3D product model creation for e-commerce

Truly, a lot of changes have occurred in the ecommerce world in the past few years. And 3D product modeling has been one of the most significant changes that have occurred. It began as a visual method that helped to influence or shape how to make, show, and sell things as an online seller.

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Initially, internet shops or online stores only had simple pictures to sell things. People now expect more. They want to be able to zoom in, turn, and look at stuff from all sides, just like they would in a physical store. Thanks to 3D product modeling, this expectation has become a great reality. In fact, 66% of shoppers now show a strong interest in shopping online when 3D visualization is available.

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This sudden demand for 3D content by customers has led most of the brands in the e-commerce space to heavily use 3D images to improve their product pages to attract more customers. That’s why it’s no surprise that the market value of 3D e-commerce was valued at 4 billion in 2023 USD and is predicted to grow to a strong CAGR of about 18% between 2024 and 2032.

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3D modeling is not just another tech upgrade system but a great storytelling tool for your e-store products. And the interesting part is that it is accessible for any kind of business product. In this article, I'll explain all you need to know about creating a 3D model for your business products. Join me as I take you on a lovely ride.

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What is a 3D product model?

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Simply, a 3D model is a visual replica of a physical product. I see it as an interactive visual system that will help your customers see any item from every angle, look closely at small features, and understand it without touching it.

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This means that your customers can view your online products with more detail and clarity in your e-store, just as they would have done physically. With 3D material, you can create a moment that will make your customers feel better about buying before they do.

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Furthermore, to create a 3D model, you will need to take pictures of the physical item, showing its shape, structure, and size. After that, software platforms like GlamAR will transform them into excellent digital copies that can be viewed seamlessly in your virtual store. Also, rather than using normal physical images, 3D models will present the products' appearance creatively.

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Besides enhancing the appearance of your digital products, I noticed that 3D models indirectly work to reduce the return rate of any purchased items. That is why statistics show that e-commerce customers usually return items due to some tangible reasons like ‘the product not meeting their expectations.’ Still, with 3D models, there is the assurance of a 35% reduction in sales returns. Hence, 3D models will help customers to shop without unnecessary worries. 

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More importantly, what I like best about 3D models is how adaptable they are. Regardless of how you want to use them, 3D models can be used on product pages, in ads, as virtual trial tools, and even in augmented reality. 

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How to get started with 3D product models in your e-store

I realized that you can make use of the 3D design files known as “computer-aided design files,” which are used during the development of your products to create 3D models for your online stores. But if you don't have one, then you will have to create a 3D model product from scratch. Below are the common profound techniques that I have tested:

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3D Scanning 

For the purpose of creating a 3D model, I used a 3D scanner to capture the real item's form and texture. Then, the scanner operated by projecting light across the surface and tracking the distance each point traveled. The outcome of this was that the data analyzed was changed into a digital 3D form of the real item.

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Photogrammetry

I also attempted photogrammetry. This approach required capturing several images of an item from several viewpoints through a digital camera. I entered these captured reference images into a program called the photogrammetric software which stitched them into a 3D model. This method will work well for items with plenty of detail and textures.

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Scratch-based 3D design

Here, you can look for a graphic designer to help create a 3D CAD of the items. The designer will have to use the power of imagination and creativity to produce something that hasn't yet existed, which will suit the appearance of your product.

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Furthermore, the designer can make use of tools like measurements, preliminary drawings, and product images, to generate the desired result. In fact, this method will give you complete influence on the appearance and style of what was created by the designer.

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Applying 3D tools

Lastly, some platforms have built-in 3D creation tools. I experimented with a few that allowed me to generate simple 3D models from phone footage. These platforms will automatically merge picture stitching and scanning into one operation. Such platforms include Polycom and GlamAR

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Types of 3D content for online stores

The 3D models come in different formats, which will enable your customers to interact with your products. I have discovered three unique formats of 3D content that are suitable for your online stores. I will explain further.

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1. 360-degree spins

This technology allows customers to spin around and enlarge items. You can include them in your product pages so customers can examine your products closely. With the 360-degree spins, your customers will be able to see your 3D content from a closer with all the smallest features that the product might have.

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2. Augmented Reality (AR)

AR changed the rules of gaming in the e-commerce space. Customers can now view goods in their environment, such as arranging a chair in their living room with their phone's camera. This will help your customers to visualize and try out products in real-time spaces before making a purchase. Implementing this in your online stores will reduce the return rate of purchased products.

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3. Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual reality helps to create an immersive experience for customers as they interact with your virtual showroom or stores. They may use a VR headset to interact and investigate your products as if they were in a physical store. After testing the virtual reality method, I realized that it would provide your online store with a realistic and tangible sense without requiring an actual shopfront.  

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Benefits of creating 3D product models for your e-stores 

Switching to 3D product models will change how you run your online store. Most of the time, it will affect how you can promote, how your consumers buy, and even how you can schedule new product introductions. I have personally listed five unique benefits of using 3D models for your products as an online seller.

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1. Enhanced customer involvement 

Visitors will stay longer on your product pages after you have substituted interactive 3D views with conventional photos. They investigated rather than merely scrolled. Turning a product around, zooming in, and obtaining a complete view of what one is purchasing appeals to many.

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Such involvement helps customers to develop confidence and prolongs their presence on your product page. In essence, this will increase the conversion opportunities that follow from more extended stays.

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2. Reduced return rates

Returns cost money and time. In the past, many refunds happened because buyers misunderstood what they were buying. Once you start using 3D models, shoppers will get a clearer view of size, shape, and details before purchasing. With fewer shocks on delivery day, return rates will definitely fall. That equals happy buyers.

