eBay launches 3D technology: is it scalable?

As eBay launches 3D imaging technology, sellers may wonder when will it be available to me? The new eBay 3D True View feature announced today is only available to a select few sellers and only in the Sneakers category.

eBay describes 3D True View as follows: “Using a proprietary app, sellers can scan the item with their mobile device, taking video from multiple angles. The data captured during this process is then uploaded to the cloud and processed using AI methodology to create a photorealistic 3D image of the exact item. »

This means that sellers with access to technology can present their items with a 360-degree interactive view – the value proposition: building buyer confidence, which could help boost sales.

eBay has devoted a lot of attention and resources to the Sneakers category since one of its former senior executives left to lead the StockX sneaker market. It has also extended its “vertical strategy” to other categories, including luxury watches and handbags and trading cards.

Announcing the new feature today (December 7), eBay called it a pilot program launched in conjunction with Unity, “the world’s leading platform for creating and operating real-time interactive 3D (RT3D) content. “.

Nitzan Mekel-Bobrov, Director of Artificial Intelligence at eBay, said: “We are among the first in the resale market to bring this level of detail for viewing and ease of use to consumers, and we believe it will be a game changer for our sellers and buyers. For sellers, this feature will unlock new opportunities to showcase their items with realistic detail. For shoppers, this experience will allow them to examine the actual item they are looking to purchase from every possible angle as if they were holding it in their hands, from the seams to the sole to the quality of the material and everything else.

Dave Rhodes, Senior Vice President of Digital Twin at Unity, said, “We believe the use of digital twins in e-commerce represents the next generation of shopping experience and provides a competitive advantage for sellers and retailers. .

eBay explained that, “Starting with select sneaker sellers this month, this experience will help shoppers shop with confidence by presenting a virtual representation of the item viewable from every possible angle and in realistic detail. , which is especially important when buying unique, used or high value.

“The launch of eBay’s 3D True View technology is the latest example of how eBay is committed to being the partner of choice for sellers and building trusting relationships with its buyers through technology-driven reimagining. to improve the customer experience.

Is the 3D imaging technology scalable beyond a few Sneaker category vendors? Let us know in the comments below. You can find the full article on eBay’s business blog.

Ina Steiner

Ina Steiner
Ina Steiner is the co-founder and editor of EcommerceBytes and has been reporting on e-commerce since 1999. She is a widely cited authority on marketplace selling and is the author of “Turn eBay Data Into Dollars” ( McGraw-Hill 2006). His blog was featured in the book “Blogging Heroes” (Wiley 2008). Follow her on Twitter at @ecommercebytes and send topical tips to ina@ecommercebytes.com. See disclosure at EcommerceBytes.com/disclosure/.