Top 7 Reasons You Should Power Money into VTO & AR in 2023

Have you ever wondered which brand was the first to use Virtual Try-On Technologies? Well, it was Converse who, back in 2012, used the Sampler App developed for iPhones to show users, through their phone cameras, how shoes looked on them in real life. In fact, that was the beginning of an immersive journey that would push markets to believe in the power of augmented reality.

With online shopping being one of the most popular online activities worldwide, it only seems fair to up the ante and make digitization a big part of businesses’ lives, considering the way it impacts consumers’ decision-making processes and shopping patterns. According to Statista, the AR market is expected to reach a whopping $198 billion in 2025, which is why retailers and businesses need to provide engaging and immersive customer service experiences, such as Virtual Try-On technology, to gain a competitive advantage. Need more reason to do so? Read on.

But Really…Why?

1- Immersive online shopping experience:

Gone are the days when customers used to be satisfied with their usual “advanced technologies”. Now, it’s all about interacting with products, trying them online, testing them, and sharing them within communities. Long story short, augmented reality and virtual try-on technology can provide a more immersive and interactive online shopping experience, boosting customer loyalty and sales.

AR and VTO technologies offer as well an increased convenience for customers. Did you know that 79% of consumers are interested in exploring the world with AR?

Indeed, by providing consumers with the ability to explore a virtual space from the comfort of their own homes, brands can give themselves a competitive advantage as well as the capacity to satisfy their customers’ growing needs and expectations. After all, customers can now virtually try on products without physically visiting a store or trying them on in person, thanks to virtual try-on technology. Customers can save time and effort by doing so, making purchasing so much more convenient.

2-    Increased sales and eCommmerce conversion rates:

Here are some interesting facts: 83% of brands that are already using AR have implemented virtual product trials. And, 84% of brands that use AR say it helps drive sales, acquire new customers, and drive performance metrics. With this in mind, AR allows brands to deliver a message with impact, making the shopping experience that much easier. And so, by enabling customers to virtually try on products and visualize them in their own space, brands see a considerable increase in eCommerce conversion rates as customers feel more confident about their purchases. In fact, according to Shopify, the website reports a 200% boost in conversions when AR is used for product visualization.

3-    Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty:

Defining customer satisfaction can depend on a lot of factors. But there is one certified way that gets the ball rolling: AR. AR and VTO technologies give customers a better way to buy, all the while transforming the way they shop and delivering a more innovative buying experience. In fact, research shows that 74% of consumers agree that AR helps them shop in exciting ways. Brands may increase customer satisfaction and lower return rates by allowing customers to try on products before making a purchase.

When it comes to customer loyalty, 4 in 5 brands that used AR lenses/filters improved their brand awareness, making for an enhanced shopping experience. Indeed, a more interesting and personalized shopping experience can be created using virtual try-on technology, which may boost client loyalty. These experiences go beyond expectations, immersing users in an exciting journey. Brands that create applications using AR and VTO can turn transactional experiences into long-term loyalty.

4-    Better product visualization:

Play, feel, and experiment with the item. With the help of augmented reality and virtual try-on technology, customers can preview how products look in their own space or even on them before making a purchase. When it comes to products that customers want to "touch and feel," like shoes, clothing, accessories, jewelry, and make-up, this technology works quite well. Additionally, they are completely free to make decisions, test items at their own pace, and make choices without feeling compelled to buy before making an informed purchasing decision.

AR is also taking Furniture/Home Decor to another level, allowing and empowering consumers to properly visualize and place virtual furniture in their own space. Furthermore, customers are able to see potential layouts, getting an idea of how furnishings and home appliances would function in their chosen environment.

5-    Reduced physical inventory and cost:

Who needs inventory when augmented reality is there to reduce the need for a physical sample? As VTO enables customers to try on products and visualize them without the need for a real-time product, brands are finally able to reduce the amount of physical inventory and, ultimately, their environmental footprint. Indeed, with virtual try-on technology, customers can try on products in an immersive space, examining the fit, style, and feel of the product at hand.

When it comes to Augmented Reality, furniture stores no longer need to have a physical item in different colors or textures, for customers to come and see. They can offer their customers the ability to see and browse different products through AR.

If we take into account the average costs associated with physical products, we will probably think of logistics, warehousing, restocking, labeling, and returns. Virtual try-on technology can help brands save on costs related to physical inventory management and in-store demonstrations. This groundbreaking AR technology also helps reduce returns, which means lower costs and more fluid supply chains.

6-    Enhanced product personalization:

40% of marketing executives report that personalization has a direct impact on maximizing sales. Certainly, with the help of 3D product configurators, VTO offers customization to clients so that they can create personalized products in which they can express their personalities and sense of style. By doing so, companies can boost revenues and help drive sales.

7-    Increased reach:

Virtual try-on technology allows brands to reach a wider audience, as customers can try on products from anywhere in the world with a valid internet connection. It also turns a lot of the disadvantages of online shopping into benefits. Can't visit the store? Then customers can quickly view more possibilities online. Can’t touch the products? But they can compare and see the exact size and fit and style for themselves. By bringing an immersive experience to online shopping, companies that use VTO are able to reach a wider audience, bringing the in-store shopping experience to the online realm, from anywhere in the world…

In a nutshell

As a lot of brands have now been dabbling with the magic of Virtual Try-On technologies, it seems futile to stick to average methods to drive sales and gain brand awareness. It is fine time to hop on the wagon and give customers a real-life shopping experience from the comfort of their own homes.

The future of AR technologies is one of endless possibilities and ground-breaking experiences that will revolutionize the way users shop and consume products. Will we someday be able to buy outfits we spot while watching Netflix or playing video games, with a simple click of a button? Who’s to say…

‍Are you looking to upgrade your audience’s online shopping experience to a more engaging, interactive, and effective one? Schedule a demo now to learn more about how we can help you.