Visual configurators are reshaping how outdoor living products like pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and patio furniture are sold. These tools allow customers to customize products in real-time using 2D, 3D, or AR technology, making it easier to visualize purchases and make confident decisions. Here’s why they’re game-changers:
- Better Engagement: Customers can personalize designs, boosting confidence and satisfaction. For example, 95% of consumers prefer 3D configurators, and 66% feel more confident in their purchases after using them.
- Faster Sales Process: Instant quotes and real-time updates cut down on delays. Some companies have reduced quoting time from days to minutes.
- Higher Sales and Reduced Returns: 3D tools increase cart additions by 44%, and AR features reduce returns by up to 40%. Personalized options also lead to bigger order values, with customers willing to pay 20% more for tailored products.
Visual configurators are particularly effective for high-ticket outdoor items, offering drag-and-drop customization, AR previews, and integration with sales systems. They streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and drive higher revenue, making them essential for modern outdoor living businesses.
Key Benefits of Visual Configurators for Outdoor Living Sales
Visual configurators are changing the game for outdoor living businesses. These tools not only make the buying process more engaging for customers but also help businesses operate more efficiently and boost sales. It’s a win-win: customers enjoy a tailored experience, and businesses see measurable improvements in performance.
Better Customer Engagement
Interactive configurators completely reshape how customers explore outdoor living products. Instead of relying on static images and guesswork, buyers can customize every detail of their pergola, outdoor kitchen, or other products and see the results instantly.
Here’s the kicker: 95% of consumers prefer 3D configurators, and 66% feel more confident about their purchase decisions after using one.
“Interactive configurators boost engagement by letting customers design their outdoor spaces. This personalized experience fosters a deeper connection to the product and brand, often leading to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty.” – XO3D
Imagine a shopper designing an outdoor kitchen. They can experiment with different appliances, swap countertop materials, adjust dimensions, and even play with lighting to see how it all comes together. This level of personalization makes a big impact: 84% of consumers are more likely to buy from a business that offers a personalized experience, and personalization can increase loyalty by up to 39%.
Beyond the immediate sale, these tools encourage social sharing. Customers love showing off their custom designs on social media, giving your brand free exposure. The result? A more engaged customer base and a sales process primed for success.
Faster Quoting and Ordering
Visual configurators don’t just improve the shopping experience – they also make the sales process faster and more efficient. Quoting and ordering, which used to take days, now happen in minutes. This eliminates frustrating delays for customers and reduces the workload for sales teams.
For example, users of Epicor CPQ report 38% faster sales cycles, with one company slashing its quoting time from two days to just five minutes. Modern configurators generate accurate quotes, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical documents instantly, cutting down on manual errors and saving hours of staff time.
Take Skylux as an example. Before adopting visual configurators, they relied on a bulky 200+ page paper catalog that often led to mistakes and inefficiencies. After switching to configurators, they streamlined their sales process, reduced errors, and sped up order handling.
These tools also provide real-time updates. Customers see pricing adjustments instantly as they tweak their designs, removing the need for back-and-forth communication. This transparency builds trust and speeds up decision-making. In fact, interactive 3D and augmented reality (AR) tools can increase decision-making speed by 40%, and companies using visual CPQ report 30% higher conversion rates compared to traditional methods.
Higher Conversions and Order Values
The combination of better engagement and streamlined processes leads to higher conversion rates and bigger orders. Visual configurators act as a powerful engine for turning interest into sales.
Consider this: Shopify found that using a 3D configurator led to a 44% increase in cart additions, while Google reported that 3D visuals deliver 50% higher interaction levels than standard 2D images. Home Depot saw conversion rate gains of up to 200% after implementing visual configurators, and UK retailer DFS reported a 106% increase in revenue per visit among customers using 3D tools.
