Shopping Cart Abandonment
Definition
Shopping cart abandonment refers to when a visitor adds items to their cart but leaves the store without completing the purchase.
It’s one of the most common challenges in eCommerce.
Good or Bad?
Bad, it means potential revenue is being lost at the last step of the buying journey
Why does it matter?
High abandonment rates signal friction in your checkout process, pricing concerns, or trust issues.
Reducing it can directly improve your conversion rate and revenue.
Common Mistakes
- Checkout process is too long or complicated
- Unexpected costs like shipping or taxes shown too late
- No guest checkout option
- Lack of payment options or trust signals
- No reminders or follow-ups to bring customers back
How to Improve It?
- Simplify the checkout flow
- Be transparent about all costs early
- Enable guest checkout and mobile optimization
- Add cart recovery emails or popups
- Offer limited-time discounts or incentives to return
Recommended Plugin
Abandoned Cart Recovery for WooCommerce
Real-World Example
A user adds $150 worth of items to their cart but leaves before checking out.
A few hours later, they receive an email reminding them of the items, along with a 10% discount code.
They return and complete the purchase.
Related Terms
- Cart Recovery
- Conversion Rate
- Checkout Optimization
- Customer Retention
FAQs
What is a typical cart abandonment rate for online stores?
It usually ranges between 60 to 80 percent, depending on the industry.
How can I track cart abandonment in WooCommerce?
Use specialized plugins or analytics tools that track user behavior and cart activity.
Does sending recovery emails actually work?
Yes, recovery emails can bring back a significant percentage of lost sales when timed and worded well.
