The outdoor living market is booming, with U.S. sales projected to hit $892.9 million in 2024 and grow 5.3% annually through 2030. Consumers are investing in outdoor spaces as extensions of their homes, prioritizing style, personalization, and advanced features like hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, and motorized blinds.
To succeed in this competitive market, businesses must use technology-driven tools like 3D configurators, automation, and AR to improve customer experience and streamline operations. Here’s a quick summary of the 10 strategies covered:
- Leverage visual configurators: Offer real-time customization with 2D, 3D, or AR tools to boost engagement and sales.
- Automate quotes and orders: Speed up processes and reduce errors with integrated automation tools.
- Showcase products in 3D/360° views: Provide detailed visuals to increase buyer confidence and reduce returns.
- Centralize dealer management: Use tools to simplify operations and track performance.
- Launch fast with templates: Save time by using pre-built configurator templates.
- Integrate configurators on your site: Turn static catalogs into interactive sales tools.
- Capture exact specifications: Minimize errors with detailed, automated configurations.
- Track sales performance: Use data to identify trends, improve strategies, and boost revenue.
- Simplify complex options: Help customers navigate choices easily with guided tools and automation.
- Focus on personal service: Combine tech with human support to build loyalty.
Key takeaway: Modern tools like configurators and automation not only improve customer experience but also drive higher sales, faster processes, and fewer returns. Outdoor living businesses that invest in these strategies are positioned to thrive in this growing market.
1. Use Visual Product Configurators for Custom Orders
Visual product configurators bring customization to life by allowing customers to make real-time adjustments on-screen, replacing the need for static images or traditional catalogs.
How Visual Product Customization Works
These tools come in different formats to meet a variety of needs. For simpler changes, like switching colors or materials, 2D configurators are a great fit. On the other hand, 3D configurators offer an immersive experience, letting users rotate, zoom, and explore products from every angle. Some even provide a 360° view for a detailed look at the product.
Take TimberTech‘s 3D Deck Designer as an example. It allows users to personalize every aspect of a deck, from board colors and widths to textures and added features like railings and lighting. The configurator updates instantly, showing how each change impacts the final design.
These tools often include features like drag-and-drop functionality, real-time pricing, flexible camera angles, and hyperrealistic material visuals. According to Jola Interactive, such capabilities turn casual browsers into buyers by offering a dynamic and engaging shopping experience. Supporting this, 82% of shoppers use 3D views to better understand products, and 40% are even willing to pay more when these advanced visualization options are available.
Seamless Website and E-commerce Integration
For a configurator to truly shine, it must integrate smoothly with your website and e-commerce systems. A great example is Paradise Grills, which uses a 3D configurator integrated with its WordPress/WooCommerce platform and point-of-sale system. By incorporating QR codes, they synchronize data across sales channels, enabling customers to visualize and price personalized outdoor kitchen setups. Keeping the interface consistent with your website design and ensuring smooth transitions to checkout or in-store systems minimizes customer frustration and reduces the risk of losing configurations mid-process.
Interactive product pages can deliver impressive results. Studies reveal that they can increase conversion rates by up to 40%, and brands using configurators report a 20–30% drop in product returns because customers have a much clearer understanding of what they’re ordering.
Boosting Engagement with AR
Some configurators go a step further by incorporating augmented reality (AR), which bridges the gap between online shopping and the physical world. AR features can boost customer confidence by 66% and create a sense of ownership, which has been shown to increase conversion rates by as much as 300%.
“Online product configurators are essential for retailers and manufacturers of highly configurable products such as furniture, kitchen, bath, decking, and storage. They allow brands to create a personalized and engaging shopping experience for customers while also improving operational efficiency and reducing costs. With 3D product configurators, companies can deliver a new level of customization and personalization.”
– Beck Besecker, CEO and Co-Founder, 3D Cloud
Positive experiences with configurators don’t just lead to sales – they build loyalty. Customers who have a good experience are 90% more likely to return, and repeat buyers typically spend 140% more than first-time customers.
For products with complex customization options – like pergolas with adjustable louvers, glass roofs with different panel types, or outdoor kitchens with various appliance combinations – visual configurators simplify the process. They eliminate confusion and give customers confidence in their choices before they make a purchase.
