Confused about “ReadyCloud”? You’re not the only one. It’s a common mix-up. For years, people have stumbled across these two very different platforms sharing a similar name — but serving two completely different markets.

ReadyCloud Suite is a thriving ecommerce operations platform for online retailers, designed to connect shipping, returns, CRM, and post-purchase marketing in one cloud-based ecosystem.

Netgear ReadyCLOUD, on the other hand, was a personal file-access system created for managing Netgear ReadyNAS storage systems remotely. The service was fully discontinued in early 2023, and it’s no longer functional for users.

Here’s what you need to know to clear the air and understand why ReadyCloud Suite isn’t just active — it’s essential for ecommerce success.

What is ReadyCloud Suite? A Smart Ecosystem for Ecommerce Brands

ReadyCloud Suite is designed specifically for ecommerce businesses. It brings together everything you need to power the after-purchase experience — the part that happens once the sale is complete but your relationship with the customer is just beginning.

If you’re using Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Amazon, Walmart, or any combination of marketplaces, ReadyCloud makes it easier to ship faster, process returns seamlessly, market smarter, and manage customer relationships with clarity.

This isn’t a storage or backup service. It’s built to manage operations and keep your ecommerce engine running efficiently.

Here’s what’s inside the ReadyCloud Suite:

• ReadyShipper X: enterprise-grade shipping software
• ReadyReturns: return automation your customers will love
• Action Alerts: marketing tools that drive repeat sales
• Headless: departments stay in sync on a seamless platform

ReadyCloud Suite is the ecommerce operating system modern brands are adopting to improve visibility, productivity, and profit margins — especially after the “Buy Now” button is clicked.

Breaking Down the Suite: What You Actually Get

ReadyShipper X: Faster Shipping, Fewer Mistakes

ReadyShipper X is built to streamline shipping across your ecommerce ecosystem. It pulls orders from your sales channels, compares real-time shipping rates, and lets you print labels in batches with just a few clicks.

It’s not just about printing labels — it’s about shipping smarter:

• Hybrid-cloud technology for performance and flexibility
• Works with USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more
• Batch processing to handle high-volume days
• Integrates with your online stores and marketplaces
• Gives your team better control and fewer fulfillment headaches

ReadyReturns: Turn Returns into a Strength

Returns don’t have to be a customer service burden. With ReadyReturns, you can offer the same hassle-free return experience shoppers are used to from Amazon — all while maintaining brand control.

Top features include:

• Self-service return portals
• Custom return policies and rules
• Automatic approvals or flags based on product types
• Easy refunds or exchanges
• Data reporting for smarter inventory decisions

When customers know they can return something without a fight, they’re more likely to click “Buy.”

Action Alerts: Automated Marketing That Converts

Staying connected with customers post-purchase can be the difference between a one-time buyer and a loyal fan. Action Alerts helps you send out timely messages for delivery updates, feedback requests, review invitations, and targeted promotions.

Benefits:

• Trigger messages based on events like order shipped or delivered
• Drive upsells or cross-sells based on order contents
• Send review requests at the right time
• Keep your brand top of mind without relying on email blasts

Cross-Channel CRM: Know Your Customers, All of Them

Most ecommerce CRMs only track customer activity on a single platform. ReadyCloud’s cross-channel CRM gives you the full picture — regardless of where the customer came from or how they shop.

This means:

• Unified timelines of orders, returns, and interactions
• Smart tagging and filtering by channel, product, geography
• Internal notes, follow-up reminders, and support tracking
• Built-in tools for team collaboration

It’s easier to build real relationships with your customers when you actually know them.

Team Collaboration: No More Silos

ReadyCloud helps break down internal walls between your departments. Fulfillment, marketing, and support all work from the same system — making miscommunication a thing of the past.

Features include:

• Task assignment and commenting on customer records
• Real-time activity logs
• Internal tagging and status updates
• Shared visibility across teams

Everyone stays informed. Everything gets handled. Nothing falls through the cracks.

Who Uses ReadyCloud Suite?

ReadyCloud Suite is made for ecommerce sellers — whether you’re running a Shopify store, selling across Amazon and eBay, or managing several brands at once.

Ideal users include:

• DTC brands shipping at scale
• Retailers managing multi-channel orders
• Companies dealing with high return rates
• Teams that need more internal visibility
• Startups looking to scale without losing control

If you’re trying to grow an online business and need more than spreadsheets and siloed systems, ReadyCloud gives you a better foundation to operate and expand.

What Was Netgear ReadyCLOUD? Understanding the Legacy of a Discontinued Service

Netgear’s ReadyCLOUD was not built for ecommerce — and that’s where the confusion often starts. ReadyCLOUD was a remote access service for managing and streaming content stored on Netgear ReadyNAS devices.

It let users access their NAS (Network Attached Storage) from anywhere using:

• A web portal at readycloud.netgear.com
• A mobile app (iOS and Android)
• A desktop app (Windows and macOS)

With ReadyCLOUD, users could:

• View, download, and upload files to their ReadyNAS device
• Share files or folders with others remotely
• Stream media content stored on their NAS
• Perform file sync between desktop and NAS

This worked well for home users, small offices, and tech-savvy consumers — but it was never designed for retail businesses or ecommerce environments.

Why Netgear Discontinued ReadyCLOUD in 2023

As of early 2023, Netgear officially ended support for ReadyCLOUD.

Here’s what happened:

• The ReadyCLOUD platform was shut down
• Remote access through the portal and apps was disabled
• Users could no longer access files from outside their network
• Netgear advised migrating to third-party cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive

That left many ReadyNAS users scrambling to find alternatives — and sparked a lot of online confusion between Netgear’s defunct ReadyCLOUD and ReadyCloud Suite, which is very much alive and active.

ReadyCloud Suite vs. Netgear ReadyCLOUD: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Still Confused? Here’s Why the Naming Overlap Happens

The name similarity is pure coincidence. ReadyCloud Suite is a standalone brand, owned and operated independently from Netgear. It serves ecommerce companies exclusively.

Netgear ReadyCLOUD was a remote access system — it never had CRM tools, ecommerce integrations, or shipping features. It’s long gone, but the legacy confusion remains.

If you’re a business looking to improve shipping and returns, or centralize customer data, ReadyCloud Suite is what you want.

Why Smart Ecommerce Brands Are Switching to ReadyCloud Suite in 2025

In today’s ecommerce world, speed, visibility, and customer satisfaction are everything. You can’t afford to run your backend on disconnected apps and outdated workflows. ReadyCloud Suite is helping online retailers:

• Ship faster without error
• Offer Amazon-like returns
• Automate customer follow-ups
• Centralize customer profiles
• Improve communication across teams

It’s about running leaner and more intelligently — and giving your team the right tools to deliver better outcomes across every post-purchase touchpoint.

