eCommerce, NFTs, and the Metaverse
The convergence of eCommerce, the Metaverse and NFTs Trends in e-commerce are constantly changing, and you may be finding it quite difficult to keep up with all of the topics. The folks at Zakeke are here to help as we stay plugged into the technologies and trends that matter and will move the needle for business. Today we look ahead to the impact that the metaverse and NFTs will have on businesses, especially eCommerce. • The usage of the word NFT increased 11,000% last year; 45% of US online adults have never heard of NFTs, per Forrester. Additionally, 28% said they still don’t understand what NFTs are. • A majority (71%) of US adults do not believe that NFTs will become commonplace collector’s items or speculative investments, per Civic Science. • The vast majority of NFT transactions in 2021 were at the retail level, below $10,000 worth of cryptocurrency, per Chainalysis. • In recent months, companies like Gap, Hennessy, Nike, and Walmart have joined Adidas and Prada by entering into the NFT pool. Figures for the metaverse are similar and with so much hype and “pie in the sky” discussion it is no wonder why so many people are skeptical of these technologies and why there is little understanding of space. For most people the metaverse is still something of an obscure and opaque concept, however, that could soon change. Mainstream media outlets such as the New York Times are running metaverse tutorials; traditional brands like Sotheby’s and Coca Cola are wading into the metaverse; and in a very public way, Mark Zuckerberg has bet Facebook’s future on it, announcing that the company’s overarching goal is to “help bring the metaverse to life.” The metaverse may very well be one of the future game changers of the NFT space as it can be a place to store and appreciate NFT art, it can be a hub for gaming, and it’s an evolved version of how we hang out online. This trend began well before the pandemic and like many things, has been accelerated by the pandemic. We do not expect a single definition of the ‘Metaverse as the Metaverse will build upon the internet and iteratively transform it. With respect to eCommerce and the metaverse, we are starting to see brands enter this space. This past year Atari and Sotheby’s opened a virtual art gallery in the metaverse, followed by Coca-Cola with their “can-top party” where you could swim inside a bottle of Coke and experience being inside the bubbles. The metaverse enables unique shopping and buying experiences, as well as compelling content and brands are just starting to tap into this world. We are seeing metaverse artists take a brand and put a fresh, modern twist on it to create NFT art. Which brings us to NFTs and brands in e-commerce. NFTs have generated a lot of media attention and become a reality in the arts and entertainment worlds. Yet, beyond these early applications, many practical real-world business and ecommerce use cases, from licensing and certifications to supply chain management and logistics, remain nascent or are just making their way into the market. Certification and documentation As NFTs contain code with a unique set of information, they can be used to tokenize documentation such as degrees, academic certificates, licenses and other qualifications as well as medical records, birth and death certificates. An identity or certification can be issued directly over the blockchain as an NFT, which can be traced back to the owner. So, employing NFTs to digitally store and protect medical history, personal profiles, education and address details gives users better control of their data and can help prevent identity theft. eCommerce Luxury brands are now coming to the NFT space. The amalgamation of high fashion and blockchain has started to create a revolution in the fashion industry. The set includes physical assets like retail clothing and other accessories along with their digital companions as NFTs. The merger of technology like NFT and augmented reality with physical couture has unveiled a new line of digital apparel as well as new digital shopping experiences. Luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana sold its inaugural nine piece collection of NFTs, called “Collezione Genesi,” a mix of high fashion and blockchain, for $5.6 million. The set included both physical items (women’s dresses) and their digital companions as NFTs. At London Fashion Week, a brand called Auroboros, billing itself as “the first fashion house to merge science and technology with physical couture,” unveiled a line of digital apparel that you “wear” using augmented reality (AR). Art, luxury brands, sports, and memorabilia Thus far, applications for NFTs that have taken off are primarily in the collectibles, art, gaming and virtual worlds. Sports tickets and other collectibles are also being tokenized. Examples of sports digital collectibles include “Moments,” sold on the NBA Top Shot platform. Moments might include various digital assets or the NBA’s Top Shot, a blockchain-based trading card system that offers game highlights. NFTs play a much larger role in eCommerce than just art and luxury brands. Authentication and supply chain management are burgeoning use cases for NFTs. They can be used to ensure that the product you are purchasing is authentic. Since the blockchain can permanently store information about the