2. Speed Up Quotes and Orders with Automation
Handling quotes manually can slow down sales, especially for complex outdoor products. While visual configurators engage customers, automation takes care of the behind-the-scenes work that closes deals. By turning tedious tasks into efficient workflows, automation delivers faster results with greater accuracy, setting the stage for smoother sales processes.
Automation Features for Quoting, Ordering, and Dealer Management
Repetitive tasks like calculating prices, checking inventory, and processing orders can bog down sales teams. Automation tools step in to handle these instantly. Take Leisure Creations, for example. When they integrated Furniture On Demand by Lectra with Salesforce, their sales reps could generate quotes directly in Salesforce, which were then automatically sent to the cutting system. This streamlined approach reduced work time by nearly 50%, even as they maintained a production schedule of 4,000-6,000 yards weekly.
“Everything that’s in the order is cut on the machine without anyone having to do anything. This has really streamlined our system.” – Aprile Harris, Furniture On Demand Supervisor, Leisure Creations
The benefits go beyond time savings. CSG Quote & Order systems have been shown to reduce process and deployment times by up to 30%, while boosting offer acceptance rates by as much as 20%. For outdoor living dealers managing multiple product lines and custom specifications, these improvements mean higher revenue and happier customers.
Automation tools also enhance accuracy by setting rules for workflows. For instance, Surefront increases productivity by 75% compared to email workflows. Faster, more precise responses to customer inquiries lead to more closed deals and fewer missed opportunities.
Integration with Websites and E-commerce Systems
The real power of automation shines when it integrates seamlessly with existing systems. The best setups connect order management, warehouse management, and e-commerce platforms in real-time. This ensures inventory is tracked automatically, stockouts are avoided, and orders are validated instantly.
With automation, data visibility becomes a game-changer. Dealers gain instant insights into inventory levels, order statuses, and processing times. This transparency allows for quicker decisions and smoother operations, helping businesses meet customer expectations and avoid issues like delayed or incorrect orders.
A great example is SparkLayer’s Quoting Engine, which handles the entire “quote-to-order” process directly on websites. By eliminating the need for separate systems, it minimizes errors during handoffs and simplifies the entire workflow.
In today’s fast-paced market, speed is everything. Nearly two-thirds of online shoppers expect delivery within 24 hours, and 79% want same-day shipping options. Automation makes these demands achievable by speeding up tasks like order entry, inventory updates, and shipping. The result? Faster turnaround times, more satisfied customers, and a competitive edge.
“It’s a very competitive market – the ability to launch brand new products very quickly to respond to that is key.” – Andrew McDonald, Former Head of Domestic and Global Wholesale, One NZ
3. Show Products with 3D and 360° Views
When customers shop for outdoor living products online, not being able to touch or examine items in person can create hesitation. Flat photos often fail to capture the size, texture, or overall look of a product. That’s where 3D and 360° views step in – allowing customers to explore every angle and detail, helping them feel more confident about their purchase.
Visual Product Customization Capabilities (e.g., 2D, 3D, 360° Views)
The popularity of 3D views highlights how much customers value detailed insights when shopping online. This isn’t just casual browsing – people actively want to understand what they’re buying. For products like pergolas, hot tubs, or outdoor kitchens, where size and design are critical, these interactive views become essential tools.
The stats speak for themselves: 360° product photography can increase add-to-cart rates by 22%, reduce return rates by up to 50%, and boost conversions by 47%. Instead of guessing how a pergola will look from a different angle or wondering about the texture of a cushion, shoppers can inspect every detail.
The leap from 2D to 3D is huge. Imagine being able to rotate a hot tub to check the placement of its control panel or zoom in on the wood grain of a pergola beam. These features replicate the in-store experience, giving customers the confidence they need.
Plenty of companies have already embraced this approach. For example, Heals Furniture uses 360° photography to help customers picture their furniture in real-life spaces like living rooms or bedrooms. BMW’s “Build Your Own” tool lets users view vehicles from almost every angle, encouraging them to visit dealerships. Even Apple’s iPhone SE page offers a 360° viewer to enhance the online experience.
But it doesn’t stop at 3D views – other tools are taking customer engagement even further.