25 FAQs About ReadyCloud Suite vs. Netgear ReadyCLOUD

1. What is ReadyCloud Suite?
   An ecommerce software platform for shipping, returns, CRM, and marketing automation.
2. Is ReadyCloud Suite related to Netgear?
   No. It’s completely unrelated and built for ecommerce, not NAS storage.
3. What was Netgear ReadyCLOUD?
   A remote access tool for managing files on Netgear ReadyNAS devices.
4. Can I still use Netgear ReadyCLOUD?
   No. The service was terminated in early 2023.
5. Does ReadyCloud Suite offer file backup?
   No. It focuses on ecommerce workflow, not data storage.
6. Can I ship orders from ReadyCloud Suite?
   Yes, using ReadyShipper X, which supports major carriers.
7. Does ReadyCloud have a returns solution?
   Yes, ReadyReturns lets customers initiate returns on their own.
8. Can ReadyCloud Suite manage my Shopify store?
   Yes, it integrates with Shopify and many other platforms.
9. Was Netgear ReadyCLOUD used for ecommerce?
   No. It was only for personal file access and NAS management.
10. Is ReadyCloud Suite cloud-hosted?
    Yes, and ReadyShipper X can also run hybrid-cloud.
11. Can I access Netgear ReadyCLOUD today?
    No. All apps and portals were shut down by Netgear.
12. Can I use ReadyCloud on mobile?
    Readycloud is designed for use on any desktop platform and most tablets.
13. What CRM features are in ReadyCloud Suite?
    Cross-channel profiles, order history, tags, tasks, and notes.
14. Does ReadyCloud Suite support marketing automation?
    Yes, through Action Alerts for post-sale engagement.
15. Is ReadyCloud Suite secure?
    Yes, with enterprise-grade security and compliance protocols.
16. What should Netgear ReadyCLOUD users do now?
    Move to Dropbox, OneDrive, or other mainstream cloud platforms.
17. Is ReadyCloud Suite scalable?
    Yes. It grows with your ecommerce business.
18. What are the core components of ReadyCloud Suite?
    Shipping, returns, CRM, alerts, and collaboration tools.
19. How does ReadyCloud handle team workflows?
    Task assignment, activity logs, and internal notes.
20. Do I need a Netgear product to use ReadyCloud Suite?
    No. ReadyCloud Suite is completely unrelated to Netgear.
21. Can ReadyCloud help reduce support tickets?
    Yes. Shipping and Returns automation and CRM tools lower service volume.
22. Where is ReadyCloud Suite based?
    It’s a US-based platform serving merchants worldwide. 
23. How is ReadyCloud Suite different from plugins?
    It’s an integrated system, not just a bolt-on tool.
24. Can I see customer orders from multiple marketplaces?
    Yes. All orders are pulled into one dashboard.
25. Where can I learn more?
    Visit https://www.readycloud.com to explore the suite.

Looking to ship smarter, reduce returns chaos, and simplify your ecommerce stack?
Try ReadyCloud Suite today and give your team the tools they’ve been missing.

Ecommerce has transformed into one of the most dynamic industries worldwide, constantly adapting to shifts in technology, consumer preferences, and global events. Online shopping today shows just how effortlessly technology has become a part of our daily routines. From mobile commerce to personalized experiences, ecommerce trends continue shaping how businesses engage with their customers.

Traditional retail has had its hurdles, while ecommerce has raced ahead, delivering unmatched ease and personalized experiences. Brands across industries are leveraging these trends to create memorable shopping experiences. Understanding the drivers of these changes is essential for businesses striving to stay relevant and ahead of the competition.

Why Understanding Trends Is Crucial

Adapting to ecommerce trends allows businesses to innovate and remain ahead in a crowded marketplace. Think of how mobile commerce reshaped shopping behavior, or how artificial intelligence made personalization a key player in improving sales. The companies embracing these shifts early on are those setting benchmarks for success.

Join us for this in-depth blog where we’ll uncover the most impactful ecommerce trends that are shaping the ecommerce industry and explore how your business can align with them for sustainable growth. 

The Top Ecommerce Industry Trends for 2025

The world of ecommerce keeps changing, fueled by technological progress and evolving consumer demands. Businesses that stay informed about emerging trends are better equipped to meet these changes head-on, ensuring continued growth and relevance. The trends shaping the industry in 2025 are more than fleeting innovations—they’re transformative shifts redefining how customers shop and interact with brands.

One major trend influencing the future is the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in delivering tailored experiences. This game-changing combination is reshaping customer experiences, making them more intuitive, efficient, and engaging than ever before. Let’s dive into how personalization and AI are revolutionizing ecommerce.

Personalization and AI-Driven Shopping Experiences

Modern shoppers expect brands to predict their needs even before they realize them. Personalization, powered by artificial intelligence, is at the core of delivering such an experience. AI analyzes consumer behavior, predicts preferences, and creates hyper-relevant recommendations, giving shoppers the sense that each product and offer is tailored to them.

Major players like Amazon and Netflix excel at using AI to predict what their customers need next. Smaller businesses are also leveraging accessible tools like machine learning algorithms to create personalized email campaigns, product recommendations, and chat support.

Investing in ecommerce personalization can significantly boost conversion rates and customer loyalty. AI-powered chatbots, dynamic product showcases, and predictive analytics have become necessities for growth, not just nice-to-haves.

Sustainability and Ethical Shopping

Shoppers are increasingly factoring ethical sourcing and responsible practices into their buying choices, including green packaging initiatives, with a sharp rise in demand for products that align with these values. Brands showcasing transparency and care in their approach are gaining greater consumer loyalty.

Leading companies, such as Patagonia and Allbirds, have built their reputations on sustainability, showing that environmental consciousness can be a competitive advantage. Incorporating sustainable packaging, transparent sourcing, and eco-friendly shipping practices can make your brand stand out.

Smaller businesses can join this movement without excessive costs. Simple steps like reducing packaging waste, sourcing locally, or offering recycling programs can resonate deeply with eco-conscious consumers.

Trends in Online Retail Technology

Technology continues to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in ecommerce, enabling businesses to deliver exceptional shopping experiences. As the digital retail landscape becomes increasingly competitive, innovation in technology is helping brands stand out and meet evolving consumer demands.

From augmented reality tools that bring products to life to advanced chatbots streamlining customer interactions, online retail technology is bridging the gap between convenience and engagement. These advancements aren’t just improving how shoppers interact with ecommerce platforms—they’re setting new expectations for the entire industry. Let’s explore the key technological trends shaping the future of online retail.

Augmented Reality (AR) for Virtual Try-Ons

A lot of shoppers are reluctant to shop online because they can’t see or feel products firsthand. Augmented reality bridges this gap, letting customers “try on” items or visualize how products will fit in their lives. AR is revolutionizing ecommerce across industries, from furniture to fashion.

Brands such as IKEA and Sephora have led the way in AR technology, letting customers visualize furniture in their spaces or try out makeup looks through their apps. These innovations reduce returns and improve buyer confidence, making AR a worthwhile investment.

Adding AR features to your ecommerce store doesn’t have to be complicated. Numerous third-party tools offer affordable ways to implement AR capabilities, ensuring even small businesses can offer this modern shopping experience.

The Power of Chatbots and Customer Service Automation

Automation in customer service is redefining the way brands interact with shoppers. AI-powered chatbots offer essential live chat that’s available 24/7, answering queries, recommending products, and guiding customers through the buying process. These tools offer quick responses and ensure consistent support, building trust and satisfaction.

Ecommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce now include chatbot integrations that are easy to set up and customize. Chatbots handle everything from answering FAQs to resolving complaints, freeing up resources and keeping customers connected.

Trends in Online Shopping Behavior

The way people shop online is evolving quickly, driven by technological breakthroughs and changing expectations. Today’s shoppers are more informed, connected, and selective than ever before, seeking seamless experiences that blend convenience with personalization.

Understanding online shopping behaviors is key for businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge. Whether it’s the rise of mobile commerce, the demand for consistent omnichannel experiences, or the growing reliance on user-generated content, these behavioral trends are shaping how consumers make purchasing decisions. Here’s a closer look at the patterns driving online shopping in 2025 and how your business can align with them.

The Rise of Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce)

As smartphones dominate online shopping, mobile commerce has experienced explosive growth. Shoppers expect fast, seamless mobile experiences, from browsing to checkout. Websites optimized for mobile devices and dedicated shopping apps play a critical role in meeting these expectations.

A responsive website isn’t just a best practice anymore; it’s a necessity. Simplifying navigation, improving load times, and offering mobile-friendly payment options can significantly enhance the user experience. Companies investing in mobile-first strategies often see higher engagement and sales.

Omnichannel Shopping Journeys

Consumers don’t think of shopping as an online-versus-in-store decision anymore. Instead, they seamlessly switch between multiple channels, creating opportunities for businesses to engage with them across platforms. From researching products online to purchasing in-store, all the way to webrooming and showrooming, an omnichannel strategy ensures consistency in messaging and services.

