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Shopify One-Page Checkout: All You Need to Know

January 23, 2024
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

In this article, we’ll unravel the hidden nuances of Shopify’s checkout onepage system, guiding you through its intricacies and providing step-by-step tutorials for an optimized user journey.

Key Takeaways

Features of One-Page Checkout:

  • Simplified Process: Streamlines buying into a single step.
  • Reduced Cart Abandonment: Fewer steps mean fewer drop-offs.
  • Mobile-Friendly: Optimized for smartphone shopping.
  • Boosted Conversions: Speed and ease can lead to more sales.

What Is One-Page Checkout?

A one-page checkout is an eCommerce feature that streamlines the purchasing process by presenting all elements of the standard checkout – such as shipping address, billing information, and payment methods – on a single webpage. Instead of navigating through multiple pages and steps, customers can complete their purchases more swiftly and efficiently.

checkout onepage

Advantages of the onepage checkout 

  • Reduced Abandonment: With fewer steps and pages to load, there’s a reduced risk of customers getting impatient and abandoning their carts.
  • Increased Conversions: A streamlined process can result in a higher conversion rate, meaning more successful sales for the online store.
  • Improved User Experience: A concise and straightforward process can enhance customer satisfaction and potentially foster loyalty.

Key features of most one-page checkouts

  • Shipping Details: Where the product needs to be delivered.
  • Billing Information: Details about the person or entity being billed.
  • Payment Methods: Options like a credit card, PayPal, or other payment gateways.
  • Order Summary: A recap of what’s being purchased, including product details, quantities, prices, and applicable taxes or discounts.
  • Confirmation or Submit Button: Once all information is provided, this is the final click to finalize the purchase.

Many eCommerce platforms, including Shopify with many Shopify Checkout Examples, offer the ability to customize the one-page checkout experience to align with a brand’s identity or to incorporate additional features like upselling or coupon application.

checkout onepage

One-Page Checkout: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Faster Checkout Process: With everything on a single page like Shopify One Page checkout, customers don’t waste time loading multiple pages. This speeds up the checkout process considerably.
  • Lower Cart Abandonment: Each extra step in the checkout process increases the chances of a customer leaving without completing their purchase. For example, by reducing the steps, 1 page checkout Shopify often lowers cart abandonment rates.
  • User-Friendly Experience: A consolidated, straightforward process can feel less daunting to customers, especially those who aren’t tech-savvy. Fewer pages mean fewer complications.
  • Enhanced Mobile Shopping: With mobile shopping on the rise, 1 page checkout Shopify, for example, is more mobile-friendly. It reduces the need for excessive scrolling or loading multiple pages, offering a smoother experience for smartphone users.
  • Easier to Track with Analytics: You can clearly see that tracking a Checkout Page on Shopify with tools like Google Analytics is simpler than tracking multiple pages. This makes understanding and optimizing the checkout funnel more straightforward.
  • Higher Conversion Rates: By streamlining the checkout onepage process, many businesses find that Checkout Page Shopify, for instance, can lead directly to higher conversion rates. Customers appreciate a straightforward system, and this appreciation often translates to finalized sales.
  • Fewer Distractions for Customers: With everything consolidated on the checkout onepage, there are fewer chances for customers to get sidetracked or distracted. They’re more likely to complete the purchase without wandering off.
  • Enhanced Transparency: Displaying all costs, including taxes, shipping, and any additional fees, on one page gives customers a clear picture of their total expenses, leading to increased trust and fewer last-minute drop-offs.
  • Easier Maintenance and Updates: With just one page to monitor and adjust, making changes or updates becomes more manageable. Whether it’s adding a new payment gateway or updating the design, there’s only one place to make those changes.