Customer Engagement Tools like AR and Immersive Visualization
Augmented reality (AR) goes beyond static visuals, giving customers the ability to see how products fit into their space. Sixty-three percent of U.S. shoppers say AR would improve their buying experience, and businesses using AR have reported a 19% increase in engagement and a 90% jump in conversions.
For outdoor living products, AR solves a major problem: spatial uncertainty. By pointing their phone at their backyard, customers can see exactly how a pergola would fit or how an outdoor kitchen might complement their patio. This eliminates guesswork and ensures buyers feel confident about their choices.
Interactive 3D tools are also gaining traction. Eighty-three percent of shoppers find 3D configurators “extremely” or “very” helpful, and 65% actively prefer retailers that offer 3D visualization. When customers can see products in their own environment before purchasing, they’re more likely to make informed decisions.
Integration with Websites and E-commerce Systems
Integrating 3D and 360° views into e-commerce platforms has become easier than ever. Modern tools connect directly through plugins and APIs, streamlining the process for outdoor living retailers. The key is ensuring these features load quickly and work smoothly across all devices.
For mobile users, optimizing 360° views is critical. Features like swiping or pinch-to-zoom should feel effortless.
The impact is clear. Return rates can drop by up to 35% when e-commerce sites use computer-generated imagery (CGI) to present 3D visualizations. One online shoe retailer, for instance, saw a 40% increase in conversions after implementing 3D tools.
“The more intuitive and real-world the interaction and the more it enables product exploration from all angles, the more it builds a high confidence in purchasing choices.” – Tony Parisi, longtime 3D innovator, formerly of Unity Technologies
Advanced 3D configurators also integrate with inventory, pricing, and order management systems. For example, when a customer customizes the size of a pergola or selects premium materials, the system instantly updates pricing and availability. This seamless connection makes the buying process smoother from start to finish.
4. Manage Dealers with Centralized Tools
Centralized dealer management systems simplify operations by cutting through scattered communication, inconsistent pricing, and lost leads. These tools bring the power of automation to dealer networks, giving manufacturers the ability to oversee their entire network more effectively.
Automation Features for Quoting, Ordering, and Dealer Management
According to McKinsey, over 30% of sales tasks can be automated, offering dealers significant time savings. Considering that outdoor living projects average $24,000 in value, tracking leads accurately is critical – losing even one qualified lead could translate to thousands in missed revenue.
Case studies highlight the impact of automation, reporting a 30% boost in closing rates, a doubling of jobs sold, and overall improvements of 63% in total sales and 81% in contracts closed.
Automated lead tracking ensures customer inquiries are captured immediately, triggering timely follow-ups that prevent lost opportunities. This approach secures potential revenue while keeping the sales pipeline active.
Email and SMS automation further support dealers by maintaining engagement throughout the sales cycle. Custom dashboards provide real-time insights into dealer performance, helping manufacturers quickly identify top performers, address sales bottlenecks, and offer targeted support where it’s needed most.
Integration with Websites and E-commerce Systems
Dealer-specific integrations build on automation benefits by streamlining online and offline operations. Modern dealer management systems connect seamlessly with websites and e-commerce platforms. This integration ensures that when customers configure products online, their specifications flow directly into the dealer’s quoting system – no manual data entry required. Updates to pricing, inventory, and product specifications sync automatically across dealer websites, ensuring consistency.
By linking online product configurations directly to dealer quoting systems, these tools reduce errors and speed up the entire sales process. Centralized tools also standardize communication and data visibility, making life easier for dealers and their customers alike.
With features like pre-built templates for requests for quotation (RFQs) and automated calculations, dealers can handle change orders, payment processing, and project tracking all within a single platform. This creates a seamless workflow that enhances efficiency and accuracy across the board.
5. Start Fast with Ready-Made Templates
Once you’ve simplified dealer management, the next step is to get your configurator up and running quickly. While building a custom configurator can take months, ready-made templates allow you to launch in as little as a week.
Visual Product Customization Capabilities
These templates come preloaded with the essential visual logic and product data needed to support 2D, 3D, and 360° product views right out of the box. This means dealers can showcase products like pergolas, carports, and outdoor kitchens with clean, interactive visuals. Why does this matter? Interactive product visuals have been shown to double conversion rates, and 83% of B2B buyers say product imagery is crucial to their decision-making process. It’s a smart way to use technology to speed up sales and keep customers engaged.
