5 must-have online business resolutions for a great 2023

2023 is around the corner. What’s new for eCommerce? What are the leading forces in online selling advocating for? It’s time to focus on the year to come and how you can make the best of your business so you can stay ahead of the curve and surpass your competition. We bring you 5 must-have online business resolutions for 2023 so you can get off to a great start!

Online business resolution #1 – Zero carbon, zero waste

“The eCommerce sector is a bridge between the digitalization of our society and the transition to a more sustainable economy. It is a sector in constant and rapid evolution, shaped by new technologies, new ambitions, and ideas, new demands, making it a sector capable of spearheading innovative sustainable solutions.”

Many eCommerce businesses are now considering, and sometimes implementing, net-zero targets. Many address sustainability as a priority, and expectations continue to evolve on the subject.

In fact, the sustainable movements in eCommerce are taken one step further by having the active involvement of key players such as stakeholders, who are demanding commitment toward future environmentally-friendly strategies.

3D configuration is the technology that can help businesses reach their zero waste targets, through personalization and a more responsible way of producing. If you’d like to know how, read our article on the subject.

Online business resolution #2 – Make-to-stock to make-to-order

Make to stock is a wordy term for the most traditional and some might say – outdated – way of stocking up.  It means guessing what the customer is going to get, purchasing plenty of it, and leaving it on the shelves in the hope that someone stumps up the cash and buys it off.

It relies on the predictability of customers’ needs. You have to anticipate what they will buy and when they will buy it.

Make-to-order is when a product is made specifically when an order is received from the customer. Fueled by the growth of eCommerce and cloud technology, its popularity has grown in

recent years.

Using this model, a company only has to buy the materials and components it needs to make a specific product. The business doesn’t have to rent or own large storage areas because there’s nothing to store.

It reduces the storage needs and logistics pressures on companies and manufacturers, while also allowing for greater personalization of products. This helps control costs while also boosting brand appeal.

Would like to know how 3D configuration can help you make the change from make-to-stock to make-to-order? Then download our free whitepaper!

Online business resolution #3 – Metaverse ready

According to Gartner, 25% of people will spend at least one hour a day in the Metaverse for work, shopping, education, social media, and entertainment by 2026. We know that the metaverse seems a bit out of reach at this point. The tech behind it is still expensive but the fact is that it can be accessed using several forms of hardware. Entering this immersive world will be easy once the market evolves. 

We’ve been seeing that evolution on a daily bases. Mobile phones now have AR capabilities, for example. 

The metaverse comes with a lot of advantages for companies. For example, besides the normal Marketing KPIs businesses can use the virtual world to test the penetration of their products without having to manufacture them. Depending on the engagement a certain product receives, businesses will have a better knowledge of how much of it to manufacture and even what kind of personalization to provide. 

To be ready for this world can sound comprehensive. Creating 3D models of every single product and their customization can be expensive and time-consuming. It requires a skilled workforce and a lot of resources. 

A 3D configurator can help companies to optimize this process by facilitating the personalization process and providing great visualization. Through a 3D configurator, companies are able to create real-life models of their products and allow the customers to change their features at the same time they can inspect every little detail from 360 degrees.

online business resolution with a girl using VR goggles

Online business resolution #4 – A realistic online customer experience

Product returns are a  big problem for online businesses, and they can mean many things, for example:

  • Product photography is not a faithful representation of the real thing;
  • Not enough information about the products;
  • The product was damaged or defective;
  • The customer experienced buyer’s remorse.

At least 30% of all products ordered online are returned as compared to 8.89% in physical stores.

In order to reduce product returns, the customer has to be empowered in their journey. They have to feel like they have all the information they need and that the product feels real. It’s therefore important to offer the best visualization possible. 

3D configuration is a great way of putting shoppers in charge. A configurator enables shoppers to get the best online visualization at the same time they are engaged in the creative process. They’ll be able to change things like color, material, and size, and even engrave or accessorize products as they view the item from all angles.

Online business resolution #5 – Personalization and customization

81% of customers are willing to pay more for customized clothing and 76% are willing to pay more for customized furniture. Shoppers want customization and they will pay more for it, no matter the industry.

In a world that celebrates individuality, it is important to provide customers with options. Big brands such as Ralph Lauren, Nike, and Rituals are already doing it.

With personalization comes a better customer experience, increased customer loyalty, and fewer product returns.

 

Did you like this article about online business resolutions for 2023? Then read about what’s trending!

Ways To Improve User Experience

User experience is vital to the success of any website. A good user experience is what will ensure a user stays on your website and converts. Many factors contribute to a positive user experience, such as navigation, design, and content.
In this blog post, we will discuss some ways you can improve the user experience on your website. By making just a few changes, you can greatly improve the chances of keeping visitors on your site longer, and ultimately achieving your desired goal for their visit.