product, checking for rarity and authenticity will soon be a thing on physical products too. Also, they can also be used to store information about the manufacturing process, ensuring that everything is fair trade. Their applications don’t stop at consumer products either. There have already been numerous companies successfully using NFTs for industrial design prototyping purposes. Supply chain and logistics The main function of NFTs in the supply chain lies in authenticating products, ensuring their quality and verifying their origin. Although in the early stages, NFTs on blockchain are suitable for logistics applications because of their immutability and transparency, which keeps supply chain data authentic and reliable. In the food and other perishable industries, knowing where the goods have been and for
Zakeke welcomes a new partner: Royal Cyber
We are delighted to announce our partnership with Royal Cyber! Royal Cyber Inc. Headquartered in Naperville, IL is a leading software organization that provides services ranging from application development and deployment to training and consultancy. They commenced the operations in the year 2002 as a specialized Technology provider striding in as a software deployment service provider, assisting clients to meet the standards and demands of doing business in the rapidly changing marketplace. Today they stand tall as a One Stop Shop for all your IT needs. To be a unanimously esteemed leader in e-businesses solutions with a deep commitment to building a collaborative pathway. Royal Cyber’s focus is to continually improve all aspects of the world in which we operate and to create a better tomorrow. To embrace and put into action the increasing IT demands and focus on addressing the global shift in technology to make it a truly sustainable company. The sole mission of Royal Cyber is to provide cost-effective and realistic IT Business Consulting/ Services/Solutions, that deliver tangible results to our global customers. Royal Cyber is committed to live up to provide promising quality deliverables. Quality is the fundamental component of Royal Cyber’s daily operations. To get more information on how can Royal Cyber help you reach out amazing results together with Zakeke, please contact them at royalcyber.com To get more details about our Partner Program check this link https://www.zakeke.com/agency-partner
What You Need to Know About Virtual Try-On
Learn how 3D configurators help online retailers increase sales and client engagement with custom products
10 Key Product Configurator Benefits for E-commerce
Imagine living in a world where customers want to design their own products. Well, it’s here to stay! E-commerce and merchants need to adopt the right tools and technologies to answer the growing need for customized experiences. That’s where Product Configurators come into play! 3D Product Configurator can revolutionize the world of e-commerce. Whether you want to design furniture, a new car or customize a pair of sneakers, the possibilities are endless. Allowing customers to visualize the production process from start to finish in front of their eyes can pave the way for a brand-new level of customer satisfaction and brand affinity. There are countless product configurator benefits. Let’s delve into the topic and discover what are the key 10 advantages associated with implementing product configuration in e-commerce (both for the consumer and the merchants). 10 Key Product Configurator Benefits For E-Store Here are the 10 main reasons you have to consider implementing a 3D Product Configurator today: #1. Higher Quality Products 3D custom-configured products almost always adhere to the highest level of production standards and quality. With so much input during the initial design process, the customer can create a product that complements their original demands and requirements. They are more likely to be satisfied with the final result and recommend the services of the company elsewhere. This can lead to increased brand loyalty and greater customer relations over time. It can also trigger higher sales and a larger return on investment. A 3D Configurator also allows manufacturers to exhibit their product before it has been launched to generate interest and gain a sense of the collective needs and wants of their customer base. #2. Engaging and Interactive Shopping Experience Consumers respond to and are drawn to innovation and collaboration. Static images and text on social media and e-commerce sites today are considered the old way and the opportunity to do something different can attract inquisitive customers. This can increase the length of time they spend browsing the site and boost the likelihood of them placing an order. With so many variations available, customers can spend hours constructing the perfect product to suit them. Brands have been competing to come up with the most innovative approach to 3D product configuration to sell their products for decades. Brands like Nike and Tesla are part of a growing number of brands that are choosing to harness the selling power of 3D configuration. #3. Premium Brand Image, Increased Awareness When it comes to Product Configurator benefits, we have to mention that this software significantly enhances a brand’s image by offering a sophisticated, interactive shopping experience that stands out in today’s competitive market. By