When selecting a template, make sure it matches the visualization needs of your products. For instance, a hot tub dealer might focus on 360° views to highlight every detail, while a pergola manufacturer could benefit from 3D configurators that showcase features like adjustable louvers or integrated lighting.
Automation Features for Quoting, Ordering, and Dealer Management
Templates don’t just look good – they also streamline operations. With built-in automation for pricing and calculations, these templates help businesses speed up their quoting process. Faster quotes mean customers get the information they need while they’re still in the decision-making phase, giving you a competitive edge.
On top of that, many templates include workflows for order processing and dealer management. This ensures customer configurations flow directly into fulfillment systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing errors.
Integration with Websites and E-commerce Systems
Another big advantage of templates is their seamless integration with websites and e-commerce platforms. They’re designed to work across all devices – desktops, tablets, and smartphones – which is crucial as mobile commerce is projected to make up 62% of all e-commerce by 2027.
These templates also sync effortlessly with top e-commerce platforms, managing payment, inventory, and customer data in one place. And the best part? Many e-commerce templates are available for under $100 and often include free, 24/7 lifetime support, making them a cost-effective alternative to custom development.
When picking a template, look for one that offers both design flexibility and compatibility with third-party apps. This will allow you to tweak layouts, colors, and branding to align with your specific outdoor product offerings.
6. Add Configurators to Your Website
Adding configurators to your website can turn a basic online catalog into an interactive and engaging sales tool. This upgrade not only captures attention but also helps drive conversions by making the shopping experience more dynamic.
Visual Product Customization Capabilities
Integrating 3D configurators into your site changes how customers interact with your outdoor living products. Shoppers spend twice as much time engaging with 3D products compared to static ones, giving you more opportunities to highlight your product’s features and benefits. This added interaction pays off – companies using 3D configurators have reported up to 40% higher conversion rates.
This approach works across all outdoor products, from pergolas to carports to outdoor kitchens. Interactive visuals not only grab attention but also boost buyer confidence. In fact, 83% of online shoppers say product imagery plays a key role in their purchasing decisions. By offering detailed, customizable views, you can seamlessly integrate these tools with your e-commerce system to enhance the shopping experience.
Integration with Websites and E-commerce Systems
Configurators are designed to work with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce. As you integrate this feature, ensure your website hosting can handle the additional traffic and that the configurator runs smoothly across all browsers and devices.
With over 50% of web traffic now coming from smartphones, mobile compatibility is critical. Your configurator should offer a responsive, touch-friendly experience that’s just as rich as on desktop. Additionally, robust security measures are essential to protect customer data and configurations. API integration can help connect your configurator to inventory management, pricing, and order processing systems, ensuring a seamless back-end workflow.
Customer Engagement Tools Like AR and Immersive Visualization
Taking things a step further, tools like augmented reality (AR) can elevate the shopping experience even more. AR allows customers to visualize your products in their own spaces. For example, products featuring AR content see a 94% higher conversion rate. This technology can be a game-changer for outdoor living sales.
A great example is Wayfair’s AR product configurator, which lets users virtually place furniture in their homes by scanning their room dimensions. For outdoor living products, this means customers could see how a pergola or outdoor kitchen would look in their backyard before making a purchase.
The benefits of configurators are clear. Studies by the Aberdeen Group show that companies using product configurators experience a 105% increase in sales. This success stems from the combination of personalization and visualization, which directly addresses customer needs.
When properly integrated, configurators deliver measurable results. Shoppers are 44% more likely to add items to their cart after interacting with them in 3D. Plus, customers who design their own products are far less likely to return them. These advantages – higher conversions and fewer returns – make configurators a smart investment for any outdoor living business.
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7. Capture Exact Specifications and Reduce Errors
Getting customer specifications right is essential – just one mistake can lead to costly returns, delays, and unhappy customers. Visual product configurators tackle this issue head-on by capturing precise details from the start, preventing errors before they happen. Let’s break down how these tools, combined with automation, ensure every detail is spot-on.
Visual Product Customization Capabilities
Interactive configurators make accuracy achievable by offering instant visual feedback. With 2D or 3D previews, customers can mix and match options in real time, seeing exactly how their choices come together. This immediate feedback not only clarifies orders but also significantly reduces errors. In fact, visual configuration has been shown to increase online conversions by 42%.