Integrating inventory data across channels, offering in-store pickup for online orders, or using social media for direct sales are great ways to create a cohesive shopping journey. Successful omnichannel strategies focus on the customer, ensuring their experience feels connected at every touchpoint.

Ecommerce Logistics and Fulfillment Trends

Forward and reverse logistics and order fulfillment have become cornerstones of the ecommerce experience, playing a critical role in customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Shoppers now expect faster, more efficient delivery options, alongside transparent shipping processes that align with their values, such as sustainability and convenience.

Businesses need to stay ahead of emerging trends in logistics and fulfillment to remain competitive. From innovative shipping strategies to eco-friendly packaging solutions, these shifts are shaping how products move from warehouses to doorsteps. Let’s break down the logistics and fulfillment trends redefining ecommerce and discover how businesses can leverage them to create competitive advantages.

Fast and Free Shipping Expectations

Speed and convenience have become the standard in ecommerce logistics. Shoppers expect rapid deliveries, often at no additional cost. Fulfilling these demands calls for strong supply chain management and collaborations with dependable shipping partners.

Amazon’s same-day delivery has set a high bar, but smaller businesses can compete by offering free shipping incentives or local delivery options. While fast shipping can be costly, businesses must find creative ways to balance customer expectations with profitability.

Sustainability in Packaging and Delivery

With growing awareness of environmental concerns, consumers are seeking greener shipping solutions. Businesses can address this by adopting eco-conscious packaging, carbon-neutral delivery options, and utilizing local fulfillment centers to minimize their impact.

Highlighting these efforts in marketing materials can make a significant impression on shoppers, turning sustainability into a selling point.

Key Ecommerce Marketing Trends

Marketing remains the driving force behind ecommerce success, evolving alongside technology and consumer expectations. With competition heating up, businesses need to embrace creative marketing strategies to capture, connect with, and keep their customers. The trends shaping ecommerce marketing today go beyond traditional tactics, focusing instead on personalization, data-driven decision-making, and content that resonates with modern shoppers.

From leveraging influencer partnerships to creating dynamic, video-rich campaigns, these trends highlight the importance of meeting consumers where they are and delivering value through meaningful connections. Let’s explore the key marketing trends reshaping the ecommerce industry and how your business can implement them effectively.

Data-Driven Marketing Campaigns

Data is now a game-changer for building effective marketing strategies. Analyzing customer behavior gives businesses valuable insights into their audience, helping them craft campaigns that truly resonate.

Data transforms strategies in areas like email marketing, retargeting ads, and social media promotions. Platforms like Google Analytics and CRM systems provide insights that lead to smarter choices and higher ROI.

Leveraging Influencer Partnerships

Influencers have a strong impact on purchase decisions, and their role in ecommerce marketing continues to grow. Collaborating with influencers connects brands to highly engaged audiences, often driving sales and increasing brand recognition.

Collaborating with influencers doesn’t need to break the bank. Micro-influencers often have deeply engaged audiences and offer great value for budget-conscious businesses.

Adapting to the Fast-Paced Ecommerce Landscape

Remaining competitive in ecommerce demands continuous adaptation and awareness of new trends. Businesses that anticipate shifts in technology, consumer behavior, and logistics will remain ahead of the curve.

Partner with ReadyCloud

ReadyCloud offers the tools your ecommerce business needs to thrive in this evolving industry. From shipping and CRM to analytics, we provide solutions tailored to online retailers. Explore our blog for more insights or contact us today to see how we can help your business grow.

With a plethora of platforms designed to make your life easier and your business more successful, you’re bound to find a treasure trove of solutions in the Shopify App Store that fit your needs like a glove. Whether you’re looking to boost sales, increase consumer trust or supercharge your marketing efforts, these Shopify apps are like your trusty sidekicks, ready to lend a hand. 

Keep reading for the must-have Shopify apps that will unlock your online store’s potential.

Judge.me Product Reviews

One of the most powerful forms of social proof, product reviews are a must-have for your online store. People trust other people more than they trust brands, so having unfiltered feedback from customers is worth more than gold. A positive review can convince a shopper to give your store a chance, and you’ll reap the rewards when you see more first-time customers who turn into loyal advocates. 

The numbers don’t lie:  

• 92% of consumers read product reviews before making a purchase.
• Having product reviews on your website can boost conversions by 58%.
• 86% of shoppers say reviews are an “essential resource.”

There are plenty of product review apps to choose from in the Shopify app store, but Judge.me is a solid option. It loads quickly, is fully customizable and is offered in 38 languages so you can easily showcase your social proof to international shoppers. 

Under Construction Coming Soon

Are you taking advantage of FOMO in your ecommerce business? FOMO, an acronym for “fear of missing out,” is key for building hype around new products or collections. Exclusivity drives sales every time, whether the product is a status symbol, a limited edition or a great bargain. Think about the early years of Black Friday when shoppers would wait for stores to open in the wee hours of the morning and then stampede the sales. 

Now, in the ecommerce age, those shoppers are waiting for websites to “open,” and that’s where Under Construction Coming Soon comes into play. The app helps you create a landing page that lets shoppers know the site is undergoing maintenance, but a timer creates anticipation for the reopening date. From here, you can easily create marketing campaigns that advertise the launch and generate interest in the weeks leading up to it.

Smile: Loyalty & Rewards

In a crowded ecommerce landscape, attracting new customers is a challenge, but retaining them is an art form. One surefire way to improve loyalty across the board? Customer loyalty programs, which incentivize customers to make repeat purchases and earn rewards along the way. Whether members accumulate points to redeem for store credit or get exclusive access to sales, these programs have clear appeal for shoppers — and there are benefits for the online retailers, too. 

Here’s a snapshot:

• Customer loyalty program members spend 12-18% more than non-members.   
• A 5% increase in customer retention rates can supercharge profits by 95%.
• 75% of shoppers prefer to buy from stores that offer loyalty programs. 

To easily add a loyalty program, look no further than Smile.io. The app is customizable to fit any brand aesthetic, and it integrates with a wide variety of Shopify tools.    

Trust Badges Bear

Cybersecurity is top of mind for today’s consumers, so they’re looking for reassurance when browsing unfamiliar online stores. With Trust Badges Bear, you can give them that peace of mind by adding — you guessed it — trust badges and secure payment icons to your website.

Trust badges, also known as trust seals or security icons, offer several valuable benefits to online retailers:

1. Credibility: Displaying affiliations with recognized third-party organizations such as security providers, payment gateways and industry associations helps to alleviate prospective customers’ concerns about the safety of their personal information. 
2. Legitimacy: Trust badges establish a sense of legitimacy and professionalism, encouraging visitors to view the retailer as reliable and trustworthy. This, in turn, can lead to increased conversions and reduced cart abandonment rates. 

User Experience: By fostering a sense of security and transparency, brands can ultimately build long-term customer relationships based on confidence and peace of mind.

Klaviyo: Email Marketing & SMS

Unfortunately, the saying, “If you build it, they will come” doesn’t quite apply to ecommerce. Marketing your products is a significant part of running an online store, and consumers typically have eight touchpoints with a brand before they make a purchase. In short, you can’t assume shoppers will flock to your website or buy something as soon as they get there. 

What you can do, however, is stay in touch to stay top of mind. Klaviyo is a stellar app that helps create email and SMS marketing campaigns that keep prospects and customers in the loop. The platform offers templates so you can be up and running in minutes, and it unifies Shopify data to provide a wealth of analytics so you’ll know which campaigns are the most lucrative. 

Need a refresher on the power of email marketing? 

• Six in 10 consumers have made a purchase after receiving a promotional email.
• Email marketing drives 9% of all ecommerce traffic. 
• Nearly half (47%) of consumers prefer brands to contact them via email.

