The transformative powers of Web3, the decentralized internet, are reshaping multiple industries. E-commerce, with its extensive reach and digital nature, stands at the forefront of this revolution. As e-commerce platforms and retailers explore this brave new world, they're discovering innovative applications of Web3 technologies. In this article, we will dive into seven distinct ways Web3 is changing the e-commerce landscape, with a special highlight on tokengating through the Shopify app, Percs.
1. Decentralized Marketplaces
Traditional e-commerce platforms have middlemen, such as payment processors, who take a portion of the revenue. Decentralized marketplaces, built on blockchain technology, remove these intermediaries, enabling direct peer-to-peer transactions. This not only reduces costs for sellers and buyers but also ensures more transparency and security.
2. Tokenized Loyalty Programs
Tokens, in the context of blockchain, can represent various assets or privileges. E-commerce platforms can issue their own tokens as a part of loyalty programs. An example might be Binance's use of BNB for rewards. Customers can earn these tokens through purchases, reviews, or other engagements and redeem them for products, discounts, or special privileges. The decentralized nature ensures that these tokens are secure, transparent, and can even be traded in secondary markets like Uniswap.
3. Transparent Supply Chain Management
Blockchain’s immutable ledger provides an ideal solution for supply chain transparency. Companies like Provenance and VeChain are enabling this. Every product can be traced back to its origin, allowing customers to verify the authenticity and ethical standards of their purchases.
4. Digital Identity and Secure Payments
Web3 provides tools for creating decentralized digital identities, ensuring more secure and personalized shopping experiences. Civic is an example in this space. Additionally, with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum e-commerce platforms are offering cryptocurrency payment options, guaranteeing fast, low-cost, and secure transactions.
5. Digital Goods and Virtual Reality Shopping
Virtual goods, be it digital artwork or in-game assets, are gaining popularity. Web3 facilitates the buying, selling, and ownership of these digital goods using NFTs. Moreover, as virtual reality (VR) progresses, we could soon see virtual shopping experiences where users can interact with products in a 3D space, powered by Web3 technologies.
6. Tokengating with Percs for Shopify
Tokengating is the practice of restricting access to content or services based on the possession of specific tokens. Percs, a leading Shopify app, has pioneered this approach in e-commerce. Brands can offer exclusive discounts and special access to NFT holders or specific wallets based on their criteria. An example was the project Cool Cats that used Percs App to allow only their NFT holders to have access to their comic book. Not only does this create exclusivity, but it also fosters brand loyalty. Furthermore, with Percs, brands can even introduce NFTs as regular items on their Shopify stores, bridging the gap between traditional retail and the burgeoning NFT space.
7. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and E-commerce Integration
DeFi, or decentralized finance, offers innovative financial solutions without traditional intermediaries. E-commerce platforms can integrate DeFi services, providing flexible payment plans, peer-to-peer loans, or even earning interest on in-store credits.
Conclusion
The marriage of Web3 and e-commerce heralds a new era of digital retail. With technologies like blockchain and decentralized applications, the e-commerce space can be more transparent, secure, and innovative. As brands, platforms, and consumers embrace these changes, the e-commerce landscape is set to become more vibrant, interactive, and equitable.
Are you a brand interested in getting into Web3? PERCS is on a mission to help onboarding the next 1 million brands into the Web3 space. Send us a message to our Social Media channels or to our email [email protected] if you are interested in learning more about us or are interested in building with us, we will love to connect!