The impact on order value is just as impressive. Clients of ThreeKit, for example, see a 40% boost in online conversion rates and a 30% jump in average sales prices when using 3D models instead of static images. Plus, research shows that one in five consumers is willing to pay 20% more for a personalized or exclusive product. In the outdoor living industry, where projects often involve significant investments, this willingness to spend more on customization opens up substantial revenue opportunities.
There’s another big benefit: fewer returns. 80% of shoppers gain purchase confidence with 3D visualization tools, and brands see an 80% drop in online returns. For outdoor living products, where returns can be costly and logistically challenging, this is a major advantage.
One standout example is Tylko, a Polish furniture company. In 2022, they achieved EUR 60 million in sales with a remarkable 40% annual growth rate, despite a 20–30% downturn in the overall furniture market. By leveraging 3D configurators, they built a loyal customer base of over 100,000 users, many of whom returned to purchase multiple products.
The benefits don’t stop there. Customers who enjoy using configurators are more likely to return for future purchases and recommend the brand to others. Over time, this creates a competitive edge that drives consistent growth and profitability.
Core Features of Outdoor Living Configurators
The key to achieving better customer engagement and quicker quoting lies in the core features of outdoor living configurators. These tools blend user-friendly design with strong backend systems, reshaping how customers interact with products while simplifying business operations.
Drag-and-Drop Customization
Drag-and-drop functionality removes the usual technical hurdles that can frustrate customers. Instead of dealing with complicated menus or lengthy forms, users can simply click, drag, and drop elements to design their ideal outdoor setup.
This feature is particularly effective for modular products like outdoor kitchens. Imagine a customer designing a 12-foot outdoor kitchen: they can drag a grill into one spot, place a refrigerator next to it, and add cabinets underneath – all while seeing their changes update instantly. The same concept works for pergolas and patio furniture, where users can adjust beam sizes, spans, and post configurations or rearrange furniture to fit their space perfectly.
Here’s a telling stat: product configurators deliver 66% higher conversions compared to 2D solutions. The hands-on, intuitive nature of drag-and-drop interfaces creates a seamless experience that feels natural and immediate.
To take it a step further, advanced visualization tools immerse users even more by letting them see their designs in the context of their actual space.
Augmented Reality and Real-Time Visualization
Augmented reality (AR) takes visualization to the next level, letting customers see how a product will look in their own outdoor space. For example, instead of wondering if a 16-foot pergola will fit, a customer can use their smartphone to place a virtual model in their backyard and instantly evaluate its size and style.
Wayfair demonstrates AR’s power: customers using its AR feature were 70% less likely to return items and 3 times more likely to buy. Similarly, someone designing an outdoor kitchen can switch from granite to quartz countertops and see the change instantly. This immediate feedback reduces uncertainty and speeds up decision-making. In fact, 82% of visitors to product pages opt to activate 3D view.
AR also helps customers better understand scale and proportion. A pergola that seems ideal on paper might feel too small when visualized in real life, prompting a customer to choose a larger size. This ability to make informed decisions often leads to higher satisfaction.
These immersive tools become even more powerful when paired with robust integration systems.
Integration with eCommerce and Sales Systems
Integration is what turns configurators from cool demos into serious sales tools. When connected to eCommerce platforms, CRM systems, and inventory management, configurators can streamline the entire process from design to delivery.
Take Paradise Grills as an example. This U.S.-based outdoor kitchen manufacturer linked its 3D configurator with its WordPress/WooCommerce store and POS system. Through QR code functionality, customers can design their products and complete their purchases seamlessly. The configurator pulls real-time pricing data from the inventory system, ensuring accurate costs are displayed down to the dollar. For customers in the U.S., all dimensions appear in feet and inches for added clarity.
Here’s another compelling stat: 3D product configurators boost purchase likelihood by 11x. This level of integration not only enhances the customer experience but also makes life easier for sales teams. By automating quotes, bills of materials, and technical specs, it eliminates manual data entry and reduces errors.
