Shopping cart abandonment is a major challenge for eCommerce businesses, with recent surveys showing an average abandonment rate of 68.07%. That means nearly 7 out of 10 customers add products to their cart but leave without completing their purchase.
So, what’s causing this? More importantly, how can you reduce cart abandonment and increase sales and conversions in your Shopify store? Here are 7 essential tips to help you tackle the issue.
- Avoid Surprise Charges
Unexpected costs are a top reason customers abandon their carts. 28% of shoppers leave because they encounter unexpected fees, taxes, or high shipping costs at checkout. Be transparent about pricing upfront—clearly display shipping fees or offer free shipping to encourage conversions.
- Offer Guest Checkout
Forcing customers to create an account before purchasing slows down the buying process and leads to drop-offs. Allow guest checkout so customers can complete their purchase quickly. You can always offer account creation after checkout for future convenience.
- Simplify the Checkout Process
A confusing or lengthy checkout experience is a conversion killer—12% of shoppers abandon their carts due to complicated checkout steps. Keep it simple with:
✔ A one-page checkout
✔ Auto-fill options for returning customers
✔ Clear progress indicators to guide users
- Speed Up Your Shopify Store
Slow-loading pages frustrate customers and impact sales. Even a 1-second delay can lead to a 7% drop in conversions. Improve speed by:
✔ Optimising images
✔ Using a lightweight Shopify theme
✔ Reducing unnecessary apps & scripts
- Display a Clear Returns Policy
Customers want confidence in their purchases. A hassle-free returns policy reassures them that if something doesn’t meet their expectations, they can easily return or exchange it. Make your returns policy visible on product pages and at checkout.
- Enable Trust Signals & Payment Options
Security concerns can make shoppers hesitant to enter their payment details. Build trust by:
✔ Displaying SSL security badges
✔ Offering multiple payment options like PayPal, Afterpay, and Apple Pay
✔ Including customer reviews and testimonials
- Use Shopify Abandoned Cart Recovery
Shopify offers built-in abandoned cart recovery emails to win back lost sales. You can automate personalised emails reminding customers of their cart items and even offer a discount or free shipping to encourage them to complete their purchase.
Final Thoughts
Reducing shopping cart abandonment is key to boosting sales and improving the user experience in your Shopify store. By streamlining checkout, offering guest checkout, and optimising site speed, you can significantly increase conversions.
Alinga eCommerce is a Shopify specialist, helping businesses build high-performing online stores with expert design, development, and digital marketing solutions.