These tools go beyond visuals – they can automatically generate CAD drawings and use parametric rules in 3D models to create precise bills of materials for manufacturing. For instance, Tuff Shed’s 3D configurator allows customers to tailor buildings by selecting size, style, and accessories like color and window options, all while providing real-time pricing updates to help them stay within budget. Similarly, Hangout Lighting’s “design your own” feature uses a 3D configurator to give instant pricing feedback as customers explore various design choices.
Automation Features for Quoting, Ordering, and Dealer Management
Automation takes the guesswork out of the process, ensuring precision from start to finish. By streamlining tasks like quoting and order management, these systems eliminate the need for manual re-entry, reducing errors and speeding up workflows. Features like flexible pricing automation adjust costs based on factors like decoration type, quantity, or customer tier, ensuring accurate quotes every time. Once a quote is approved, it’s automatically converted into an order, cutting down on delays. Online quote approvals further simplify client confirmations, while integration with live supplier catalogs ensures accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Integration with Websites and E-commerce Systems
Visual product configurators seamlessly integrate with e-commerce platforms, capturing exact specifications and preventing expensive mistakes. Automation ensures that configured products and quotes are accurate, while integration with ERP systems enhances inventory management. These systems provide real-time updates on stock levels and material requirements, helping to avoid overselling and ensuring timely deliveries. For example, as products are configured, the ERP system adjusts inventory counts and forecasts demand for components. It also validates orders, transfers data automatically, and generates pick lists to streamline fulfillment.
8. Track Sales Performance with Data
Relying on data takes the guesswork out of outdoor living sales, letting you make decisions based on solid numbers instead of assumptions. By focusing on the right metrics, you can pinpoint what’s working, identify areas to improve, and ultimately get the most out of your investments. The trick lies in knowing which numbers matter and how to act on them. This approach also lays the groundwork for automating your reporting and decision-making processes.
Automation Features for Quoting, Ordering, and Dealer Management
Automation saves time and simplifies processes. For instance, automated reporting can save up to 4.1 hours per week on analysis and 2.2 hours on data entry, while cutting report generation time by as much as 90%. That’s a lot more time to focus on growing your business instead of crunching numbers.
Centralized dashboards provide a clear view of your operations. They track crucial metrics like conversion rates, average order values, and customer lifetime value. These insights help you fine-tune inventory and marketing strategies to meet seasonal demands.
“Offering simple automation to our customers has been a big game changer for our company and is part of the reason our company has grown so quickly and successfully. It [automation] helps us stand out from our competitors.” – Lily Reeder, Co-owner, Reeder Outdoor Living and Pools
Take the Privacy Fence Company of West Michigan as an example. By using automated tools, they boosted their closing rates by 30% and doubled the number of jobs sold. This success stems from having up-to-date, accurate data that allows sales teams to zero in on their best opportunities.
Visual Product Customization Capabilities
Visual configurators aren’t just cool tech – they’re a goldmine of customer insights. Every time a customer interacts with 2D, 3D, or 360° views, you gain valuable data on their preferences and buying habits. This helps you figure out which product features are most appealing, where customers might hesitate, and what configurations lead to more sales.
Companies that personalize the customer experience see 40% more revenue compared to their peers. Configurator data makes this possible by showing you which outdoor living products customers are drawn to most. With this information, you can adjust inventory, tweak pricing, and craft more targeted marketing campaigns.
“Online product configurators are essential for retailers and manufacturers of highly configurable products such as furniture, kitchen, bath, decking, and storage”, says Beck Besecker, CEO and Co-Founder of 3D Cloud.
Integration with Websites and E-commerce Systems
When your systems are integrated, you can follow the entire sales funnel – from the first website visit to the final purchase. Syncing configurator data with CRM and ERP systems lets you track the customer journey and spot any roadblocks that might be stopping conversions. This type of integration transforms raw data into actionable insights.
For example, keeping an eye on inventory turnover – ideally 4–6 times per year – ensures your products stay fresh. Tracking profit margins is another big win. Eco-friendly furniture, for instance, can achieve margins of 20-30% when production is efficient. Integrated systems also reveal which products and configurations drive the highest returns, helping you make smarter decisions about what to stock and promote.
