Cart abandonment is a common occurrence for online retailers. That is in part because of how different online shopping is from in-store experiences. We can’t try on that pair of shoes, feel the texture of the pillowcase, or assess the fit of a new swimming costume. Once doubt creeps in, customers are quick to empty their carts and head to the mall instead.
Try Before You Buy (TBYB), also called Try Now Buy Later, is a new trend in e-commerce where brands allow customers to try their products before they make a purchase. It addresses the need for a tactile experience before spending hundreds of pounds on an item. TBYB has bridged the gap between online shopping and in-store purchases, giving you the opportunity to first try a product before spending your hard-earned money.
TBYB benefits retailers since they can attract more customers and are less likely to deal with frequent returns. The benefits to the customers themselves are also numerous, since it takes away the uncertainty often associated with online shopping.
1. No Upfront Financial Commitment
TBYB services are appealing to customers since they don’t require any upfront payments. You order your products online, and the terms are set for a test period, commonly 30 days. You then get to try the product before deciding whether to pay it or return it.
It is a risk-free experience that’s advantageous to those who are mindful of their budgets and don’t enjoy frivolous spending. It can also help with cash flow, as money that would’ve been spent on an upfront purchase can be used for other expenses while the product is being trialled.
The “try before spending money” concept has gone beyond retail. Many online casinos use a similar approach, offering free spins, demo games, and welcome bonuses that let players experience the platform before making a deposit (source: esportsinsider.com/ie/gambling/online-casinos-ireland). Similar to sampling a product, these platforms let users experience games and test features before parting with their money.
2. Accurate Sizing, Fit, And Feel
One of the biggest advantages that in-store shopping has over online purchases is that you get to try on the clothes, feel the fabrics, and get a sense of the quality of the product. Because of TBYB, this experience is now possible even when browsing online stores.
Usually, the photos used on listings show the products in the best possible way, but there are many examples where online vs reality are vastly different. For example, an online store may claim a product is made from wool, only for you to discover that wool makes up 2% of the fabric. By receiving the product first before spending hundreds of dollars on a “wool” sweater, you can check the tags, touch the fabric, and see how the garment fits on your body.
Sizing charts are also not always reliable, with some brands fitting too small or too big. Trying before you buy gets rid of the guesswork, allowing customers to order various sizes and try them on before returning the ill-fitting garments and paying only for what they want to keep.
3. Improved Decision-Making
By trying out products at home, you can make accurate decisions about whether they will work with your aesthetic. Items can be tested in the real world, like a pair of sunglasses on a sunny day and not just in the overhead lights of the mall, or the fit of an expensive pair of shoes.
By testing out items in this way, you can make informed decisions regarding your purchases.
4. Privacy And Comfort
Trying on clothes in the privacy of your home is what TBYB is all about. You can take your time, ask what others think of the products, and also avoid the stressful scenario of in-store assistants and bad lighting in changing rooms.
Some online retailers offer virtual try-on options, where you upload an image of yourself or your home, and augmented reality puts the products on your body or in your living space. Although this approach helps you to visualise how something may look, it doesn’t make up for having the product physically in your hands.
Wrapping Up
The world of retail is constantly adapting to meet consumer preferences. The importance of TBYB is clear, as it benefits both the brands and their customers. It is only the latest trend in customer-centric shopping experiences, and it is exciting to see what comes next for online shopping.