Cons

  • Information Overload: For stores that require a lot of information from the buyer, 1 page checkout Shopify for example can appear cluttered or overwhelming, potentially deterring some users.
  • Less Scope for Upselling: With multi-page checkouts, there are more opportunities to introduce upselling or cross-selling between steps. 1 page checkout Shopify might limit these chances, as you can see.
  • Potential for Errors: With every form field on a single page, if a customer makes a mistake and doesn’t realize it until the end, it can be discouraging. They might have to scroll and search for the error, which can be off-putting.
  • Customization Limitations: Some eCommerce platforms might offer limited customization options for checkout onepage compared to multi-page systems, which could restrict some brands from fully aligning the checkout experience with their brand identity.
  • Server Load Issues: Loading all the required scripts, form fields, and elements on a single page can sometimes be more demanding on the server, especially during peak traffic times. This can lead to slower load times or, in rare Checkout Page Examples, server crashes.

One-Click Checkout: Is It Different from One-Page Checkout?

What is One-Click Checkout?

One-Click Checkout is a streamlined payment method that allows customers to make purchases with a single click without the need to enter shipping, billing, or payment information for each transaction. It’s designed for returning customers who have previously saved their information securely on the website or through a third-party payment service like Amazon Pay or Apple Pay. 

checkout onepage

One-Click Checkout: Pros

  1. Speed: One-Click Checkout is virtually instantaneous, allowing customers to complete purchases in a split second. Compared to one-page checkouts, for example Shopify Simple Page, which still requires customers to fill out information, one-click is even faster.
  2. User Retention: Due to the speed and convenience, returning customers are more likely to make repeat purchases. While one-page checkouts streamline the process, One-Click Checkout eliminates almost all barriers for returning customers with saved details.
  3. Reduced Friction: The fewer the steps, the less likely customers are to abandon their carts. One-page checkouts reduce steps compared to traditional checkouts, but One-Click Checkout takes this a step further by removing almost all actions.
  4. Enhanced Mobile Experience: One-click checkouts are particularly beneficial for mobile users who may find it cumbersome to enter details on smaller screens. While one-page checkouts adapt to mobile, one-click can offer an even smoother experience.
  5. Lowered Cognitive Load: Customers don’t have to think about the process; it’s a single action. One-page checkouts are straightforward, but one-click requires even less decision-making.
  6. Frequent Shoppers’ Dream: For customers who frequently shop at the same place, one-click is incredibly beneficial. One-page such as Shopify Single Page Checkout still requires some data input each time, but one-click capitalizes on saved information.
  7. Reduced Checkout Abandonment Due to Time-Out: Sometimes, during longer checkouts, sessions can time out, causing frustration. With one-click’s speed, this risk is essentially nullified, while one-page checkouts, though quicker than traditional methods, still carry this potential risk. 

One-Click Checkout: Cons

  • Accidental Purchases: The ease of one-click can sometimes lead to accidental purchases. In a one-page checkout, customers still have the chance to review details before finalizing.
  • Less Time for Upsell/Cross-Sell: The instantaneous nature means there’s less opportunity for showing customers additional products. One-page checkouts, while streamlined, can still incorporate sections for related items or add-ons.
  • Potential Security Concerns: Some customers may feel uneasy about their details being saved for one-click purchasing, fearing misuse. One-page checkouts typically require fresh input of details, offering a perceived layer of security for each transaction.

How To Implement One-Page Checkout For Your Shopify Store?

01. Shopify Plus

Optimizing your Checkout Page Shopify’s process can significantly impact your conversion rates. If you’re a Shopify Plus user, you have the advantage of enhanced customization capabilities, including the ability to implement a one-page checkout.

checkout onepage

Features

  • Dedicated Launch Engineer: You’ll have a dedicated expert to assist with your store setup and optimization.
  • Unlimited Staff Accounts: Flexibility in managing your team’s access to the platform.
  • Checkout Customization: The ability to tailor your checkout process to meet your specific needs.
  • Enhanced Theme Control: Greater control over your store’s themes for a customized appearance.
  • Advanced Analytics: Access to comprehensive data and analytics for deeper insights.
  • Wholesale Capabilities: Features designed to support wholesale selling and distribution.

