Let’s Talk Shop: How Virtual Reality is Changing E-Commerce
No, you’re not in the middle of the latest sci-fi feature or The Twilight Zone! This is reality … sort of.
Have you ever wished you could step inside your computer screen and explore a virtual store just like your own e-commerce store for your business? Thanks to the magic of virtual reality (VR), that dream is now a reality. Just like we were dragged kicking and screaming to smartphones from Palm Pilots and BlackBerrys, VR is positioned to change the way we shop online—and that includes your customers.
Why VR is Unique for Product Sales
VR is more than just about games or connecting with someone 3,000 miles away. It’s also about product sales—and other things. Once you slip on your VR headset, you're not just scrolling through a website; you're literally walking down virtual aisles, picking up products, and looking at them in astonishing detail. It's like shopping in real life; the platform just happens to be virtual.
VR solves one of the biggest obstacles customers may have said about buying your products online: They can’t try it before they buy it. With VR, you can simulate just about anything, from trying on clothes, operating the next great appliance, or even seeing how a new couch will look—all without leaving home and without having to be on the internet. Of course, a WiFi connection is needed.
VR is also changing the way businesses display their products because companies can create immersive virtual showrooms to enable customers to interact with their products. For example, you can see how the new smartphone works; pick it up, and try it in VR. How about an air fryer you didn’t think you really needed?
Putting the Fun in VR
VR is also about having fun, something your e-commerce site may not necessarily reflect. With VR, the possibilities are endless because you can go on a virtual adventure or solve a puzzle, for example, while browsing.
VR also makes shopping social, because no one needs to feel isolated. It’s not that you want a shopping companion each time you buy something, but if you think about the use of social media among your younger customers, making shopping more of a social activity does make a lot of sense. With VR, you can shop with friends, chat with other shoppers, and get personalized recommendations based on your own preferences.
The Future is Here
Sure, the cost of a VR headset is high now, but the prices will come down over time, just like most other technologies. But VR shopping is also breaking down barriers and making e-commerce more accessible.
You may have customers or prospects who have a disability, for example. VR offers alternative controls, including voice commands or gesture-based interactions that make shopping easier. And when you talk about being “inclusive,” your reputation is improved because you’re open to providing products for all audiences.
What does the future of e-commerce look like? The possibilities are endless.
Certum Can Help
Certum Solutions offers a full suite of e-commerce solutions that not only help you with the technology behind sales, but also integrate into your POS and accounting software. We’re here to help you scale gracefully. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.