Abandoned Cart
Definition
An abandoned cart happens when a customer adds items to their shopping cart but leaves the store before completing the purchase. It’s a common challenge in eCommerce, often caused by distractions, unexpected costs, or a complicated checkout process.
Good or Bad?
Generally Bad: cart abandonment directly translates into lost revenue. However, it also signals strong purchase intent, which can be recovered with the right follow-up.
Why It Matters
Nearly 70% of online carts are abandoned, according to industry reports. That’s a massive revenue leak. If you don’t address it, you’re essentially leaving money on the table with every potential sale.
Common Mistakes
- Not offering incentives (e.g., free shipping, discounts) to complete checkout
- Hiding fees or taxes until the final step
- Failing to remind customers about abandoned carts
- Long or complicated checkout process
How to Improve It
- Display progress bars or “amount left for free shipping” messages during checkout
- Show delivery times or clear return policies early
- Use plugins that show how much more is needed to unlock benefits
- Send cart recovery emails or show reminders
Recommended Plugin
Free Shipping Over Amount: Amount Left Tracker for WooCommerce
Encourages customers to complete their purchase by displaying how much more they need to spend to get free shipping. This subtle nudge can reduce cart abandonment and increase average order value.
Real-World Example
Sami is shopping for a phone case. He adds it to his cart but leaves when he sees the shipping fee. If the store had shown “Spend $10 more to get free shipping,” Sami might have added more items and completed the checkout.
Related Terms
- Free Shipping Threshold
- Average Order Value (AOV)
- Checkout Optimization
- Conversion Rate
FAQs
What causes cart abandonment in WooCommerce?
Unexpected costs (like shipping), a long checkout process, or lack of trust can cause customers to leave before completing their purchase.
Can I recover abandoned carts in WooCommerce?
Yes, using recovery emails, offering incentives, and showing progress-based nudges like “free shipping left” can help.
Which plugin can help reduce cart abandonment?
WPFactory’s “Free Shipping Over Amount” plugin encourages users to add more items to unlock shipping perks, a smart way to prevent drop-offs.
