3D Imaging for Ecommerce Websites is the Future of Retail

The needs and demands of the customers are constantly evolving. If you are looking to provide the users with what they are looking for, you need to stay on top of the latest trends, tendencies and use the latest technologies, one of which is 3D imaging. Today we will tell you how 3D technology is being used in eCommerce and tell you what you need to know to get a competitive advantage with it. 

What is 3D Product Imaging?

A 3D product image is graphical 3D representations of the product that the consumers can also interact with. Also, if a shopper wants to get a closer view of a certain part of the product, they can zoom in, rotate it, and see it in motion. Such product imaging is a gigantic leap from the traditional way items being displayed on e-commerce sites and empowers the customers to make more informed purchasing decisions. The way it works is AR/VR 3D models are embedded on website pages and mobile apps, which allows customers to get such an interactive and immersive experience. 

How Does 3D Imaging Work? 

Usually, companies create 3D images in the following ways: 

• 3D Scanning – A scanner projects light onto an object and creates a 3D point cloud, which is a digital representation of the items’ shape and appearance. This is an advantageous method because it can capture all of the fine details of the product. 
• Photogrammetry – This is when you use a digital camera to take pictures of the object from different angles. All of these images are then stitched together to create a comprehensive view of the product. 
• 3D Design – A designer takes all of the available information about the items, such as images, measurements, and other data to create a realistic model. This is an excellent method to use if you have a small number of products, but you will run into scalability issues as your store grows. 

Now that we know how 3D images are created let’s take a look at the benefits. 

What Do Customers and Retailers Stand to Gain From 3D Products? 

3D modeling solutions offer a lot of benefits for both retailers and their customers. Shoppers are more informed about the products they are buying, but also they can purchase items from the convenience of their home. There are items such as cosmetics, furniture, and many others that people are hesitant to buy online because they are personal, and it’s hard to understand whether they will fit your needs without physically holding them in your hands. 3D product rendering made possible through AR technology removes this barrier and allows the customers to shop with confidence for whatever product they want. 

As far as the retailers are concerned, such e-commerce technology allows them to reach a wider audience and increase conversion rates. 3D technology solutions for retail have led to a 20%-40% increase in revenue and conversion rates. This makes sense because the customers can shop for and buy the products they need without any buyer’s remorse, which leads to more conversions and sales. 

Retail 3D Models are Here to Stay

The most recent surveys in e-commerce trends show that people love 3D e-commerce, and it is a long-lasting trend. In fact, 95% of consumers preferred interactive 3D over video playback. If your products are geared towards millennials, Generations X or Z, you should start implementing this technology sooner rather than later because these multigenerational groups will start demanding 3D images of products in the next 5-6 years. In general, these groups are looking for more customized experiences, and this technology allows you to start building better relationships with your customers, thus increasing product loyalty. 

Why Should You Start Implementing 3D Images Today?

We live in a visual world where a picture is worth a thousand words. 3D imaging allows you to take such visualization to another level and show your customers every possible detail of the product. The customers’ experiences are also enriched, and they will be more likely to buy the products. 3D imaging is also a great way to leverage omnichannel marketing and mixed commerce. If you have physical locations, you can combine it with your e-commerce store and utilize the AR/VR technology to add a whole new dimension to your product offering. 

We have seen from some of the data presented above that 3D e-commerce is becoming a new and lasting trend, especially since people are hesitant to make the trip to a brick and mortar location. 3D imaging allows you to provide your customers with an in-store experience by allowing them to try on products in AR/VR and better understand the products they are buying. This is beneficial for both consumers and retailers since they can provide customers with unique experiences.