How Google Lens May Be Killing Your Furniture Sales
(And What You Can Do About It)
Online shoppers today are sharp. With tools like Google Lens, they don’t just browse—they compare, instantly. For small to medium-sized furniture retailers, this is creating a huge challenge, especially if you’re leaning on standard product photos from suppliers. Focalis 3D visualization Studio delved into the issue.
What’s the Problem? Same Old Images, Same Old Price Battles
Furniture suppliers make it easy for retailers by providing stock images of their products. The catch? Every retailer selling that item is using the same exact images. That’s great for convenience but terrible for competition. When a customer uses Google Lens to scan one of those photos, they can instantly see where else that product is sold and, most importantly, at what price.
Suddenly, you’re just one face in a sea of retailers selling the exact same thing. And what’s a shopper going to do when they see that? You guessed it—head straight for the lowest price. That means your margins? Shrinking fast.
Google Lens: The Hidden Threat to Your Margins
Think of Google Lens as a supercharged price comparison tool. Shoppers simply snap a picture, and within seconds, they know exactly who else is selling the same product, and for how much. As an SMB retailer with thinner profit margins, this can be a killer. You get sucked into a race to the bottom, competing on price when there’s so little room to maneuver.
So, How Do You Stand Out?
The key is in creating exclusive visuals using 3D CGI. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
Unique Look: With 3D CGI, you’re not stuck with the same supplier images everyone else is using. Your product will look unique, which means when shoppers use Google Lens, they’ll notice something different about yours.
Custom Lifestyle Shots: 3D CGI lets you create lifestyle images that fit your brand, down to every last detail. You get to control the lighting, the setup, and the whole vibe—way beyond the standard product shots your competitors are using.
Consistent Branding: Whether it’s for your website, social media, or marketing materials, 3D CGI ensures a polished, uniform look across the board. Customers see you as a premium brand, even if someone else is selling the same product.
More Flexibility: Want to show the same item in different colors or settings? With 3D rendering, that’s quick and easy. No need for another expensive photoshoot—just tweak the model and you’re good to go.
Long-Term Savings: 3D CGI might seem like a bigger investment up front, but think of the long-term. You can reuse the same 3D model in endless ways without ever booking another shoot. That means big savings over time.
Don’t Let Google Lens Squeeze Your Profits
For SMB furniture retailers, relying on supplier-provided images could be costing you more than you realize. With price comparison tools like Google Lens, shoppers have all the power. If your product looks just like every other retailer’s, the only thing left to compete on is price—and that’s a dangerous game for your bottom line.
By investing in custom 3D CGI visuals, you can break free from the price war, offer something unique, and keep your margins intact. After all, your brand is worth more than just a low-price tag—make sure your images prove it.