By segmenting email campaigns, brands can drive a 760% revenue increase. 

ReadyCloud Ecommerce CRM

We couldn’t make a list of must-have apps without a shameless plug at the end, but ReadyCloud is truly a necessity for all Shopify sellers who want to simplify their operations and focus on their customers. At its core, ReadyCloud is a CRM (customer relationship management) tool built specifically for online retailers. The platform magically organizes all customer data from contact information to order history so you can learn their purchasing habits and market to them more effectively. 

With ReadyShipper and ReadyReturns, you can also consolidate your tech stack by managing shipping and returns all from one location. View tracking information, communicate with customers and improve the user experience with a streamlined system that’s also connected to your CRM data. You’ll save yourself the headaches, and you’ll give your customers a hassle-free experience.

Honorable Mentions: 

• Tidio Live Chat & AI Chatbots
• SearchPie: SEO Booster & Speed
• Triple Whale Analytics

Related Guides: 

• Our Picks for Top 4 Best Shopify Themes
• How to Manage Shipping on Shopify
• How to Handle Returns on Shopify
• Shopify Statistics You Need to Know

In the bustling world of ecommerce, the design and layout of your online store play a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers. The right theme can enhance your brand’s image, optimize user experience, and ultimately drive conversions. Shopify, a leading ecommerce platform, offers a plethora of themes that cater to various business needs.

Today, we will take a deep dive into some of the best Shopify store themes and help you also understand the importance of managing returns and shipping on Shopify while highlighting some of the top Shopify apps that can elevate your online store’s performance along way. So buckle up, and let’s jump on in!

The Importance of the Correct Theme

Your store’s theme is more than just a pretty facade. It’s the first impression customers have of your brand. A well-designed, professional-looking theme can instill trust and encourage visitors to explore your store further. Conversely, a poorly designed theme can deter potential customers, leading to lost sales.

Why Shopify Themes?

Shopify offers an extensive range of themes, both free and paid. These themes are designed to cater to a variety of business types and sizes. With hundreds to choose from, picking the perfect Shopify theme for your online store can seem daunting. To make the task easier, let’s look at some specific examples of Shopify stores that got it right.

Shopify Store Theme Examples

Let’s examine four Shopify stores that have effectively used their chosen themes to create an engaging and successful online shopping environment.

Simply Gourmet: Bluesoft Empire

Everything about the Simply Gourmet Cooking store and this specific landing page for “Best Maple Syrup Brands” feels intentional—from the clean layout to how every product photo makes you want to grab a fork. The theme is minimal but warm, letting the food do the talking. Navigation is simple, the checkout is smooth, and the overall vibe feels like stepping into a well-curated kitchen. Whether you’re browsing for maple syrup or planning your next pantry upgrade, it’s clear this isn’t just a store—it’s a place that knows good food starts with thoughtful choices.

Carvature: Origin Theme

Carvature, a provider of custom signage for homes, uses the free Origin theme. Despite being a free theme, Origin offers a stylish, polished look and feel. It’s quick to launch, focuses on products, and offers enhanced search and product discovery options. The neutral color palette of Carvature’s store allows their vibrant product images to pop, enhancing the overall appeal.

Prime Line Retail: District Theme

The District theme, known for its clean, minimalist design, is the choice of Prime Line Retail, a provider of custom retail packaging solutions. The theme’s dynamic product filtering, mobile-friendly design, and product spotlights make browsing easy and enjoyable for visitors. The “recommended products” tab on product pages is a clever feature to boost average order value.

Bonus Entire: Bold & Rustic Custom Theme

Shopify makes it easy to build your own custom store, and the options are nearly endless for design. Take this modern, sleek and entirely custom theme that is in place with jewerly store Bold & Rustic. It’s a minimalist design that is chic, appealing and engaging, but not overdone. And for that matter, we have one more bonus addition you should look at, Mini Masters Art — a store that uses a minimalist Shopify Theme that just makes it stand out.

Managing Shopify Returns on Your Custom Store

After exploring the best Shopify themes, it’s essential to touch upon another crucial aspect of running a successful online store: managing Shopify returns. A well-executed return process can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one, fostering better customer relationships and encouraging repeat purchases.

The Significance of Efficient Return Management

An efficient return process can improve customer satisfaction, increase sales, and enhance your brand’s reputation. The key lies in crafting a clear, accessible, and flexible return policy. However, managing returns on Shopify manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

Automated Returns with ReadyReturns

Enter ReadyReturns, a powerful e-commerce returns software that seamlessly integrates with your Shopify store. It automates the return process, enabling customers to easily initiate returns, print return shipping labels, and track their returns on-the-go. By making the returns process clear and hassle-free, ReadyReturns can help turn a one-time shopper into a repeat customer.

How to Ship with Shopify: Streamlining Shipping

Shipping on Shopify is another vital aspect of ecommerce that can significantly impact your customer’s shopping experience and your business’s bottom line. Shopify offers various options to manage your shipping rates, packaging, tracking, and international shipping.

Determining Shipping Rates

You can offer free shipping, charge real-time carrier rates, offer a flat rate, or offer local delivery. While free shipping can reduce cart abandonment, charging real-time carrier rates allows customers to choose and pay for the exact service they want.

Choosing Packaging

The type of packaging you choose can affect your shipping costs and your brand image. Consider the weight and size of your packaging, and if your product line varies, have a variety of packaging sizes and materials available.

Shipping Insurance and Tracking

Shipping insurance and tracking can provide added security for high-value products. Insurance provides recourse if a package gets lost or damaged, while tracking allows your customers to track their package and know when to expect delivery.

International Shipping

For international shipping, ensure to include the correct customs documentation. These forms inform the customs officers at the country of import about the package’s contents, cost, and whether it’s a gift or merchandise.

Using Business Accounts

Setting up business accounts with your chosen carriers can offer benefits such as discounts, better expense tracking, and a host of online tools to efficiently manage your shipping process.

Enhancing Your Store with the Best Shopify Apps

Shopify’s App Store offers countless applications, integrations, and software solutions to enhance your ecommerce operation. These apps can help with various aspects of your online store, including marketing, shipping, returns, SEO, and more. Here are some of the top Shopify apps you might consider adding to your store:

SyncSpider

SyncSpider is a universal marketing tool that synchronizes web app data across hundreds of channels and platforms. It can automate time-consuming tasks by eliminating the need for manual data copy-pasting.

Loyalty Lion

LoyaltyLion encourages customer loyalty by offering social rewards for referring friends and family to your online store.

Back in Stock

Back in Stock helps you capitalize on sales that could be lost due to out-of-stock products. It allows customers to sign-up to be notified when those products are back in stock.

Abandon Aid

Abandon Aid is one of the best Shopify apps for decreasing shopping cart abandonment. It retains the contents of the shopping cart if a user abandons it, allowing them to resume shopping when they return to your store.

ReadyShipper

ReadyShipper, a multi-carrier shipping software solution with direct Shopify integration, can streamline your shipping process by importing your orders for quick sorting and editing, and updating your store and customers with order status and tracking number once orders are shipped.

ReadyReturns

ReadyReturns, an online product returns management solution, automates returns, allowing customers to process a return and print a return shipping label directly from your Shopify store.

Wrapping Things Up

Choosing the best Shopify store theme, managing returns and shipping effectively, and leveraging the right Shopify apps are critical aspects of running a successful online store. By taking these factors into account, you can create a seamless shopping experience that keeps your customers coming back for more.

In the world of ecommerce, each decision you make, from the theme you choose to the way you manage returns and shipping, contributes to your overall success. So, choose wisely, and watch your ecommerce business thrive.

With ecommerce conversion rates hovering between 1% and 4% these days, it’s clear it takes nothing short of a miracle to turn consumers from casual shoppers to paying customers. And a poor UX makes converting even more difficult.   