Ensure Your Website is Mobile Friendly

Creating and maintaining a mobile-friendly website is crucial for businesses today. If you don’t have one, customers may turn to your competitors, who likely do. Not only will a mobile-friendly website help maximize the user experience, but it could also boost SEO metrics, such as improved search engine rankings and higher click-through rates. Additionally, with more people searching on their phones than on desktops or laptops, optimizing your site for mobile ensures you won’t miss out on potential leads from these users. Investing in making sure your site is tailored for these devices will be worth the effort in the end.

Use Clear & Compelling Call To Actions (CTAs)

Call to actions are an important element of website design. They should be strategically placed throughout the page and direct visitors to take a specific action, whether it’s subscribing to your newsletter, downloading an ebook, or completing a purchase. CTAs should be clear and easy to understand so that users can easily find them and follow through with the desired action. Furthermore, make sure CTAs stand out from the other elements on the page. Bold colors, bigger fonts and effective placement will improve conversions by making it easier for users to find them.

Use a 3D Product Configurator

If you sell products, then having a 3D product configurator may be the perfect way to give customers a unique, interactive experience. This type of configuration tool allows users to customize their products in real-time and get an accurate visualization of the end result. It’s not only more engaging for the user, but it can also lead to more conversions as it creates an emotional connection with the product. Additionally, it can save time in terms of customer support requests and reduce product returns/exchanges due to incorrect orders.

Optimize Page Load Times

Page load times are a major factor when it comes to user experience. If your website takes too long to load, visitors may become frustrated and leave. To avoid this, check your website’s speed and make sure pages are optimized for fast loading. Minimizing the size of images, caching resources, and reducing HTTP requests can all help with page load times. Additionally, consider using a content delivery network (CDN) to store static files on multiple servers around the world which can help improve load times for users who are geographically distant from your server.

Implement Live Chat

Adding a live chat feature to your website can be a great way to provide users with personalized customer service. Having this tool available will make it easier for customers to ask questions and get answers quickly, improving their overall experience. Live chat is also beneficial for businesses as it allows them to collect valuable customer feedback in real-time, which can be used to improve the user experience and make changes to their website.

Test Your Website’s Page Frequently

Testing your website’s pages is essential for ensuring the user experience is up to par. This includes testing page load speeds, navigation, functionality and other elements. Broken links, incorrect images, or slow loading times can all have a negative impact on the user experience. By running tests frequently, you can identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Provide Quality, Relevant Content

Content is a huge part of the user experience. By providing quality content that is both relevant and helpful to your visitors, you can create long-term relationships with them and improve the overall user experience. Not only should you provide valuable content on your website, but also include social media links so users can access your content in other places. This will help you reach a wider audience and increase engagement with your content.
A good user experience is essential for driving conversions and maximizing the success of any website. By following these tips, you can improve the user experience on your website and ensure visitors are getting a positive experience every time they visit.

Ways To Reduce Your Bounce Rate

It’s no secret that a high website bounce rate can be detrimental to your online success. But what exactly is a website bounce rate, and how can you reduce it?

What is Bounce Rate

A website bounce rate is the percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page. A high website bounce rate usually indicates that something is wrong with your site – whether it’s poor design, slow loading times, or uninteresting content.
So how can you reduce your website’s bounce rate and keep visitors coming back for more? Here are some tips:

Identify why users are bouncing from your site

Website usability is a key factor for reducing bounce rates. Understanding why users are bouncing from your site may help you to identify areas of improvement and address potential issues that are causing customers to leave the page. To gain insight into user behavior, it can be beneficial to conduct website surveys, review analytics records, A/B test different versions of pages, or monitor click activity. Utilizing this data could help businesses optimize their website performance and lower the rate of user bounce.

Make sure your website loads quickly

Page load speed can make or break the user experience. If a website takes too long to load, users are far more likely to get frustrated and abandon the page. It is critical for anyone with a website to ensure that it loads quickly. Ensuring fast page loading times can be achieved through streamlining images, minifying resources, and leveraging content delivery networks. Reducing the amount of JavaScript and payloads also contributes to faster page loading times. Web developers must prioritize web performance optimization to keep their visitors satisfied with quick-loading pages. For any successful website, faster loads equal improved user satisfaction and engagement.

Improve your website’s design

When creating or updating a website, design should be given top priority. A website’s success can be largely attributed to the visual appeal and ease of navigation offered by its design. To ensure a successful website, all elements that contribute to how users interact with it need to be carefully considered. Think of ways to optimize user experience with features like easy-to-read menus, quick search functions, intuitive navigation, and visually appealing graphics. Altogether this will create an attractive, interactive, and user-friendly experience that helps draw visitors to your site again and again.

