In the world of resale retail, the thrill of the hunt and the discovery of unique treasures are central to the customer experience. However, unlike traditional retailers with a set inventory, online resellers face a constant influx of pre-owned items, creating a vast and ever-changing product landscape. This dynamic environment can be a double-edged sword. While it offers customers a unique selection and the potential for one-of-a-kind finds, it can also make it difficult for them to find exactly what they're looking for, especially if they don't have the perfect keywords in mind.

This is where AI-first search and product discovery comes in as a game-changer for online resale retailers. By leveraging the power of Google’s AI search engine (Vertex AI Search for Commerce), resellers can create a more customer-centric shopping experience that rivals even the most sophisticated big-box retailers. Here's how AI-first search and product discovery tackles the unique challenges of online resale:

Traditional keyword-based search struggles with the ever-evolving inventory and unique nature of pre-owned items. A vintage leather jacket, for example, might be described as a "bomber jacket" or a "moto jacket" depending on the seller's interpretation. AI-first search goes beyond keywords, utilizing advanced techniques like:

• Visual Recognition: Imagine a customer searching for a specific style of handbag but struggling to find the right keywords. AI-powered visual search can analyze product images and recommend similar items based on visual features, regardless of keyword limitations.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP allows AI to understand the intent behind a customer's query, even if it's poorly phrased or uses informal language. Searching for a "Chanel bag with a gold chain" will surface relevant results, even if the exact model name is unknown.

Resale stores often have a wealth of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. AI-first search can analyze customer behavior and search patterns to identify trends and surface relevant products that a customer might have overlooked. Here are a few ways AI can achieve this:

• Personalized Recommendations: Based on a customer's past browsing behavior and purchase history, AI can recommend similar styles, complementary pieces, or even unexpected pairings that spark inspiration. This creates a personalized shopping experience, similar to having a virtual stylist at your fingertips.
• Trend Analysis: AI can analyze broader search patterns across your customer base to identify emerging trends in the resale market. This allows you to proactively highlight popular and sought-after pre-owned items, increasing the chance of a successful sale.

The online resale market is fiercely competitive, and standing out requires a superior shopping experience. AI-first search offers a personalized and efficient approach that fosters strong customer loyalty. A robust search function is crucial; if customers can't find what they're looking for, they're likely to abandon their purchase. In fact, $2 trillion is lost to search abandonment worldwide annually.

Given that 69% of consumers use the search function on retail websites, this makes it a primary tool for finding products, as well as a primary tool at your disposal for fostering customer loyalty. By providing a seamless search experience, you can significantly increase customer satisfaction and retention. Studies show that 99% of consumers are more likely to return to a website with a well-functioning search feature.

Remember, if you lose a customer at the search stage, you've lost their loyalty. Investing in AI-first search can help you avoid this costly mistake and build a thriving resale business.

Luxury resale retailer, Rebag, is a prime example of how AI can transform the online resale experience. The inherent uniqueness of their inventory – each pre-owned item boasts a distinct SKU – presented a formidable challenge for their previous search platform. However, after implementing GroupBy’s AI-first Search and Product Discovery platform, Rebag saw significant results, including:

• Exponential Search Revenue Growth: Rebag's search revenue has skyrocketed by over 50% and revenue per search improved by 60%. A clear indicator of the platform's effectiveness in driving sales and conversions through optimized search experiences.
• Increased Purchases: Rebag has experienced a significant rise of 24% in customer purchases. By understanding user intent, GroupBy's AI-first search was able to streamline the shoppers' online journey and influence buying decisions efficiently connecting users with the products they're interested in buying.
• Elevated Average Order Value: Customers are not only purchasing more frequently, but are also spending more per transaction. Average order value has increased by 21%, indicating a heightened level of customer satisfaction and engagement.

To learn more about how Rebag was able to transform their resale business with the help of AI, register for our upcoming webinar, Gain a Competitive Edge with AI-First Ecommerce Search: Luxury Resale Retailer Case Study. In this webinar, you'll hear from Olivier Hepner, Chief Product & Technology Officer of Rebag, about their journey with AI and how it has helped them achieve significant growth.

You can also read Rebag’s full success story here.

With AI-first search and product discovery, online resellers can help customers bridge the gap between the excitement of the hunt and the ease of finding what they’re looking for. This translates to a happier customer experience, increased sales, and a competitive edge in the ever-growing online resale market.