If you’ve ever wondered what makes some online stores irresistible while others fail to woo customers, the answer lies in their user experience, or UX. Let’s demystify this crucial concept and discover how you can create a remarkable shopping experience for your online store.

What Is Ecommerce UX?

Ecommerce UX is another term for the user journey, encompassing the elements of an online store’s website and how they work together to create a seamless shopping experience. It’s often used interchangeably with UI (user interface) but is a distinct concept. While UI focuses on the visual elements of a website, UX focuses on making the shopper’s journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. In other words, UI is the look and feel, while UX is the interactions. 

Why Does UX Matter for Your Online Store?

In many ways, the user experience determines whether a shopper completes an order or bounces from your site, never to return. That’s not speculation — research shows a link between solid UX design and revenue growth. Online stores with a well-designed UX could see a 200%-400% lift in conversions. 

How does this happen? There are a few reasons:

• Delighted customers stay longer. A positive UX compels customers to stay on your website, explore more products and ultimately make a purchase. It keeps them engaged and fosters brand loyalty. In fact, 73% of shoppers say their positive experiences with a brand are the main reason they stay loyal. 
• Word-of-mouth referrals drive more traffic. Customers who have an enjoyable shopping experience are more likely to share it with their friends and family, leading to valuable referrals.
• Cart abandonment is reduced. By identifying and addressing pain points in your UX, you can minimize cart abandonment and recover potentially lost sales. Nearly 70% of carts are abandoned, so there is a huge opportunity to get more shoppers through the virtual checkout line. 
• Search engine ranking improves. Search engines reward websites that prioritize user experience. A well-optimized UX can boost your search engine ranking, driving more organic traffic to your store. (Want more ways to boost ecommerce SEO? Our guide has a plethora of useful tips.)

How to Offer a Great UX to Your Customers

Now that we’ve established the importance of UX in ecommerce, let’s delve into some actionable tips to enhance your online store’s UX.

Simplify Your Navigation

Think of your website’s navigation as a roadmap that guides customers to their desired destination: the checkout page. Here’s how you can simplify the journey:

1. Intuitive menu structure: Organize your product categories logically and avoid overwhelming customers with too many options. Research shows 50% of online stores have navigation issues, so you can really stand out from the pack by using clear and concise labels for your menu items.
2. Search bar visibility: Place a prominent search bar at the top of your website to enable customers to find products quickly. To supercharge your search feature, leverage AI to create an auto-suggest feature to anticipate their search terms and display relevant results.
3. Breadcrumb navigation: Incorporate breadcrumb trails to show customers their current location within your website’s hierarchy. It helps them backtrack easily if needed.
4. Mobile responsiveness: Ensure your navigation remains user-friendly on all devices, especially on mobile during a time when 50% of website traffic comes from mobile devices. After all, a seamless experience depends on responsive design.

Optimize Your Checkout Process

The checkout process can be a make-or-break point for many customers. To increase conversions, follow these best practices:

1. Guest checkout option: Offer a guest checkout option to minimize friction for first-time customers. Don’t force them to create an account; you can always encourage account creation later.
2. Progress bar: Break down the checkout process into clear steps and display progress indicators, letting customers know how far they’ve come and what’s left to complete. Seeing they’re close to the finish line will inspire them to finish checking out.
3. Limited form fields: Nobody wants to fill out a lengthy form, especially on a mobile device. Keep the number of form fields to a minimum and only ask for essential information to expedite the checkout process and reduce cart abandonment.
4. Multiple payment options: Provide various payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets and buy now, pay later (BNPL) options. Catering to different preferences enhances convenience for your customers.

Boost Your Site Speed

The beauty of shopping online is that it’s instantaneous, and browsing requires just a few clicks instead of sitting in road traffic and trekking from store to store. But a slow-loading website will drive potential customers away. In fact, it will lead to a 106% increase in bounce rate on mobile devices and a 53% bounce rate if pages take longer than three seconds to load. Slow and steady does not win the race in this instance, so speed up your site with these tips:

1. Reliable hosting: Choose a reputable hosting provider with fast servers and reliable uptime. Investing in quality hosting is a must for a smooth shopping experience.
2. Image compression: Optimize product images without sacrificing quality. Compressed images load faster, ensuring swift page load times.
3. Caching: Implement browser caching to store elements of your website on visitors’ devices, reducing load times for returning customers.

Example of Good UX: Shopify sites like Brix Tarps help guide the user on an immediate journey that ultimately can lead to a  stronger conversion rate. They accomplish this via proven UX models, solid conversion rate optimization and a strong Shopify storefront that’s conducive to an improved over all experience when shopping. They are just one of many examples of how proper UX and good design go hand-in-hand with conversion rate optimization.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, user experience (UX) is the backbone of a successful ecommerce store. It goes beyond just aesthetics and focuses on creating an engaging, memorable journey for your customers, from the moment they land on your site to the final purchase. By simplifying navigation, optimizing the checkout process and boosting site speed, you can elevate your online store to new heights, increasing conversions and building customer loyalty along the way.

Remember, providing a stellar UX is an ongoing effort. Continuously gather customer feedback, monitor analytics and stay updated on the latest UX trends to ensure your online store remains a shopper’s paradise. 

Keep reading to learn more about how you can take your ecommerce game to the next level with this proven strategy. But first, let’s get back to basics.

BigCommerce is an ultra-popular ecommerce platform that allows you to easily create an online store and start selling your products to customers all over the world, but veteran sellers know the keys to success aren’t all necessarily part of the platform. They’re in the extensions. 

As your business grows, you might find that you need some extra tools to help you manage your store, track your customers and boost your sales. That’s when you start researching the best BigCommerce plugins available to help you streamline your business and take it to the next level. From email marketing automation to loyalty programs, these extensions will help you make the most of your BigCommerce store and drive more sales. Looking to streamline shipping, fulfillment and returns on BigCommerce? Try ReadyCloud’s BigCommerce shipping app with a 14-day free trial.

Read on to learn more

Google Analytics Enhanced Ecommerce Tracking

Google Analytics Enhanced Ecommerce Tracking is a powerful extension for online retailers that allows you to track and analyze customer behavior on your website. With this extension, you can see which products are popular, how customers are navigating your site, and where they’re dropping off.

This extension also allows you to set up conversion tracking, so you can see how many customers are completing a purchase and which products are selling the most. It also gives you the ability to track the revenue generated by different marketing campaigns, so you can see which channels are driving the most sales.

Google Analytics is a must-have for any online retailer who wants to gain a deeper understanding of their customers and optimize their sales funnel. It’s easy to use, and a powerful tool that can be set up in minutes, and it’s completely free to use. So, it’s definitely one of the best bigcommerce plugins if you want to improve your website’s performance and drive more sales.

Yotpo Product Reviews

Yotpo Social Reviews is a popular extension for online retailers that allows customers to leave reviews and ratings for products on your website. This can be a great way to build trust and loyalty with prospective customers and increase conversions.

With this extension, you can easily import reviews from other platforms, such as Facebook and Google, to your website — and also encourage customers to leave reviews after they’ve made a purchase. This can help you build a collection of positive reviews that can be displayed on your website, which is a proven strategy for increasing not only consumer trust but also average order value (AOV) and long-term loyalty.

Additionally, Yotpo offers integrations with your favorite marketing apps, including AdRoll, Mailchimp, Hubspot and plenty more. It’s designed to “plug and play” seamlessly into your BigCommerce technology ecosystem so your store’s operations aren’t disrupted. 

Yotpo Social Reviews is easy to use, and it can be set up in minutes. And it offers a free plan and also paid plans with more advanced features.

S Loyalty 

S Loyalty is a popular extension for online retailers that allows you to reward your customers for their loyalty by giving them points for certain actions, such as making a purchase, writing a review, or referring a friend. These points can then be used to redeem discounts or special offers on your website.

