Ecommerce Product Customization: Definition, Benefits, Examples & Shopify Apps

Ecommerce Product Customization: Definition, Benefits, Examples & Shopify Apps

In 2024, online shopping isn’t just about convenience. It’s about making it yours. Product customization is changing the game, putting the power in the hands of customers to tailor their purchases to fit their unique style and needs.

Imagine browsing through an online store and being able to personalize everything from the color to the size to even adding your own design flair. That’s the essence of product customization – it’s all about giving customers the freedom to create something that truly reflects who they are.

No more settling for one-size-fits-all solutions. With product customization, every purchase becomes a statement piece, a reflection of individuality in a sea of mass-produced goods.

And with advances in technology, ecommerce platforms are making it easier than ever for businesses to offer customers customizable options.

In this article, we’ll explore what product customization is, take a look at some product customization examples, and show you the best product customization software available in 2024.

Let’s get started!

What is product customization?

Product customization is about allowing customers to tweak and tailor products according to their preferences, making them uniquely theirs.

This customization can range from simple options like choosing a different color, size, and material to more complex configurations like adding personalized engravings or uploading custom designs.

The goal is to let customers create products that suit their tastes and needs.

What’s the difference between product personalization and product customization?

While product personalization and product customization are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences that set them apart.

Product personalization is all about adding your own touch to something already made. Think of engraving your name on jewelry or putting initials on a bag. It’s making a product unique to you without changing its basic design.

Product customization goes further. It lets you tweak various parts of a product to fit your style or needs. You can pick colors, sizes, materials, or even tweak the design itself. Unlike personalization, customization changes the product more, making it more tailored to you.

So, personalized products add a personal touch, while customization lets you change the product itself.

What are the benefits of product customization?

By allowing customers to customize your products before purchase you can benefit greatly in the following ways:

  1. Higher profit margins: Offering customization options allows you to charge higher prices. Customers are willing to pay more for products that are tailored to their preferences, boosting sales.

  2. Reduced inventory risk: With product customization, you produce items only after they’re ordered. This means you don’t have excess inventory sitting around, reducing the risk of deadstock.

  3. Competitive edge: Customization sets your online store apart from competitors selling off-the-shelf products. It’s a unique selling point that attracts customers and keeps them coming back.

  4. Increased customer engagement: Customization options make the customer experience more interactive and engaging. Customers spend more time on your online store, exploring different options and creating their perfect product.

  5. Enhanced brand loyalty: When people get products that are exactly what they want, they’re more likely to become loyal customers and brand advocates. This builds long-term customer loyalty and boosts your reputation.

As you can see, there are many benefits of product customization for ecommerce store owners. From increasing profits to building brand loyalty, the advantages are clear.

2 product customization examples

Now let’s take a look at two popular examples of product customization.

1. Nike

Nike offers a range of customization options for their shoes through their Nike By You program.

Customers can choose from various styles, colors, materials, and even add personalized text or graphics.

This allows individuals to create sneakers that reflect their unique style and preferences.

Whether it’s designing a pair of running shoes with specific colors or adding a personal touch to basketball shoes, Nike By You gives customers the freedom to make their footwear their own.

Nike customized products

2. Michael Kors

Michael Kors offers a monogramming service for their bags, enabling customers to personalize their purchase with their initials or a custom message.

Whether it’s a classic tote, a stylish backpack, or a sleek crossbody bag, customers can add a personal touch that makes their bag truly one-of-a-kind.

This customization option not only adds a sense of exclusivity but also makes the bag a meaningful and sentimental accessory. It’s a way for customers to make a fashion statement while carrying a piece that is uniquely theirs.

Michael Kors customized and personalized products

Best product customization software for Shopify stores

The below list of apps are all valid options for your Shopify Store, your choice really depends on the needs of your business so we can’t help there.

1. SC Product Options

SC Product Options product customization app

SC Product Options, formerly known as Bold Product Options, is a versatile variant option app designed to enhance product customization on your Shopify store.

With limitless options and variant images, customers can tailor products to their liking. Whether it’s color swatches, text boxes, or file upload fields, SC Product Options has you covered.

Elevate your Shopify store experience with this comprehensive product customizer.

Pricing: Free plan available. 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at $14.99/month.

2. Customify

Customify product customization app

With Customify’s Product Customizer App, Shopify ecommerce brands can unlock new potentials by integrating print-on-demand services and offering personalized products.

This app boosts conversions and sales by allowing customers to create unique items with custom designs and personalized text.

Empower your customers to express their creativity effortlessly while crafting products that reflect their style and personality.

Pricing: Free plan available. 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at $10/month.

3. Zakeke

Zakeke product customization app

Zakeke offers an all-in-one solution for Shopify stores, combining visual customization, 3D product configuration, and virtual try-on features.

Customers can design unique custom products, view them in 3D and augmented reality, and even virtually try them on.

Streamline order processes with Web-to-Print automation and live quoting. Integrating with print-on-demand platforms and offering in-store design options, Zakeke boosts sales and customer satisfaction.

Pricing: From $19.90/month. 14-day free trial.

4. Inkybay

Inkybay product customization app

Inkybay offers outstanding customization experiences for Shopify store customers.

With its visual product personalizer, product configurator, tiered pricing, and advanced product options, customers can easily create and visualize their perfect products. Manage inventory for an unlimited number of configurable and customizable products.

Inkybay is the perfect product builder for selling any custom products and obtaining print-ready files.

Pricing: From $19.99/month. 21-day free trial.

Wrapping up

Online product customization is reshaping the ecommerce landscape. From empowering customers to express their individuality to providing e-commerce business owners with tools to boost sales and engagement, the impact of selling customized products is undeniable.

Leveraging the right product customizer software, such as SC Product Options, Customify, Zakeke, or Inkybay, can take your Shopify store to new heights.

By embracing this trend and offering personalized experiences, e-commerce businesses can stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional value to their customers.

So why wait? Dive into the world of product customization today and unlock the full potential of your ecommerce store.

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