Imagine you're gearing up to launch your eCommerce business, and you think, "Why not create an app that boosts sales and builds customer loyalty at the same time?" It seems like a great idea, but here’s why it might not be.
With over 2 million apps on the Google Play Store, the competition is fierce. For an eCommerce app to stand out, it has to be more than just functional. It has to be innovative, seamless, and offer something that truly engages users. Unfortunately, the majority of apps fail to hit these marks, leading to disappointment. Let’s dive deeper into why this happens and how WebAR (Web-based Augmented Reality) can be a game-changer for eCommerce.
The Auctionata Story: A Cautionary Tale
Auctionata was an eCommerce platform that focused on auctioning luxury goods, art, antiques, and collectibles. The platform allowed users to participate in live auctions broadcasted online, and for a while, it was a promising idea. Auctionata raised a whopping $96 million in funding. Yet, within five years, the company went bankrupt.
But Why? Mismanagement, irresponsible business decisions, and an inability to scale effectively despite their innovative model.
Auctionata’s story isn’t unique. Many eCommerce apps start with great potential but fail to find sustainable success. In fact, the majority of eCommerce apps will never reach their full potential, often due to oversaturation in the market and ineffective execution.
Since 2019, the rate of new app releases on Google Play Store has halved, a clear indication that businesses are moving away from app-centric models. The sheer abundance of apps has driven both users and developers to rethink their strategies. Apps that don’t provide a distinct, seamless, and engaging experience quickly fall by the wayside.
Why Do eCommerce Apps Fail?
There are a number of reasons why eCommerce apps struggle, often leading to a crash in user engagement or, worse, business failure. Here are some of the most common pitfalls:
Code Errors and Bugs
Poorly written or untested code can lead to constant crashes. Apps that aren’t stress-tested before launch often fail when faced with real-world user interactions.
Website Downtime
Keeping an eCommerce app available 24/7 is challenging. The infrastructure required to maintain 100% uptime can be complex and expensive. One small glitch or server issue can result in lost sales and customer frustration.
Security Vulnerabilities
Malware and ransomware attacks are a real threat. If an eCommerce app isn’t properly secured, hackers can easily exploit vulnerabilities, leading to major losses in revenue and user trust.
Domain Expiration
Sometimes the issue is as simple as a company failing to renew its domain. This small oversight can lead to big problems when customers can’t access the app or website, damaging both sales and reputation.
The Rise of mCommerce and Browser-Based Solutions
Despite these challenges, mCommerce (mobile commerce) is booming. In 2023 alone, mCommerce-based revenue reached $3.88 trillion. But instead of relying on apps, a growing number of consumers are using mobile browsers to shop online. This shift away from apps and towards browser-based eCommerce creates a huge opportunity for innovation.
Enter WebAR (Web-based Augmented Reality) and 3D visualization—a new frontier for online retailers looking to engage customers without the need for costly, time-consuming app development.
How WebAR Can Transform eCommerce
Rather than falling into the app development trap, companies can leverage the power of 3D product visualization and WebAR to offer an immersive, interactive shopping experience directly from a web browser. Here’s how WebAR can solve many of the problems eCommerce apps face while driving user engagement and sales.
1. Faster Development and Launch
Developing an eCommerce app is expensive and time-consuming. It can take months of coding, testing, and optimizing. In contrast, implementing WebAR for product visualization can be done quickly, allowing companies to launch faster and capture market attention without delay. Speed is key in today’s fast-paced retail environment.
2. No App Dependency, Easy Integration
One of the major hurdles with eCommerce apps is convincing users to download and engage with them. With WebAR, there’s no need for an app—users can access immersive 3D experiences directly through their web browser. The ease of integration across websites, landing pages, and even social media makes WebAR an irresistible tool for digital marketers.
3. Enhanced Security
With fewer points of entry for hackers compared to an app, WebAR solutions are often more secure. Reputable WebAR providers, like Marvin XR, emphasize strong security protocols, ensuring that your eCommerce platform remains protected from ransomware and other cyber threats.
4. Affordable A/B Testing
WebAR enables businesses to conduct A/B testing at a fraction of the cost compared to app-based solutions. Retailers can experiment with different product displays, layouts, and customer engagement tools, helping them discover what resonates best with their audience. This low-cost testing empowers businesses to optimize their strategies without breaking the bank.
5. Minimal Maintenance
Maintaining an app is an ongoing investment. From bug fixes to feature updates, the costs can quickly add up. On the other hand, WebAR providers often operate as SaaS (Software as a Service) companies, meaning they handle the maintenance, troubleshooting, and updates. This allows eCommerce companies to focus on sales and marketing instead of managing tech infrastructure.
The Future of eCommerce is WebAR
In a market saturated with apps, traditional methods of launching eCommerce businesses are losing their appeal. WebAR and 3D product visualization offer a cost-effective, highly engaging alternative to apps, allowing businesses to provide immersive shopping experiences that drive user engagement, build customer loyalty, and, most importantly, increase conversion rates.
The move towards browser-based experiences isn’t just a trend—it’s the future. As more businesses embrace WebAR, they’ll gain an edge over competitors still relying on outdated app-centric models. By skipping the app development cycle and jumping straight to WebAR, businesses can focus on creativity and customer engagement without the headaches of app maintenance or security concerns.
For retailers seeking a modern, scalable solution that delivers results, WebAR is the way forward. Let’s build for the future, not the past.
Key Takeaways:
eCommerce apps are facing saturation and declining success.
WebAR offers a faster, cheaper, and more secure way to engage customers.
With 3D visualization and WebAR, businesses can provide immersive shopping experiences without relying on traditional apps.
This shift not only reduces costs but also increases user engagement, sales conversions, and customer loyalty.
Ready to rethink your eCommerce strategy?
Consider WebAR—it’s the game-changer your business needs.
Marvin XR offers end to end 3D services for the online furniture brand founders who are ready to boost their business quickly. We take the ownership to provide the following:
Ultra high quality 3D modeling based on 4-6 images
Web based AR campaigns creations in bulk with no-code platform
3D Rendering (HDR photoshoot using 3D models)
3D Configurators for adding customizations to online user experience
3D Videos (HDR videos based on 3D models)
Marvin Integration Tool for easy 3D integration to any platform
Track KPIs, Online 3D editors, quick update of product catalogues and many.
Contact us today at support@marvinxr.com for a free consultancy to evaluate your 3D business vision for a better and successful future.
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