Create Compelling Content

Creating compelling content requires taking the time to craft a narrative that resonates with your target audience. This starts with understanding the needs and motivations of your readers and then tailoring your content accordingly. Once you have identified the topics that will spark your readers’ interest, you can develop a strategy for delivering those messages in a way that resonates. By doing this, your content can more effectively engage the reader and encourage them to take action. Ultimately, compelling content helps to foster higher engagement rates and deeper relationships between businesses and their audiences.

Use Effective CTAs

A clear and well-placed CTA (call to action) can help your website visitors transition from simply browsing content to taking an action. CTAs can be used to steer users toward an action such as subscribing to a newsletter, viewing more content, signing up for a trial, or purchasing a product. It is important to ensure that the CTA stands out and is easily visible on any page. CTAs should be placed in prominent locations, such as the top or bottom of a page, and should always use active language that encourages users to take action.

Test different versions of your website

A/B testing is a great way to get the most out of your website. By testing different versions, you can identify how users are interacting with your content and find areas for improvement. For example, A/B testing can be used to evaluate different design goals, website navigation systems, and landing pages which helps to ensure an engaging and user-friendly experience. Additionally, it also allows you to create personalized experiences based on user characteristics like location or device type. Overall, A/B testing can significantly improve user engagement and help your website reach its maximum potential.
By following the steps above, you can decrease your website’s bounce rate and improve your chances of capturing leads. If you need help implementing these changes, contact us today. Our team of experts will work with you to create a custom plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

Augmented Reality, A Guide

Augmented reality is one of the hottest topics in both the eCommerce, tech and gaming industries. While many people are familiar with AR from smartphones and social media filters, there is so much more to this technology.
This guide will explore what augmented reality is, how it works, and its potential applications. With AR becoming more mainstream every day, it’s important to understand this fascinating technology.

What Is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) is a relatively new digital technology that overlays digital content over our physical world. By using an AR-enabled device, such as smart glasses or a mobile device, the user can have real-time data and visuals combined with their physical environment.
It allows for enhanced experiences when looking at objects by providing additional information about them through images, words, details and even audio. It’s possible to go beyond presentations and take interactive activities such as measuring distances and playing games in the environment around us
All of this is achieved through precise tracking of location, movement and direction, as well as advanced sensory input from cameras, facial recognition and sound processing technology.
How this all works together depends on the type of application being used; applications that are dedicated to only one purpose are designed differently than apps where multiple types of content are blended into everyday use.

The Different Types Of AR Experiences

Augmented Reality (AR) has come a long way from its earliest iterations, which displayed simple 3D images as superimposed graphics on top of a 2D surface. Now, AR technology is being used in many creative ways:

Marker-based

This type of AR uses markers, such as QR codes or tags, to trigger the display of content. The device recognizes the marker and then displays augmented reality images based on the coordinates of that marker’s location.

Location-based

This technology uses GPS data to identify a user’s location and then displays content that is relevant to that particular spot. For example, if you’re in a museum, the app may show information about the artwork or history of that space.

Projection-based

This uses projectors or laser scanning technology to overlay images onto physical objects. This technology has been used in retail stores to provide customers with additional product information, such as how the item looks in different colors or styles.

What Are The Potential Applications Of AR?

Augmented reality has a number of potential applications, including:

Education

AR can be used to bring classrooms to life. Students can explore concepts through interactive 3D simulations and be tested on their knowledge through virtual quizzes.

Entertainment

AR enhances traditional gaming experiences, allowing players to interact with the game in new ways. It can also be used to create immersive experiences, such as escape rooms or interactive museums.

eCommerce

Retailers are increasingly turning to AR technology to bring their products to life. Customers can now virtually try on clothes or experiment with furniture layouts through AR apps. Consumers can use augmented reality in shopping malls to find the best deals, or they can use it at home to virtually visualize how a product would look in their living space.

Healthcare

Augmented reality is being used in the healthcare industry for training purposes, diagnosis and treatment of patients, as well as doctor-patient consultations.

Benefits Of Using Augmented Reality For eCommerce

Using augmented reality in eCommerce offers many benefits, such as:

Increased Engagement

Customers can interact with a product before making a purchase. This allows them to make informed decisions and boosts customer satisfaction.
With this, shoppers can “try on” clothes, virtually visualize furniture in their home, and experiment with different product configurations.

Higher Conversion Rates

By allowing customers to experience products before buying them, this tool can help retailers increase sales and web conversion rates. Moreover, customers can be more confident in their purchase decisions, leading to higher satisfaction rates.

Enhanced Brand Perception

AR technology helps brands stand out from the competition and build a strong emotional connection with customers. It can also create a sense of novelty and excitement, further developing the brand’s identity.

