The Evolution of 'Try Before You Buy': How AI and AR are Transforming Retail

Traditional Try Before You Buy?

The traditional "try before you buy" model has long been part of the retail experience, from the fitting room in clothing stores to the sample products in beauty shops. However, these experiences are far from perfect.?

Even before Covid-19, fitting rooms were a hassle for fashion stores. They need lots of staff and clothes can get damaged, which might reduce sales. Plus, some customers don't like trying on clothes in-store, which can lead to more returned items. Once social distancing came in, these problems got bigger, leading many stores to try out virtual fittings. In the same way, beauty stores have struggled with keeping things clean and sustainable when letting customers try out things like lipstick or perfume, especially during the pandemic.

As Covid-19 changed our engagement with products, technology rose to meet the challenge, reshaping shopping experiences in the process.

The Future is Now: AI and AR Transforming TBYB

Today, Try Before You Buy experiences are enhanced by advanced technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR), providing shoppers with an interactive and virtually tangible shopping experience. AI learns about customers, predicts what they might prefer, and offers recommendations, while AR enables customers to see and engage with products virtually.

AI and AR technologies form the core of this sophisticated TBYB model. They pave the way for an interactive, personalized, and virtually tangible shopping experience. According to Statista , 47% of customers hesitate with online shopping due to the lack of interaction with products. However, AI- and AR-enhanced TBYB experiences are changing this by fostering an engaging and interactive shopping environment.

AI introduces a layer of personalization to online shopping. It learns about customers, predicts their preferences, and provides recommendations. Conversely, AR technology allows customers to visualize and interact with products in a virtual setting. For instance, Shopify revealed that using AR for virtual try-ons could increase the likelihood of making a sale by up to 94%.

The Mechanics of TBYB

The essence of the TBYB model is to create a customer-centric shopping experience. Customers select products they are interested in and provide payment information. The products are then shipped for free to the customers' homes, where they have a trial period to decide whether to keep the items or not. Including a prepaid return label ensures a smooth return process for unwanted items.

The Benefits of TBYB

• Personalized Shopping Experience: AI-enhanced TBYB provides personalized shopping experiences based on individual customer preferences.
• Increased Loyalty and Customer Satisfaction: Brands offering personalized experiences usually see an increase in customer loyalty. The combination of a risk-free shopping experience and personalization helps build trust and satisfaction among customers.
• Boosted Sales: The TBYB model, powered by AI and AR, encourages customers to make purchases by eliminating doubts, thus significantly boosting sales.
• Reduced Return Rates: Interestingly, despite being centered around returns, the TBYB model leads to a reduction in return rates as customers feel more confident in their purchases.
• Enhanced Brand Awareness: Offering a unique service like TBYB can help a brand stand out, leading to increased recognition and sales.

Try Before You Buy in Action: Success Stories

A number of businesses have successfully incorporated the TBYB model.

Some noteworthy examples include:

Google's AI Try-On Feature

谷歌 has launched an AI-driven virtual try-on tool, enabling shoppers to visualize how a particular piece of clothing would look on a diverse range of models.

Nike Fit

耐克 Fit is a scanning app that employs AI and other advanced technologies to measure a user's foot and recommend the perfect fit for Nike shoes.

Kollectin

This online jewelry retailer's app, KOLLECTIN , features an AR mode called "Xperience Mode", which allows customers to virtually try on the jewelry.

DecorMatters

This app is revolutionizing the interior design and furniture shopping experience. Users can visualize how different pieces of furniture and decor items would look in their homes.

Stitch Fix

This personal styling service uses AI to recommend clothes to customers, who can then decide whether to purchase or return them.

L'Oréal

欧莱雅 is leveraging the power of augmented reality (AR) for a personalized makeup experience. They employ an advanced face-tracking algorithm, which identifies 63 crucial facial landmarks, enabling users to virtually try on products like lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow, and foundation. This immersive, interactive tool helps users discover the shades that best suit their unique features.

The Future of Ecommerce with TBYB

As we dive deeper into the digital age, the fusion of AI and AR with online shopping and the adoption of the TBYB model will continue to revolutionize the ecommerce landscape. To ensure your customers have a positive experience, it's important to use tools tailored to your business's needs.

Solutions like the Breastack Commerce Hub and ChatSO's live chat can be game-changers when it comes to delivering an exceptional customer experience, growing your business, and increasing profits.

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