Metrics like revenue growth (both online and in-store), customer acquisition costs, and retention rates are essential. A retention rate above 60% signals strong customer satisfaction. Additionally, monitoring supplier lead times helps you avoid delays that could hurt your reputation. Monthly reviews of these metrics keep you competitive and ready to adapt to market shifts. By using these insights, you can refine inventory management, pricing, and retention strategies, all while working toward your larger sales goals.
“Your reps improve when you focus on particular elements of the sales journey. Simple as that.” – Carlos Correa, Author
9. Handle Complex Product Options
Outdoor living products often come with a dizzying array of choices – materials, colors, sizes, accessories, and technical details. These options can overwhelm customers and create challenges for sales teams. Trying to manage this complexity manually? It can lead to mistakes, slower sales processes, and frustrated buyers who struggle to imagine their finished product.
The solution? Tools that simplify decision-making without sacrificing variety. When customers can easily explore and visualize their options, they feel more confident in their choices, reducing the chances of hesitation or cancellations. Advanced visualization tools play a big role here, making it easier for customers to navigate even the most intricate product configurations.
Visual Product Customization Capabilities
Advanced configuration tools make a huge difference. Instead of relying on long, detailed specification sheets, visual configurators provide real-time 2D, 3D, and 360° views. This approach not only boosts customer confidence but also streamlines the entire buying process.
Take Mizarstvo Hrovat, a tiny house manufacturer, as an example. They processed 10,835 quotes worth €133 million in just 30 months, saving 10,835 working hours.
“The product configurator helped us process 10,835 quotes through the configurator, totaling €133M in value, and saved us approximately 10,835 working hours in just 30 months.” – Jaka Hrovat, Director and Co-owner of Mizarstvo Hrovat
Guided selling tools further enhance the experience by narrowing down options based on customer preferences. For instance, if a buyer selects a particular pergola size, the system automatically displays compatible roofing options. Companies using these tools report 40% higher conversion rates compared to traditional catalogs.
Automation Features for Quoting, Ordering, and Dealer Management
Complex products often require detailed pricing calculations, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Automation simplifies this process. When customers choose premium features, the system instantly adjusts the pricing and generates accurate quotes – no manual calculations needed.
This level of automation can save significant time. For example, Armat, a carport manufacturer, saves 15 minutes per quote and has seen a 40% increase in sales thanks to their configurator.
“The build & price configurator saves us 15 minutes per quote. We’ve seen other results that testify to the product configurator’s value and ROI, like a 40% increase in sales.” – Andrej Repse, Marketing Associate, Armat
Impol Servis, a fencing manufacturer, experienced similar benefits:
“A configurator is an excellent tool I recommend to anyone producing customizable products. The configurator automates the process from receiving an inquiry to sending the bill of materials to production. Time savings are enormous – on average, 35 minutes per quote.” – Marko Zunec, CEO of Impol Servis
Integration with Websites and E-commerce Systems
Automation becomes even more powerful when paired with seamless website integration. Standalone configurators can create friction, but when connected to your e-commerce platform, the process flows smoothly from customization to checkout. Customers can personalize their outdoor living products and complete their purchase in one seamless experience.
For instance, in July 2025, Fellowes Brands launched 3D visual product configurators for their Volo, Markerboards, Sena, and Rising product lines. Their Volo configurator allows users to customize walls, trim, components, and finishes, with real-time pricing updates and order-ready files exported directly to fulfillment.
“We wanted a tool that dealers could use quickly to specify products visually – without needing training, seat licenses, or downloads. 3D Cloud makes specifying products visual, fast, and easy – and it’s fully integrated with marketing and order SIF files.” – Todd Holderness, General Manager, Contract Interiors at Fellowes Brands
Integration also provides valuable insights. By connecting configurators to CRM and analytics systems, you can track popular configurations, identify where customers pause, and discover which options drive higher sales. In fact, shoppers who spend more than three minutes customizing features are 72% more likely to complete their purchase.
Customer Engagement Tools Like AR and Immersive Visualization
Augmented Reality (AR) takes product visualization to a whole new level. Customers can use their smartphones to see how a pergola or other outdoor feature would look in their actual space, eliminating guesswork. Instead of imagining, they get a realistic preview right in their backyard.
