September 25, 2024

Increase B2B and B2C Furniture Sales with Zolak’s Visual Product Configurator

Anastasiya Talochka · 11 minute read

Visual configuration—a technology that lets users customize products with ease. They can tweak colors, switch out components, and choose materials—all while getting a close-up view of their creations.

Technology is everywhere these days, even in the most unexpected places. But as Kevin Slade, DUX’s director of growth, wisely says: just because you can add tech doesn’t mean you always should. The key is using it the right way.

Furniture Companies Tech Investment

Furniture brands need to be smart with technology. If it’s not used right, it confuses more than impresses. And in this industry, whether you're big or small, everyone’s following similar steps. Getting it right is critical.

Every day, furniture stores lose money. Maybe it’s a missed opportunity, a disengaged salesperson, or just bad timing. On average, stores lose about €1,500 a day. That adds up to over half a million euros every year.

In retail, sales are everything. No sales? No business.

If you’re running a B2C or B2B sales department, your job is more than just pushing products. Give customers great furniture and an even better buying experience. Stay calm under pressure. Know what customers need before they do. It’s about creating loyalty, not just a one-time sale.

Why should you think about visual product configuration software? Easy. It can totally change how you sell furniture, ramp up customer engagement, and keep you ahead of the competition. Stay tuned to learn the benefits, how it can boost your sales process, and how to get started!

What is a Visual Configurator?

Visual product configurator software is a clever technology that gives users the power to customize products through a user-friendly graphical interface. Instead of relying on a sales team, buyers can play around with a 2D or 3D model of the product, adjusting colors, materials, and components to see every detail.

Say prospective customers are eyeing a new coffee table. With a visual product configurator, they’re no longer stuck with just one image or a limited set of options. They can completely dive into the design process.

Maybe they’re torn between a walnut finish or something lighter like oak. One quick tap, and they can see how each finish looks. They can go from sleek and modern to vintage industrial, viewing each option from every angle.

Next-gen augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) make it even better. Customers can snap a photo of their room, erase unwanted items, and drop in new furniture pieces from your catalog. With a simple scan, they see how the unit fits into their actual space, down to real dimensions and layout.

The furniture items adjusts in the context of their home, giving them a sense of whether it fits aesthetically and spatially. This personalized experience greatly enhances customer satisfaction.

Once customers are satisfied with their personalized creation, they can save it, share it, or add the products straight to their shopping cart—no need for endless back-and-forth emails with a salesperson. It’s a fully customizable experience, ensuring they get the furniture that perfectly fits their needs and space.

Want to try it yourself?

Discover the Zolak Showroom with our easy-to-use Visual Configurator!

In our interactive Sandbox, you can explore and customize some of our default furniture items. Delete, move, spin, swap products, change materials, and even test how it all works by snapping a picture of your own space.

What Are the Different Types of Visual Configurators?

Depending on the product type, there are two main types of visual configuration: static 2D visuals and interactive 3D visuals. Both provide a visual representation of products, but they offer different experiences in terms of product visualization.

Static 2D Visual Configurator

Static 2D configurators use flat images to showcase products. Like a digital catalog where customers can swap out colors, materials, or features by clicking buttons, but they can’t spin the image around or see it from every angle.

While this type of configurator is great for quick, simple visual updates, it lacks the immersive feel of a 3D experience. It’s best suited for products where the look doesn’t change drastically from different perspectives, like rugs or wall art.

Interactive 3D Visual Configurator

In industries like furniture, 3D visual configurators take product visualization to the next level. Customers can interact with fully configurable products by rotating, zooming, and viewing them from any angle. Whether it's changing sofa fabrics, adjusting the height of a barstool, or swapping out chair arms, the interactive elements allow customers to tweak every aspect of the product.

The added benefit of 3D configurators is their ability to integrate with AR or AI, letting users project life-sized models of their customized products into real spaces. This immersive capability can significantly boost engagement and reduce the hesitation customers might feel about buying something they haven’t seen in person.

Types of Visual Product Configuration

Benefits of Visual Configuration for Customers

Personalization. First off, visual configuration lets customers create products that truly reflect their style. This personalization boosts the chances of making a sale. Studies show that 60% of customers are more likely to buy a product if they can interact with it in 3D or AR.
Better ROI. Personalized products tend to perform better, last longer, and bring more satisfaction. Investing in customized solutions often leads to a better return on investment (ROI) compared to one-size-fits-all options.
Customer satisfaction and loyalty. Visual configuration puts users in control. When they participate in designing their own products, they feel a deeper sense of ownership. This naturally builds stronger brand loyalty and even advocacy.
Speed and efficiency. Customers can explore and customize products anytime, anywhere, and from any device. They see real-time changes in appearance, functionality, and pricing, making the process faster and smoother. This frees up time for other important business activities.
Reducing risk. Visual configuration acts as a virtual playground for experimentation. Clients can try different setups and see what works, which reduces errors, miscommunication, and buyer’s remorse.