Modern integration also supports multi-channel sales strategies. Whether a customer starts designing on a website, continues on their phone, or finishes through a dealer, a well-synced system keeps configurations and pricing consistent across every touchpoint.
Applications for High-Margin Outdoor Living Products
Visual configurators shine when it comes to complex, customizable outdoor living products. By boosting engagement and streamlining the buying process, these tools directly influence sales of premium outdoor items.
Outdoor Kitchens: Modular Design and Customization
Outdoor kitchens are among the most intricate products to sell in the outdoor living market. With so many options – appliances, countertops, layouts – customers often find it hard to picture the final result. Visual configurators bridge this gap, allowing customers to design their ideal kitchen with ease.
Take Paradise Grills International, Inc., for example. Using a 3D configurator powered by Ar-range, customers can start by picking a kitchen island layout, then experiment with countertops – switching between materials like granite and quartz in real time. They can add grills, refrigerators, and accessories, watching their vision take shape. The configurator even generates detailed quotes with exact pricing in dollars, cutting out the back-and-forth typically required for custom projects.
“They did deliver on time and the communication between us is really good. (…) I am currently very satisfied with the service provided by Ar-range and cannot think of any areas that require improvement”, says Dennis Brown, CBIO of Paradise Grills International, Inc.
Similarly, WWOO, a Netherlands-based outdoor kitchen manufacturer, uses an Expivi-powered configurator that simplifies the process. Customers can move from selecting a preset layout to adding accessories, reducing the sales cycle by an impressive 40%.
Next up, let’s look at how pergola configurators handle challenges like spatial fit and material customization.
Pergolas: Size and Material Options
Pergolas demand precise measurements and extensive customization, making them an ideal candidate for visual configurators. These tools let customers explore how different sizes, materials, and features will fit into their space.
Graditel Solar, a Spanish manufacturer specializing in bioclimatic pergolas and glass enclosures, uses the i3D configurator to streamline everything from sales to production. Customers can choose from standard models or customize pergolas with specific dimensions in feet and inches. They can also select materials, colors, and visualize the design in 3D, including front and top views.
“As a Spanish speaking person, it was a game-changer for us to get the whole process and support done with in my native language”, shares Graditel Solar
Other brands, like SELT and Lubas Concept, utilize the Variantic platform to offer a wide range of options. Customers can adjust the length, width, height, column styles, roof types, colors, shades, lighting, and automation features – all instantly visible in a 3D model.
“The customer can select length, width, height, type of columns and roof, colors, shades, lighting, automation – and every change is immediately visible in the 3D model”, explains Variantic
Modern pergola configurators go a step further with features like shadow and sunlight visualization based on time of day and year. Some even offer photo upload tools or augmented reality (AR) capabilities, letting customers see how the pergola will look in their actual outdoor space.
Now, let’s explore how patio furniture configurators elevate the buying experience by focusing on fabrics and finishes.
Patio Furniture: Fabric and Finish Selection
When it comes to patio furniture, visual configurators focus on style and aesthetics, helping customers coordinate colors, fabrics, and finishes to match their personal taste.
Palliser uses 3D product visualization to provide its retailer network with high-quality tools, including customization options, 360-degree views, and 4K zoom capabilities. This allows customers to inspect fabric textures and finishes in detail – something traditional product photos often fail to convey.
Universal Furniture enhances its online product pages with features like 360-degree views, sharp 4K zoom, alternate angle images, and extensive configuration options. Their approach acknowledges that furniture buyers want to see every detail before making a decision.
“We need to be prepared to meet the consumer at the beginning of the shopping journey. Part of that is helping showcase what is possible with products, and that’s where online visualization is necessary when there are options. The more information we can provide upfront, the better the experience for the customer”, explains Neil MacKenzie, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Universal Furniture
Meanwhile, Hydeline, a U.S.-based furniture brand, uses 4K zoom functionality to let customers closely examine even the smallest details. This is especially important for patio furniture, where buyers need to assess fabric durability and finish quality for outdoor use.