Reduced Cost Returns

This tool can provide customers with realistic visualizations of a product, reducing the need for costly returns.

Improved Customer Experience

By providing customers with an interactive shopping experience, companies can enhance the customer journey and build stronger relationships with their customers.

Innovativeness

Companies can use AR technology to create unique and dynamic shopping experiences that are impossible with traditional retail. Businesses can invest in eCommerce augmented reality tools and create engaging campaigns for customers.
The possibilities of augmented reality technology are endless and it’s being used in more and more industries every day. It’s an exciting time as developers, entrepreneurs and companies continue to explore the possibilities of this technology.
As AR continues to evolve, we can look forward to new applications that will help us to interact with the world around us in fresh and innovative ways.

AR vs. VR

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about augmented reality and virtual reality. Both technologies have their proponents, but what’s the difference between them? And which one is right for you? Let’s take a look.

Augmented Reality, Explained

AR is a way of displaying information or interacting with digital elements in a real-world environment. It overlays computer-generated images, sounds and other sensory enhancements onto the user’s view of their physical environment, creating an augmented version of reality. Examples include:
  • Pokemon Go
  • Snapchat filters
  • HUDs used in gaming
These technologies allow users to interact with digital elements in the physical environment.
There are also augmented reality website tools that can be used to create interactive experiences for users. For example, a fashion website could allow customers to try on clothes virtually using their webcam.

Virtual Reality, Explained

VR, on the other hand, is a method of immersing the user in a simulated environment. It creates an artificial world that users can explore and interact with using special headsets and peripherals. Examples of virtual reality are:
  • Oculus Rift
  • Google Cardboard
  • HTC Vive
These systems provide a 360-degree view of the simulated environment, allowing users to move around and explore it as if they were actually there.

Differences: VR Versus AR

The primary difference between AR and VR is the level of immersion they provide. While both technologies offer users a way to interact with digital elements, AR overlays these elements onto the user’s view of the physical environment while VR completely immerses them in an artificial world.
Augmented reality allows users to interact with their physical environment while also interacting with digital elements, providing a more seamless and realistic experience.
While virtual reality can provide an incredibly immersive experience, but it’s limited to the simulated environment created by the headset and peripherals. Furthermore, users must remain stationary while using VR technology as it’s difficult to move around in the simulated world.

Similarities: VR Versus AR

Despite their differences, AR and VR have several things in common. These commonalities include:
  • The use of special headsets or peripherals to view digital elements.
  • The potential to provide users with an engaging and immersive experience.
  • Both technologies allow users to interact with digital elements in a new way that bridges the gap between the physical and virtual worlds.
  • AR and VR can be used for educational purposes, allowing students to explore simulated environments or learn about concepts in a more interactive way.

Benefits: AR Versus VR

Both these technologies offer unique benefits to businesses.

Better User Experience

  • Augmented Reality – AR can help businesses streamline their processes by providing real-time data when and where it’s needed. For example, a warehouse can use AR to provide workers with detailed instructions while they’re working on the floor. It can also be used to help customers have a more engaging experience with products, such as being able to virtually „try“ clothes before buying them or test out furniture in their living room.
  • Virtual Reality – VR is a powerful tool for businesses, allowing them to provide immersive training experiences or showcase products in a more engaging way. For instance, they can use VR to take customers on virtual tours of their factories or show them how a product works before they buy it. This will give customers a great virtual reality shopping experience. Additionally, businesses can use VR to provide employees with a safe and realistic environment for practicing tasks or procedures.

Convenience & Cost Effectiveness

  • Augmented Reality – AR can be used to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Businesses can use AR to help their employees diagnose problems with equipment or vehicles on-site, eliminating the need to bring in outside help. It also makes it easier for customers and remote workers to access digital content, allowing them to find the information they need quickly and easily without having to leave their homes.
  • Virtual Reality – VR can also save businesses money by providing more cost-effective training solutions than traditional methods. By using VR, businesses can cut down on travel expenses and reduce the amount of time needed to train employees without sacrificing quality. Furthermore, businesses can use VR to bring products and services to potential customers in a more engaging way, providing a more immersive experience than other methods.

Increased Efficiency And Productivity

  • Augmented Reality – AR can increase efficiency and productivity by providing workers with real-time data that can be used to improve processes. Workers in warehouses or manufacturing plants can use AR to quickly find the information they need, reducing time spent searching for it. It can also be used to streamline mobile workflows, giving workers the information they need to complete tasks quickly.
  • Virtual Reality – VR can also increase productivity by allowing workers to practice and rehearse tasks without compromising safety or accuracy. By providing employees with realistic simulations, businesses can help their staff become more proficient in their jobs without having to take time out for physical training.
For companies looking to stay competitive in the digital age, leveraging these technologies can be a great way to increase engagement, efficiency and productivity.

