The Future of Online Shopping: A New Take on Personal Touch
Written by: An Ivie Contributor |
In the past I used to be a sales associate who sold electronics. Electronics in particular is a market that doesn’t come too easily to Mr. and Mrs. Everyperson. (How weird would it be to have that name?) I remember having difficult conversations trying to give technical support on the simplest of items, but a voice can only convey a message so far. My job relied solely on answering the phone and giving both in-store and over-the-phone online customer service. While there were restrictions to this capability it was an exciting venture, especially once I personally implemented the use of social media to interact with local customers. But none of this compares to what’s on the horizon.
Enter the Online Interactive Sales Rep
Swedish Agency B-Reel has worked hard on an interface that introduces the future to online shopping or, better yet, introduces online shopping into the future.
3 from B-Reel & B-Reel Films on Vimeo.
Wow! Think how much easier it would be for Mrs. Everyperson to do her husband’s wish-list shopping at home with the help of a friendly face navigating her through an interactive sale. This could easily be a great way to create interest and curiosity to any market. Comparing products with the guidance of an associate would be a cinch. Imagine the immediate actions of emailing the customer or associate information to make their transaction fluid and immediate. I’m certain any market, no matter what you’re selling, could find great use in this technology. While social media has given a strong voice to the consumer this service has given a touch-tastic face to those providing the service.
2 Comments
Very facinating and thanks for sharing. I have seen this technology used for shopping and putting yourself in the shopping environment virtually (for example your picture on screen and then being able to virtually “try on” clothes and change the colors, etc.) but this takes it to a whole new level.
The personal interaction is great and will enhance the on-line shopping experience I’m sure. A side note will be that it will force companies/retailers to hire CSRs that are more personable and able to interact through video versus just over the phone.
It will be much harder for the CSR to fake interest and concern about my problem when I can see them roll their eyes. Great stuff and thanks for sharing.
Derek
That is excellent!
It is taking the technology that makes phone lines automated and hard to navigate for customer service or any support and turning it on it’s head. I think there will be a big call for this the more people like using the internet to shop, pay bills, and search for technical assistance.
I for one use web-based chats for much of my customer service because I can save a record of what’s been said (which I can’t do over the phone). This would be a whole new level to that. Thanks for sharing!
Erin.