Pricing

Shopify Plus comes at a premium cost. Its pricing starts at a minimum of $2,000 per month or 0.25% of your monthly sales volume, whichever is greater. This investment offers advanced capabilities ideal for larger businesses.

Process to Implement

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Plus Account

Log in to your Shopify Plus account. This exclusive plan grants access to advanced features tailored for high-growth businesses.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Online Store” Section and Select “Themes”

Within your Shopify Plus dashboard, locate and click on the “Online Store” section. From there, select “Themes” to manage the appearance and functionality of your online store.

Step 3: Customize HTML/CSS and Add a New Checkout Layout

In the “Themes” section, access “Customize HTML/CSS” to make modifications to your theme’s code. Here, you’ll add a new layout specifically designed for the checkout process.

Step 4: Choose ‘Checkout’ as the New Layout Type

When adding a new layout, a dropdown menu will appear. From this menu, choose ‘checkout’ as the layout type. This action signals Shopify to create a customized layout exclusively for the checkout page.

Step 5: Edit the Liquid Code

This step involves customizing the Liquid code generated for the new checkout layout. An experienced developer familiar with Liquid code will be essential for this phase.

  • Customization: Your developer will modify the Liquid code to consolidate the checkout steps onto a single page. This typically involves reorganizing sections such as shipping details, billing information, and payment methods to fit the one-page format.
  • Design Integration: Your developer will ensure that the one-page checkout aligns seamlessly with your store’s design and branding. This may include adjusting fonts, color schemes, and layout elements for consistency.
  • Testing: Thorough testing is essential to ensure that the one-page checkout functions smoothly across various devices and web browsers. Testing should encompass all aspects of the checkout process, verifying that it is error-free and user-friendly.

Third-party applications

Shopify One Step Checkout

Shopify One Step Checkout is an extension developed by Magebird that allows you to combine all the checkout steps into a single, user-friendly page. This simplification of the checkout process can significantly reduce cart abandonment rates and improve customer satisfaction.

checkout onepage
Features

Shopify One Page checkout comes with a variety of features that can enhance your e-commerce store’s checkout process:

  • Preserved Checkout Settings: With this extension, you can retain your existing checkout settings, ensuring a seamless transition to a one-page checkout.
  • Streamlined Form: Customers will appreciate the simplicity of a one-page checkout form featuring fewer fields to fill out, which speeds up the checkout process.
  • Upsell Opportunities: Increase your revenue potential by offering upsell options during the checkout process, enticing customers to add more items to their cart.
  • Sidebar Promo Messages: You can display promotional messages and offers in a sidebar, grabbing your customers’ attention without disrupting the checkout flow.

And many more features that enhance the overall shopping experience on your Shopify store.

Pricing

Shopify One Step Checkout by Magebird offers a competitive pricing structure:

  • First Customers: As an introductory offer, the extension is available for just 14 EUR/month. This is an excellent opportunity to test the benefits of one-page checkout without a significant financial commitment.
  • Flexible Subscription: You can cancel your subscription at any time, ensuring you have control over your expenses.
  • Money-Back Guarantee: Magebird stands by its product with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied within the first month, you can request a refund, giving you peace of mind.
Process to Implement

Implementing the Shopify One Step Checkout extension is a straightforward process:

  • Install the Extension: First, you need to purchase the extension from the Shopify App Store. Once purchased, you can install it with just a few clicks.
  • Configure Settings: After installation, customize the extension’s settings to align with your store’s branding and requirements. You can choose which features to enable and tailor the checkout process to your liking.
  • Test Thoroughly: Before making the one-page checkout live, thoroughly test the entire process to ensure it works smoothly for your customers.
  • Monitor Performance: Once implemented, regularly monitor the extension’s performance using Shopify analytics. Keep an eye on your conversion rates and customer feedback to make any necessary adjustments.