The numbers back up the importance of customization: 40% of users are willing to pay more for products with customization options, and 71% of consumers expect personalized experiences. For patio furniture, where individual style preferences vary widely, configurators offering extensive fabric and finish choices not only boost customer satisfaction but also justify premium pricing.
These examples highlight how visual configurators adapt to the unique demands of different products while delivering key benefits like better engagement, faster decisions, and higher conversion rates across the outdoor living industry.
sbb-itb-ec816af
Measuring Impact and Gaining Competitive Advantage
When evaluating the success of visual configurators, it’s essential to look beyond just website traffic. Monitoring key metrics helps businesses assess their impact and sharpen their edge in the market.
Metrics for Success
Several performance indicators highlight the effectiveness of visual configurators, including conversion rates, average order value, customer satisfaction, return rates, and engagement. For instance, customers are up to 65% more likely to make a purchase after using 3D and AR tools to explore a product. This boost in conversions directly translates into increased revenue for outdoor living businesses.
Average order value is another critical measure, especially for high-ticket items like outdoor kitchens and pergolas. Configurators offering personalized options encourage customers to spend more, as they’re willing to pay for products tailored to their exact needs.
Customer satisfaction and loyalty reflect the long-term value of these tools. AR technology not only enhances the shopping experience but also improves customer confidence by 66%, leading to more repeat customers. In fact, returning customers often spend 140% more on subsequent purchases. For outdoor living businesses, this means clients are more likely to return for additional projects or recommend the brand to others.
Return rates offer insight into how effectively configurators help customers make informed decisions. By leveraging 3D and AR technology, businesses can reduce returns by 40%. This is a significant cost-saving, as returns can eat up approximately 66% of the item’s original price. For expensive outdoor products, fewer returns translate into thousands of dollars saved.
Engagement metrics – like time spent using the configurator, the number of configurations created, and completion rates – help identify areas for improvement. Companies that focus on creating a smooth customer experience can save up to 33% in operational costs, making these tools not just effective but also efficient.
These metrics provide a strong foundation for understanding how visual configurators can drive competitive advantages through strategic differentiation.
Comparison Table: Visual Configurators vs. Traditional Sales Methods
Here’s a quick look at how visual configurators stack up against traditional sales approaches:
| Aspect | Visual Configurators | Traditional Sales Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Engagement | Interactive 3D tools with real-time customization | Static images and verbal descriptions |
| Sales Process Speed | Instant quotes and automated ordering | Manual quoting with back-and-forth steps |
| Personalization Level | Unlimited customization with visual feedback | Limited samples, harder to visualize |
| Conversion Rates | Up to 65% higher likelihood of purchase | Industry-standard rates |
| Return Rates | Up to 40% fewer returns | Higher returns due to mismatched expectations |
| Customer Confidence | 66% boost in confidence | Relies heavily on trust and imagination |
| Revenue Impact | 40% more revenue for personalization leaders | Standard revenue per customer |
| Operational Efficiency | Automated processes, less manual work | Labor-intensive quoting and design |
Strategies for Differentiation and Personalization
Visual configurators do more than improve metrics – they also help businesses stand out. A staggering 95% of shoppers prefer interactive 3D tools over videos. This is especially relevant for complex products like outdoor kitchens or pergolas, where understanding spatial relationships and customization options is key.
Take Coco Wolf, for example. This premium outdoor furniture brand uses real-time personalization, 3D configurators, and AR to elevate the customer experience. Customers can explore collections in detail and tailor pieces to their preferences. According to Rafael Muñoz, Founder of Enhance XR:
“What stands out is how meticulously Coco Wolf’s team is guiding the digital creation process. Every texture, every finish, every curve is considered so the digital reflects the same level of care as the physical pieces. Technology is a crucial enabler, but it is this level of care that creates distinction in the market.”
