Augmented Reality Is Shaping The Future Of E-commerce

Augmented Reality (AR) is helping businesses to interact with customers, increase customer satisfaction and reduce product returns. AR can help their customers better understand how a product looks from all angles, making it easier to meet customer expectations which, in turn, leads to higher post-purchase satisfaction.

Reports show that AR increases buyer confidence, with 71% of consumers saying they would shop more often if they used AR, while 61% prefer that retailers offer such experiences.

Meanwhile, a UPS study showed that the tech could reduce the problems of returned goods, as it will allow customers to virtually “try before they buy,” and obtain more information before deciding whether or not to make the purchase.

Statista estimates the AR market to be valued at $30.7 billion, with over 400,000 glasses sold in 2021.

Alibaba and Adobe have unveiled AR tools to boost shoppers’ online buying experience, while Shopee has implemented AR tools and AI for some of its beauty product merchants.

E-commerce and dropshipping services company Yakkyofy offers 3D modeling files to show products in AR to their customers. With a database of more than 12 million products, the company can offer businesses 3D models of any item, in just a few days.

CEO and Founder, Giovanni Conforti referred to studies that show AR in online shopping can increase retailers’ conversion rates by 40%, help shop owners improve customer loyalty, and reduce return rates.

Despite the e-commerce opportunities brought by AR, Mobile Marketer reports that 52% of retailers are still not prepared to start using this and other new technologies.