implementing these technologies, brands can provide customers with a unique opportunity to visualize products in high detail and customize them according to their preferences, thereby fostering a deeper connection with the product and the brand. This level of engagement not only elevates the customer’s perception of the brand as innovative and customer-focused but also positions the brand as a leader in leveraging cutting-edge technology for an enhanced shopping experience. Furthermore, the adoption of 3D configuration and technology is a strategic move that can set a brand apart, creating a premium brand image that resonates with tech-savvy consumers and elevates its status above competitors. #4. No More Samples and Photoshoots 3D models and configurations offer a transformative solution for e-commerce by significantly reducing the reliance on physical samples and photoshoots. This technology enables customers to interact with a virtual representation of the product, allowing for an in-depth exploration of various customizations and features without the need for tangible prototypes. Consequently, brands can showcase an extensive range of product variations without the logistical and financial burdens of producing multiple physical samples and organizing elaborate photoshoots. This shift not only streamlines the product development and marketing process but also accelerates the time-to-market for new products, enhancing the overall efficiency and scalability of online retail operations. #5. More Sustainability, 100% Sell-Out One of the most important Product Configurator benefits in e-commerce? Significantly contributing to sustainability and ensuring a 100% sell-out rate by aligning production directly with consumer demand. This approach eliminates the traditional practice of mass-producing items in anticipation of potential sales, which often leads to unsold stock and contributes to waste. Instead, products are only manufactured once they have been customized and ordered by the customer, ensuring that every item produced has a confirmed buyer. This made-to-order model minimizes waste, reduces the environmental impact associated with overproduction, and supports a more sustainable retail ecosystem. Moreover, it empowers brands to operate more responsibly, fostering a positive brand image among increasingly environmentally conscious consumers. #6. Measurable Customer Satisfaction One of the main Product Configurator benefits is allowing consumers to find out what they want, helping manufacturers to determine what sells. This can lead to new and improved product launches. The opportunity to fully customize your product from start to finish can give companies the insight needed to implement these changes and measure their success. By keeping up with customer demand, you can retain your existing customer base and increase your chances of reaching a wider pool of prospective customers over time. If a particular feature or preference proves popular, it may benefit the brand to incorporate it into a regular model lineup. Features or preferences that perform poorly can also be removed from inventory to save the company valuable time and money better spent elsewhere. #7. Greater Customer Alignment 3D product configuration offers a 360-degree view of the product they are intending to purchase and may be the difference between them completing the sale and abandoning the site altogether. 3D product configuration also allows customers to monitor the cost of their design over time. Different design options and customizations can give customers the power to control what they pay and make changes as necessary during the entire production process. #8. Reduced Marketing Costs 3D technology and configuration hold paramount importance in the realm of marketing, revolutionizing how brands create and distribute content across various
Zakeke, new funding of €1.2M
The Italian Visual Commerce startup has completed an investment round subscribed by the Startup Relaunch Fund managed by CDP Venture Capital Sgr and by current partners to expand its Platform, its global sales organization and its partner network. Zakeke, the professional solution that allows brands and retailers to offer an experience of unique and innovative purchase on a global scale thanks to customization and configuration in 2D, 3D and Augmented Reality, raised 1.2 million euros. The goal is to strengthen the global team and accelerate international growth. The round sees the entry of the Fondo Rilancio Startup, managed by CDP Venture Capital Sgr, for an amount of 800 thousand euros, in co-investment with the founders and a business pool of industrial and financial angels who had already participated in the foundation process, trusting the startup and confirming their interest and commitment in the operation thanks to the performances of the last year. Since its inception, Zakeke has been a powerful and reliable partner for the online product customization market to enable all global brands to add an interactive visual experience for their customers, addressing the need of more and more consumers to actively design and customize the products they buy. The new funds will be used to boost internationalization, develop new features and expand the technical and commercial teams. Zakeke will offer new services, such as Virtual Try-On, which enables consumers to try products