Improving Website Conversion Rate, Explained

Your website’s conversion rate is the percentage of users who convert during a specified period of time. A conversion could be anything from making a purchase to signing up for a newsletter. A low conversion rate can be frustrating, but luckily there are things you can do to improve it. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most effective ways to boost your website’s conversion rate. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is A Website Conversion Rate?

Website conversion rate is a metric used to measure how effective a website is at converting visitors into customers. To calculate the conversion rate, divide the total number of website transactions (orders, leads, downloads) by the total number of site visits. This key performance indicator tells you what percentage of visitors ended up taking your desired action and should be closely monitored in order to inform website design and optimization strategies.
By continuously tracking conversions and analyzing failure points, it’s possible to identify issues on the page or develop better strategies for targeting suitable audiences. Ultimately, a high website conversion rate points to an effective marketing strategy that will have positive impacts on sales and profitability.

Factors That Affect Web Conversion Rate

Web conversion rate is a key factor for an effective website. Major factors that can impact website conversion rate include:
  • web design
  • usability and functionality of the website
  • how well the target audience is identified and engaged through messaging
  • content marketing
  • emails sent to customers
  • page speed optimization
Additionally, researching competitors’ sites to identify best practices in terms of navigation structure, content types and formats, call to action buttons, SEO optimization and other areas should also be taken into account to ensure good web conversion rates. With careful attention paid to all these factors, it is possible for any site to achieve favorable rates of customer engagement.

Ways To Improve Website Conversion Rate

Improving website conversion rate is an important goal for every business. It plays a huge role in driving revenue and setting the company up for long-term growth. Fortunately, there are several ways for businesses to reach this goal. This includes:

Optimizing The Website Layout

Optimizing the layout of your website is a great way to direct users to the most important pages and calls to action. Pay attention to the overall user experience with things like font size, colors, image sizes, white space and placement of text and CTAs.

Creating Engaging Content

Providing engaging content on your website is essential for getting visitors to take the desired action. Make sure the content you create speaks to your target audience and provides enough value or incentives for them to convert.

Testing & Analyzing Results

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ideas and strategies. A/B testing can be a valuable tool in helping to determine which elements of your website are working and which need to be improved. By taking the time to analyze results continually, businesses can uncover valuable insights that will enable them to further optimize their website.

Investing In 3D Product Configuration Software

Using 3D product configurators can be an effective way to draw visitors in and make them more likely to convert. This type of tool gives users the ability to customize their purchases, giving them a more personalized experience that could lead to increased sales and higher conversion rates.

Utilizing Social Media

Social media can be an effective tool for driving conversions when used correctly. This can involve linking to specific pages on your website, offering discounts or promotions and connecting with the right audience.

Benefits Of A High Website Conversion Rate

Running an online business has many advantages and one of the most important ones is having a high website conversion rate. A high conversion rate indicates that your website is receiving plenty of traffic and most importantly, converting those visitors into leads or sales. This can have several benefits for a business:

Greater Reach & Visibility

This means more people are likely to visit your website, increasing visibility and expanding your reach. This is especially beneficial for businesses that are just starting out and need to establish a presence in the competitive online market.

Increased Revenue

By converting more visitors into leads or sales, businesses can see an increase in their overall revenue. This will provide companies with the necessary funds to invest in other areas of their business and promote long-term growth.

Improved Customer Relationships

Having a high website conversion rate also helps to build customer relationships and trust. Customers are more likely to return when they feel like their needs were met and their experience was positive. Furthermore, businesses can use customer feedback to further optimize their website and increase conversions even more.
By taking the time to understand their target audience and optimize their website accordingly, businesses can increase their web conversion rates and ultimately drive more revenue. With the right strategies in place, companies will be well on their way to success.

Top 5 brands that nail personalized gifting

These brands are the perfect embodiment of personalized gifting. They decided to take their customer experience to the next level by allowing shoppers to create the version of their product that most resonates with them.

For special days, such as Christmas, Mother’s or Father’s Day, and Valentine’s Day, personalized gifting can be the differentiating factor for companies needing to stand out. In fact, 4 out of 5 Americans would give a personalized gift to family members during the holidays. So customers also want it. 

Some companies are already successfully doing it. We bring you the top 5 brands nailing personalized gifting during this festive season. 

Ralph Lauren

The legendary brand provides personalization in a variety of products. From polos to perfumes, Ralph Lauren understands that luxury also comes from having something custom created for shoppers.

In polos, customers can select the style, size, logos and monograms, flags, and even the embroidery. This is perfect for shoppers who want to select something that fits their requirements but it’s also a great way of coming up with the ideal personalized gift.

