--- title: Increase Your E-commerce Profits using Virtual Samples! —Techniques for Reducing Costs and Forecasting Demand description: In this third installment of our six-part series on driving digital transformation in the fashion industry, we’ll dive into the steps for successfully implementing virtual samples, along with some real-world success stories. --- [wearware | Supporting the Digitalization of Fashion Design](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware) # [Increase Your E-commerce Profits using Virtual Samples! —Techniques for Reducing Costs and Forecasting Demand](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6) Written by [wearware](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/author/wearware) | Jan 16, 2025 6:42:44 AM In our six-part series on promoting digital transformation in the fashion industry, we've reached the final installment: exploring innovative sales models to boost e-commerce profitability. With virtual samples, brands can reduce photographic expenses and realize demand forecasting. This article delves into techniques that can elevate your e-commerce operations. Table of Contents 1. [The Advantages of Utilizing Virtual Samples in E-Commerce](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#introduction) 2. [Capabilities of the SDS®-ONE APEX Series Design Software](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#apex) 3. [Mapping Fabric onto the Product Image](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#texture) 4. [Creating Color Variations](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#color) 5. [Examples of Virtual Sample Usage in Online Stores](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#example) ・[Shirt Manufacturer – Cost-Efficient Pattern Variations](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#example1) ・[Apparel Manufacturer – Demand Forecasting Through Pre-Orders](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#example2) ・[Shoe Manufacturer – Real-Time Custom Order Previews](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#example3) ・[Curtain Manufacturer – Simplifying Complex Interior Photography](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#example4) ・[Umbrella Manufacturer – Consistent Product Pages with Virtual Samples](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#example5) 6. [Summary Material Giveaway](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#gift) 7. [Boost E-commerce Profit Margins with Virtual Samples!](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#final) 8. [About the SDS®-ONE APEX Series](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#about_apexfiz) 9. [APEXFiz®, the Subscription Service From the SDS®-ONE APEX Series](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#now_apexfiz) 10. [Comprehensive Guide to Digitalization in the Fashion Industry! "Overview of Six-Part Series"](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#matome) The content of this article is based on the webinar series hosted by Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd. on the same topic. You can register to view all six webinar recordings and download related materials from the following site.   [Fashion Tech Webinar Series Archive Released!](https://www.shimaseiki.com/seminar/archive/fashiontech2022_form/) The Fashion Tech Webinar introduces solutions to promote digitalization in the fashion industry in a six-part series. [View the site](https://www.shimaseiki.com/seminar/archive/fashiontech2022_form/) Related Link     ## The Advantages of Utilizing Virtual Samples in E-Commerce Managing an e-commerce platform often entails producing extensive product photography for each item, which can be both time-consuming and costly. Implementing virtual sampling allows for the effortless creation of color and pattern variations of a single design directly on-screen, eliminating the need to produce and photograph every actual product. This approach not only reduces photography time and sample production costs but also streamlines the image editing process, enabling faster image creation. Moreover, virtual samples can be showcased on your e-commerce site even before the physical products are manufactured, facilitating pre-orders. This strategy enables you to gauge demand prior to production, thereby minimizing overproduction and waste, and preventing stockouts of popular items. So, how can you create virtual samples effectively? Let's explore the process using the SDS®-ONE APEX series design software, highlighting real-world applications. For more details, please download the following material.     For more detailed information about virtual samples, check out the link below. [Virtual Samples: The Savior of the Apparel and Fashion Industry?](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/what_is_virtual_sampling) Today, let's dive into the game-changing world of "virtual samples," which is key to making our industry more sustainable by cutting down on sampling time and costs.   Related article ## Capabilities of the SDS®-ONE APEX Series Design Software The [SDS®-ONE APEX series](https://www.shimaseiki.com/product/design/) design software empowers users to easily create virtual images by changing colors or draping different fabrics into a single photograph.     The quality is suitable for use as product images on e-commerce platforms. By preparing the base product image and the desired fabric images, you can follow these steps to create virtual samples.   Steps to Create Virtual Samples: 1. [Mapping Fabric onto the Product Image](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#texture) 2. [Creating Color Variations](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_6?hs_amp=true#color) Now, let's examine each step in detail.     ## Mapping Fabric onto the Product Image Let's take a simple T-shirt as an example to see the process of draping fabric onto a product image. Start by selecting the areas of the image where you want to apply the new fabric. Using a specialized tool, divide this area into separate layers, segmenting parts where the directions of fabric changes to ensure a natural appearance upon composition. For instance, in the case of the T-shirt, you might separate it into four parts: the body, both sleeves, and the collar. Next, create a mesh—a grid that represents the grain lines of fabric over the designated areas. This mesh allows the fabric to conform naturally to the product's shape. Once the mesh is created, you can easily swap in different fabrics to produce various design options. Create mesh for the sleeves as well. For simple items like a T-shirt, this process can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it highly efficient. The resulting images retain the item's natural shadows and wrinkles, ensuring a realistic and appealing presentation.   ## Creating Color Variations Design software equipped with specialized tools enables quick development of color variations. Consider a hoodie that includes four colors: the outer fabric, lining, zipper, and accessories. Start by grouping these elements by color. Simply drag the cursor over each part to register its color, facilitating swift grouping.   You can then change each group's color to your preference. The design software comes with standard color libraries, such as PANTONE and Archroma, allowing for direct selection of required colors. Alternatively, you can use a color picker to customize colors freely.        A notable feature of the SDS®-ONE APEX series is its ability to maintain the item's natural shading while creating color variations, resulting in images that appear as if they were photographs of actual samples.     ## Examples of Virtual Sample Usage in Online Stores We’ve covered how to create virtual samples, but how are they actually used? Industries such as apparel and interior design are already leveraging virtual samples for online store visuals. Here are a few examples:   ### Shirt Manufacturer – Cost-Efficient Pattern Variations A shirt manufacturer using the SDS®-ONE APEX series software showcases numerous product images on its online store, some of which are virtual. By synthesizing product photos with fabric images, they create design variations that are indistinguishable from real products.     Previously, every product required a photoshoot, which involved meticulous preparation, such as tying ties or folding items neatly. **By adopting virtual sampling, 70% of their annual 3,000-product photoshoot process was eliminated, leading to an 80% reduction in time spent**.   ### Apparel Manufacturer – Demand Forecasting Through Pre-Orders Launching new colors for popular items is common in the apparel industry. One manufacturer creates these new color images using SDS®-ONE APEX series virtual sampling. **Without waiting for physical samples, they display these images on their site for pre-orders. This approach allows them to forecast demand before production, ensuring they stay ahead of trends**.     ### Shoe Manufacturer – Real-Time Custom Order Previews A custom order initiative allows customers to choose components such as upper color, inner color, and heel style, offering over 100 combinations. To increase purchase rates, they built a system where customers could preview selected combinations online. Instead of creating and photographing 100 physical products, they used virtual sampling. Creating a single shoe sample can cost several tens of dollars, making cost reduction a significant priority. By utilizing the SDS®-ONE APEX series for creating product images tailored to custom orders, companies have achieved impressive results, including **reducing sample expenses by over 60 items in a single project and cutting production times by 2–3 weeks**.   ### Curtain Manufacturer – Simplifying Complex Interior Photography For large items like furniture, creating a photoshoot setup is both time-consuming and costly. Curtains, for example, require careful setup, such as hanging and arranging each fabric. **With the design software, a single base photo suffices; fabric variations can be created digitally**, eliminating repetitive physical setups and reducing costs and time.     ### Umbrella Manufacturer – Consistent Product Pages with Virtual Samples Even small items like umbrellas can benefit from virtual sampling. Umbrella materials often require corrections for reflections and glare. The mapping feature of the software streamlines these adjustments, creating product variations based on a corrected model. Photos taken individually often vary in angles and sizes, but mapping ensures uniformity, resulting in cohesive and polished product pages.   ## Summary Material Giveaway We’ve explored business models leveraging virtual samples in this article. To help you dive deeper into strategies to boost e-commerce profit margins, we’ve prepared a detailed resource. Feel free to download it below and share it with your team.       ## Boost E-commerce Profit Margins with Virtual Samples! In this article, we’ve highlighted the benefits of using virtual samples to save time and cut sample production costs. Let’s recap the key points to help you implement these strategies and enhance your e-commerce profitability. #### Point1 : Reduce Shooting Time By using the SDS®-ONE APEX series design software to create color and pattern variations, you can significantly decrease the number of product shots needed. #### Point2 : Lower Sample Costs Fewer photoshoots mean less time and cost spent on creating physical samples. #### Point3 : Faster Image Preparation With the specialized tools of the SDS®-ONE APEX series, you can quickly create images to develop a range of variations. #### Point4 : Forecast Demand with Pre-orders Using virtual sample images to hold pre-order events, latent demand for items can be gauged before manufacturing begins, enabling production volume to be adjusted accordingly. This approach is especially effective for custom order businesses. With the growing focus on SDGs, the issue of surplus inventory in the apparel industry is increasingly coming under scrutiny. In the future, production trends are likely to shift toward small-lot, highly customizable products, making digital tools like these even more indispensable. For more insights into e-commerce strategies, check out this related article: [Slash Work Time by 80 Per Cent! The New Normal for Fashion and Apparel E-Commerce Sites (Case Studies Available)](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/applications_in_ecommerce) Today we bring you revolutionary new ideas for managing fashion and apparel e-commerce sites. This is a must-read especially for companies struggling with the sheer number of images for their e-commerce sites! Related Article   ## About the SDS®-ONE APEX Series Finally, we would like to briefly introduce the [SDS®-ONE APEX series](https://www.shimaseiki.com/product/design/system/). Developed by Shima Seiki, a manufacturer of flat knitting machines, the SDS®-ONE APEX series is a design system equipped with software specialized in creating and simulating textile designs, patterns, and colorways for flat knitting, weaving, printing, circular knitting, towels, embroidery, and more. It is widely used not only in the fashion industry but also across various sectors. For a smooth implementation of virtual sampling with the SDS®-ONE APEX series in your company, check out the following article. The article explains how to successfully get started it in detail with case studies. [How to Start Up a Digital Design Project!](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_3) Virtual Samples: the Savior of the Apparel and Fashion Industry, is key to cutting down on sampling time and costs in clothing manufacturing and avoiding creating wasted resources. In this third installment of our six-part series on accelerating digital transformation within the fashion industry, we show you steps for successfully implementing virtual samples, along with some real-world success stories. Related Article   ## APEXFiz®, the Subscription Service From the SDS®-ONE APEX Series Introducing the [APEXFiz®](https://www.shimaseiki.com/product/design/software/) software subscription service from the [SDS®-ONE APEX series](https://www.shimaseiki.com/product/design/). Just like the SDS®-ONE APEX series design system, it allows you to perform everything from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation, and 3D virtual sampling of products. It digitally connects planning and design with manufacturing, shortening lead times and enabling environmentally friendly production. [From Planning to Production and Even E-Commerce: Why APEXFiz® Design Software is Considered the Ultimate in Realistic Virtual Sampling](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/apexfiz) When planning fashion and apparel products, what software do you use? From CLO3D, Browzwear and Optitex to the familiar Adobe suite, there are certainly many options out there. This time, we introduce APEXFiz®, a design software that is extremely useful for everything from planning and production to e-commerce. Related Article   Interested in learning more about APEXFiz® design software? Shima Seiki, the developer and distributor offers a newsletter subscription with information on products, services and exhibition updates. You can subscribe to their newsletter [here](https://share.hsforms.com/14-1Bex-aTFKvnGD-K1ve0A4u7w0). The Development Journey of APEXFiz®. Please check out this article. [Behind the Scenes: Development of APEXFiz® Design Software Promoting DX in the Fashion Industry!](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/apexfiz-interview) APEXFiz® was developed so you can install and use it on a personal computer, to be used anytime, anywhere, meeting the growing demand for flexible solutions. Today, we take a behind-the-scenes look at its development. Related Article   ## Comprehensive Guide to Digitalization in the Fashion Industry! "Overview of Six-Part Series" At wearware, we are introducing solutions to promote digitalization in the fashion industry in a six-part series. Please look forward to the upcoming articles!   Overview of 6-Part Series 1. [Key Features for 3D Virtual Sampling of Knitwear!](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_1) 2. [Seamless Linkage with Production for More Efficient Sampling!](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_2) 3. [How to Start Up a Digital Design Project!](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_3) 4. [Realizing Manufacturing Without Physical Samples!](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_4) 5. [Accelerating DX in Your Planning Work with Fabric Simulation!](https://spotlight.shimaseiki.com/en/wearware/fashion-tech_2021_5) 6. Increase Your E-commerce Profits using Virtual Samples! Moreover, you can register to view all six webinar recordings and download related materials from the following site. [Fashion Tech Webinar Series Archive Released!](https://www.shimaseiki.com/seminar/archive/fashiontech2022_form/) The Fashion Tech Webinar introduces solutions to promote digitalization in the fashion industry in a six-part series. 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