before buying them, directly via smartphone, in addition to its current service suite of its 2D Customizer, 3D configurator and 3D and AR Viewer, thus increasing the brands overall offering for product customization and configuration. “Thanks to our continued growth and this additional investment we will further strengthen our team and will develop new features that enables merchants worldwide to offer their customers a unique, complete and totally interactive experience, with a single platform.” explains Angelo Coletta – CEO of Zakeke – “Our goal remains that of becoming the global leader of the Visual Economy. Our customer base is global with 60% coming from North America, 30% from EMEA, and 10% from other regions. We are one of the most important players in this market and with the launch of the new Virtual Try-On and other services we will continue to expand our solution to address even more challenging objectives.” *** Zakeke is a cloud-based platform that can be integrated with any online and physical store that allows brands and retailers to offer their customers the customization and configuration of products in 2D, 3D and augmented reality, in real time. The startup, created in Foggia in 2017, with more than 7,000 customers in 120 countries, including Armani, A.Testoni, Bauli, Ciak Roncato, Clipper and many others, aims to provide global merchants with a complete tool to increase the conversion rate and reduce the number of returns, and to increase sales by improving the ultimate shopping experience from an omnichannel perspective. How Zakeke works – www.zakeke.com Marketing & Communication [email protected]
Zakeke, nuovi capitali per 1,2 milioni di euro
La startup italiana di Visual Commerce ha completato un round di investimento sottoscritto da Fondo Rilancio Startup gestito da CDP Venture Capital Sgr e dagli attuali soci e per espandersi all’estero Zakeke, la soluzione professionale che consente a brand e retailers di offrire un’esperienza d’acquisto unica e innovativa su scala globale grazie alla personalizzazione e configurazione in 2D, 3D e Realtà Aumentata, ha raccolto 1,2 milioni di euro. L’obiettivo è quello di rafforzare il team globale e accelerare il processo di internazionalizzazione della piattaforma. Il round vede l’ingresso di Fondo Rilancio Startup, gestito da CDP Venture Capital Sgr, per un importo di 800 mila euro, in co-investimento con i fondatori e un pool di Business Angels industriali e finanziari che avevano già partecipato alla fondazione, dando fiducia alla startup grazie alle performance dell’ultimo anno a conferma del loro interesse e impegno nell’operazione. Sin dalla sua nascita, Zakeke si è posta quale interlocutore per gli operatori dell’intera filiera del mercato della personalizzazione di prodotti online per consentire a tutti i brand mondiali di aggiungere un’esperienza visuale interattiva per i propri clienti, rispondendo al bisogno sempre più crescente dei consumatori di poter giocare un ruolo primario nella progettazione dei prodotti che acquistano. Con le nuove risorse a disposizione la startup punta all’internazionalizzazione, allo sviluppo di nuove funzionalità e all’ampliamento del team tecnico e commerciale. Offrirà nuovi servizi, come il Try-On Virtuale, che permetterà di provare i prodotti prima di acquistarli, direttamente via smartphone, in aggiunta al Personalizzatore 2D, al Configuratore 3D ed al Visualizzatore 3D & AR, per accrescere la propria offerta di servizi per la personalizzazione e configurazione dei prodotti. “Grazie alla nostra crescita e a questo ulteriore investimento rafforzeremo la nostra squadra e svilupperemo nuove funzionalità che permetteranno a tutti i merchant del mondo di offrire ai propri clienti un’esperienza unica, completa e totalmente interattiva, con un’unica piattaforma.” spiega Angelo Coletta – CEO di Zakeke – “Il nostro progetto rimane quello di diventare il leader globale della Visual Economy. Già oggi i nostri clienti sono il 90% stranieri e di questi il 60% provengono dagli Stati Uniti e dal Canada. Siamo uno dei protagonisti di questa nicchia e con il lancio del nuovo Virtual Try-On e di altri servizi espanderemo la nostra soluzione verso obiettivi ancora più sfidanti.” Zakeke è una piattaforma cloud-based integrabile con qualsiasi negozio online e fisico che consente a marchi e rivenditori di offrire ai propri clienti la personalizzazione e configurazione dei prodotti in 2D, 3D e realtà aumentata, in tempo reale. La startup, nata a Foggia nel 2017, che conta già 7 mila clienti in 120 paesi, tra i quali Armani, A.Testoni, Bauli, Ciak Roncato, Clipper e molti altri, ha come obiettivo quello di fornire ai merchant mondiali uno strumento completo per aumentare il tasso di conversione e ridurre il numero di resi, ovvero far crescere le vendite migliorando l’esperienza di acquisto in ottica omnicanale. Ufficio Comunicazione e [email protected]
Zakeke welcomes a new partner: ViBuNe
