The Ultimate Guide: 3D Product Configurators

Are you considering using a 3D configurator to enhance your online business or optimize your manufacturing process? This blog is your go-to resource for understanding and maximizing the potential of 3D configurators. Whether you're running an online store or managing a manufacturing line, we'll break down how these tools can benefit your business in simple terms.

Why You Need 3D Product Configurators

If you're a business, you need a 3D configurator.

If you're a brand, you need a 3D configurator.

If you sell any physical product…you need a 3D configurator.

The reason is simple: people are visual creatures. If you've ever tried to buy a product online, you know how frustrating it can be. We respond to things we can see and touch and feel. We don't want to read about your product's greatness — we want to see it.

More than showing people your product in 2D is needed because people want to see what they're buying with their own eyes before deciding whether or not they want it. And if they can't see it? They won't believe it because they don't know what they're getting into.

3D product configurators are a new way to help your customers visualize and order your products. If you're like most businesses, you want to make it as easy as possible for customers to find the right products for them, and 3D is a great way to do that.

3D Product Configuration

At its core, 3D product configuration allows customers to personalize and visualize products in real-time through interactive digital platforms. Instead of relying on static images or descriptions, users can actively engage with the product, adjusting various features such as colors, materials, sizes, and accessories.

One of the primary applications of 3D product configuration is in product customization. From apparel and footwear to furniture and electronics, businesses across various industries are leveraging this technology to offer bespoke solutions to their customers.

Whether it's designing a unique pair of sneakers or customizing a piece of furniture to fit specific dimensions and style preferences, 3D configurators enable limitless possibilities.

What is a Product Configurator?

A product configurator is a software tool that allows customers to design, customize, and visualize products in 3D.

Using a configurator lets customers interact with a product in real time, choosing from various colors, sizes, materials, and features.

3D configurators can be used for multiple products, including furniture, apparel, jewelry, electronics, and more.

3D Product Builders vs. 3D Product Customizers

3D product builders and 3D product customizers are two approaches to configurators that companies can use to create a virtual experience for their products. The main difference between these two approaches is how they handle customization.

The first type of configurator is a 3D product customizer. This tool lets users choose from preset options when building their custom version of an existing product (for example: choosing between different colors or materials).

The main advantage here is that it requires less effort on both designers' and consumers' behalf. They have little freedom but still get exactly what they want!

The seconf type of configurator is a 3D product builder. This tool allows users to create unique products from scratch using various customizable options. They can do it by selecting individual components or pre-designed modules with pre-selected components (such as colors).

3D Product Configurators for Bespoke Products

3D product configurators can be a very effective and successful marketing tool for industries selling custom-made products.

Companies selling custom products online, such as furniture manufacturers, use 3D configurators to streamline the design process. This can be beneficial for both companies and customers.

The streamlined process makes it easier to create high-quality products faster while also improving communication between designers, engineers, marketers, and salespeople.

Customers also benefit from this streamlined approach because they can access more options than ever when designing their perfect item without calling you or your sales representatives. Inbound marketing at its finest!

Visual Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ)

Visual CPQ solutions emerge as game-changers, seamlessly integrating visualization, pricing, and quoting processes into a single, cohesive platform.

Visual CPQ tools combine the power of visual product configuration with dynamic pricing and quoting functionalities.

Essentially, these tools empower sales teams and customers to visualize products in real-time, configure them according to specific requirements, obtain accurate pricing information, and generate comprehensive quotes—all within a unified interface.

One of the primary benefits of 3D product configuration into CPQ process is the ability to provide customers with a lifelike visualization of their configured products.

Instead of relying on static images or text descriptions, customers can interact with 3D models in real-time, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the product's features, customization options, and aesthetics.

Benefits of 3D Product Configurators for eCommerce

A 3D configurator for eCommerce is a strategically smart decision that can greatly benefit your online business.

With a 3D configurator, you can provide your customers with an engaging and interactive shopping experience that sets you apart from competitors.

‍The benefits of 3D product configurators for your eCommerce business are endless. Here are just a few:

• Product Visualization: With 3D product visualization, customers can rotate, zoom in, and interact with products from every angle, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the item compared to traditional 2D images
  

• Conversion rate: Customers with access to 3D product configurators are much more likely to convert into paying customers than those without this feature. It is because they can see how their purchases will look before they buy them.
  

