Customers abandoning their carts in Bigcommerce is a common hurdle that can impact sales and profit margins. Whether it’s unexpected costs, complicated processes, or lack of trust, these issues can have a big influence on conversion rates. Today, we’ll discuss the top 10 reasons why carts are left behind and, more importantly, how you can solve these problems.
By the end, you’ll not only understand why this happens but also be equipped with actionable strategies to reduce cart abandonment and boost revenue.
The Drawbacks of Customers Abandoning Their Carts in Bigcommerce
Cart abandonment doesn’t just result in lost sales but also affects overall business performance. Here are some of the key drawbacks:
- Revenue Loss: Every abandoned cart represents a missed opportunity to finalize a sale—even small percentages add up over time.
- Wasted Marketing Spend: You invest time and resources to bring customers to your website, but cart abandonment means those efforts go unrewarded.
- Lower Conversion Rates: A high abandonment rate can significantly impact your overall conversion metrics, making your store appear less effective.
- Customer Trust Concerns: If abandonment becomes a pattern, it might indicate issues with trustworthiness or user experience in your store.
Given these challenges, eliminating cart abandonment should be a priority for any Bigcommerce store owner.
Let’s look at the root causes and see how to remedy them.
1. Unexpected Costs at Checkout
The Problem: Hidden shipping fees, taxes, or other charges are among the top reasons why customers abandon their carts. If costs aren’t transparent upfront, customers feel tricked and leave before completing the purchase.
Fix It: Make all costs crystal clear before checkout. Offer free or flat-rate shipping if possible, and communicate any additional charges early in the shopping experience.
2. Complicated Checkout Processes
The Problem: Long, multi-step checkout forms frustrate customers and encourage them to bail. Every extra step increases the chances of abandonment.
Fix It: Streamline the checkout process. Enable guest checkout, minimize required fields, and offer autofill features. Bigcommerce’s one-page checkout can simplify the experience and keep users engaged.
3. Lack of Trust or Security Concerns
The Problem: Customers worry about the safety of their payment information. Sites that lack trust badges or appear unprofessional can deter purchases.
Fix It: Display trust badges from known providers like Norton, display HTTPS, and prominently show Bigcommerce’s secure payment system capabilities. Positive customer reviews and testimonials also help build credibility.
4. Poor Mobile Optimization
The Problem: Nearly 60% of online shoppers use mobile devices, but not all stores are mobile-friendly. A poor mobile experience often forces customers to leave.
Fix It: Ensure your Bigcommerce store is fully optimized for mobile. A responsive design, quick load times, and easy navigation are essential for keeping mobile shoppers engaged.
5. Long Delivery Times
The Problem: Customers expect fast delivery options, and long wait times can cause them to reconsider their purchases.
Fix It: Offer expedited shipping options or display estimated delivery dates early in the process. If possible, Bigcommerce integrations with shipping apps like ShipStation can provide faster fulfillment solutions.
6. No Clear Return Policy
The Problem: Shoppers hesitant about their purchase decision will walk away if they don’t see a flexible return policy.
Fix It: Clearly display a customer-friendly return policy with hassle-free processes. Highlight this information on product pages and during checkout.
7. Buyers Are “Just Browsing”
The Problem: Some customers add items to their cart with no serious intention of buying.
Fix It: Use email retargeting to remind them about their cart. Include promotions or incentives, such as discounts, to encourage them to complete the purchase.
8. Slow Page Load Speed
The Problem: A few extra seconds of loading time can make shoppers lose patience and abandon their carts.
Fix It: Optimize your Bigcommerce store by compressing images, using a content delivery network (CDN), and removing unnecessary scripts or plugins.
9. Lack of Payment Options
The Problem: Customers leave if their preferred payment method isn’t available.
Fix It: Enable multiple payment options, such as credit cards, PayPal, and buy-now-pay-later services like Afterpay. Bigcommerce allows you to integrate various payment gateways seamlessly.
10. No Sense of Urgency or Incentive
The Problem: Without urgency, customers take their time, and many may never return to complete the purchase.
Fix It: Implement urgency tactics like countdown timers, limited stock notices, or exclusive discounts. For example, “Only 2 left in stock!” nudges customers toward faster decisions.
FAQs About Customers Abandoning Their Carts in Bigcommerce
Why is cart abandonment a problem in Bigcommerce stores?
Cart abandonment leads to lost revenue and negatively impacts conversion rates. It often stems from hidden costs, poor user experience, or lack of trust.
How can I reduce cart abandonment in Bigcommerce?
Optimize your checkout process, display trust badges, offer multiple payment options, and reduce unexpected costs. Retarget customers who leave their carts with personalized email campaigns.
What tools does Bigcommerce offer to combat cart abandonment?
Bigcommerce provides features like abandoned cart saver emails, one-page checkout, and integration with retargeting tools like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to bring customers back.
Is guest checkout important for reducing cart abandonment?
Yes. Guest checkout removes barriers by allowing customers to purchase without creating an account, increasing the likelihood of completing the transaction.
Can offering free shipping reduce cart abandonment?
Absolutely. Free or flat-rate shipping is one of the most effective ways to eliminate the shock of additional costs at checkout.
Wrapping Up
Minimizing cart abandonment isn’t just about fixing technical glitches or tweaking features. It requires a customer-first mindset, focusing on what they value most. By addressing the top reasons for customers abandoning their carts in Bigcommerce, you can create a more seamless and trustworthy shopping experience that drives conversion.
Want to learn more about optimizing your Bigcommerce store? Start by exploring advanced tools or speaking with a Bigcommerce expert to tailor solutions that fit your business needs perfectly!
Act Now: Don’t wait while cart abandonment impacts your bottom line. Take action today and watch your conversion rates climb.