AR not only simplifies decision-making but also boosts buyer confidence. Research shows that AR increases customer confidence by 66% and can raise conversion rates by as much as 300%. Additionally, 40% of users are willing to pay more for products with AR features.
Immersive visualization tools also help reduce post-purchase regret. For example, a furniture retailer saw a 28% drop in returns after adding 360° views to their product pages. For outdoor living products, where returns can be costly and complicated, this kind of reduction can significantly impact profitability.
10. Build Customer Loyalty with Personal Service
While technology has made configuring and ordering much more efficient, personal service still plays a central role in creating lasting customer relationships. In the outdoor living industry, where purchases often involve a significant financial commitment and long-term use, personalized support can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal advocate for your brand.
The challenge? Delivering that personal touch consistently while scaling your business. Here’s how automation and integration can help bridge the gap.
Automation Features for Quoting, Ordering, and Dealer Management
Modern CRM systems are game-changers when it comes to analyzing customer behavior and driving engagement. Automated email campaigns, for instance, can boost conversion rates by 20–25%. Meanwhile, chatbots don’t just save time – they improve customer satisfaction by 25–30% and reduce service costs by up to 40%.
Another standout feature is automated appointment scheduling. It ensures timely follow-ups and keeps your team informed without the need for manual coordination.
Integration with Websites and E-commerce Systems
Taking automation a step further, integrating your website, configurators, and CRM tools enhances personal service even more. When these systems work together, customer preferences and customizations flow seamlessly to your sales team. This means faster problem-solving and better communication.
For instance, customer service tools with natural language processing can scan conversations for specific phrases, offering step-by-step solutions or directing users to detailed resources. This kind of integration not only speeds up support but also ensures customers feel heard and valued.
Customer Engagement Tools and Immersive Visualization
Did you know that 65% of customers will switch to a competitor after just one or two poor support experiences? That’s why every interaction matters. Advanced engagement tools can help prevent problems before they arise. For example, AI-powered chatbots have resolved 97% of customer inquiries without needing a live agent. These tools clarify product details and address questions quickly, leaving fewer opportunities for frustration.
But automation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While it’s great for handling routine tasks like scheduling, order confirmations, and FAQs, the human element remains crucial. Smart systems can even identify potential issues early, notifying your team before they escalate. This proactive approach ensures customers feel prioritized and valued at every step of their journey.
Feature Comparison Table
Building on earlier insights into the benefits of visual configurators, the table below highlights the differences between the main options. Choosing the right visualization tool can make a huge difference for outdoor living product sales. Consider this: 82% of product page visitors engage with 3D views, and businesses using interactive 3D configurators report a 40% increase in conversions.
Here’s a breakdown of the three main configurator types and how they compare for outdoor living businesses:
| Feature | 2D Configurator | 3D Configurator | 360° View Configurator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Experience | Flat, two-dimensional product display | Full 3D interaction with zoom, rotate, and multiple angles | Single-axis photorealistic rotation |
| Customization Depth | One product characteristic at a time | Multiple customizations stacked simultaneously | View-only, no customization options |
| Loading Speed | Fastest loading times | Slower due to 3D rendering | Moderate loading speed |
| Implementation Cost | Lowest cost | Higher cost and technical requirements | Moderate cost |
| Device Compatibility | Works on all devices and platforms | Requires higher processing power | Cross-platform availability |
| Customer Engagement | Basic interaction | 66% higher engagement compared to 2D solutions | Improved interaction but without full 3D manipulation |
| Increased Purchase Confidence | Limited visualization impact | 60% of consumers more likely to purchase | Effective for exploring products visually |
This comparison sheds light on how each option aligns with different business needs. Real-world data underscores the impact of 3D configurators – Home Depot reported conversion rate increases of up to 200% after introducing 3D configurators.
“A 3D configurator allows for the most true-to-life experience of the product… The interaction is similar to the one with the real object: you can rotate it by 360 degrees, zoom in to have a closer look at smaller details or components, disassemble and assemble the object. With a 3D model, you can do pretty much the same as with the real object.” – Andriy, CG artist, team lead at Vakoms
For businesses, the decision often comes down to the complexity of their products and their budget.