Benefits of Visual Configuration for Manufacturers and Suppliers

Boosting revenue. Businesses can attract and convert more customers with an engaging buying experience. Additionally, visually configured products often come with a higher price tag due to their personalized nature.
Cutting costs. This technology streamlines both the sales and manufacturing process, reducing costs related to errors and rework. Customers’ preferences are clearly communicated to production teams, minimizing the need for costly adjustments.
Faster order processing. With automated visual configuration, orders are processed faster. This efficiency means quicker deliveries and happier customers.
Expanding your market. By offering customizable products, businesses can appeal to a wider total addressable market (TAM). This flexibility allows you to meet diverse preferences and attract new customer segments.
Appealing to millennials. Millennials, a big part of today’s B2C and B2B market, love self-service options. Visual configuration fits their style, letting them configure complex products without needing a sales rep.
Speed to market. Visual configuration speeds up product development. Automating the configuration process lets businesses respond to customer demands quickly, helping them stay ahead of the competition.
Standing out from the crowd. Offering visual configuration sets businesses apart from competitors who stick to traditional product catalogs. A superior customer experience and the ability to create unique products give companies a strong competitive edge.
Better collaboration. Visual configuration promotes collaboration between sales, design, and manufacturing teams. Everyone stays aligned, reducing miscommunication and ensuring the final product meets customer expectations.
Data-driven insights. With every customer interaction, manufacturers can gather valuable data on preferences. You’ll know which options are popular, which configurations drive profit, and which customer segments are most engaged.
Cross-selling opportunities. Visual configuration encourages customers to explore complementary products, opening up opportunities for upselling and cross-selling. This helps increase overall sales.
Easy scalability. Scaling becomes simple with visual product configurators. Instead of creating endless static photos, you can generate virtual representations of products and components. Hiring a photographer for every customization? Not worth it. With virtual models, you can mix and match components effortlessly, showing every possible configuration without the headache.

Best Practices for Implementing Visual Configuration Software

To make sure your strategy hits the mark, here are best practices that will help you create a seamless, engaging, and effective 3D shopping experience.

1. Manage Your 3D Files

For a successful visual configurator, the backbone is your 3D files. A robust content management system (CMS) specifically designed for 3D content can simplify this process.

Think about how you’d handle a collection of custom products like sofas with different fabrics, colors, and configurations. A specialized CMS helps you manage all these configuration options, ensuring they are easy to update and use across your eCommerce site. Properly optimized files not only ensure operational efficiency but also make your site run smoothly.

2. Optimize Your 3D Product Configurator for Website Speed

Speed is everything online. If your 3D product configurators take too long to load, potential customers will leave before you can say "custom sectional."

Make sure your 3D files and product data load quickly without compromising quality. When showcasing dining tables with multiple finishes or leg styles, optimized files ensure each choice appears instantly, keeping the experience fluid. Fast load times not only reduce errors but also increase conversion rates by keeping users hooked.

3. Create Immersive Experiences with AR or AI

Interactive tools like next-gen AR or AI take your visual product configuration tools to the next level. This kind of integrations let customers place 3D models of your products into their own environments using their smartphones or tablets. It makes the experience personal, boosts confidence in purchasing, and sets your brand apart from competitors who aren’t using this tech yet.

product visualization in visual configuration stats

4. Use Analytics to Track Success

How do you know if your configurator is working? Analytics.

Track metrics like product views, conversions, and engagement to understand what resonates with customers. For example, if a sofa style is frequently customized but seldom purchased, something might be amiss—whether it’s the price, design, a technical issue, or something else. Analytics help refine your sales cycle, ensuring that the visual product configurator technology remains dynamic and optimized for higher conversion rates.

How to Choose the Right Visual Configurator

Picking the right visual configuration tool is like designing the perfect piece of furniture for your showroom. It should be visually appealing, function seamlessly, and cater to your customers' specific needs. Here’s a handy guide to help you make the right choice.

1. Choose the Right Type of Configurator

First, you need to decide between a 2D and 3D visual configurator. Your choice depends on how complex your product configurations are and the kind of customer experience you want to provide customers.

2D configurator. Ideal for products with fewer customization options. If you want customers to quickly change colors or materials without seeing every angle.
3D configurator. Perfect for more complex items where customers want a 360-degree view. This tool is great for visual learners who prefer an interactive approach when designing their configured product.

2. Focus on Accurate Visuals

Уou need a visual configuration that shows your products in the best light—literally. Look for one that offers high-quality, realistic 3D models. Your customers should feel like they’re looking at the actual product, with every color, texture, and material option accurately displayed. This attention to detail adds value to the shopping experience.

If you sell custom sofas, the configurator should let customers see every detail, from the stitching on the cushions to the shine of the metal legs.

3. Ease of Use is Key

Make sure your visual configurator is user-friendly. Intuitive controls are a must—no one wants to sift through a tech manual just to design their dream dining table.

Look for features like simple navigation and clear visuals. Your customers should feel like they’re exploring a digital showroom, not battling a complicated tool. This approach can also lead to increased engagement and help boost sales.

4. Real-Time Pricing Integration

Live pricing integration (visual CPQ solutions) is a game-changer. Customers appreciate transparency, and visual CPQ software delivers just that. Look for a tool that connects to a pricing API, updating costs instantly as customers make changes.

