The quoting steps in the retail fixture industry are undergoing a significant transformation. One notable point is that more businesses are moving away from static PDF quotes to utilize visual configurators to look for a competitive edge. But what’s driving this change?
In this article, we’ll break down the three key reasons, including:
- Faster and more accurate quoting
- Enhanced customer experiences
- Simplified sales and operations alignment
Without further ado, keep scrolling to discover more!
Reason 1: Faster and More Accurate Quoting
The traditional quoting process relies on static PDF files, which are often created after hours of back-and-forth between sales teams and customers. Salespeople usually use a drawing tool or CAD to design the product, then manually gather all components, calculate pricing, and compile everything into a detailed PDF to send to their customers. This is not only time-consuming but also vulnerable to miscommunication and mistakes.
That’s when you need to empower customers and salespeople with visual configurators.
Instead of waiting days for the sales team’s response, customers can now see instant pricing updates as they configure the fixture, also known as the Visual Configure, Price, Quote (Visual CPQ) feature. In fact, real-time validation can ensure that incompatible selections are flagged effectively and reduce surprises at the checkout step for prices.
Meanwhile, your sales team spends less time fixing errors or manually recreating quotes. As a result, you can improve operational performance and have more time for branding.
One notable example is Grand + Benedict's adoption of a VividWorks visual product configurator to showcase its custom retail displays. Each selected option will be updated in real time, with precise sizes, colors, finishes, back panels, shelves, add-ons, and prices. Once the design is finished, shoppers can place an order online within minutes. As a result, the brand can streamline the sales processes and minimize technical errors.
Reason 2: Enhanced Customer Experiences
Static PDF quotes feel outdated and rigid. They often require additional clarification from the sales team before making any decisions on any custom fixture. This might slow down the buying process and create friction, especially for shoppers who prefer self-service.
Visual configurators transform the experience by empowering customers to take control. Beyond enabling real-time customization and dynamic pricing, 3D visual configurators allow users to rotate, zoom, and explore fixtures from every angle with 3D visualizations. This offers a far deeper understanding than static visuals ever could and boosts trust.
Integration with augmented reality (AR) can benefit users more. Users can put fixtures in their own space, giving them a true-to-life feeling as if they’re in a physical showroom. This interactive approach boosts customer engagement and delivers a unique and memorable shopping journey, helping retailers stand out in a competitive fixture market.
AUDO, a local Copenhagen-based furniture brand, has implemented a 3D product configurator empowered by VividWorks to help users configure and preview custom frames in 3D. Once the frame design is complete, customers can scan a QR code to activate AR mode and visualize the frame directly in their own space to evaluate how it fits in reality easily.
Reason 3: Simplified Sales and Operations Alignment
Using PDF quotes can create silos within the business. Key product details, such as materials, dimensions, or custom modifications, are manually transferred across teams. This boosts the risk of miscommunication, resulting in incorrect builds and costly rework.
Visual configurators like VividWorks eliminate these inefficiencies by integrating with e-commerce platforms, ERP, CRM, or even CAD systems. They create a unified, automated workflow that generates print-ready files, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and assembly instructions, including SKUs, finishes, etc. As a result, all teams can work from the same accurate, real-time data, from initial quote to final production, effectively reducing internal friction.
Conclusion: Future-Proofing Your Sales Process
The shift from static PDF quotes to interactive visual configurators that generate product designs, quotes, and pricing instantly is not merely an upgrade; it’s a must-have strategy to transform the performance. These configurators can enhance the customer experience, accelerate sales cycles, and streamline operations.
So, why don’t you invest in a visual 3D configurator platform to secure a competitive edge in a dynamic industry like fixture retailing? Book a demo with us to discover more!
-3.avif)
Streamline your process today!
.png)