• Sales cycle: How long does it take on average for someone to purchase something from your store? Is it three days? Three weeks? Three months? Customers won't need to wait around for weeks while you make their product; they'll be able to see it right away!
  

• AOV (average order value): Customers are more likely to add more items or upgrades when using a 3D configurator, which means your AOV will increase

• Financial Benefits: This tool is not only modernizes your ecommerce platform but also proves your commitment to innovation and customer-centricity, ultimately driving revenue growth and positioning your brand as a leader in the industry.
  

• Customer Satisfaction: Customers enjoy using 3D product configurators because it helps them feel like they're shopping in person instead of online—they can see what they're purchasing and try out different combinations before making any decisions.

• Reduced Abandoned Carts: The 3D configurators allow customers to see and customize products, making them feel more connected to their potential purchases.

Overall, incorporating 3D product visualization in ecommerce not only sets your store apart from competitors but also elevates the overall shopping experience for customers, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.

Shopify Product Customizer

Shopify has revolutionized the world of ecommerce by offering an accessible and user-friendly platform for online businesses.

One of the ways that Shopify stands out is through its wide variety of plugins that can help businesses drive conversion and improve their customers’ shopping experiences.

One category of app that has become particularly popular is the product customizer.

Online stores owners can use Shopify 3D product configurators to sell a range of products, from custom jewelry to high-end design furniture, and even complex machinery.

The technology offers a clear value proposition for businesses looking to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

It can give them an edge by providing customers with a unique and personalized shopping experience that drives sales and customer loyalty.

Some businesses have already started to see the benefits of integrating 3D product configurators into their Shopify stores.

For instance, Elltek Systems from UK, saw a 25% increase in custom sales compared to our standard configurations. In 90% of orders - people were designing their own products and buying it that way. Customers can literally purchase products without any communication.

WooCommerce Product Configurator

Just like Shopify store owners, businesses using the Woocommerce platform can greatly benefit from integrating 3D product configurators.

By integrating WordPress product configurator, WooCommerce store owners can break free from the constraints of traditional product presentations and embrace a dynamic, interactive approach that resonates with modern consumers

Picture this: a customer visiting a WooCommerce store to purchase a piece of furniture. With a traditional setup, they might browse through a selection of images, trying to envision how each piece would fit into their space.

But with a 3D WooCommerce configurator at their fingertips, they can bring their vision to life in real-time. They can experiment with different upholstery options, adjust the dimensions to fit their room perfectly, and even visualize how the piece will look from every angle.

Magento Product Configurator

One of the key advantages of Magento is its thriving ecosystem of plugins and extensions, and when it comes to product customization, there is a wealth of plugins specifically tailored for customizable products.

The availability of different plugins means that businesses can find a solution that aligns with their specific needs and goals.

Whether you're looking for a simple, plug-and-play option or a more advanced Magento 3D product configurator that integrates seamlessly with their existing Magento setup, there's a plugin out there to suit every requirement.

Augmented Reality (AR) and CPQ

AR has revolutionized eCommerce by bridging the gap between virtual and physical shopping experiences.

With AR technology, customers have the ability to virtually test out products in your own space before making a purchase.

Want to visualize how a new table will look in your living room? Just point your phone and watch it appear as if by magic. It's like having a virtual showroom right at your fingertips, revolutionizing the shopping experience to be more engaging and interactive than ever before.

Augmented reality makes CPQ process more efficient and effective. With AR, customers can make informed decisions about even the most complex products by visualizing them in their own environment.

Whether it's configuring a customized piece of furniture or selecting intricate product specifications, AR empowers customers to see exactly what they're getting before they buy, minimizing the need for detailed specifications and reducing the risk of misunderstandings.

This streamlined approach not only speeds up the CPQ process but also increases customer confidence and satisfaction, ultimately driving sales and boosting revenue.

Additionally, AR can provide valuable data insights for businesses, allowing them to track customer interactions and preferences to further optimize their CPQ strategies.

Benefits of 3D Configurators for B2B and Manufacturers

Without a doubt, a 3d product configurator is the future of manufacturing. Configurable 3d models will change how people shop for products, this site is for manufacturers who want to make more sales on the web, and manufacturers have started to realize this fact.

Manufacturers who sell products online can benefit from using 3D configurators in many ways. One of the most significant advantages is that it can speed up the quoting and ordering process, making it quicker and easier to create custom products for customers.

By using a 3D configurator, manufacturers can provide a more accurate estimate of the cost and delivery time for a product, which can help build customer trust.