Customers are less likely to return something that resonates with them on a deeper level and has an emotional charge. By creating something unique for themselves or their loved ones, shoppers will be empowered in their buying journey. 

Personalized gifting is not only a great way to create buzz but is also incredibly engaging and Ralph Lauren is doing it perfectly. 

L’Oréal – Vikor&Rolf

L’Oréal decided very early on that they wanted to provide personalized gifting. They have been at the forefront of cosmetic care and they know their customers are looking for something that is as unique as they are.

The personalization they provide is transversal to many products and partner brands such as Viktor & Rolf. The design duo has a number of fragrances that are highly personalizable. 

Flowerbomb is the perfect example. Besides being able to choose the size of the bottle, customers can select the type of bottle they want, and the accessories they want to complement the native design. Besides, shoppers can even engrave a message for a loved one onto the bottle. 

L’Oréal uses a 3D configurator to achieve the best possible customer experience. The customer can play with the product, see it in 3D from 360 degrees and even zoom in and out on the details. 

The customizations have an associated cost that is seen as the shoppers choose certain features. After payment, a Bill of Materials is created with all the item specifications and sent to production, so the chance of manufacturing a defective product is quite low. All this is made possible using Expivi’s CPQ (configure, price, quote) software.

Brand, customer, and production are connected through an integrated ERP system, which is why since integrating the configurator, L’Oréal has experienced 0% return rates. All parties are in sync with each other.

personalized gifting with flowerbomb perfume's configurator

Nike

Nike has been leading the charge in the fashion and sporting goods industry for years. They are always one step ahead of the competition and that is why they provide personalization in some of their items. 

Sustainability is important for the brand and it’s something that they keep on focusing on every year. They have a zero carbon and zero waste target and every step they take is towards that. Personalization is an important part of that journey.

To create something personalized means that the product is conceived from scratch, this means that production only takes place when an order occurs. As a result, there is less need to have thousands upon thousands of stock products decaying in some warehouse. It also means that the product will resonate with the person that created it on a deeper level, after all, it was created considering their requirements. 

When providing personalization, companies have to really focus on the best possible visualization tool. A 3D configurator is the ultimate visualziation tool. When buying online, it’s difficult to make a purchase decision, this becomes even trickier when personalizing something.  Shoppers need to see what they are creating as if they were touching it. 

Nike has been on the avant guard of sports for a while now, and through personalized gifting, they will continue to succeed and reach their zero-carbon target.

Le Olive

Le Olive, a sleep and loungewear company also embodies personalized gifting in a great way. Most of their products are personalizable and customers can actually choose what to embroider on the items. 

The brand is all about personalization. It was born from it. From robes to pajamas, from hats to towels, they decided to make every product personalizable. As a result, their return rates are around 2%, a great number compared with the eCommerce average of 30%.

Le Olive decided to work with Expivi to bring their vision to life with a 3D configurator where shoppers can view the engraved products as they would in real life.

Visualization is key when it comes to personalization. Shoppers want to see what they are creating, to only have an idea of what the product looks like will result in returns and unhappy customers. Using a 3D configurator, what you see is what you get, and that is essential when it comes to personalized gifting.

Rituals

Rituals knows all there is to know about what makes the perfect gift. Founded on the celebration of different cultures and showing their consumers the beauty of the world, they are aware that every customer is unique.

Founded in 2000, the dutch brand was the first in the world to combine luxury Home and Body cosmetics. 

Their products have a high-end flair that is elevated through personalization. Chosen by many as the to go to brand for gifts, Rituals are aware of these stats:

That is why they integrated a “customize” section into their website. Shoppers can now personalize diffusers, candles, and even shampoos/conditioners. Rituals is indeed one of the brands leading in personalized gifting.

Did you like this article on personalized gifting? Then read our latest article on eCommerce trends for 2023!

3D Product Configurators, What To Know

Operating an eCommerce website doesn’t have to be limited to displaying static 2D images of products. Utilizing a 3D configurator can give customers a more interactive experience that will allow them to see what the product looks like and how it works. This can help increase customer satisfaction and reduce returns. If you’re considering adding a 3D configurator to your eCommerce website, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

What is a 3D Configurator and how can it benefit your eCommerce business?

A 3D configurator is a powerful tool for eCommerce businesses that provides customers with an interactive experience. This cutting-edge technology allows customers to customize everything from the shape of a tabletop desk to the color of clothing items. Common examples of use cases for 3D configurators include furniture, clothing, and cars.