Skip To Checkout

In the quest to improve conversion rates and simplify the shopping experience for your customers, implementing a one-page checkout is a strategic move. In this section, we’ll explore another third-party application, “Skip To Checkout,” which allows you to skip the cart page and send your customers directly to checkout, enhancing the efficiency of your Shopify store’s checkout process.

checkout onepage
Features

Skip To Checkout is a straightforward yet powerful app designed to expedite the checkout process in your Shopify store. Here are some key features of this application:

  • Skip the Cart Page: This app enables you to bypass the cart page entirely, sending customers directly to the checkout page when they click the “Add to cart” button. This reduces the number of steps a customer needs to take before completing their purchase.
  • Customizable Button Text: You have the flexibility to customize the text on the “Add to cart” button to match your branding or provide clear instructions to customers. This customization can help improve user experience and clarity.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Skip To Checkout is designed to be user-friendly and easy to set up. You don’t need advanced technical skills to implement this functionality in your store.
Pricing

Skip To Checkout offers pricing plans starting from $4.99 per month, with a 3-day free trial.

Process to Implement

Implementing Skip To Checkout in your Shopify store is a straightforward process:

  • Installation: Start by installing the Skip To Checkout app from the Shopify App Store. Simply search for it in the app store, click “Add app,” and follow the installation prompts.
  • Configuration: After installation, access the app’s settings within your Shopify dashboard. Here, you can customize the text on the “Add to cart” button to match your branding or convey any specific instructions you want to give to your customers.
  • Testing: Thoroughly test the functionality to ensure it works as intended. Add products to your cart, click the customized button, and verify that customers are directed straight to the checkout page.
  • Monitor and Optimize: Once implemented, keep an eye on your conversion rates and customer feedback. Use Shopify analytics to track the impact of Skip To Checkout on your store’s performance and make adjustments as needed to further optimize the checkout process.

It’s worth noting that Skip To Checkout has received positive feedback from users, with an overall rating of 4.6. Many customers have praised the app’s customer service, highlighting its reliability and the support provided.

Alternatives to Shopify One-Page Checkout

01. Fast Checkout In One Click

checkout onepage
Key Features
  • Single-Click Checkout: Customers can complete their purchase with just one click from Fast Checkout In One Click, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple checkout steps.
  • Customizable Checkout Button: The checkout button’s text and appearance are fully customizable, allowing you to match it with your store’s branding and design.
  • Instant Payment Processing: Payments are processed instantly, reducing the time customers spend waiting to confirm their orders.
  • Integration with Payment Gateways: The app seamlessly integrates with popular payment gateways, ensuring a secure and efficient payment process.
  • Detailed Analytics: Gain insights into your store’s performance with comprehensive analytics, helping you track the impact of the one-click checkout feature.
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Simplicity: The one-click checkout eliminates unnecessary steps, making it incredibly easy for customers to complete their purchases.
  • Customization: You have full control over the button’s appearance and text, ensuring it aligns with your store’s aesthetics.
  • Instant Gratification: Instant payment processing can enhance the overall shopping experience by reducing waiting times.
Cons
  • Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your existing theme or apps to prevent conflicts.
Pricing

Fast Checkout In One Click typically offers pricing options starting from $4.49/month with a 5-day free trial.

Verdict

Compared to Shopify Single Page Checkout, Fast Checkout In One Click stands out in several ways:

  • Simplicity and Speed: The one-click checkout feature simplifies the purchase process to the utmost degree, making it quicker and more straightforward for customers compared to multi-step checkouts.
  • Instant Payment Processing: Instant payment processing eliminates delays, ensuring customers can finalize their orders without unnecessary waiting times.
  • Customization: Fast Checkout In One Click offers extensive customization options for the checkout button, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your brand’s style and messaging.