This extension is a great way to encourage repeat customers and — no surprises here — increase customer loyalty. It also helps to increase the lifetime value of your customers, as they’ll be more likely to return to your website to redeem their points and make additional purchases. And when you consider how it’s easier and more cost effective to sell to repeat customers, you’ll also increase your marketing ROI. 

You can also set up different tiers of rewards, so your most loyal customers receive even more perks, such as free shipping or exclusive access to new products. This can be a great way to encourage customers to continue shopping with you.

Affirm Financing

Affirm allows your customers to finance their purchases from your BigCommerce store as a popular buy now, pay later service. This can be a great way to increase conversions, especially for larger purchases, as it allows customers to split the cost of their purchase over time.

When customers choose to use Affirm at checkout, they’ll be asked to provide some basic information, such as their name and date of birth. Affirm will then perform a quick credit check, and if approved, the customer will be presented with a few different financing options, such as three, six or 12 months. Once customers have chosen their financing option, they’ll be able to complete the purchase, and their payments will be split over the agreed upon time period.

Sticker shock is a well-documented phenomenon, so this extension is especially beneficial for online retailers who sell big ticket items. Splitting a major cost into more digestible payments can ease consumers who would have otherwise hesitated before clicking the “Buy Now” button. 

Recapture Abandoned Cart Recovery

Recapture is a BigCommerce extension that allows you to automatically send targeted emails and SMS texts to customers who have added items to their cart but haven’t completed the purchase. Customers leave $4 trillion in merchandise in their digital carts every year, so you can beat the statistics, increase conversions and recover lost sales.

When a customer abandons their cart, Recapture will trigger an email to be sent to them with a reminder of the items they left behind. The extension can be configured to send the emails at specific intervals, such as one hour after the cart was abandoned, or 24 hours later. Recapture also allows you to customize the emails, so you can include your branding, a personalized message and even a product image. There are also basic email templates, so you don’t have to start entirely from scratch.

With Recapture, sellers can watch a live cart feed to see shoppers adding, abandoning and then returning to convert. And the real-time dashboard shows detailed analytics around abandoned carts and potential for recaptured revenue. It’s one of the best BigCommerce extensions to get the most bang for your buck — you’ve already piqued shoppers’ interest, so Recapture helps keep customer acquisition cost low.

Despite the NetSuite business and software solution being around for 20+ years, and there being ample integrations for ranging from NetSuite CRM to Shipping and Returns automation, there are still many things you may not know about it. In this article, we will explore 22 facts about NetSuite you probably never knew.

Self-Hosted v. Hosted Platforms

Before we dive into considerations for choosing an ecommerce platform, it’s important to define the two main categories of ecommerce platform available today: self-hosted platforms and hosted platforms.

Self-hosted ecommerce platforms, also called open-source platforms, require ecommerce businesses to set up their websites on their own servers. Businesses that use a self-hosted platform have complete control over their website’s code, design, management, and maintenance. This high level of autonomy is a compelling selling point for many businesses; however, hosting your own site requires you to either have a high level of technical knowledge yourself or to pay a developer to create and maintain your online store.

Hosted ecommerce platforms, on the other hand, are typically software as a service (SaaS) companies that offer their clients an all-in-one solution. In addition to hosting their clients’ websites on their server, these platforms usually include technical support, automatic software updates, and, depending on the platform, a variety of native integrations and other functionalities. Because they don’t require from-scratch development or coding, hosted platforms are often easier for businesses to manage and maintain. And while they don’t allow for the complete creative freedom provided by open-source platforms, many hosted platforms offer a wide variety of flexible templates and themes for businesses to customize to their needs.

The differences between self-hosted and hosted ecommerce platforms will play a large role in choosing which overall solution is right for your business.

Considerations When Choosing an Ecommerce Platform

Before you begin comparing available ecommerce platforms on the market, you’ll want to consider each of the following factors.

Business Size & Structure

The first step in determining what kind of ecommerce platform is right for your business is to think about where your business is right now: the size of your business, the size of the team managing your online store, your available budget and resources, and your level of experience in ecommerce.

Smaller businesses, or businesses new to ecommerce, may benefit from using an accessible hosted ecommerce platform—the high level of technical support and pre-made web templates included in these solutions may provide these businesses with beginner-friendly shortcuts for page creation and optimization. Meanwhile, larger businesses, particularly those with a team of in-house web developers, might prefer to use a self-hosted option to create a wholly unique site.

Sales Model

Your industry and sales model will also play a role in determining what kind of ecommerce platform to use. For instance, B2B businesses often sell complex products with a wide range of variations and will want to find an ecommerce platform that can accommodate a large catalog and unlimited product variations. These businesses will also want to consider whether a platform has functionality for offering online quotes or account-based pricing in order to provide their business buyers with a convenient purchasing experience.

Meanwhile, businesses that sell directly to consumers might consider different ecommerce platforms’ capacity for integrations with their warehouse management system, shipping provider, and other DTC logistics solutions. DTC and B2C ecommerce businesses should also consider the product merchandising features of different platforms to ensure their unique products are displayed online with the accuracy and care they deserve.

Finally, if your business manages multiple channels, you’ll want to find an ecommerce platform that will allow you to sell B2B and B2C at the same time.

Total Cost of Ownership

Different types of ecommerce platforms charge differently for their services. Self-hosted platforms may charge their users an annual fee, while hosted platforms may charge a monthly subscription rate. Generally, open-source platforms carry a lower initial price tag; however, their fees typically don’t cover additional costs—such as maintenance, security, and licensing—that are included with most hosted platforms’ plans.

If you’re looking at a hosted option, consider as well what it will cost your business to create a site that works for you and your shoppers on a given platform. Are all the platform’s templates included in your subscription, or do some of them require an upcharge? What does the platform charge for the apps, plugins, and extensions you’ll need to keep your site running? Does the platform charge transaction fees? These are all questions to consider when looking at the total cost of ownership for different ecommerce platforms.

Growth Goals

When you’re choosing an ecommerce platform, it’s important to think about where your business is headed as well as where it is now. Successful businesses will ultimately grow and evolve, so it’s wise to choose a solution that allows you room for expansion. Laying out a general roadmap for your business’s goals can help you determine the tools and functionalities you may need from your ecommerce platform.

For instance, you may decide you want to add a new sales channel or serve a secondary audience. You may release new complex product lines or begin shipping your products internationally. Allow yourself a moment to look toward the future in order to choose a solution that has enough space for you to meet and exceed your most ambitious goals.

Agility

Keep in mind that it’s not only your business that’s likely to grow, but ecommerce itself. Ecommerce is a constantly evolving industry, and your platform should allow you to easily seize new opportunities.

When you’re comparing platforms, pay attention to how their features accommodate ecommerce trends and emerging technologies. Does the platform in question allow your shoppers the flexibility to use a variety of payment options? Does it have built-in SEO features to help your shoppers find you?

As your business evolves, you may also need to make unforeseen changes, and your ecommerce platform should allow for that. For instance, if your business ever undergoes a rebrand, a hosted platform with flexible themes can support you in creating a brand-new look without needing to overhaul your site’s underlying code.

Functionality & Ease of Use

If you’re determining which ecommerce platform is right for your business, functionality is likely one of your top concerns. You’ll want to give your shoppers a website that’s easy to use—studies show that 90% of users won’t return to a website that has bad design, while 70% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to poor user experience.

On the front-end, your platform should allow for seamless navigation and an aesthetically pleasing design. Your platform should also support a high level of mobile responsiveness so that your buyers can have a great purchasing experience across a variety of devices.

Your ecommerce platform’s back-end functionality is equally important. You’ll want to take inventory of all the other pieces of your ecommerce tech stack: your ERP software, your email marketing platform, your shipping provider, your order management system, and more. Find out how all these online systems will integrate with the ecommerce platform you’re considering. Does the platform offer native integrations, or does it mainly rely on plugins? Likewise, you’ll want to ensure that your ecommerce platform’s back-end systems allow for a high level of visitor traffic, so you can continue to give loyal shoppers a great experience as your business grows.

