Cost-efficiency of 3D eCommerce solutions

Planning a purchase, customers have a choice between online and offline shopping. And frequently they don't go online because they don't feel confident. Physical interaction is still important. For this reason, any technology advances that bridge digital and in-person experiences are valuable for both eCommerce providers and customers. 3D modeling is one of such innovations. In this article, we will talk about 3D eCommerce, its benefits, and its business value.

Even though online shopping is pushing the limits of time and location, the percentage of in-store shopping is still high. Except for payment security and delivery, the main customer concern refers to product quality. They have doubts about the products they laid eyes on, more specifically, about their quality, authenticity, and functionality. And in such a case some customers go to the store first to evaluate the item live, and then buy it online. And others don't make any significant purchases.

Expensive goods raise most doubts, together with those that have a specific size or fit requirements, that are technologically complex, and require a tactile or sensory experience. Here we have clothing, shoes, electronics, cars, furniture, cosmetics, jewelry, and others. This list also includes products with a high level of customization and personalization. A plain image or graphic scheme is definitely not enough for custom-made items.

In this situation, eCommerce providers suffer certain losses. From the lost sales opportunities and low conversion rates to a high number of returns and the operating costs of the refund and exchange. And don't forget about customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

3D eCommerce is capable of solving these issues. Let's proceed to its definition and benefits.

What is 3D eCommerce?

This notion applies to the usage of three-dimensional (3D) technology in online shopping environments. 3D models, virtual reality and augmented reality help to create realistic shopping experiences.

Customers can view items from all angles, rotate them, zoom in as close as possible, and even interact. With this technology, eCommerce providers are striving to mimic the in-store shopping experience as precisely as it can be.

Benefits of 3D modeling in eCommerce

Experts believe that 3D eCommerce is the future of online shopping. The proof of this is the numerous benefits that all parties receive:

• Better product visualization - Customers see detailed and realistic 3D models of the products. By interacting with these visual elements, they can better understand all the parameters and become more confident in their choice.
• Online product customization - Customers can make various manipulations with the product to get a lifelike custom version. They can change colors, design variations, configurations, and additional elements according to their needs and preferences.
• Decreased returns and exchanges - As customers get a more accurate view of the items using 3D models, the probability of return and exchange decreases due to the mismatch of their expectations with reality. This also reduces the operating costs associated with reverse logistics.
• Accessibility - Due to modern technologies like 3D product rendering customers can access visual content from any device and browser. The interaction proceeds smoothly and quickly and doesn't require additional actions.

The benefits of investing in 3D modeling

One of the key tasks for eCommerce providers is creating appealing visual content that will facilitate purchases. And here comes the question of what type of visualization to choose. Since this is one of the aspects of investing funds.

Traditional product photography

eCommerce platforms are full of plain images seeking to showcase various products from different sides. At the same time, making such a type of visual content of high quality is a very time-consuming task. Initially, it requires a controlled studio environment, professional photography equipment, and a professional photographer. You can add to this visually engaging styling and composition to demonstrate the product from the best angles and highlight its key features. After the photo shooting, it goes through image editing, retouching, and then optimization to fit the technical requirements of the eCommerce platform.

Imagine the hundreds of items following this route. And every time the product is changed or updated, you need to repeat the whole procedure. Traditional product photography is quite costly and requires significant investments.

Shift to 3D models

The choice in favor of 3D models reveals great prospects for eCommerce providers. Both from the customer and business perspective. 3D cost depends on a myriad of factors, from the complexity of the modeling items, the number of models, customization of details, quality, and development technologies. Previously taken photos of products can be used to create models.

While the initial cost of 3D modeling may seem high, it offers long-term cost savings. Here are some advantages:

• 3D models are versatile. Once created they can be easily reused and reconfigured when the product design or specifications are changed.
• One model contains all the variations of the product that the customer can modify. Comparing with an individual photo collection is needed for each configuration.
• Streamlined content production enables faster publishing of new products and collections on the eCommerce platform.
• Besides interactive product configurators, 3D models can be used in various animations, AR and VR applications, in digital and printed advertising.
• 3D models are viable alternatives for physical prototypes during trade shows and marketing campaigns. Companies can show the whole product line saving costs on production and logistics.
• If you need visuals specific to a particular region, it is much easier to add the required elements to the 3D model rather than doing photo shooting.

Thus, 3D modeling in eCommerce can and does contribute to the ROI through the improved customer services and operational activities.

Technical tips

Obviously, each system has its own peculiarities when developing. What should one pay attention to when implementing 3D modeling? First of all, it is performance optimization. 3D models should not be heavy and slow down the work of the eCommerce platform, especially during peak traffic periods. Rendering should be fast and efficient. Moreover, integration with existing eCommerce platforms like CMS, and CRM is important because it ensures the correct data transmittance.

3D product data collection, management, and keeping massive volumes of 3D content up-to-date is uneasy. In the first case, one needs effective tools to create, digitize, and optimize 3D models that ensure accuracy and consistency across different products and categories. And in the second, is a reliable management system to create, update, and publish 3D models.

3D product rendering includes applying colors and textures to enhance realism and simulations of real-world lighting conditions, reflections, and shadows. All materials - metal, plastic, or fabric look different and react differently to the environment. For a lifelike representation, the rendering should be as detailed as possible. The support of augmented reality and virtual reality will be beneficial. In this combination, 3D models can be used for a virtual try-on experience and product demonstrations in different environments.

There are various tools and technological solutions on the market for 3D eCommerce. They differ in their cost and capabilities. Advanced modeling software, rendering engines, custom rendering solutions, and other specialized technologies. eCommerce providers have plenty to choose from based on their strategic planning and financial opportunities.

Final words

The success of eCommerce providers depends not only on product quality but also on the customer experience within eCommerce platforms. This experience consists of many factors and the proper representation of the goods is one of the main ones. 3D modeling is both an attractive and cost-efficient solution. It allows you to eliminate repetitive photo shoots and gain versatile and comprehensive visual content.

3D Source offers a 3D product configurator solution to transform assets of any complexity into attractive 3D visuals. The company helps businesses replace expensive traditional photography and showcase their products with an unsurpassed level of realism, detail, and immersion. Developed 3D configurators are seamlessly integrated with CRM systems, eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, lead scoring systems, and others. Contact us to discuss your project ideas.