3D Configurators Improve User Experience

By providing customers with the opportunity to visualize your products in 3D, you can significantly increase overall customer satisfaction. Investing in 3D product configurator provides your customers with a better shopping experience which, in turn, may result in improved sales.
3D Configurators Increase User Engagement

3D Configurators Provide Valuable Customer Insights

By allowing customers to customize their product virtually, businesses can provide an interactive experience while collecting valuable usage data. This can be helpful in uncovering customer insights and areas of improvement down the line.

3D Configurators Increase Customer Loyalty

By providing customers with a unique and engaging experience, businesses are able to increase customer loyalty. If customers know they’re going to have an elevated user experience on your website compared to a competitor they’re more likely to return in the future rather than going to the competitor.

3D Configurators Reduce Marketing Costs

By providing customers with a 3D product visualisation, businesses can reduce their advertising and marketing costs. Instead of having to produce elaborate 2D images or videos to showcase products in action, customers will be able to experience the product themselves through 3D configurator. This can substantially cut down on marketing costs while still providing an engaging user experience.
Ultimately, adding a 3D configurator to your eCommerce website can be a great way to improve user experience, engagement and loyalty. With this technology, customers can get a better understanding of what your products look like and how they work, providing them with a more enjoyable shopping experience.

How to choose the right 3D Configurator for your business

Choosing the right 3D Configurator for your business can be a daunting task. It is important to take the time to consider all of your options, as well as what features and capabilities you need from the 3D configurator. Do your research and ask questions to help you make an informed decision. You may want to consider talking to other businesses or industry professionals who have used 3D Configurators before. This information will provide you with the information necessary to make the best decision.
Expivi is a 3D configurator platform that provides businesses with an interactive 3D product visualization experience. It is an easy-to-use, flexible and powerful platform that can be integrated into your existing eCommerce website. Expivi allows customers to customize products in real time while providing a detailed view of the product in 3D space.

Benefits of Having a 3D Customization Tool for Customers

Consumers are more tech-savvy than ever before and having a customization tool for visitors to your site reflects that you understand what modern customers want and need. A customization tool can be as simple as being able to add different colors to a 3D model of a bed or couch all the way to being able to offer your customers full abilities to create their own product. 3D customization tools are often referred to as 3D product configurators and there are numerous benefits to implementing this type of service on your website.

What is a 3D Product Configurator?

A 3D configurator lets customers create a custom-configured product digitally. Once the customer chooses the options, they can view the finished product and then use the configurator to order them online. This 3D customization can also be programmed to guide the customer through the process so they don’t choose incompatible items or items that are out of stock.

Benefits of 3D configurators

Emulate the In-Store Shopping Experience

High-quality 3D customization tools can replicate the experience of being in a retail store by allowing the user to put complex components together and see how the finished product looks. There are some that will even allow the consumer to create a room similar to theirs so they can see how their item will look in their home. For some, this may not seem like a benefit, but if a company can reduce its overhead by having all of its items online and getting rid of a lease, then it can pass those savings on to its customers.

Entertain Customers With an Interactive Experience

One certainty in retail is that the longer the customer is in the store, the better the chance they will purchase something before they leave. The same holds true of an online experience where they can use a configurator to create different options in products and get a great idea of how they will look. 3D customization tools are easy to use and a lot of fun and chances are, the longer the customer plays with it, the better the chance they will hit the buy button.

Sell What’s in Stock

The product configurations generated on your website can be programmed to use only the materials that are available so there are never any issues with backorders or discontinued items. The configurator can connect with the inventory of your business so when the customer is building their product, only materials that are available can be used and anything not in stock can be marked as unavailable. This helps reduce existing inventory and tells the system to order more of whatever is not available. It also means that a discontinued product won’t inadvertently be sold.

Get the Order Right the First Time

The configurator can generate an accurate receipt of materials when the customer completes their order that can then be shared with the manufacturing teams. The teams can see exactly what is needed according to the specifications and eliminate any room for error. When the system works seamlessly and customers get exactly what they want, then customer satisfaction goes up as well as word-of-mouth business and repeat sales.

Customer Loyalty Increases

When your customers know they can rely on you to give them the right products, without error and in record time, they are more likely to come back and even better, spread the good word on social media. The great thing about online shops is you can reach a wider clientele than a local brick-and-mortar store and with the help of happy customers on social media, you can increase your sales by reaching people you ordinarily wouldn’t be able to.
There are several companies that can help design this type of customization tool for your shop such as:
  • Woocommerce product customizer – this configuration product allows your customers to design their items according to their needs and increase customer satisfaction.
  • Shopify product customizer – the product configurations available with Shopify product customization will allow your customers to create their perfect product using items that are in stock and compatible so there is no chance of ordering mismatched items or waiting for a back-ordered product.
  • SAP e-commerce – this platform provides you with a business-to-business storefront, catalogs, easy checkout, and the ability to create customer accounts.
When you are looking at ways to take your shop online successfully, a 3D product customization tool will increase your customer’s satisfaction, keep them shopping for longer, and help you sell what is in stock. It is the perfect tool for your online shop.

