store models (alts/bots)

Hi...

I have been wondering about something...

do you like seeing store models (when not overdone) that are wearing outfits from the store?

Do you prefer it to be a real person, or does it matter if it is an alt running as a bot.

Does it make a difference to you, to see the clothing being worn, as apposed to just seeing the pic?

how many models (mannequins) are too many in a store?

I used to run a couple alts on a text only viewer that stood on a posing stand that changed the poses automatically, so folks could see a specific outfit in real time, real movements, etc

but I stopped doing it, not sure why, probably just forgot to log it in again LOL

so been thinking about putting them back, but not sure if worth it.

No, because there is about a .000001% chance that the model will be anywhere near my shape. So a model doesn't help me one bit, and is just one more addition to the load on my graphics card, which is already overloaded in a store.

That said, I do prefer vendor pics with more than one image of a clothing item showing different angles. If the clothing is *extremely* pricey, a demo is a nice option.

Edited to add:
If a store is so large I may have difficulty finding what I want, or if I have questions, then it's nice to have a rep on hand, I guess they could model while they talk to customers.

If there are models, I don't even take notice of them, it doesn't help me out by her wearing it or even by the pic, since I would look different in it anyway...to me, they are just a waste of resources

Ashe

I rarely look at the models since they are only wearing one outfit and it's likely not one I'm interested in. Nice clear pictures do it for me and demos are always welcome.

The only time I ever really stopped and took total notice of a model was when I saw one wearing this amazing wedding gown (I forget the place) and I just had to stop and take a picture because she looked incredibly beautiful in it.

I practically never pay attention to models because, just like in RL, nothing worn by a model will look the same on me. I would much rather have the picture showing multiple angles. As someone else mentioned, I do like having a live rep on hand if the store is large and it could be difficult to find a specific type of clothing - but IMO, few stores in SL really need this either. And I do not want the rep trying to be overly helpful before I have even asked for help.

thanks all

pretty much the same way I feel (maybe subconsciously I never put them back because I feel they are a waste of resources too LOL)

I will leave them out... heh

I work as a mannequin for a store and love it. Quite honestly we hear a lot that "oh I didn't know you guys were here!"...and quite honestly it's how I feel. Even if they don't need help it's really nice to know someone is there to help if you have any questions.

To me Models are ok if not overdone, and they wear a tag announcing they are models and and are on a stand or something so they aren't confused as customers or store staff.

I was in an empty store recently that had models. I was trying to get my bearings after rezzing so standing in one spot for a bit and one of the models greeted me. Freaked me out!

This topic sometimes comes up in bots threads and, from them, I've gathered that some people prefer to see an outfit being worn than just a picture of it. The personal preferences in this thread differ, which goes to show that there is no overall view.

I'm not a shopper, but judging by comments in other threads, I imagine that many people would find it beneficial to see what an outfit looks like 'on' and, if the models are well set up with signs about what's being worn, then it would benefit those people, and would not be a negative for those who aren't bothered about it being worn before buying.

lol yes that happened to me too, as I was standing and rezzing, the model started talking to me, and I realized that there was actually someone there I don't usually care much about models but I kinda liked that

I could see it for elaborate outfits, but for standard dresses or pants-and-tops kind of things, I don't see the point. Then again, demos would probably be better for the elaborate outfits, so the potential purchaser could actually get an idea of how it looks on their personal shape.

I would actually like to see avatars modelled, because the avatar includes the whole shape and everything and really demonstrates exactly what I would be starting with... but that's something I never see.

I visited a store that used a lot of models, though, for the first time... and I have to say that more than a couple of models is probably a waste. I was there for 20 minutes and only a couple of the models managed to rez among all the other textured objects in the place.

I saw a place like that too

there must have been at least 10 or 15 models in the store, I ended up leaving before stuff rezzed as it was taking too long

good idea about full avatar models, THAT makes a lot of sense

I have been thinking about bringing back my 2 models... not sure if I will or not...

I suppose 2 would not be a major draw on resources or rez time... and it just might help some folks see how things look

(or I could put together a full avatar set and use the model to display that) with a sign saying what each part is from skin, shape etc to the clothes on her

I trick I've seen a few times that I like is just the clothing rezzed as if it were on a model. Mostly I see that for the "armor" type of clothing or fancy silks sets with lots of flowing panels (wind is set so the panels actually move with the breeze). It gives a much better idea of how the clothing might look on me. No model (real or bot) is involved though.

Just discussing something over in Scripting Tips and they say it has been done before. You might try checking onrez etc for sculpty mannequins.

I like to see gowns on models because I like to check the ARC. Sometimes outfits that look very similar have very different costs. If I can see that the outfits on display are either all in the red or all in the green, I have some idea of how the designer's clothes will probably be, even if the gown I like is not displayed.

If the clothes are ordinary pants and tops with a few prim attachments, then I don't care if they are shown on models or not.

Actually thinking about it again I do remember one time when I saw a gorgeous sequined gown on the sign board that I was about ready to buy and then noticed a model nearby wearing it. It didn't look anywhere near as nice in person as on the display so I didn't buy it.

So, if you're not using models please make sure your displays aren't Photoshopped to the point where they're no longer really representative of the item you're selling!

yeah that photoshopping ads came up in another thread
sadly it does happen

That is about the only reason I am considering putting out some models again, so at least folks can see the real thing, and not just the pics, and then they will know the ads represent the product, without photoshopping and such

still debating with myself as to if I want to put them back LOL
(I just forget to log them in when I reboot the PC or the sim gets restarted)

Here's an idea/thought/fantasy I had about store clothing models and employee/customer assistants.

This thread has mentioned both using avatars as clothing models and also as employees to guide customers. I see those 2 functions combined. (Maybe this was already implied). I envision a live, in-store helper who can also model the merchandise per request. Somethig like:

"Hello, and welcome to Suki's Sarape Shack. If you have any questions, please just ask. I can model most of our outfits for you if you wish to see them. I'll even be happy to wear your shape while I do so if you are able to provide me with a copy."

Of course the employee would need to own copies of the products and be able to access them without delay. It might also mean lengthy tie-ups with n00b customers trying to explain how to share one's shape. This delay could be reduced by passing a helpful notecard (although assuming any level of literacy or self-reliance on the part of a customer has its own inherent risks). Overall the idea is probably not economically feasable, but it sure would make for excellent customer service.




Now to get back to the reality of these forums - please be patient, someone will come along momentarily to puff out their chest and bludgeon me with how "wrong wrong WRONG WRONG WRONG" I am.

Have a nice day.

Second the demos for elaborate/expensive outfits. I've picked up a few for expensive gowns and really appreciate being able to see the dress on *me* first.

Rhaorth,

I would find models somewhat helpful, but probably not enough to justify the effort. It sometimes helps in RL to see clothing on real people. But the models are not the same size and looks as me or my avatar.

I try to stay out of stores in RL and SL. In RL I purchase most clothes through various web sites. In SL I use the Onrez web site.

It would be helpful to have photos of models wearing clothes on a web site. The photos should be natural poses, with several photos of each item from different angles. The web site could then have links to each item on Onrez for ordering.

Mary

Actually lots of designers do have blogs where you can look at their stuff. I have one which I faithfully ignore and do nothing with (my bad). I actually am planning on making an actual website because I just like them better, have made a few in the past and have a small idea what I am doing.

i like store models. i have purchased many whole outfits because they were so cute on the model. it's really the only advertising i fall for.

i like store models. i have purchased many whole outfits because they were so cute on the model. it's really the only advertising i fall for.