How Sunglasses Brands Can Lower Return Rates Using Virtual Try-On Tools
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How Sunglasses Brands Can Lower Return Rates Using Virtual Try-On Tools

Petr Pátek
April 28, 2025
8 min read

How Sunglasses Brands Can Lower Return Rates Using Virtual Try-On Tools

Sunglasses brands face high online return rates - up to 50% in fashion categories - mostly due to poor fit or style mismatches. Virtual Try-On (VTO) tools can help solve this problem by reducing return rates by 25%, boosting purchase confidence by 70%, and increasing website engagement by 30%.

Key Benefits of Virtual Try-On Tools:

  • Lower Returns: Customers can "try on" sunglasses virtually, reducing fit and style issues.
  • Increased Sales: 40% more likely to add items to carts.
  • Improved Inventory Management: Data from try-ons helps optimize stock levels.
  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Personalized shopping and detailed product visuals.

Quick Stats:

Impact AreaImprovement
Return Rate Reduction25% decrease
Purchase Confidence70% increase
Cart Addition Rate40% higher
Website Engagement30% longer time

Virtual Try-On tools are becoming essential for eyewear brands to cut costs, improve customer satisfaction, and stay competitive in the growing eCommerce market.

Virtual Try-on Sunglasses | Web AR

Virtual Try-On Technology Basics

Virtual Try-On (VTO) technology is changing the way customers shop for sunglasses online. By using advanced AR and machine learning, it creates an interactive experience that helps shoppers make confident buying decisions.

AR Technology Behind Virtual Try-On

VTO solutions are powered by a combination of advanced technologies working together. At the heart of this system are deep learning-based pose estimation and facial landmarks detection, which allow sunglasses to be accurately mapped onto a user’s face.

There are two main approaches that modern VTO systems use:

ApproachHow It WorksBenefits
Real-time Try-OnUses a live video feed with continuous face trackingProvides instant feedback and a realistic experience
Static Try-OnWorks with uploaded photos or stored imagesRequires less bandwidth and delivers consistent results

For example, a fashion boutique chain in the U.S. implemented a VTO solution using the ARKit framework for iOS devices. This system leveraged ARFaceAnchor for precise face tracking and SceneKit for realistic rendering. Its key features included face positioning, accurate glasses alignment using eye transform matrices, realistic materials rendered with PBR, dynamic light estimation, and face occlusion handling.

With this technical groundwork, effective VTO systems need certain essential features to deliver accurate results and meet user expectations.

Must-Have Virtual Try-On Features

Sunglasses retailers looking to minimize returns and enhance customer satisfaction should ensure their VTO solutions include the following features:

  • Precise Face Mapping: Detects key facial features and measurements for accurate placement.
  • Real-Time Rendering: Instantly shows how frames look on the user’s face.
  • True-to-Scale Display: Ensures frames are displayed in the correct size relative to the user’s face.
  • Multiple Angle Views: Allows users to see frames from different perspectives.
  • High-Resolution Visualization: Provides clear, detailed images of frame materials and finishes.

Recent data highlights the impact of robust VTO systems. Businesses that adopt comprehensive VTO technology have reported:

  • A 30% boost in conversion rates
  • A 25% drop in return rates
  • A 70% increase in customer purchase confidence
  • A 30% longer website engagement time

With AR users projected to reach 1.73 billion by 2024 [1], the importance of advanced VTO technology in the eyewear industry continues to grow.

How Virtual Try-On Tools Help Reduce Returns

Building Confidence in Purchases

Virtual try-on tools give customers a better sense of what they're buying, especially for items like sunglasses. For example, 70% of users report feeling more confident about their purchases, and Sunski saw a 2.3x boost in conversions thanks to these tools [2]. Additionally, AR users are 40% more likely to add items to their carts [1]. This added confidence helps customers make smarter decisions, which naturally leads to fewer returns. Plus, the data collected from these interactions can help brands fine-tune their stock and operations.

Improving Inventory Management with Try-On Data

The data from virtual try-on sessions helps brands make smarter inventory decisions, leading to cost savings and better efficiency:

MetricImpact
Inventory Holding CostsReduced by 20%
Showroom Space NeedsDecreased by 30%
Customer RetentionIncreased by 20%
Website Engagement TimeBoosted by 30%

With these insights, brands can better predict demand, adjust stock levels, and avoid overstocking. This not only cuts down on physical inventory costs but also reduces return rates.

Personalizing the Shopping Experience

Virtual try-on tools also allow brands to create a more tailored shopping experience. Personalized marketing campaigns have shown impressive results, such as a 10x return on investment, a 200% increase in click-through rates, and a growing preference among over 60% of consumers for brands offering AR experiences [1]. These personalized touches make the shopping journey more enjoyable and reduce the likelihood of returns. As Michael Charley, Co-Founder of Sunski, puts it:

"The Luna Virtual Try-On gives them the confidence they need to make the purchase." [2]

With AR usage expected to reach 1.73 billion users by 2024 [1], brands that embrace virtual try-on technology are well-positioned to grow while keeping return rates in check.

