The power of efficient checkouts in global e-commerce

You've done the hard work of attracting and nurturing a shopper. Now you need to ensure they cross the final hurdle.

The role of seamless transactions in global business

Many e-commerce enterprises face a sizable challenge: Shoppers abandon more than 70% of online shopping carts, often due to avoidable issues like lengthy checkout forms, inadequate transaction security, and limited payment options.¹

Addressing barriers related to speed, efficiency, and simplicity is crucial for transforming abandoned carts into sales. Faster checkouts can boost conversion rates providing massive payoffs. Studies on enterprise e-commerce retailers in the US and Europe find that by tackling checkout flow and design issues alone, brands can increase conversion rates by more than 35%.¹

The benefits of an optimized e-commerce checkout process aren’t limited to immediate conversions either. In one study, 91% of shoppers reported that a satisfying checkout experience significantly increased the likelihood they purchase from the merchant again, making it a top factor influencing customer loyalty.²

A straightforward and secure path to purchase is a universal customer desire — and reducing friction may help drive sales both locally and globally.

Mobile-friendly checkout experiences

Today’s consumers browse, compare products, and purchase on mobile devices more than ever before — in 2023, mobile e-commerce comprised 60% of all global online sales.³ So adapting the checkout process for smaller screens is a must for enterprises eyeing success.

But optimizing checkouts for mobile goes beyond resizing web pages. From storefront to payment, each step must deliver the speed and simplicity that on-the-go customers expect.

Security and trust in transactions

Approximately 19% of shoppers will abandon their carts if they don’t trust an e-commerce site with their credit card information.¹ E-commerce enterprises hoping to capture these lost customers must double down on the latest encryption and fraud monitoring and prioritize transparency about how customer information is protected.

Adding well-known global payment solutions like PayPal may also bolster confidence — 49% of repeat customers say that trust is the top reason they made an online purchase using PayPal.⁴

Offering visual cues that signal website security features — like trust badges or security certifications — can offer peace of mind to shoppers, too.

Optimizing user interface and experience

Beyond improving transaction security, explore opportunities to build a user-friendly e-commerce checkout experience. Here are some strategies:

• Leverage technologies like Google’s Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) for faster-loading mobile web pages and intuitive auto-fill forms to reduce tedious typing on tiny keyboards.
• Use location services to pre-validate shipping addresses.
• Implement chatbots for real-time customer support to answer any last-minute questions.
• Offer personalized recommendations or time-sensitive offers at the checkout page tailored to a customer's shopping history or cart contents.

Offering advanced payment options

By recognizing locally preferred payment methods and integrating various payment options, you roll out a welcome mat for customers from different regions.

For example, 72% of shoppers in Latin America use their debit cards five times per month while Asia-Pacific consumers prefer digital wallets, with 76% using them five times per month.⁵ In North America, the top three payment methods for small-ticket online purchases are credit cards, direct debit, and debit cards.⁵

Recognizing these nuances allows businesses to tailor their payment offerings to meet the specific preferences of each market, creating a smoother, more personalized shopping experience.

With PayPal as your e-commerce checkout partner, you can offer a comprehensive array of payment methods, such as:

• Digital wallets
• Credit and debit cards
• Buy now, pay later
• Bank transfers
• Bank debits, including ACH Direct Debit

Leveraging data analytics for checkout optimization

Optimizing your e-commerce checkout process is not a one-time project. Success requires enabling diverse payments, as well as featuring the right combination that regional customers trust the most.

As you expand your business across different markets, use data analytics to continuously test various payment methods and uncover what clicks best with your audience.

By knowing which payment methods unlock higher conversion rates or customer satisfaction, you can fine-tune your strategy and make incremental improvements that may boost your overall sales and customer loyalty.

Using PayPal checkout for global business

Optimizing the global e-commerce checkout experience requires a multifaceted approach. Take the time to review your checkout process and ask yourself: Is it mobile-friendly? Are payments secure? Is the user interface intuitive and streamlined?

With PayPal as your payment partner, you're equipped to offer an array of trusted e-commerce checkout methods, tapping into diverse markets with confidence.

Here’s why global e-commerce enterprises choose PayPal checkout:

• Accept preferred payment methods. Cater to your international customer base by offering a wide selection of payment options, including debit and credit cards, digital wallets, PayPal Pay Later, and various local payment methods.
• Expansive global reach. Scale your business into 200+ markets worldwide with the capability to accept payments in 135 currencies.
• Comprehensive risk management. Protect your global operations with an integrated suite of customizable fraud tools, including advanced services like Fraud Protection and Dispute Automation.
• Secure credential storage. Implement a vault system for your customers' payment information, creating a seamless experience for return shoppers.

Learn more about how to bring your e-commerce operation to new global markets with PayPal.