitors. Adding AR offers a more personal, enjoyable shopping journey, which can lead to more sales and repeat business. It’s a smart investment that can help grow your brand and meet changing customer expectations.