Your e-commerce glossary

All the terms you need to know to succeed in modern e-commerce, explained simply and clearly.

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What is Add to Cart?

"Add to Cart" refers to when a customer selects an item from an online store and places it in their virtual cart, showing intent to purchase.

Explanation

"Add to Cart" feature is a fundamental element of eCommerce websites, including Shopify stores. It allows customers to select products they wish to purchase and temporarily store them in a virtual cart. Once the items are in the cart, customers can proceed to checkout for payment and order completion. This action plays a crucial role in tracking customer intent and facilitating the shopping experience.

Importance

  • Customer Engagement: A direct indicator that customers are considering a purchase.
  • Track Customer Preferences: Allows merchants to monitor popular products and customer behavior.
  • Essential for Sales: Without this feature, customers cannot complete the purchase process.
  • Smooth User Experience: Simplifies the shopping experience by allowing customers to review and modify their selections before checkout.

How It Works

  • Product Selection: Customers browse a Shopify store and select a product they wish to purchase.
  • Add to Cart: They click the "Add to Cart" button, which stores the selected product in their shopping cart.
  • Cart Icon Update: The cart icon is updated to reflect the number of items added, allowing the customer to easily view and adjust their selections.
  • Checkout Process: Once ready, the customer proceeds to checkout to complete the purchase.

Benefits

  • Streamlined Shopping Process: Makes it easier for customers to gather multiple items and proceed to checkout.
  • Increased Conversion Opportunities: Adds products to the cart, creating a step closer to a sale.
  • Encourages Higher Spend: Customers may add more items to their cart before checking out.
  • Customer Convenience: Provides an easy way to review and adjust product selections before finalizing a purchase.