The retail industry has evolved greatly over recent years, and the changes have been catalyzed fundamentally by the ever-advancing technology regarding altering the customers’ experience. Of these trends, live video shopping would seem to most prominently stand in filling the gap between online and offline with grace. It is a phygital concept that bridges the gap between online shopping and going into the stores and getting that personal touch. This article gives a greater explanation of the idea of live video shopping. And how can it help to build interest, enhance the level of satisfaction, and ultimately – make sales? In fact, 60 % of shoppers say online video has given them ideas or inspiration for their purchase. Read on to know more about What are the benefits of Phygital.
Understanding Phygital Video Shopping
Phygital video shopping can be described as merging the physical and digital buttons through live video communications. It takes the place of the in-store experience for online consumers with the help of video technology. Videos allow shoppers to communicate with the sales rep in real-time, turn to them for advice, seek an opinion, or even buy things programmatically.
What is the Meaning of Phygital?
Phygital refers to the coming together of the physical and the digital to create a seamless shopping experience, one that is completely immersive. It seeks to bring out the best of both worlds to give consumers a more holistic and engaging journey. However, the term “phygital” very suitably explains the use of technology to drive better physical interactions and vice versa.
Benefits of Phygital Video Shopping
The value factor that is available to the customer through the practice of phygital video shopping is numerous. Some of these are listed below. Read on to know.
To begin with, the system is quite dynamic and exciting as compared to the conductive e-commerce market. Consumers and clients also have an opportunity to ‘touch’ and feel the products, enquire and be responded to instantly, like the physical stores. All this interaction in my buying decision creates trust and confidence in the purchase I am to make.
Second, phygital video shopping lets shoppers personalise. These help ensure the sales representative can guide the customer based on the information about the shopping needs s/he has grasped regarding the customer. Such a more personal approach will significantly and, most probably, help increase customers’ satisfaction and loyalty to the brand.
How Does Phygital Work?
Phygital video shopping works by incorporating live video streaming into online retail platforms. For this purpose, retailers set up live video sessions where sales representatives discuss product features while demonstrating and showing, instructing viewers. When customers join in, there is the provision for asking questions either by chat or voice and receiving instant responses. Seamlessly, e-commerce functionality is put together with videos to help customers buy across the video interface, thus smoothening the shopping process.
Bridge the Online-Offline Gap with Video Commerce
Live video shopping effectively bridges the gap between online and offline commerce by bringing that ‘human touch’ available in physical stores to the digital world. In the traditional online shopping scenario, customers are left to decide based on product descriptions and images, sometimes inadequate. Live video shopping is much more dynamic and interactive. Here, the customers can see the products in action, ask questions, and get real-time answers.
Improving Customer Experience with Phygital Video
Phygital video shopping has been linked to a set of benefits associated with customer experience. The feature of real-time engagement with the sales representatives makes the process of shopping more interactive and informative. Customers have the opportunity to clarify doubts, get personalized recommendations, and are therefore more confident while making a purchase. This level of interaction makes online shopping enjoyable and satisfying, replicating the in-store experience.
Personalize the Shopping Journey With a Phygital Video
Phygital video shopping can personalize the experience from start to finish in any customer’s journey. The sales representatives may communicate with customers, understand their preferences, and suggest what suits them best. This builds satisfaction and will likely result in repeat purchases and long-term brand loyalty.
Online Shopping in Stores
Physically, video shopping has blurred the divide between online and offline. Customers can enjoy convenience while getting the personalized service normally sought after in-store. This hybrid approach caters to the modern consumer looking for convenience and personalization in the modern-day shopping journey.
Increase Sales Through Phygital Video Shopping
One of the major advantages of phygital video shopping is that it helps boost sales. Live video sessions can be interactive, and high customer engagement increases conversion rates. Customers who receive personalized recommendations and get answers to their queries in real-time will buy. Besides the visual and interactive aspects, live video shopping also evokes a sense of urgency and activity, further enticing customers to buy more.
Improve Post-sale With Phygital Video Support
Phygital video shopping doesn’t end with the purchase. There are also opportunities to improve post-sale support. Customers may use live video interactions to obtain help with setup or troubleshooting their products, which are also part of maintenance-related problems. This level of support can potentially enhance the overall customer experience massively, improving satisfaction and, eventually, brand loyalty.
Conclusion
Live video shopping is a great option that eases the transition from online to an actual store, altering the retail industry. This reduces to the concept of going for a phygital, which is convenient like an online store but has the customization of a physical store. When a retail firm incorporates live video technology, the firm will effectively assist a customer with a much enhanced, informative, and satisfying experience. Unlike other conventional modes of selling consumer goods, the advantages that phygital video shopping provides do not only stop at the point of sale but even enhance the quality of the after-sales support and sustain the clients in the long run. Live video shopping will occupy one of the most crucial positions in the future of retailing.