Choose a Platform That Empowers Your Business

There’s a lot to keep track of when you’re figuring out what kind of ecommerce platform is right for your business. It’s also clear that in order to position your online business for continued growth and success, you can benefit from an ecommerce platform that offers high levels of flexibility and expert technical support.

Miva’s modern ecommerce platform is designed to evolve alongside businesses as they grow and scale, helping them to increase sales, cut costs, and grow revenue. Visit Miva’s website to learn more about how the Miva ecommerce platform can help unlock your online store’s potential.

Visitors might add items to the cart but leave without making any purchase. And that puts retailers in the difficult place of overcoming cart abandonment issues to ensure the continuity of their e-commerce businesses.

In fact, think tanks estimate that shoppers leave more than $4 trillion in unbought goods in their shopping carts every year, abandoning the sale for one reason or another. Let’s dive in together to determine the root causes of cart abandonment and steps you can take to defeat it once and for all.

What Causes Cart Abandonment?

A high abandonment rate can be caused by a poor user experience or a disrupted sales funnel. The most common causes include: lack of competitive pricing or pricing transparency, high shipping costs, bad return policy and lack of customer support.

With this in mind, retailers should take extra precautions to find its root causes and fix them, prioritizing the streamlining of the checkout process and keeping customers happy throughout the funnel. Of course, all that is easier said than done, as evident by industry statistics.

Next, we’ll explore this in greater detail, so you can learn what the primary causes are as well as some tactics that you can use to reduce cart abandonment at your online store.

Statistics On Cart Abandonment

You’ve worked hard to get visitors and bring them to the end of the sales funnel; you even created special offers to keep them interested. But all that diligence goes in vain because they abandon ship later on in the purchasing process.

You aren’t alone. We’ve already dropped a helpful guide on 2021 statistics on shopping cart abandonment, so here’s a brand-new one that’s more in par for 2022 and beyond.

In 2020 53% of people declared that free shipping is the primary motivator for them worldwide for online purchases. (Statista)

48% of customers say they abandon shopping carts because of the unexpectedly high delivery cost. (Baymard Institute)

Before making a purchase, 86% of online customers discarded an item from their shopping carts. (CSA)

61% of respondents said they abandoned their shopping carts due to additional costs such as shipping expenses. (ReadyCloudSuite)

Emails sent to customers who abandoned their shopping carts had a 45% open rate. (Moosend)

75% of online shoppers want free shipping and would abandon their order if the price is too high. (NRF)

As COVID-19 began in 2020, the abandonment rate for fashion products rose from 84.3% to 96.50%. (Today)

Creating an online account, a lengthy checkout process, and a slow delivery is the most common inconveniences for most customers while shopping online. (Baymard Institute)

In March 2021, almost 80% of online orders were abandoned, with automotive at the highest with an 89.11% abandonment rate. (Statista)

Americans are less inclined to buy something on the internet if the checkout procedure takes more than 30 seconds. (Forter)

Retargeting is one of the most underutilized forms of online marketing, according to the opinions of 46% of marketing professionals. (ReadyCloudSuite)

Real-time tailored messages effectively increased average basket value and prevented cart abandonment for a luxury home brand. (Socital)

Any add-to-cart rate above 8.2% would place you in the top 20% of stores, and any add-to-cart rate above 10.6% would place you in the top 10% of stores. (Littledata)

Some 9% of customers abandoned their carts because the merchant didn’t have good payment options. (Baymard Institute)

10% of customers abandon purchases due to the site’s inadequate return policies. (Chargebacks911)

The rate of abandonment among mobile users is 85.65%. (Barilliance)

The average add-to-cart rate is between 2.5 and 6.87 %. (Dynamic Yield)

With an abandonment rate of 90.88 %, the Middle East tops the list of countries with the most abandoned shopping carts, closely followed by Africa (86.37 %), South America (86.5 %), Asia Pacific (82.49%), North America (83.48%), and Europe (81.49 %). (Statista)

Cart abandonment for cosmetics fell by 7.6% in 2020. (Today)

The average order value can rise by 33% due to product recommendations. (Kibo)

When retargeting is done correctly, customers have a 70% probability of converting. (ReadyCloudSuite)

Over 60% of shopping carts are abandoned because of delivery issues. (Moosend)

The estimated value of abandoned online shopping carts in 2021 was $4 trillion. (Swrve)

For mobile, the abandoning cart rate is 85.65%; for tablets, it is 80.74%; for desktop, it is just 69.5%. (Baymard Institute)

Abandoned digital cart items were worth $705 billion in the United States. (eMarketer)

The add-to-cart rate was highest in 7.81% of desktop customers, 7.69% of customers on tablets, and 6.34 % of customers on mobile devices. (Dynamic Yield)

More than one-third of UK shoppers who abandon a shopping basket do so by purchasing from the same site at a later point in time (31%), by purchasing from another seller (26%), by stopping purchasing (23%) and by going into a physical store to buy (8%). (Royal Mail)

15% of customers abandoned their shopping carts because they couldn’t remember their passwords. (CSA)

58.6% of cart abandoners were only looking or not prepared to buy when abandoning their carts. (Baymard Institute)

22% of customers abandon their shopping carts when the website crashes or has too many faults. (Chargebacks911)

Black Friday 2021 saw a shopping cart abandonment rate of 76.63%. (SaleCycle)

The cart abandonment rate shot up to 80.79% for those shopping on mobile. (Barilliance)

How To Defeat Cart Abandonment

The good news is that it’s possible to reduce the cart abandonment rate. Here are a few statistics explaining how other e-commerce businesses managed to do that.

Most customers (92%) said they would repurchase the same product if returning it was simple. (Invesp)

Retargeting can lower cart abandonment by 6.5% and boost online sales by nearly 20%. (MOTOCMS)

10% of cart abandonment emails resulted in a purchase. (Moosend)

Additionally, an email with the subject line “you left something behind” has an open rate of 47.67%, almost 4% greater than the average open and click of the email. (Klaviyo)

Customers are 40 % more likely to purchase if an online retailer offers a variety of payment methods. (StableWP)

55% of consumers are more inclined to purchase a product they viewed online if it is easier and quicker. (CSA)

3 out of 4 consumers are aware of retargeted online advertisements. (Invesp)

When consumers see credit card logos on a retailer’s website, 84% of customers feel more secure. (StableWP)

By far, the most important aspect when making an online purchase is customer feedback and reviews, followed by free shipping (78%), the availability of several brands (65%), and personal recommendations from family members (60%). (PowerReviews)

The number of carts that might be reclaimed for every one hundred SMS abandonment messages delivered to clients is as high as twenty. (MessageMedia)

Offering free shipping with automated cart abandonment emails can bring back more than 20% of abandoned carts. (Moosend)

At the end of November 2021, the aggregate conversion rate was 2.42%, with a $120.98 average order value, resulting in an 11.67% increase over the order value in November 2020 across all industries worldwide. Meanwhile, the average cost of goods sold was $62.74. (IRP)

35.26 % more customers can be converted with a more user-friendly checkout experience. (Okendo)

A 44.37 % open rate and a 10.85% clickthrough rate were recorded for emails sent to customers who had abandoned their shopping carts. (Klaviyo)

Thursday is the busiest day for fashion goods sales, and 8 PM is the most active hour. (SaleCycle)

After 30 minutes (almost 15%), 20 minutes (just over 13%), and one day (nearly 16%), sending email results in a conversion rate of approximately 16 % (just above 11%). (Shopify)

Most retail websites can minimize the number of checkout forms by 20% to 60%. (Baymard Institute)

77% of customers prefer to make their purchases through Amazon because of the convenience of the online checkout process. (CSA)

The Big Summation

You’re missing out on a lot of money if your prospective customers aren’t completing the purchase. The good news is that your website is already attracting visitors. But these facts about shopping cart abandonment don’t lie: Customers expect a smooth buying process, low-cost or free shipping, competitive pricing and easy returns, or they will shop somewhere else that offers this.