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Setting Up Virtual Try-On for Your Brand

Choosing Your Virtual Try-On Solution

Pick a virtual try-on platform that offers precise face tracking, works seamlessly across devices, and provides detailed analytics. For example, Augmia's no-code platform delivers these features and integrates smoothly with existing e-commerce systems. This makes it easier to manage operations while ensuring a consistent shopping experience across all channels.

Once you’ve selected your platform, make sure to implement it across every sales channel to keep the customer experience uniform.

Adding Try-On to Sales Channels

Integrate virtual try-on into your main sales channels. The rise in online eyewear purchases - up by 80% during the COVID-19 pandemic - highlights how essential digital try-on tools have become [1].

To make the feature effective, ensure it is:

  • Available on product pages
  • Optimized for mobile devices
  • Connected to the checkout process
  • Synced with your inventory system

Creating Accurate 3D Product Models

Accurate 3D product models are crucial for building customer trust. Pay attention to details like frame dimensions, realistic textures, proper transparency, and accurate color matching.

High-quality 3D models make a difference. Retailers who use precise virtual try-on tools have reported a 20% increase in customer retention and a 30% boost in website engagement time [1].

Tracking and Improving Try-On Performance

To keep return rates low, it's crucial to regularly monitor performance and fine-tune your virtual try-on approach.

Measuring Try-On Success

Track these key metrics to evaluate how virtual try-on impacts your returns and overall business performance:

  • Conversion Rates: Look for a boost of up to 30% after launching virtual try-on, with augmented reality (AR) users often adding items to their carts 40% more frequently [1].
  • Return Rates: Aim for a 25% drop in return rates after implementing virtual try-on features [1].
  • Customer Confidence: Keep customer confidence levels at 70% or higher when using virtual try-on tools [1].
  • Engagement: Check website engagement metrics, as AR features can lead to 30% longer browsing sessions [1].

Using Customer Input to Improve

Customer feedback is a goldmine for improving the virtual try-on experience. Collect input at critical points to refine your offerings:

Feedback AreaWhat to Focus On
Visual AccuracyHow well frame size and fit are shown
User ExperienceEase of navigation and usability
Technical PerformanceSpeed and compatibility across devices
Purchase ConfidenceInfluence on buying decisions

Retailers who actively use customer feedback have seen a 20% jump in customer retention [1].

Making Data-Driven Decisions

Analytics from try-on interactions can help you fine-tune your product lineup and marketing strategies:

  • Marketing Adjustments: Use data to identify popular styles, target specific customer groups, and offer personalized recommendations.
  • Performance Goals: Leverage insights to aim for a 200% increase in click-through rates, improve ROI by up to 10x, and cut inventory holding costs by 20% [1].

Conclusion: Reducing Returns with Virtual Try-On

Virtual try-on technology helps cut down return rates and gives customers more confidence in their purchases. Retailers using this feature have reported a 25% drop in returns, and 70% of shoppers feel more assured about their buying decisions [1].

Take Sunski, for example - their success highlights just how impactful virtual try-on can be [2]. As eyewear eCommerce continues to grow, this tool is shaping the future of the industry. It not only simplifies processes but also strengthens customer loyalty and improves overall efficiency.

With more than 60% of consumers favoring brands that offer augmented reality (AR) shopping experiences [1], virtual try-on is quickly becoming a must-have for staying competitive. It's a smart investment that reduces costs, improves customer satisfaction, and builds lasting brand loyalty.

FAQs

::: faq

How can Virtual Try-On tools help sunglasses brands reduce product returns?

Virtual Try-On (VTO) tools allow customers to see how sunglasses will look and fit before they make a purchase. By providing a realistic preview, these tools help shoppers choose styles that suit their face and preferences, leading to more confident decisions.

This increased confidence often results in fewer returns, as customers are less likely to feel dissatisfied or surprised when their sunglasses arrive. Many brands have seen return rates drop significantly after implementing VTO technology, making it a valuable solution for improving customer satisfaction and reducing costs. :::

::: faq

What key features should sunglasses brands look for in a Virtual Try-On solution?

When choosing a Virtual Try-On (VTO) solution for a sunglasses brand, focus on features that enhance the shopping experience and drive results. Real-time visualization is crucial, allowing customers to see how different frames fit their face before buying. This not only boosts confidence but also reduces the likelihood of returns.

Look for technology that is easy to integrate into your e-commerce platform, offers accurate facial mapping, and supports a wide range of devices. Additionally, VTO solutions that provide data insights can help you better understand customer preferences and improve marketing strategies.

Brands using VTO tools have reported increased conversion rates and significantly fewer returns, making it a smart investment for improving both customer satisfaction and profitability. :::

::: faq

How can data from Virtual Try-On sessions help sunglasses brands improve inventory and enhance the shopping experience?

Data from Virtual Try-On (VTO) sessions provides valuable insights into customer preferences, like popular styles, colors, and fits. This information helps brands optimize their inventory by stocking items that align with customer demand, reducing overstock and minimizing waste.

Additionally, analyzing VTO data enables brands to personalize the shopping experience. By understanding customer behavior, they can offer tailored recommendations, targeted promotions, and a more engaging shopping journey, ultimately boosting satisfaction and reducing return rates. :::

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