Have you thought about the the virtual reality could be the future for e-commerce business?
From the outside, bystanders will see someone wearing a headset, waving their hands around and having a smile or a serious face.
When we think about shopping in virtual reality, it’s easy to assume it will look something like the brick and mortar experience we’re already familiar with: Pushing a cart around, picking up the items we want to buy, taking those items to the checkout, but all from the comfort of our homes.
But that’s a poor use of both VR and the human imagination - especially when virtual environments present a blank 3-Dimensional canvas that can be filled with literally anything.
So if you could set up shop anywhere, why do it then in a store?
For example, instead of laying out your camping equipment in a cluttered retail space, why not showcase your products far away from any cities with a sun setting, a fire crackling, and transport your customers there instead of leaving it to their imagination.
Imagine how effective video content is at holding up a mirror to consumers and helping them see themselves in others using the products they might want to own. Now picture what VR can achieve as it puts consumers in the very shoes of someone enjoying those products.
Naturally, specific verticals will benefit greatly from VR, such as the furniture industry as consumers could view tables or couches in a virtual room for a better idea of how these items would look in their own homes. They can even customize these products, changing the color or the size, and see their choices come to life virtually in front of them - just a purchase away.
Ikea Place ARKit App Brings Virtual Furniture Into Your Home
VR Isn't Just for Consumers
While you probably won’t be managing your online store in VR, maybe you don’t have to take off the headset for every text message, phone call or real world distraction. The HTC Vive already connects with your phone so that you can respond to calls and messages with the headset on. The same could be done with order notifications, or support questions. A merchant could perform basic operations for their store while they are within a game or other experience.
VR can also potentially help business owners plan out the look of a retail space, or even visualize product concepts before they’re created. In fact, VR can do more than just show you the product in front of you. It could blow it up to show all of its components, and allow you to better understand how it all fits together.