This feature is particularly useful for B2B sales teams, allowing them to provide instant quotes during meetings. For B2C customers, it helps them stay within budget while still getting what they want.

5. Integration with Your Platform and Other Business Systems

A visual product configurator platform should integrate smoothly with your existing website and systems, whether it’s your CRM, ERP, or inventory management. Everything should work together seamlessly.

“Sorry, this option isn’t available”. That’s a pain point visual product configurators solve with built-in compatibility checks. If certain fabric isn’t available in a specific color or size, the configurator will flag it right away.

Most companies look for a solution that can easily fit into their workflow. A good example? Zolak's configurator works effortlessly across various platforms. When a customer selects a fabric, it can instantly check stock levels and trigger orders. This keeps large B2B orders efficient and ensures B2C stock levels are up to date.

Visual product configuration integration with your platform and other systems

6. Mobile Responsiveness

Today, people shop everywhere—at home, on the go, or in-store. A mobile-responsive visual configurator means your customers can customize that dining set while sitting at their kitchen table or commuting to work.

Mobile-friendly visual configurators adjust to fit any screen size and load quickly, so customers don’t have to deal with laggy, slow-loading images. This keeps B2C shoppers engaged and makes it easier for B2B sales teams to demo products during client meetings.

7. Find Best Visual Configuration Software

Finally, explore platforms like Zolak to find the perfect visual product configuration solution. Take the time to weigh your options and figure out the best fit for your business. When you're ready to dive in, connect with the provider for a consultation and start customizing your visual configurator to perfectly align with your brand and product lines.

What Makes Zolak's Visual Configuration Software Special?

1. Stunning, Photorealistic 3D Images

Zolak's configurator produces incredibly detailed 3D images that look just like the real thing. Every texture, color, and material is meticulously rendered with precise lighting and environmental interactions. This provides your customers with a lifelike visual representation of their customized furniture.

2. Easy Customization for Customers and Businesses

Zolak’s visual configurator is a snap to use—not just for customers, but for businesses too. Our platform lets you upload your 3D models to Zolak CMC, set customization options, product information, and link everything to your online store in just a few easy steps. Best of all, you don’t need any tech expertise to get started.

3. Centralized Digital Data Management Hub

In addition to content uploads and updates, Zolak's CMS offers real-time management of stock levels. If an item sells out, the system instantly changes its status to “out of stock.” Just ensure your API is connected and your shopping cart is synced for smooth operation.

4. Seamless Integration with Multiple Platforms

Zolak’s configurator plays well with a wide range of eCommerce platforms. Whether you’re on Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, or even a custom-built site, Zolak integrates smoothly, ensuring your configurator works seamlessly with your existing setup.

5. Multi-Object Visualisation and Interactivity

Customers can visualize and arrange multiple objects simultaneously in a digital environment. With Zolak's visual configurator, bundled with Zolak Showroom, they can interact with, manipulate, and customize several items directly on your product page.

AI technology analyzes customer-uploaded photos to detect objects and reconstruct room layouts with precise measurements. This ensures that products are accurately represented in virtual environments, facilitating realistic visualization and informed decision-making.

6. Flexibility to Fit Any Business Model

Zolak offers flexibility that adapts to your business needs, whether you’re a small boutique or a large retailer with complex customization options. From simple color changes to complex multi-component configurations, Zolak scales effortlessly to handle it all.

On top of that, its built-in pricing feature automatically updates costs as customers make their selections, ensuring accurate quotes in real-time. This way, your customers see exactly what they’re getting and what they’re paying for.

How to Add a Visual Configurator to Your Website

Integrating a visual configurator like Zolak's is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Once you decide to move forward, our team makes sure you have full access to the Zolak platform. We’ll guide you through onboarding to ensure you feel comfortable navigating the system. Whether you’re a tech-savvy pro or new to using an eCommerce visual product configurator.
With access to the platform, it’s time to upload your content into our CMS. Have 3D models of your furniture? Upload those directly, including all the materials, textures, and product details. For instance, you can assign different fabrics, wood finishes, or metal accents to various parts of a chair, like the seat, legs, or arms.

No 3D models yet? Just send us some reference images or design files, and we’ll whip them up for you. It’s that simple.
Next up, we’ll integrate the Zolak Configurator into your website. With all the layers and textures ready to go, we link these models to your product catalog. We can handle it all, or your tech team can collaborate with us on the integration. Either way, we make sure it fits seamlessly with your site and matches your infrastructure.
Even after everything is set up, our support doesn’t stop. Whether it’s answering questions, resolving issues, or just providing tips, we’re always here to help. From technical assistance to best practices, we’ll make sure you get the most out of our visual configuration software.

Eager to get started? Contact Zolak today and take advantage of our free trial!

We’ll create a personalized sandbox just for you, complete with a Showroom and Configurator, where you can experiment with everything right on your website.

Got 3D models? Integration will be quick and easy. Don’t have models yet? We can create them for you (for a small fee). The configurator feature is included, and if your materials are ready, we’ll add them. If not, you can start with our default options. Moreover, our team will assist with the integration to ensure everything runs smoothly.