E-commerce Product Configuration: a complete guide

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Table of Contents

Sometimes, customers desire specific requirements for a product or tool. It is helpful for companies to have a way to meet specifications in order to fulfill customer needs. Understanding product configuration meaning enables companies to meet those specific needs. 

Let’s find out everything you need to know to start using product configuration in your business in this article. 

And if you want to start right away with Product Configuration, you can try Zakeke’s 3D Product Configurator which will help you take your store to the next level by giving your customers the possibility to create their made-to-order products and delivering a new immersive 3D Shopping Experience.

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What is e-commerce Product Configuration?

What is product configuration? It is the process used to allow companies to customize products to meet customer needs. 

In e-commerce, product configuration involves various software tools integrated with a website allowing purchasers to customize a product. An online product configurator will enable consumers to customize their product selections and visualize the final product virtually. 

Online product configurations use modular programming. Companies desiring to implement eCommerce product configuration must have an understanding of what is modularization in programming. Modularity involves establishing building blocks, separating a program’s functions into individual building blocks that execute an aspect of a product.

Online product configuration allows companies to offer mass customization through user-friendly technology enabling customers to implement their own specifications and visualize them in real-time.

E-commerce Product Configuration and customization trends

Consumers want customization. People are tired of mass-produced, one-size-fits-all products. Customers want to showcase their creativity and individuality. As a result, companies are exploring the use of on-demand customization services. Implementing customization capabilities can increase customer engagement and offer a way to stand out in the vast online marketplace.

What are the main e-commerce trends related to customization?

  • Current e-commerce product customization trends include AI-driven personalization and a more privacy-conscious approach. For example, many browsers are blocking third-party cookies, and online shoppers are more concerned about their privacy rights. As companies integrate customization options, ensuring secure private customer interactions is a priority;
  • Something new in custom product trends includes personalized rewards. Deals and rewards based on recent purchase history and individualized for customers are often deciding factors for customers to join brand loyalty programs;
  • Another customization trend includes options to customize various products such as clothing, footwear, furniture, jewelry, and accessories. 

Customers derive increased satisfaction from designing something and showcasing their creativity in the products they wear and use. Customers are also more willing to wait longer and pay more for customized products. Another benefit for companies offering customization includes a significant decrease in reported returns.

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Benefits of Product Configuration in e-commerce

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Product configuration is a key element for e-commerce and has several benefits for both customers and retailers. Here are some of the benefits of product configuration:

  • Increased Customer Satisfaction

Allowing customers to customize their products can increase Customer Satisfaction. Customers are more likely to be happy with products that meet their specific needs.

  • Improved Customer Experience

With product configuration, customers can manage the design and features of their products. This feature can enhance the Customer Experience, leading to customer loyalty and more purchases.

  • Reduced returns

By allowing customers to customize their products, product configuration reduces lead time and returns. Customers are more satisfied with custom products created by themselves.

ECommerce retailers desiring to implement customization for their products must understand how to implement a product configurator. Companies can build a configurator using DIY software, spreadsheets, or a third-party company.

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Some e-commerce Product Configuration examples

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Many industries and products are well-suited for product configuration. Here are some examples of industries that can use product configuration to improve their businesses:

  • Fashion: clothing and accessory brands can offer configuration options to allow customers to customize items such as shoes, bags, and jewelry;
  • Furniture: furniture and home decoration retailers can allow customers to choose materials, colors, and designs of their products using product configuration;
  • Electronics: Hi-Tech brands can offer their customers the possibility to select the specifications and design of their electronics using product configuration tools.

In conclusion, a product configurator is a useful tool that can benefit various industries in the e-commerce space. Some examples of real brands? Kay Jewelers offers custom ring designs, Cadillac provides a 3D configurator enabling customers to build and price vehicles and shoe enthusiasts can customize their footwear for many brands such as Converse and Nike. 

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How to start using Product Configuration in your e-commerce?

Online shops used to be very plain displaying products for customers to add to their cart and check out. To attract customers directly to eCommerce sites today, companies must offer something different such as customization using product configuration.

Implementing a simple product configurator is the easiest way to elevate your customer experience and create happier customers. Finding the right product configurator starts with a bit of research

The process can be simplified by finding a tool that works with the products offered and easily integrates with an existing online store. There are also DIY options allowing companies to build product configurators. Outsourcing to a third party to help with the creation and implementation of a product configurator is also an option. 

However, to implement simple product configuration, there is no need for external technical intervention. Tools like Zakeke make product configuration easy and simple for eCommerce stores.

E-commerce 3D configurator software: how to choose the best one?

Selecting the best e-commerce 3D configuration software is essential for online stores today. The challenge is how to choose the best product configurator. How to choose the best tool for your e-commerce? There are several factors to take into account. The product configuration software should be/have:

  • Easy to setup: the product configuration software should be easy to set up, with a clear installation process and an easy-to-use interface;
  • User-friendly: the software should be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for customers to configure their products;
  • Easy to integrate: the product configurator should integrate seamlessly with your e-commerce platform and with other tools that your business uses;
  • Frequent updates: the software should be frequently updated to ensure it remains updated with the latest features and trends;
  • High-quality Customer Service: the software provider should offer high-quality customer service and support to solve any issues or questions.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best e-commerce 3D configuration software that meets your business’s goals.

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What are the features of a 3D Product Configurator?

An online product configurator is a user-friendly shopping tool allowing customers to change the design, size, colors, or other options depending on the product. What are the main features of a 3D product configurator?

  • Product configuration software help companies and online stores implement product customization options;
  • A 3D product configurator enables shoppers to customize and see their customizations in real-time;
  • These software assist businesses in the selection of options to present for each product to meet the needs of their customers;
  • Product configuration software automate the customization process from start to finish;
  • Configuration software will offer product visualization or 3D configuration;
  • Product visualization allows customers to interact with the details of a product, such as color or other features;
  • 3D configuration enables customers to view products from every angle;
  • Interactive product configurators have the potential to increase sales and decrease returns resulting in more satisfied, loyal customers.

Ecommerce 3D configurator: why Zakeke?

Zakeke is an online product configurator and product customizer designed to help online stores offer customers a personalized experience through customizable product options. 

It is an all-in-one Visual Commerce Platform with visual customization and 3D & AR features compatible with many popular services and apps. Zakeke helps merchants to boost sales and conversion rates and to provide an immersive Shopping Experience by using the power of Visual Commerce.

Zakeke 3D Product Configurator provides a unique and immersive Customer Experience thanks to a fully interactive 3D environment, complete with AR features and cutting-edge 3D modeling technology. With Zakeke, you can offer your customers virtually unlimited customization options and give your customers the possibility to create and design their products grom scratch. In addition, for B2B businesses, Zakeke offers a streamlined process for requesting quotes on custom orders.

Zakeke is easy to setup for the merchant and user-friendly for the customer, as it integrates seamlessly with all top e-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, etc.). It can be simply managed without any design skill and it offers excellent Customer Service.

Ready to implement Product Configuration in your e-commerce? Start now: try Zakeke for free for 14 days (you can install it yourself within your e-commerce) or request a demo to discover all its features.

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See how Zakeke 3D Configurator works

Zakeke customizer and configurator

Get started with 3D Product Configuration!

Offer your customers an immersive and unique on-demand 3D Shopping Experience with Zakeke

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