02. One-Click Checkout

Key Features
  • Stored User Information: Once a customer has provided their shipping, billing, and payment information, it is securely stored for future purchases.
  • Instant Purchase: Customers can make a purchase immediately without having to go through the usual multiple steps.
  • Reduced Cart Abandonment: With fewer steps, there’s less friction, which can lead to fewer abandoned carts.
  • Integrated Payment Systems: Often integrated with popular payment gateways to make transactions seamless.
  • Mobile Optimization: As mobile shopping becomes more prevalent, one-click checkout is optimized for smaller screens, making the checkout process on mobile devices more streamlined.
  • Security Protocols: Despite storing user information, robust security measures are typically in place to protect customer data.
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Efficiency: Speeds up the checkout process considerably.
  • Increased Conversions: By reducing friction, there’s a higher likelihood of conversion.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Customers appreciate a quicker, more straightforward checkout, leading to potential repeat business thanks to this Shopify One Click Checkout.
  • Reduction in Abandoned Carts: Fewer steps can lead to fewer customers dropping off before finalizing a purchase.
Cons
  • Security Concerns: Storing personal and payment information can be a concern for some customers.
  • Accidental Purchases: The ease of one-click from Shopify One Click Checkout can sometimes result in accidental purchases, leading to potential refunds.
Pricing

It’s free for any merchants using its e-commerce platform.

Verdict

There’s the verdict section broken down into distinct ideas highlighting the stronger points of One-Click Checkout in comparison to Shopify’s One-Page Checkout:

  • Utmost Efficiency: One-Click Checkout is the epitome of speed and simplicity, streamlining the purchase process even more than a one-page checkout.
  • Superior Conversion Potential: The fewer steps there are, the fewer opportunities there are for shoppers to change their minds. This often translates to higher conversion rates with one-click systems.
  • Loyalty & Repeat Purchases: The convenience of one-click can drive customer loyalty, as shoppers appreciate being able to purchase their desired items instantly. This can lead to more repeat purchases.
  • Instant Gratification: In today’s fast-paced world, consumers appreciate instant processes. One-click satisfies this need by allowing for immediate purchases, which can enhance the overall customer experience.

03. Instant Checkout – Buy button

checkout onepage
Key Features
  • Embed Anywhere: The Instant Checkout – Buy Button can be embedded in a variety of online platforms.
  • Direct Checkout: Takes the customer straight from the button to the payment, skipping the cart.
  • Customizable Design: Many platforms allow customization of the Buy Button to match your brand.
  • Integrated Payment: Often has built-in payment gateways for quick and seamless transactions.
  • Mobile-Friendly: Optimized for mobile users to enhance the mobile shopping experience.
  • Secure Transactions: Despite the simplification, security isn’t compromised.
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Versatility: This can be placed anywhere online, not just on your website.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Eliminates multiple steps for a direct purchase.
  • Higher Conversion Potential: Fewer steps and diversifying the platforms where you sell might lead to increased conversions.
  • Strengthened Marketing: This can be utilized in targeted campaigns and emails, making the purchase process just one click away from marketing content.
Cons
  • Limited Product Information: With a direct buy button, there’s limited space to offer detailed product information, which might make some customers hesitant.
  • Fewer Upselling/Cross-Selling Opportunities: The direct nature of the buy button can bypass opportunities to show customers related or complementary products.
Pricing

Its basic plan starts at $4 per month, with a 3-day free trial.

Verdict

Stronger Points of Instant Checkout – Buy Button

  • Ubiquitous Selling: One of the primary advantages of the Buy Button is its versatility. Unlike traditional checkouts, you can embed this button almost anywhere online, giving you more avenues to make sales.
  • Direct & Efficient: By skipping the cart, it provides a straightforward path from product interest to purchase, which can be especially appealing for impulse buys or limited-time offers.
  • Tailored Marketing Integration: The ability to integrate the Buy Button into email campaigns or targeted ads means the line between marketing and purchase becomes incredibly thin.
  • Simplified User Experience: For customers familiar with the product or loyal to the brand, the Buy Button provides the simplest and quickest checkout experience.
  • Potential for Higher Conversions: With the reduced friction of traditional checkout steps, there’s a good chance of seeing higher conversion rates.

