AR Shopping: A Simple Guide to Who’s Using It, How It Works, and Costs

What is AR Shopping?
Augmented Reality (AR) shopping is a new way to shop that lets you try products virtually before buying them. Using your smartphone or tablet, you can see how a product will look in your home or on you without leaving your house. This could be trying on clothes, seeing how furniture fits in your room, or testing makeup shades.

Who is Using AR Shopping?

Here are some big retailers already using AR shopping technology:

1. IKEA
   • AR Tool: IKEA Place app
   • How it works: Visualize how furniture looks in your home using your phone, helping you decide before you buy.
2. Sephora
   • AR Tool: Sephora Virtual Artist
   • How it works: Try on makeup virtually to see which products look best on you before purchasing.
3. Nike
   • AR Tool: Nike Fit
   • How it works: Use your phone to scan your feet and find the perfect shoe size, helping avoid returns.
4. L’Oreal
   • AR Tool: ModiFace
   • How it works: Try on cosmetics virtually, including makeup and hair color, from your phone or computer.
5. Wayfair
   • AR Tool: Wayfair View
   • How it works: Place 3D models of furniture in your home to see how they fit before making a purchase.
6. Gucci
   • AR Tool: Gucci Virtual Try-On
   • How it works: Try on shoes virtually via the Gucci app before deciding to buy.
7. Amazon
   • AR Tool: Amazon AR View
   • How it works: See how furniture and home products look in your space through your phone camera before buying.

Can AR Shopping in the USA Be Used in the UK?

Yes! Even though many AR shopping features are used by retailers in the USA, customers in the UK can still enjoy the experience. You can use apps like Amazon or Nike to try products virtually, even if they are based in the US.

How Does AR Shopping Work for International Purchases?

Once you’ve used AR shopping to pick a product, you can still order it online, even if the retailer is based in the USA. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Shipping Costs and Time:
   • Cost: International shipping from the US to the UK usually costs between $15 and $50, depending on the size and weight of the product.
   • Time: It typically takes 5-10 business days for your order to arrive, but this can vary.
2. Customs Fees:
   • You may need to pay extra taxes or fees when goods come into the UK from abroad, depending on the price and type of product.
3. Returns:
   • Returning items to the US from the UK can be expensive, with costs ranging from $20 to $50 for shipping. Some retailers offer free returns, but this is rare for international orders.

How Much Does AR Shopping Cost?

1. For Consumers:
   • The AR shopping tools themselves are usually free to use. You don’t pay extra for using the AR feature, but the cost comes from the product you buy.
2. For Retailers:
   • Retailers have to invest in developing and maintaining AR technology, which can be expensive. This includes building AR apps, creating 3D models, and integrating the technology with their stores. For larger retailers, this can cost thousands or even millions of dollars.

AR shopping is a growing trend that allows shoppers to try products virtually before making a purchase. Big retailers are already using it, and you can access AR tools from companies in the US while shopping in the UK. Keep in mind that international shipping costs, duties, and return fees may apply. As technology improves, we can expect AR shopping to become even more accessible and affordable in the future.