3 unlikely products that can benefit from 3D configuration

Have you wondered what products can benefit from 3D configuration? There are obvious choices such as furniture and personalized gifting, but others are not as obvious.

But first things first. What is 3D configuration all about? So, 3D configurators give customers the power to configure items, creating the perfect product that’s as unique as they are.

Using a visual interface, shoppers can change product attributes such as size, color, and texture. It can also enable brands to offer visualization of complex products with many variations, so the customer can choose each part or feature.

The product isn’t a static image but a detailed representation of the real thing, that the customer can inspect from every angle. Using a phone, tablet, or computer, they can zoom in or out, analyzing every element of the product before it’s even manufactured. 

The configurator is integrated into an eCommerce website and it unlocks high engagement rates, more sales, and reduced product returns. 

But what other products can benefit from 3D configuration? We bring you three categories that aren’t the obvious contenders but that can highly profit from this technology.

Retail supplies

Companies that provide retail supplies usually offer personalization. Customers can normally choose what kind of material they want, what size and shape they think it’s best, or even what they want to be engraved on the item.

Retail supplies include hangers, displayers, visual merchandising…These products can benefit from 3D configuration on many levels. Retail supply companies can either use a 3D product configurator internally or externally.

Externally, these companies will empower their customers to easily create their own hangers or display units. Buyers will only have to choose between customizable options and they can even place their logos on the product. Production can have access to the orders through an integrated ERP system, which is what Expivi offers. Clients, brands, and manufacturers connected through one platform. 

Many brands however order large quantities of hangers and it can be tricky to have a 3D product configurator available externally. retail supply companies can have it internally though. What are the benefits? Well, it makes the sales cycle much faster. 

Teams don’t have to create models of what their customers want from scratch. They can use the configurator, personalize the hanger or display unit as the customer wants it, and send a detailed 3D render to the customer for approval. If the client does not like the finished product, then using the configurator again, the product can be easily changed. No need to create time-consuming prototypes. This speeds up the sales process which means companies can have a bigger client portfolio.

close up shot of woman in sleepwear as a product that can benefit from 3D configuration

Sleep and loungewear

A pajama or a bathrobe is the ultimate gift. One can never go wrong with it. It’s comfy, people use it all the time. 

Sleep and loungewear businesses do particularly well on special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day. And sometimes they offer new collections during these seasons, but they can also offer personalization with 3D configuration. These brands could channel its power by creating pop-up stores for a limited time and empower their customers to engrave something sweet onto a pajama or bathrobe.

Personalized items are less likely to be returned. In fact, brands that offer good visualization and personalization experience a 35 decrease in their return rates, so sleep and loungewear companies can truly benefit from 3D configuration.

Le Olive has been using it to give life to their personalizable items. On their website, the customer can type in the text they want to engrave, choose the color of the thread and then see a detailed version of the finished product in 3D. Seeing a faithful representation of the real product provides confidence in the buying process and reduces buyer’s remorse.

Sleep and loungewear brands can highly benefit from 3D configuration. There’s no doubt.

Trailers

Some businesses are still relying too much on showrooms and sales meetings in other to close deals. These companies often provide more complex solutions that require a high level of personalization. eCommerce is possible for these businesses with 3D configuration.

Trailers, for example, are part of these complex products category since usually they can be extremely variable according to the client’s needs. Having a trailer business completely online is possible. A Belgian company named Eduard did it, and the results could not have been better.

Thousands and thousands of possible variations were made possible using Expivi’s 3D configurator. Trailer businesses can indeed benefit from 3D configuration. 

Expivi’s 3D configurator enabled us to showcase all combinations while giving the customer the power to create their dream trailer. ”

– Niko Saris,  eCmmerce & Business Development Manager Eduard

Eduard no longer has to go through the fastidious process of showing each part of the trailer to customers in order for them to get the final idea, allowing them to focus on “tackling transportation needs” instead of just “product selling”. Eduard doesn’t have to create physical prototypes of their different trailer combinations and place them in some dusty showroom. Also, they can test new solutions online before they are manufactured.

Customers no longer have to go through the trouble of viewing all the different variations, they are now able to easily configure their trailer according to their specific requirements, whether they need to transport a car with a certain weight or leaves.

Three unlikely products can benefit from 3D configuration – retail supplies, sleep and loungewear, and trailers – but there are so much more. Ping us and let’s discuss the best solution for your business. 

Did you like this article on what products can benefit from 3D configuration? Then read our article on how to reduce product returns right here!