Data-driven personalization is another game-changer. Businesses can analyze configurator interactions to uncover customer preferences, popular designs, and emerging trends. This data allows them to fine-tune product offerings, adjust pricing, and create targeted marketing campaigns. In fact, 62% of retailers report gaining an edge by leveraging analytics.
Sustainability messaging can also be integrated into configurators, appealing to eco-conscious shoppers. Rebecca Lorimer, creative director at Coco Wolf, highlights the importance of this approach:
“Furniture shopping is transforming as customers prioritize sustainability and authenticity. They increasingly choose pieces that reflect their values, focusing on transparent materials and ethical production. With the rise of digital engagement, shoppers also seek vibrant online experiences to aid their decisions.”
“By integrating AR with sustainability-focused content, we can strengthen customer trust and demonstrate our commitment to values that matter.”
Lastly, mobile optimization ensures configurators are accessible across devices, catering to modern shopping habits. This broadens the customer base and ensures a seamless experience, whether users are on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop.
Conclusion
Visual configurators are reshaping the outdoor living industry by connecting customer aspirations with purchasing decisions. Businesses using these tools have reported a 40% reduction in quote-to-cash time, making them a powerful tool for staying ahead in a competitive market.
The outdoor living sector, known for its focus on customization and high-value purchases, is especially suited to benefit from this technology. Real-time visualization helps eliminate doubts during the buying process. Beck Besecker, CEO of 3D Cloud, highlights this point:
“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.”
The advantages aren’t limited to customer satisfaction. For example, Mizarstvo Hrovat managed 10,835 quotes worth €133M while saving 10,835 working hours over 30 months. Similarly, Armat boosted sales by 40% and cut quote preparation time by 15 minutes per quote. These results set a new benchmark for efficiency in sales processes.
Personalization also plays a critical role in building customer loyalty. Studies reveal that 80% of consumers are more likely to make purchases from companies offering personalized experiences, while 64% favor brands with customizable products. With the outdoor living market expanding, businesses that embrace configurator tools will be better equipped to meet customer expectations, optimize operations, and stand out in the industry.
FAQs
How do visual configurators boost customer engagement in outdoor living sales?
Visual configurators bring a whole new level of interaction to outdoor living sales by letting customers design and customize products – like outdoor kitchens, patio furniture, or pergolas – right before their eyes. This interactive approach makes it easier for customers to picture their choices, creating a stronger connection to the product and making the entire buying process feel more personal and engaging.
These tools also provide instant previews of customizations, which can ease doubts and boost confidence in purchasing decisions. Plus, they simplify the shopping process by cutting down on decision-making time and making even complex options easier to navigate. The result? Happier customers and a better chance of turning interest into sales.
How does augmented reality (AR) improve visual configurators for outdoor living products?
Augmented reality (AR) elevates visual configurators by offering a more engaging and hands-on experience for customers. With AR, users can place outdoor living products – like patio furniture, outdoor kitchens, or pergolas – directly into their own space at actual size, making it easier to picture how these items will look and feel in real life. This feature helps customers make decisions with greater confidence.
AR also improves planning by allowing customers to see how products will fit into their surroundings, cutting down on uncertainty and reducing the chance of errors. By making the buying process smoother and more enjoyable, AR not only boosts customer satisfaction but also helps businesses close sales more efficiently and gain a competitive edge.
How can businesses evaluate the impact of visual configurators on sales and customer satisfaction?
Businesses can gauge the effectiveness of visual configurators by keeping an eye on key performance indicators like conversion rates, customer engagement, and sales cycle length. These metrics shed light on how well the configurator supports sales and simplifies the decision-making process.
To understand customer satisfaction, tools such as surveys or Customer Effort Scores (CES) can be utilized. CES measures how simple it is for customers to customize and purchase products. By analyzing these data points together, companies can better evaluate how visual configurators enhance both sales outcomes and the overall shopping experience.