We are delighted to announce our partnership with ViBuNe! ViBuNe is an ethical company providing knowledge, learning and services in the digital business transformation space for micro, small and large businesses. There is no doubt about the importance of DIGITAL AUTOMATION in running a business today. From E-mail Marketing to Back-office Process Automation, from Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to Automated Alerting and Reporting, the range of solutions is vast and may be challenging to grasp. However, all it is needed is a place to start, with the basics. They have chosen to mix business design and modelling with a suite of Open Source Software Solutions designed and tested to kickstart your Business Automation. Their purpose is to help you improve anything you choose. They’re here to help, either getting more leads through modern marketing automation, securing more sales, increasing productivity or improving customer service delivery across the board. To overcome the lack of information and clarity in how software automation can help, they have developed business modelling tools to assist you in the process. Also, they can provide an end-to-end workflow from business ideas to planning and implementing business automation. Last but not least, they have built a social network to bring together entrepreneurs and specialists in business and technology that can help either directly or by sharing their knowledge and advice. We invite any entrepreneur, specialist or consultant to participate in building a better business world for tomorrow. Join. Learn. Build Grow.TOGETHER To get more information on how can ViBuNe help you reach out amazing results together with Zakeke, please contact them at vibune.net To get more details about our Partner Program check this link https://www.zakeke.com/agency-partner
Why Use a 3D Configurator in eCommerce
Benefits of 3D Configurators for Your Company With 3D product configuration solutions, you can minimize mistakes, and errors between you and your client since they have proactive control of what they buy. It also reduces barriers to the market and lets you know what clients want when releasing options during the first stages of product development. Save inventory and marketing costs 3D technology shortens the sales cycle since real-time feedback creates better outcomes. You can make product updates and track customer behaviors extensively in real time. In addition, you can reduce stock since you will create products on demand. Areas like expenses incurred in producing stocks, logistics, and storage will be reduced. Such solutions work with any website and can be personalized to become as responsive as the rest of your website. You can also create high-quality images for promotion, marketing and advertising. Enabling an omni-channel experience Online 3D configuration systems can also work offline on salesmen’s screens, which can be formatted for events or used in interactive stores. Through interaction and engagement, customers can participate in your productions, making sure you know their needs, budget, and taste. Increase conversion rates and revenues 3D Configurators help boost sales. Customers can make informed decisions rapidly as they have real-time control every step of the way. Through increased engagement, your company can generate leads and drive customers to buy your products immediately since they have a complete overview of your products. Companies are now able to offer an interactive experience with a 3D demo and bring life to products on digital platforms with 3D configuration.
Zakeke welcomes a new partner: Fluidvoxel
We are delighted to announce our partnership with Fluidvoxel! Fluidvoxel is Swiss-based studio specialized in 3D product presentation. It started 5 years ago as a studio for Architectural visualization and with more inquiries for modeling they decided to open a new business related to 3D modeling. Their team counts with 15+ members and it tends to grow more. Fluidvoxel is specialized in 3D modeling for eCommerce, PBR materialization, Photorealistic Product Rendering and various Product Animations. Lean on your imagination, and they will materialize all your ideas. Imagine, visualize, materialize is their short motto. Check out their website: https://www.fluidvoxel.com/ and follow them on Behance: https://www.behance.net/fluidvoxel. To get more information on how can Fluidvoxel help you reach out amazing results together with Zakeke, please contact them at [email protected] To get more details about our Partner Program check this link
Zakeke stands with Ukraine
As a company, as citizens of a global community, and as human beings, we condemn the atrocity of the Ukraine invasion, and we can’t stay silent or turn our heads away. Our ongoing supportAs this heartbreaking situation continues to evolve, we know we don’t have all the answers, but we will continue to learn and be thoughtful through this challenging time, offering our support to multiple non-profit organizations, like the Red Cross, that are currently involved in helping the Ukrainian people, on the field. That is why we just decided to officially begin our recruitment process for all of those Ukrainians that are battling through this, with previous experience in Software development, UX/UI, 3D development, Business and Sales development, offering a full-time job in Foggia (Italy) with household and relocation support, including family members. This is one of multiple ways in which we can and we will help the Ukrainian people, we believe that the future is something that is built day by day, with hard work, strong beliefs and a straight vision. We welcome those who want to continue to craft their future, with hope, pride and faith. Angelo ColettaCEO & Founder of Zakeke Angelo ColettaCEO & Founder of Zakeke