In an age where convenience reigns supreme, the ecommerce world is experiencing a transformative shift with the integration of fitment search capabilities. From simplifying purchases in the automotive sector to ensuring you buy the perfect accessory for your gadget, fitment search is becoming the knight in shining armor for both consumers and retailers. In this article, let's dive into how fitment search revolutionizes the ecommerce landscape.

What is Fitment Search?

First things first - what exactly is a fitment search? It is a specialized search functionality that allows shoppers to filter products based on specific attributes such as size, model, make, year, and other relevant characteristics. Fitment search helps shoppers find products tailored to their needs so that they can make a more informed decision.

For example, when searching for automotive parts, instead of sifting through countless options, you can simply enter the make, model, and year of your car to see the products that are compatible with your vehicle.

Query examples

The following are some examples of queries the customer might use in the search for products using fitment search:

"2019 Honda Civic brake pads"

"Ford F-150 bed liner"

"Toyota Camry floor mats"

By entering their vehicle's make and model along with the product they are looking for, shoppers can quickly find products that are compatible with their vehicle.

Unbxd can identify 60% of fitment queries, ranging from part name, make, model, manufacturer, date, and day. The accuracy of entity extraction recall has been improved by 90%.

What’s in it for retailers?

• Minimize product returns by implementing accurate fitment search, benefiting shoppers and retailers.

• Gain insights into customer preferences and trends through AI-assisted tools, which aid in managing inventory more effectively.

• Enhance conversion rates due to an increase in relevant purchases.

• Effective use of AI-powered tools can lead to an improved understanding of market trends and customer behavior, helping to shape effective marketing strategies.

• Personalized shopping experiences lead to higher customer retention, repeat purchases, and positive word-of-mouth advertising, contributing to increased sales and brand reputation.

Seeing from the shopper's lens

• Facilitate product search and selection through AI-based suggestions and recommendations.

• Encourage, improve, and track purchasing behavior by providing personalized results for both new and existing shoppers

• Meet shopper expectations and build trust by delivering accurate product fitment searches, a user-friendly interface, and rapid product discovery.

• Enhance the shopping experience with simple-to-use filters, facets, and other product selection features

• Reduced chances of purchasing incompatible products due to precise fitment searches, minimizing the need for returns.

The nuts and bolts behind the fitment search

Fitment search is not just a basic filter; it is an intricate engine that relies on structured data within the retailer's database. It requires a rich dataset with specific attributes attached to each product. The fitment search engine uses algorithms to intelligently sort through these data points and present the customer with matching products.

Overcoming the challenges

Implementing a fitment search can be challenging. It requires robust data management, and retailers need to ensure data accuracy. Handling internationalization and localization are also critical, as product specifications may vary by region. Integration into existing ecommerce platforms must be smooth to avoid disrupting the customer experience.

Case study: Automotive parts retailer

Unbxd is redefining the landscape of auto parts retail in the United States, offering an unparalleled shopping experience. By intelligently utilizing Year, Make, and Model data, Unbxd matches customers with the perfect auto parts for their vehicles, simplifying the purchasing process.

For example, if a user is seeking "Ford 2007 wiper blades", Unbxd's smart search feature brings up all Ford models from 2007, helping customers quickly find the right fit. Moreover, Unbxd offers a seamless blend of online and offline shopping experiences through its BOPIS (Buy Online, Pay in Store) feature. Customers can check a product's availability at nearby stores, ensuring convenience and time-saving.

This innovative approach, coupled with a strong customer-centric focus, has yielded impressive results. Within just the first week, Unbxd achieved a conversion rate of 34.6%, generating a remarkable $1.96M in incremental revenue. Unbxd isn't merely a solution - it's paving the way for the future of auto parts retail, catering to customers' needs with precision and ease.

Tips for Retailers

For retailers looking to integrate fitment search into their ecommerce platforms, here are some tips:

1. Data quality: Ensure your product data is accurate and regularly updated

2. User experience: Make the fitment search tool easily accessible and intuitive to use

3. Training and support: Train customer support staff to help shoppers make the most of the fitment search tool

4. Analytics: Use analytics to continuously monitor and improve the fitment search functionality based on customer feedback and data

Embracing the change

In conclusion, fitment search is not just a trend but a paradigm shift in the ecommerce world. It's an essential tool for enhancing customer experience, boosting sales, and building brand loyalty. Retailers who embrace and adapt to this change will stand out and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Whether you’re a retailer or a shopper, fitment search is set to make your life easier. The future of ecommerce is precise, efficient, and personalized, all thanks to the power of fitment search.

So, the next time you're looking to purchase that perfect car part or the most suitable accessory for your new gadget, remember that a fitment search is the key to a hassle-free and satisfying shopping experience.