Additionally, 3D configurators can help manufacturers better control costs and inventory, as they can more easily predict demand and ensure that they have enough materials on hand to meet that demand.

Finally, by using a 3D configurator, manufacturers can improve their product design and customization capabilities, allowing them to create products more tailored to their customers' needs.

How to Build a 3D Product Configurator

Building a 3D product configurator requires careful planning, technical expertise, and a keen understanding of your target audience

When considering how to build a product configurator, various options come into play. Some businesses may choose to develop their own configurators in-house, leveraging the expertise of their IT teams.

This approach offers flexibility and potential cost savings but requires significant time, resources, and ongoing maintenance.

Using spreadsheets, such as Excel, may work for simpler product configurations, but they often prove insufficient for more complex scenarios. They can quickly become cumbersome and limit flexibility.

Another option is to work with third-party vendors that specialize in product configurator solutions.

Choosing the right approach to build a configurator depends on the business's resources, technical expertise, and specific requirements.

How to Choose The Right Product Configurator

Choosing the right online product configurator is a crucial decision for businesses seeking to streamline their sales processes and enhance the customer experience.

With various 3D configurator options available, it is essential to consider the features and capabilities that align with the business's unique needs.

Factors to consider can include the ease of integration with existing business systems, customization options available, compatibilities with different devices and browsers, software integrations, and analytics and reporting capabilities.

Moreover, it is essential to consider vendor support and training options to ensure that the business can take full advantage of the software's capabilities.

In summary, selecting the right 3D configurator requires careful consideration of the features and capabilities required to meet the business's specific needs.

How to Integrate Product Configuration Tool

Integration of 3D configuration tools in a company's tech stack can be a challenging task that requires careful consideration of various factors, including compatibility, planning, training, and optimization.

• Compatibility: ensure the 3D configuration tool is compatible with your existing eCommerce platform and any other systems you use.
  

• Communication and training: teams involved in the configuration tool implementation should be well-trained and informed about the tool's functionalities and features.
  

• Ongoing optimization: continually assess and optimize the configuration tool, analyze data, and test new features for improved sales growth and customer experience.
  

• Resource allocation: alocate the necessary resources and attention to detail during the integration process to ensure successful implementation

• Monitoring and testing: monitor server loads and regularly test the configuration tool to identify and resolve any performance issues
  

• Feedback collection: collect feedback from teams and users to identify areas for improvement and ensure a smooth integration process.'

By considering these factors, businesses can effectively integrate a 3D configuration tool into their tech stack, improving their sales process and enhancing the overall customer experience

3D Product Configurator Case studies

These product configurator examples illustrate how businesses are leveraging these tools to offer personalized and engaging experiences to their customers.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect product configurators to become even more sophisticated, providing even greater customization options for customers across a wide range of industries.

• Case study #1: ELLTEK Workshop Storage Configurator

The customer story of ELLTEK Systems highlights the transformative impact of implementing VividWorks 3D Product Configurator for Shopify on their business. The tool helped the company move from 48th place to the top 3 in the Workshop Storage rankings in the UK just within 6 months.

• Case study #2: Lundia 3D Shelving System Configurator

Lundia is a leading Finnish design brand that uses our 3D shelving system configurator as a key tool for their stores and retailers. In addition to a written price quote, the customer can take home a clear image of their chosen assembly, complete with measurements. The image is impressive, and viewing the product helps customers to make a purchase decision. Try the new app out and see it yourself!

• Case study #3: BEDD Plant Boxes Configurator

BEDD, an innovative furniture company based in Norway, utilized VividWorks 3D Configurator to enhance their custom garden and plant boxes. The 3D configurator brought significant improvements for BEDD, including increased sales to professionals, better planning for large solutions, higher conversion rates and order values, sales growth for retail partners, and an enhanced shopping experience for customers. Try the app here.

Manage Your Sales Process with VividWorks

The VividWorks 3D product configurator is a powerful tool that can help businesses of all sizes to increase customer engagement, streamline the ordering process, and drive sales. Our software can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your business, whether you sell products online or in-store.

It is a perfect choice for companies that sell highly configurable and tailor-made products with endless combinations. We can help you to visualize your products and make online shopping a total breeze for your customers.

To learn more about our 3D configurator and see it in action, we invite you to book a free demo today. Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your business needs and show you how our software can help you achieve your goals 🚀