Imagine a customer pulling out their phone and seeing your product right there in their own space – with no app to download. The "AR Viewer" add-on for Shoptet makes that possible.
This innovation brings a revolutionary way to present products in e-commerce. Whether you sell furniture, car accessories or decor, 3D models and augmented reality (AR) give your customers an experience that clearly raises their confidence in the purchase and cuts the number of returned orders.
What is augmented reality (AR)?
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that connects the digital world with the real one. Using the camera on a mobile device, AR can "place" a 3D model into real surroundings – for example showing a chair on the living room floor or a set of wheels on a parked car.
Thanks to modern browsers and AR technologies from Apple (ARKit) and Google (ARCore), an ordinary smartphone is all you need to view a 3D model – no app required. The feature works on both Android and iPhone.
How does augmented reality help in e-commerce?
Augmented reality isn't just a flashy gimmick. It brings concrete benefits:
- It builds confidence in the purchase – the customer knows exactly what they're buying.
- It shortens the decision process – people decide faster when they see the product in the context of their own space.
- It cuts the number of returns – fewer surprises means fewer complaints.
- It raises conversions – products presented in AR get a higher click-through and purchase rate.
Real-world uses of augmented reality
Automotive accessories
A customer wants new hubcaps for their car. With augmented reality they can "fit" them straight onto the car parked outside the house. They'll see how the hubcaps look at real size and in real light.
Furniture and interior design
A user is considering a new chair or table. All it takes is a phone, and within seconds they can see whether the product matches the rest of the furniture or fits the design of the kitchen.
Fashion accessories and footwear
A customer is picking out a handbag or a pair of sneakers. With AR she can "place" them on the floor, check the size, shape and color in real light, and compare them with other things she has at home.
Garden equipment and grills
A homeowner is thinking about a garden grill. Thanks to the 3D model in AR he projects it onto the patio and immediately knows whether it fits there and how it will look next to the pergola. He can even invite his family out to the pergola and pick the best spot for the grill together.
Decor, art and lighting
A painting, a vase, a lamp or pendant lights – how will they look in a specific room? Or right on the desk next to the monitor? One click and the customer "sees" them on their own wall or table.
Easy integration into Shoptet
The "AR Viewer" add-on is designed to be simple to deploy:
- In a dedicated admin you link the 3D model with the product
- 3D models have to be in standard formats (glb and usdz), supplied by your vendor or your designer, or created by you with specialized tools
- A "View in AR" icon appears automatically on the product detail page. On a desktop, a QR code shows up so the customer can open it on a phone.
- The customer taps, points the phone and sees the product right in their own space.
All of that without installing any app. It works across devices and is optimized for maximum user comfort.
Bring the future of shopping today
AR isn't a trend of the future – it's the reality of today. Customers are getting more demanding and expect an interactive shopping experience. Give them a tool that lets them decide with confidence and shop with enthusiasm.
📦 Try the "AR Viewer" add-on and take your online store into a new dimension!