Next, you need to implement our tried-and-tested shopping cart recovery tactics. For starters, start sending out cart abandonment emails, remarket to customers who leave in the middle of the purchase process, streamline your checkout processes, and don’t forget to be transparent with shipping costs while offering a hassle-free return policy to close the deal.

Shoppers are more likely to leave a website because of complicated checkout processes, ambiguous pricing, and excessive delivery fees. Make sure that these issues don’t plague your website. Invest in an ecommerce suite like ReadyCloud, where you can take advantage of an orders-based CRM, multicarrier shipping software and automated ecommerce returns solution to reduce cart abandonment.

Need Even More Tips?

We’ve got you covered. Check out this illustrated infographic on shopping cart abandonment that we’ve created below. If you still need more tips, we’re here for you. Read our Ultimate Guide to Beating Shopping Cart Abandonment.

There are primitive platforms in use today including Decentraland and The Sandbox, but these are far from what the Metaverse is expected to be. It’s simpler to explain the metaverse in contexts of what is in use today, what technology will be incorporated into it and what companies hope the Metaverse will evolve into in time.

To understand what the Metaverse will mean to the future of ecommerce this article will delve into the technologies it will use and it’s evolving development. Read on to learn more.

Decentralizing the Web

To Understand the Metaverse and how it will change ecommerce we first need to explore the development of web 3 and look back at the previous two iterations of the internet.

Web 1.0: Phase one of the internet can be characterized by how users interacted with it. Users were typically passive consumers of content. Unless you were a web developer or owned your own website, you could only read information and data placed on web 1.0 but not engage with it. Engagement changed with the arrival of web 2.0.

Web 2.0: Social media and video sharing platforms such as YouTube, MySpace, Twitter and the now defunct Facebook ushered in the era of web 2.0. The internet was now dynamic and no longer static. The internet was all about interactivity at this point with social and collaborative elements being introduced.

This more participatory internet came at a cost though. To create content and engage, online users were supplying data and personal information to the companies that control these platforms.

Web 3: Web 3’s development revolves around the concept of taking back data and personal information that is being supplied to companies and putting it back in control of the users. Creating a decentralized web using blockchain technology through networks like Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC) makes this possible.

The primary innovation of these networks is that no single entity has ownership, but it can still be trusted because each owner and operator must adhere to consensus protocols which are the same set of hard-coded rules. The secondary innovation is that these networks allow money and value to be transferred between accounts.

Web 3 will enable users of the Metaverse to not only take control of their data and personal information, but also enable them to have full ownership of their digital items, Cryptocurrencies and tokens will be used to create new economies and business models in an area being increasingly known as tokenization. We will go over cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens and blockchain technology soon.

Like the Metaverse, web 3 is still being built so its definitive version and what it will encompass is not yet known. What can be surmised is that the Metaverse will be created using web 3 to enable users to have full control of their data and ownership of digital items.

Virtual Reality – Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

The development of virtual reality – augmented reality (VR/AR) is the vehicle that is and will be propelling the Metaverse forward. AR/VR closes the gap between the physical and virtual world for Metaverse users and ecommerce. Simple use cases for AR/VR include customers being able to visualize items they are interested in purchasing through 3D renderings without the merchandise physically being in their possession – virtual shopping. (These virtual shopping statistics further drive home this mantra.)

Through the Metaverse, companies imagine common events such as a group of friends in their home with one describing a pair of shoes they saw and are interested in buying. An artificial intelligence (AI) assistant narrows down the selection as the customer describes the pair of shoes until they find the correct one. Once the pair of shoes is found the customer can try them on without physically wearing them and personalize them to their exact desires.

After the customer buys the shoes, they will have a physical pair delivered to them and their Metaverse avatar gets a pair as well that the customer owns verified through the blockchain. The customer has full control of their digital asset shoes and can choose to keep, resell or transfer as they please. This could be done with virtually any item within the Metaverse from shoes, cars, plots of land, homes and even exclusive experiences such as meeting a celebrity on a private island for dinner. Within the digital realm the possibilities are limitless.

Did you know?

Samsung opened a virtual replica of its flagship store in the Metaverse game Decentraland.

This will enable fashion, motor vehicle, luxury and other companies to create fully licensed digital replicas of their products that customers buy and own. These items are completely owned by the user and theirs to do what they want with.

But what is behind making this possible?

Blockchain Technology, Cryptocurrencies  & NFTs in the Metaverse

Blockchain technology: In the simplest terms the blockchain is a record for online transactions. These transactions could be for money, movement of goods or exchanges in information. The blockchain is decentralized storing data on the network instead of a single database like banks, Netflix, Google etc. The blockchain is a distributed ledger – information regarding every transaction is held in many places at the same time. To make a change on the blockchain everyone is notified and must agree on that change.

This fact makes the blockchain incredibly hard to hack because each one of these records would need to be changed at the exact same time. Through the metaverse and ecommerce the blockchain would be able to securely facilitate purchases of digital items and give full ownership of those items to customers.

Cryptocurrencies: Cryptocurrency is a digital-only token that uses the previously mentioned blockchain to confirm transfers of value and information. Cryptography, (the reason for the shortened name of crypto) is the method used to regulate creation, trade and security of a cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are essentially:

1. Digital – Cryptocurrency is completely native to the internet. You cannot physically hold or touch them.
2. Peer-to-peer – Cryptocurrencies are exchanged between parties without one central entity or middleman needed to approve the transaction.
3. Decentralized – Transactions are stored on a public, global ledger. Every transaction is held in many separate places or nodes at the same time. Removes custody from government and banking institutions.

Bitcoin (BTC) was the first cryptocurrency that was created by a person(s) under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. In white paper released in 2008, Satoshi referred to it as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system. The network that Bitcoin runs on, the BTC blockchain, launched in January 2009.

Non-fungible tokens: Non-fungible tokens are cryptographically unique tokens that are linked to digital, (and sometimes physical) content, providing proof of ownership. Use cases include artwork, music, digital collectibles and (merchandise, land and homes within the Metaverse) video game items.

Why is this important?

Cryptocurrency, the blockchain and NFTs create a secure way to prove ownership of digitally unique data and its value to be transferred peer-to-peer whether it be cryptocurrency itself, information or the digital replica shoes mentioned earlier – creating a virtual economy emulating real life.

Meta & Zuckerberg’s Vision

The creation of the Metaverse is already well set in motion. A company like Meta doesn’t change their name from Facebook for no reason. In an interview conducted by The Verge in July 2021, Zuckerberg described the Metaverse as an embodied internet. Through the advancements of AR/VR users would feel completely immersed and present within the Metaverse. Zuckerberg also said that the creation of the Metaverse will not be a project for Meta to undertake alone – many different companies and creators will contribute to its creation. Users will be able to freely move their avatar and data from one part of the Metaverse to another no matter who controls that section of it.

To prove Zuckerberg’s statement as fact, that Meta will not be the only company building and contributing to the creation of the Metaverse – Microsoft has dreams of being a major player in the creation of the Metaverse as well and just made a major acquisition in Activision and Blizzard. This massive addition to Microsoft could potentially boost their Metaverse ambitions.

The Next Wild Frontier

The creation of the Metaverse is still in its infancy. Multiple existing components are coming together to move it from an idea to a reality, but it’s safe to say that we are still five to 10 years out from seeing substantial progress in its creation.

According to an article published by Bloomberg Intelligence in December 2021, the Metaverse may be an $800 billion, next tech platform. The Metaverse will be a wild, digital frontier that could certainly change the future of ecommerce forever.