This is due to poor checkout conversion. Reducing friction in the checkout process is key to reducing cart abandonment. A simple checkout process will result in significantly higher sales for e-commerce merchants.

Here are six core strategies to reduce cart abandonment:

1. Use a one-click checkout solution

Create a frictionless experience to reduce the number of steps to complete a card payment transaction. From entering card information details to completing the 3D secure mobile phone process, each step is a point of friction that can (and often does) go wrong — leading to an abandoned cart.

Amazon's one-click checkout function was a gamechanger to reduce friction in the payment process. This feature dramatically increases sales conversions by facilitating a seamless shopping experience.

Customers enter their card information just once. The details are then safely stored for future transactions and can be accessed at any time through a one-click checkout. Payflex's experience indicates that the one-click checkout process can reduce cart abandonment by 40%, which is a huge benefit for e-commerce merchants.

2. Communicate delivery costs

Shipping costs are one of the biggest grudge payments when it comes to online shopping and it is a key reason for cart abandonment. Being transparent and upfront about delivery charges manages shopper expectations, so they're not surprised by a higher than expected cost during the checkout process. Better yet, offer free delivery wherever possible to improve conversion.

3. Choose a flexible payment solution

Reduce the number of payment offerings at the checkout by choosing a flexible, customer-centric payment solution that incorporates a one-click payment solution and offers shoppers a choice of payment options.

It's also critical that your payment provider offers top-notch customer service to solve any issues timeously, as well as a stable and proven platform so that you don't lose any of those hard-won sales.

Other strategies that Payflex has put into place is a one-click 'pay now' or 'pay later' offering, together with a next-day settlement facility, a stable and proven payment platform and a transparent and simple fee structure without fees for all sorts of payment activities. Additionally, there is also a first-in-market six-week free spending plan for customers. This boosts sales by 20% to 30%.

4. Hold your shopper's attention

Use a progress indicator on your site to show the three steps of the checkout process; this is namely shipping, payment and order. This keeps your shopper involved and provides a clear path to completing the order.

5. Nurture trust and security

Many shoppers still have trust issues when asked to supply sensitive financial information, such as card details, to complete a purchase. Remind the customer of your security and data privacy protections to encourage completion of the sale.

It is also recommended that you display trust symbols of well-known security partners, such as Norton or VeriSign, on your website to improve trust.

6. Understand impediments to checkout completion

Regularly review the checkout process to identify obstacles that are causing abandoned carts and remove them to create a frictionless checkout experience. Optimise navigation and provide clear calls to action, such as 'buy now' (with one click), to increase sales.

A relentless focus on creating a frictionless customer journey, including a simple customer-centric payment solution offering, will significantly reduce abandoned carts and increase sales.

For more information, visit www.payflex.co.za. You can also follow Payflex on Facebook or on Instagram.