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3. Reusable over several channels

Once you have created a 3D model, you can feature it not just on your product website but also turn it on different platforms for marketing. You can include it in influencer partnerships, AR elements, and even social media advertisements. One 3D model can work in various places, saving you from reshooting stuff over and over. 

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4. AR-ready for real-time try-on

With more consumers buying from mobile devices, AR has tremendous potential. You can use 3D models to let buyers experience things in their environment. They might see a chair in their living room or a test lamp appear on their workstation. Before hitting "Add to Cart," that engagement fosters confidence and trust.

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5. Competent edge

Lastly, most e-commerce sites rely on 2D pictures. Using 3D will provide you with the advantage of staying ahead of others. It will help your e-store to stand out in a packed area and give your business a modern feel.

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Customers will definitely recall the encounter, and some will even share product impressions with others. Remember that new traffic usually comes from that word-of-mouth increase. 

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Challenges of creating 3D product models

Though the 3D product models have unlimited usefulness, certain odds come with them. Let me tell you more about this:

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1. Time-consuming 

Time was also necessary. Building a good 3D model takes hours, especially if you want the details to be correct. You will need to update your store to see certain effects. Most times, the 3D creation comes with a slower speed, which might take longer for products to go live.

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2. File size

The next important things were file size and start time. It might take a long time for your website to load because some models were very heavy. You will have to find the best balance between speed and quality of the graphics suitable for your system. Moreover, if the 3D model size is too large, it may lead to slow website page loading, which in turn will affect the users’ experience.

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3. Compatibility Issue

There is the issue of compatibility. Not all e-commerce tools can work with AR or 3D files, so before you upload anything, you need to make sure that your e-store site or website allows you to.

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Besides, the 3D formats, which include OBJ, STL, and gITF, might not be compatible with all platforms or browsers. Hence, you might need to consider the kind of devices or browsers to use which will be suitable for the 3D files.

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4. Inconsistent 

Keeping things the same across different products was also more complicated than I thought. When one model for a particular product looks better than the others on the same website page, the page might look unprofessional. Also, in a situation where the 3D model quality is inconsistent, it may affect users’ experience or convey the wrong idea to the customer about the brand.

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With GlamAR, you can override these challenges for your brand. Our team can provide you with suitable and high-quality photo-realistic 3D models, which will not only represent your products but also make your online store stand out among others.

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How GlamAR can provide 3D product models for your e-commerce store

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With GlamAR, you can add more than one 3D model of your products to your product page. Here is how it works:

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First, you are expected to upload the product details and high-quality pictures of your products to our computing system. You can also upload any existing 3D files or designs. Afterward, our team will create a 3D model that is realistic and of high quality using every bit of the details that you have provided regarding the product. When the models are approved and ready, then you can put them in your virtual store. 

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Besides, you can reduce the cost of production with our 3D virtual photography. How does this work? Simply upload high-quality images of your products. Afterward, we will help to create a high-quality photo-realistic 3D model that will be optimized for virtual try-on and 360° views. This will automatically solve the issue of the high expenses of doing traditional photography.

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Also, GlamAR can provide a 360-degree view of your products and configure them in full 3D detail for your audiences. This will minimize the return rate by 50%. With this 360°, your customers can get to view your products from all angles through spinning and zooming. Most importantly, you can get your product's viewers into consumers in no time through our 3D product configurator.

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Our 3D configuration works by creating a 3D model for your product or enhancing the existing ones with a proper optimization process for effective online performance. Through this 3D configuration, your customers can configure your products in a well-detailed and optimized 3D model. For these reasons, GlamAR can take the stress out of making your online goods come to life. Hence, it makes the shopping experience better for your customers.

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The future of 3D product models for e-commerce

3D product models will soon take the front stage in internet buying. Consumers expect actual engagement, not only nice pictures. They want to spin, enlarge, and see how well their environment matches. Already, that change is underway, as the future of 3D modeling is said to be a great one.

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1. Accessibility 

I have seen companies of all kinds embracing 3D content as it becomes more easily available. It is not limited to tech businesses or luxury goods now. Small stores are also including interactive graphics to remain competitive.

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This means that in the coming years, there is a high probability that the majority of the industries out there will have embraced 3D models into their respective systems to stay ahead of the game.

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2. Unlimited freedom

One amazing thing that 3D models have is unlimited freedom. I am most excited by the freedom 3D gives brands. Once you have a model, you can use it everywhere on your business website, in marketing, in AR demos, and maybe in virtual shopfronts. It maintains branding consistency while saving money and effort.

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3. Virtual try-on

Apart from customers having access to see what exactly the product to be purchased looks like, they can virtually try on the products. Whether in the future or now, your customers can have the opportunity to preview how the product will look in their real-time environment. This is because when augmented reality is integrated into the 3D model system, it will enable virtual try-on.

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4. Integration with other technologies

I discovered that 3D content is advancing more in connecting with other technologies like artificial intelligence to create personalized experiences as we enter a more immersive digital economy.

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Imagine your store displaying the same goods dressed differently based on the customer's taste or space. This is an advanced function that 3D modeling has when connected with artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

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Conclusion

Models of 3D products have transformed brands by offering a better visual presentation of their products. They increase customer involvement, provide more control, and help to build confidence. Customers may investigate every detail and make educated decisions rather than speculating. You can use it to stand out from the crowd, lower returns, and increase conversions.

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The technologies are more accessible than ever, and their effects are apparent. If you manage an e-commerce brand, this is a wise step to move forward rather than just a lovely add-on. Starting with a 3D model can help your shop stand out because interactive experiences command more value than pictures.