Struggling with a complicated process that leads to abandoned carts? A seamless and user-friendly checkout experience is crucial for any eCommerce store, and that’s where multi-step checkout comes in. By breaking the checkout process into structured steps—such as shipping details, payment options, and order confirmation—multi-step checkout enhances user experience, reduces friction, and increases conversions.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a detailed understanding of Multi-Step Checkout. You’ll also learn the step-by-step process of setting it up and the key differences between One-Page and Multi-Step Checkout.

What is Multi Step Checkout? #

A multi-step checkout is a process in e-commerce where the checkout flow is broken into several steps or pages, rather than completing all actions on a single page. It guides users through the purchasing process in a logical sequence, typically breaking it into smaller, manageable sections.

Each step in a multi-step checkout process is designed to focus on specific details, such as shipping information, payment method, order review, and order confirmation. Customers move through these sequentially, providing the required information at each stage before advancing to the next.

While this structured approach offers a clear and systematic flow, it can result in a longer checkout process compared to a single-page checkout. However, it provides distinct advantages, such as improved clarity, better segmentation of information, and opportunities to highlight promotional offers or relevant details at each step. This setup ensures a smoother user experience while enabling businesses to deliver targeted messaging throughout the process.

Common Steps in a Multi-Step Checkout #

Commonly these are the steps usually an eCommerce website has during check out process.

Cart Overview #

Review items in the cart. Users view the items they’re about to purchase, including product names, quantities, prices, and subtotals. Options like adjusting quantities, removing items, or applying coupons are often available. A “Proceed to Checkout” button takes them to the next step.

Account Login/Guest Checkout #

Log in, create an account, or proceed as a guest. Users are prompted to log in, create an account, or continue as a guest. Returning customers can log in for faster checkout using saved details, while new users can choose between registration and guest checkout.

Shipping Information #

Enter shipping address and select shipping options. Customers enter or confirm their shipping address. Options for shipping methods (e.g., standard, express) are presented, often with associated costs and estimated delivery times. Some systems also calculate shipping fees dynamically at this step.

Billing Information #

Enter billing details, which might be the same as shipping. Users provide their billing address. If it matches the shipping address, a checkbox simplifies this step. The system checks for discrepancies (e.g., invalid zip codes) to ensure accuracy.

Payment Information #

Provide payment details (credit card, PayPal, etc.). Customers select a payment method (e.g., credit/debit card, PayPal, digital wallets, etc.).Card details or payment-specific credentials are entered securely. Security features like CVV verification, SSL encryption, and fraud detection tools are often implemented here.

Order Review #

Review the order summary before confirming. A summary page displays all entered details: products, shipping address, billing address, payment method, and the total amount (including taxes and shipping costs). Users can edit incorrect information before finalizing the purchase.

Order Confirmation #

Confirmation of a successful purchase. After payment is processed successfully, the user sees a confirmation page. This includes the order number, an overview of the purchase, and estimated delivery times. An email confirmation is sent to the customer.

It’s commonly used for purchases that require detailed information, such as large orders, custom items, or services. However, for simpler transactions, businesses may prefer a single-page checkout to minimize friction.

Difference between One Page Checkout and Multi Step Checkout #

The success of any e-commerce store can be measured by the number of conversions it earns. And, the conversion ratio is directly proportional to the checkout experience. The debate revolving around single and multi-page checkout has been around for a while. Both approaches have their own merits and demerits. Find the differences and figure out which one you should use for your eCommerce business.

One Page Checkout Vs Multi-Step Checkout

Conversion Rate #

• One-page checkout: Generally achieves a higher conversion rate compared to multi-step checkout. With all the required information displayed on a single page, the process feels faster and more straightforward, encouraging users to complete their purchase. However, results from A/B testing may vary depending on the product, target audience, and checkout design.
• Multi Step Checkout: Tends to have a lower conversion rate due to more steps and potential drop-offs. Works better for audiences who prefer a guided, structured process. A/B testing may reveal opportunities to optimize specific steps for better conversion.

Clicks Required #

• Multi-Step Checkout: Requires users to click through multiple pages to complete their purchase. This increases the likelihood of drop-offs as each additional click presents an opportunity for customers to abandon their cart.
• One-Page Checkout: Minimizes clicks since all actions—cart review, payment, and address details—are completed on a single page. This simplicity makes it easier for customers to quickly finish their transactions.

Page Loading Speed #

• One-Page Checkout: While convenient, loading times may increase because all elements (e.g., product details, payment options, and shipping fields) are displayed at once. Impatient customers might abandon their carts if the page takes too long to load.
• Multi-Step Checkout: Breaks the process into smaller pages, leading to faster page loads at each step. This staged approach can keep customers engaged as they progress incrementally.

Checkout Time #

• One-Page Checkout: Faster overall, as customers can modify and review their details in one place without navigating to additional pages.
• Multi-Step Checkout: Slower, as users must move through multiple pages and wait for each to load. If they need to update information, they often have to backtrack, adding extra time to the process. This can sometimes lead to cart abandonment.

Data Analysis #

• Multi-Step Checkout: Offers better insights into customer behavior by identifying where users drop off during the process. Businesses can use this data to optimize specific steps and increase conversion rates.
• One-Page Checkout: Tracking abandonment points is more challenging since all actions occur on a single page. Without distinct steps, pinpointing issues in the checkout flow becomes more difficult.

While one-page checkout offers speed and simplicity, multi-step checkout provides better data insights and may appeal to users who prefer a more guided experience. Businesses should consider their product type, target market, and A/B test results to determine which approach works best for their custom.

Multi Step Checkout in WC Booster #

WC Booster is a minimalist product add-on for WooCommerce. This is a cross-functional plugin that helps you do more than just create your multistep checkout. It consolidates multiple features into a single plugin, eliminating the need to install and manage several plugins with distinct functionalities. With all essential features in one place, it enhances your site’s security and reduces the complexity of plugin management.

Experience a streamlined and user-friendly multi-step checkout process designed to provide a smooth and convenient way for customers to complete their purchase orders. Each step is carefully laid out, guiding users through essential stages such as cart review, shipping information, payment details, and final confirmation. This approach ensures clarity at every step, minimizes errors, and creates a seamless shopping experience. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, customers can track their progress and make adjustments as needed, leading to greater satisfaction and fewer abandoned carts.

Enjoy multiple steps layout that provides a smooth and convenient way for customers to complete their purchase order. It ensures a chance to carefully review each aspect of the order. WC booster is open source but to use Multi-Step checkout feature you should purchase the pro version.