- 2D configurators are ideal for simpler products with basic customization needs. They’re fast, highly compatible across devices, and a great entry point for businesses new to configurators.
- 3D configurators excel with more complex, high-value products that require showcasing multiple customizations simultaneously. They’re perfect for outdoor living products where customers want to see how materials, colors, and add-ons work together.
- 360° view configurators sit in the middle, offering a visually engaging way to showcase finished products. While they don’t allow for customization, they’re excellent for letting customers explore all angles of the product.
With 80% of shoppers feeling more confident when using 3D visualization tools, investing in the right configurator can not only boost sales but also deepen customer engagement through interactive technology.
Conclusion
The outdoor living products market offers a wealth of opportunities for businesses ready to adopt modern sales strategies. Companies that integrate technology and personalization into their approach are poised to dominate this growing industry.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to Aberdeen Group, using visual configurators can lead to a 105% increase in sales, while AR technology has been shown to boost conversion rates by up to 300%. Additionally, over 60% of consumers now prefer brands that provide 3D or AR experiences.
Real-world examples highlight the impact of these tools. Grosfillex, for instance, reported an 83% boost in sales productivity through automation and saw a 10% revenue increase within just one week of implementing AI-driven customer insights.
“In the first week of using the AI dashboard, we saw a 10 percent increase in revenue for a particular set of accounts. Each salesperson has access to a personalized dashboard with a profitability grading for their accounts and uses this information to create the right sales strategies.”
Personalization is another game-changer. Companies utilizing AI-driven personalization have seen an average 25% increase in marketing ROI and double the customer engagement rates. On the flip side, 42% of consumers express frustration when content fails to meet their needs.
This shift aligns with the growing demand for tailored solutions. Nearly 70% of architects report a rise in requests for outdoor living spaces in residential projects.
“Outdoor spaces are increasingly being seen as a way to upgrade a homeowner’s total living experience, increasing demand for high-quality, long-lasting and attractive decking materials.”
To stay ahead in this evolving market, businesses must embrace digital transformation. By combining the power of visual configurators, automation, and personalization, companies can create a competitive advantage that meets the demands of today’s consumers.
Waiting to adapt is no longer an option. The businesses that succeed in the outdoor living sector will be those that fully commit to digital innovation, prioritize exceptional customer experiences, and use data-driven insights to deliver exactly what their customers need, when they need it.
FAQs
How do 3D configurators and AR technology improve customer engagement and boost sales for outdoor living products?
Using 3D configurators and AR (Augmented Reality) technology is changing how people shop for outdoor living products. These tools allow customers to see and customize products in real-time, helping them understand exactly how items will look and fit into their own space. This added clarity boosts confidence and minimizes hesitation when making a purchase.
Research backs this up – interactive features like these can significantly impact buying decisions, making customers up to 11 times more likely to complete their purchase. By creating an engaging and immersive shopping experience, businesses can not only improve customer satisfaction but also drive sales for high-margin outdoor living products.
What are the advantages of using automation tools for quotes and order management in the outdoor living industry?
Automation tools bring efficiency and precision to businesses in the outdoor living industry. By automating the quoting process, you can create accurate quotes in a fraction of the time it would take manually. This not only cuts down on tedious tasks but also helps reduce errors, leading to a more seamless and polished experience for both your team and your customers.
These tools also simplify order management by offering real-time updates, enhancing communication, and accelerating the sales process. The outcome? Shorter sales cycles, happier customers, and more time to dedicate to expanding your business.
Why is personalization essential for selling outdoor living products, and how can businesses use it to build customer loyalty?
Personalization plays a key role in the outdoor living industry, enabling businesses to craft experiences that align with each customer’s unique needs and preferences. This approach doesn’t just enhance satisfaction – it builds loyalty by making customers feel seen and appreciated.
To achieve this, businesses can adopt strategies like targeted email campaigns, tailored product recommendations, or exclusive offers based on previous purchases or browsing habits. Taking it further, using customer data to offer hyper-personalized experiences – such as suggesting specific design options or layouts that match individual tastes – can strengthen connections and encourage repeat business. When customers feel their needs are genuinely prioritized, it creates a foundation for lasting loyalty and steady sales growth.