The most common reasons for returning an item are wrong color, sizing, and fit. Unlike with eCommerce, physical retail allows shopper to try on items and see them within a space. With online shopping, customers are limited to models and mockups to imagine what the product could look like. But that's not enough. Customers will still roll the dice on purchases and there won't be guarantees of a happy purchase until it lands safely in the customer's hands.

However, with the advent of augmented reality (AR) technology, merchants can now reduce the risk of that item getting returned. By allowing customers to visualize products through their mobile devices, merchants can ensure their shoppers buy with confidence.

Let's look at how AR can help you reduce your returns:

1. 3D Models

Shopify stores use 2D images by default. Whether it's clothes on a model, or a piece of art placed on a wall, the product can be creatively placed on display to give it some realism, but it's still limited to just an image.

With augmented reality, you add another layer of showcasing a product. Generating a 3D model of that product gives you a 360 degree view where you can see all the details before buying it:

2. Try-Before-You-Buy

While physical retail allows you to try on clothes through fitting rooms, or walk through a gallery to buy art, online shopping can be pretty limited.

Having a 3D model is one thing, but being able to place it on yourself or in your room is where augmented reality can seal the deal on a sale. Augmented reality apps like Picture It let you place automatically generated 3D models of artwork directly on walls:

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Conclusion

Selling art online doesn't have to be so different than traditional retail. With technology like augmented reality, you can bridge the gap between the physical and digital shopping process. With the ability to preview art directly in your room, art buyers can feel more confident making that purchase in your store.

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Apps like Picture It are leading the way for art sellers. You can try the app now FREE for 14 days.