Imagine your customers spent time picking out the perfect items from your online shop. Their virtual basket is brimming with goodies, and then… life happens! They get distracted, lose interest, and leave the cart without completing the purchase!
It’s every online retailer’s worst nightmare — having customers ready to pay, then walking away at the last second. The retailer named this uncompleted goodies-filled cart as an abandoned cart!
Sounds frustrating, right?
So, why does this happen? And more importantly, how can you turn those abandoned carts into completed sales?
Stick around as we dive into the reasons behind cart abandonment to keep your customers clicking ‘buy now’ instead of ‘leave page.’
What is an Abandoned Cart?
An abandoned cart is when a shopper adds items to their online cart but leaves the website without completing the purchase.
Abandonment can happen at various stages, such as before checkout which is called cart abandonment, or during the checkout process which is called checkout abandonment.
Understanding why customers abandon carts—like high shipping costs, complicated checkout processes, or security concerns—helps businesses reduce abandonment and recover lost sales.
Why do Shoppers Abandon Carts?
Picture this: A customer is all set to purchase, but suddenly—nothing. They abandon their cart, and you’re left wondering why. It’s a frustrating mystery, but understanding the real reasons behind these digital walkouts can help you keep more sales on track.
Let’s unravel the common culprits behind cart abandonment and find out how to turn those missed opportunities into successful sales.
- Unexpected extra fees at checkout surprise customers and lead to abandonment
- Limited payment options can cause shoppers to abandon their carts
- Fear of data breaches or insecure payment gateways drives shoppers to abandon their carts
- Confusing or lengthy checkout can frustrate shoppers and result in cart abandonment.
- Poor website performance, slow loading times, or site crashes can push customers to leave without completing their purchase.
- Insufficient product information or unclear images make customers hesitant and more likely to abandon their carts.
These are the reasons why shoppers abandon carts. But you can reduce the rate as well. let’s find out!
How to Reduce Cart Abandonment?
Cart abandonment can be a major headache for any e-commerce business. It’s like having a pile of nearly-finished transactions that never get completed.
While you might not be able to get rid of cart abandonment completely, you can definitely take steps to make it less frequent. With a few smart strategies, you can smooth out the bumps in the checkout process and turn those abandoned carts into successful sales.
Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:
Simplify Checkout Process
24% of customers abandon carts because they were asked to create an account – Tidio
Nobody likes filling out forms, especially when you just want to grab your goodies and go. That’s why offering a guest checkout option is a total game-changer.
Let your customers zip through the checkout process without creating an account. It’s like having a fast pass to shopping bliss. No one wants to get bogged down by endless fields and passwords when they’re excited about their purchase.
Plus, it’s all about trust. By giving them the option to check out without sharing too much personal info, you’re showing you respect their privacy. It’s a subtle but powerful way to build loyalty. And, who doesn’t love a business that puts customer trust first?
Here’s how everlane does it:
Quick, simple, and secure checkout is the ultimate way to keep your customers coming back for more.
Better Cart Experience
You’re on a shopping spree, and your cart is filling up faster than your closet. But then, poof, you forget what you even added! Or maybe you’re eyeing a different color, but you’re not sure if that first item was the right size. It’s like trying to remember your grocery list without the list!
To save your customers from this shopping nightmare, give them a clear view of their cart. Swapping pages continuously can be very tiring. You want to make your customers happy, not tired. So, A little reminder with a picture and quick details of what they’ve got saved can be a total game-changer. Here’s how Foodpanda does it:
Trust us, they’ll thank you!
Offer Multiple Payment Options
9% abandon carts because of enough payment methods and 4% abandon carts because the credit card was declined – Tidio
Let’s face it: not everyone carries the same wallet. Some prefer the convenience of credit cards, while others are all about digital mobile wallets. Why limit your customers to just one option?
Give them choices! From credit and debit cards to digital wallets and even good old cash-on-delivery, offering a range of payment methods ensures there’s something for everyone. It’s like setting up a payment buffet — the more options, the more satisfied your customers will be.
Moreover, offering multiple payment options can also cater to international customers who might use different methods. It’s a simple way to make the checkout process smoother and more inclusive for all. Here’s how Allbirds does it:
Plus, catering to diverse payment preferences can reduce cart abandonment and boost conversion rates.
We’ve tested it, and trust us, it works like a charm!
Provide Clear Shipping Information
Nothing’s more frustrating than waiting for a package that never seems to arrive. Clear and upfront shipping information is a must.
Tell your customers when to expect their goodies, how much they’ll cost, and what their options are. Providing specific delivery windows ensures that customers know exactly when to expect their package which reduces the likelihood of missed deliveries.
For even greater clarity, include estimated delivery times in the order confirmation email and on their account dashboard. Regular updates, such as shipping status and expected delivery day, keep customers informed and engaged. This level of transparency not only enhances the customer experience but also builds trust and encourages repeat business.
The process is simple: instead of leaving them guessing, allow them to provide a clear path to their doorstep. With clear shipping details, your customers will feel like true VIPs.
Set-up Cart Abandonment Reminder Emails
Most businesses achieve a 39% open rate when they reach out with abandonment cart reminder emails- Hotjar
You know life happens, and we forget things. Yeah, but don’t let customers forget about it! You can gently nudge them back to complete their purchase by setting up cart abandonment reminder emails.
Cart abandonment emails are like a friendly reminder, saying, “Hey, remember these goodies you left behind?”
The key is to keep it friendly and timely. Send the first reminder within a few hours of abandonment and follow up with another after a day or two.
Use enticing subject lines like “Your cart misses you!” or “Complete your purchase and get a special discount!”
Plus, personalization is key. Address the customer by their name and show them the items they left behind. Add a clear call-to-action, such as “Return to your cart now.’
Try Abandoned Cart Reminder Automations
Convert Abandoned Carts into Your Top Revenue Generators
Reducing cart abandonment isn’t just about recapturing lost sales—it’s about creating a seamless and satisfying shopping journey for your customers. Every abandoned cart is an opportunity to turn uncertainty into loyalty. Implement these strategies today and see the difference in your conversions.
And for an even smoother process, let FluentCRM take the hassle out of managing your customer interactions and boosting your sales.
Don’t just reduce abandonment—eliminate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few questions that you might be wondering about:
Leave a Reply