04. Buy Me ‑ Buy Button

checkout onepage
Key Features
  • Floating Buy Button: The Buy Me – Buy Button might hover on pages, making it easily accessible no matter where the customer scrolls.
  • Product Quick View: A quick view popup when hovering over or clicking on the button, providing essential product details.
  • Direct Checkout Linking: Might offer the option to skip the cart and head directly to checkout.
  • Customizable Designs: Flexibility to adjust the look and feel to match your brand’s aesthetics.
  • Integration with Multiple Payment Gateways: Seamless integration to offer a variety of payment methods.
  • Mobile-Optimized: Ensuring a smooth experience for mobile shoppers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Ever-Present Convenience: A floating feature ensures it’s always within the customer’s reach, making spontaneous purchases easier.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Quick views and direct links simplify the purchase process, improving the overall shopping experience.
  • Increased Sales Potential: The omnipresent nature might lead to increased impulsive buying behavior.
  • Adaptable Aesthetics: The ability to match the brand’s style can lead to a cohesive look and enhanced trust.
Cons
  • Reduced Browsing Experience: Direct checkout can sometimes limit exposure to other products, reducing potential upsells or cross-sells.
  • Security Perception: Some users might be wary of direct-buy methods if they’re unfamiliar with them.
Pricing

It offers 4 pricing plans:

  • Free plan: $0
  • Small plan: $2.95/month
  • Medium plan: $4.95/month
  • Large plan: $6.95/month
Verdict

Stronger Points of Buy Me ‑ Buy Button than many Shopify Checkout Examples:

  • Constant Visibility: Unlike traditional checkouts or even some Buy Buttons, the floating nature ensures that the purchase option is always within reach, potentially increasing sales opportunities.
  • Instant Product Details: The quick view feature can be a game-changer, allowing users to get product details without navigating away from their current page.
  • Simplified Shopping Journey: By potentially bypassing several steps, the journey from product interest to purchase becomes straightforward and efficient.
  • Adaptive Design: The ability to customize the button can enhance brand consistency and user trust, leading to potentially higher conversions.
  • Direct Checkout Potential: While Shopify One Page checkout is streamlined, the direct link to checkout from the product page can further expedite the process, making it even more efficient.

Discover more great One-Page Checkout Apps for Shopify

Checkout Onepage: FAQs 

Why one page checkout?

One-page checkout streamlines the purchase process by presenting all necessary fields on a single page. This reduces the number of steps a customer must take, potentially lowering cart abandonment rates and improving the overall shopping experience.

Is one page checkout better?

One-page checkout, including Shopify One Page checkout, is often considered better in terms of conversion rates because it minimizes friction in the purchase process. By consolidating the checkout process into a single page, customers face fewer barriers, leading to a higher likelihood of completing their purchase. However, its effectiveness can vary based on the target audience and website design.

What is the difference between one page and two page checkout?

A one-page checkout presents all the necessary fields and information for completing a purchase on a single page. In contrast, a two-page checkout breaks the process into two steps, often separating billing/shipping details from payment details. While a two-page checkout can be clearer for some users, it can also introduce additional friction points, potentially leading to higher cart abandonment rates.

What is a 1 page website called?

A one-page website is commonly referred to as a “Single Page Website” or “One Page Website.” Everything a user needs to see or interact with is available on that single page, typically navigated by scrolling or using anchor links.

What does a 1 page website look like?

A one-page website typically has a linear design. As users scroll or navigate, they move through different sections like Home, About, Services, and Contact. Each section is a part of the single webpage. Visually, these websites often employ parallax scrolling effects, engaging visuals, and concise content to keep the user engaged as they navigate through the site’s content.

What is the alternative to the checkout page?

Alternatives to traditional checkout pages include Instant Checkouts or Buy Buttons, which allow customers to purchase directly from product pages or embedded links. Another alternative is One-Click Checkout, where returning users can purchase with a single click using stored payment and shipping information. The aim of these alternatives is to simplify and expedite the purchase process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the checkout onepage approach streamlines the purchasing process, offering customers a more efficient and user-friendly shopping experience.


Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.