Introduction

Shopify recently introduced a one-page checkout format, aiming to simplify and speed up the checkout process. However, many merchants have reported lower conversion rates, fewer captured emails for abandoned cart recovery, and other challenges with the new layout. This article will guide you through the differences between one-page and three-page checkouts, how to revert to the three-page format on Shopify Plus, and workarounds for those on standard Shopify plans.

1. Overview of the Shopify One-Page vs Three-Page Checkout

In Shopify’s three-step checkout, the checkout process unfolds over three distinct pages:

• Page 1: Customer Information: Customers provide their email and shipping information.
• Page 2: Shipping Method: The customer selects a shipping option based on their address.
• Page 3: Payment Method: The customer enters payment details and reviews the order before confirming.

With the new one-page checkout, all these steps are condensed into a single page. Shopify tested the new format, expecting it to streamline the process and potentially increase conversions. However, feedback from merchants shows that this change may not be ideal for all stores.

2. Issues with One-Page Checkout

While the one-page checkout aims to improve user experience, many merchants have reported the following challenges:

• Lack of Email Capture: Customers who abandon checkout without entering information cannot be retargeted for cart recovery emails.
• Customer Confusion: Some customers feel overwhelmed by seeing all checkout fields on a single page.
• Lower Conversion Rates: Many merchants reported a drop in conversions after switching to the one-page format, likely due to less flexibility in customizing the checkout flow.
• Limited Customization: Merchants lack control over the layout and styling, which may negatively impact the brand experience.

3. Benefits of Three-Page Checkout

The three-page checkout offers several advantages, particularly for businesses that rely on abandoned cart recovery and higher customer engagement:

• Higher Abandoned Cart Recovery Rates: The three-page format allows email capture early in the process, enabling merchants to retarget customers who abandon their carts.
• Improved User Flow: Customers can proceed through the checkout in smaller, more manageable steps, which may reduce cognitive load and increase conversions.
• Greater Control Over Shipping Options: The dedicated shipping page lets merchants clearly present shipping methods, which may encourage higher-value selections.

4. How to Revert to Three-Step Checkout in Shopify Plus

If you have a Shopify Plus plan, you can switch between the one-page and three-page checkout styles. Follow these steps to change your checkout layout:

1. From your Shopify admin, navigate to Settings > Checkout.
2. Under Checkout customizations, click Customize to open the checkout editor.
3. In the checkout editor, click the gear icon to access Checkout profile settings.
4. In the Checkout layout section, select Three-page checkout.
5. Click Save to apply the changes.

Once updated, your store will switch back to the three-page checkout flow. You may notice an increase in abandoned cart recovery and fewer instances of customer confusion.

5. Workarounds for Non-Plus Merchants

For merchants on non-Plus plans, Shopify doesn’t currently offer an option to revert to the three-page checkout. However, you can try these workarounds to capture abandoned cart information and improve checkout conversion:

• Enable Pre-Checkout Email Capture: Use a popup or sidebar to collect emails before customers reach the checkout page.
• Use Abandoned Cart Apps: Some third-party apps allow for earlier cart abandonment tracking and will trigger recovery emails when a customer interacts with the cart.
• Communicate Checkout Changes: Let customers know that your checkout is optimized for quick purchases, and explain how to proceed if they have questions about shipping or payment details.

6. Tips for Improving Checkout Conversion

Whether you use one-page or three-page checkout, these strategies can improve conversion rates and customer satisfaction:

• Optimize Loading Times: Slow-loading checkout pages can cause customers to abandon their carts. Ensure your checkout loads quickly.
• Provide Clear Shipping Information: Make sure shipping costs and estimated delivery dates are clearly displayed to reduce abandonment.
• Utilize Trust Signals: Use badges for secure payment, fast shipping, and return policies to build customer trust.

Conclusion

While the one-page checkout has certain benefits, the traditional three-page checkout is still a preferred option for many Shopify merchants due to its ability to capture abandoned carts and its structured flow. Shopify Plus merchants have the option to revert back to the three-page checkout, while non-Plus merchants may need to implement alternative strategies to maximize conversions and customer engagement.

FAQs

• Can I switch back to three-page checkout on a standard Shopify plan?
  Currently, only Shopify Plus accounts have the option to revert to three-page checkout. Non-Plus merchants can use email capture techniques to improve cart recovery.
• Why does the one-page checkout reduce abandoned cart recovery?
  One-page checkout collects customer information at the final stage, meaning email addresses aren’t available for abandoned cart emails if the checkout is abandoned early.
• Are there any third-party apps that improve one-page checkout email capture?
  Yes, some apps capture emails at earlier cart stages or provide pop-ups to help collect customer information before checkout.
• Will Shopify offer three-page checkout for all plans in the future?
  Shopify has not announced plans to expand this feature to non-Plus accounts, though merchant feedback may influence future updates.
• How can I monitor the impact of one-page checkout on my store’s performance?
  Use Shopify’s analytics tools to track conversion rates and compare abandoned cart metrics over time, especially before and after switching to one-page checkout.