E-Commerce Checkout Optimisation Guide

The “Add to Cart” button is the start of a journey, not the end. In Australia, cart abandonment rates still hover around 70%. Most of this isn’t due to a lack of interest, but rather a “friction-filled” checkout process. If your checkout feels like an interrogation, your customers will walk away.

The “Guest Checkout” Mandate

The biggest conversion killer in 2026 is the forced account creation. Shoppers want speed. By offering a “Guest Checkout” as the primary option, you remove the psychological hurdle of “yet another password.” You can always invite them to create an account after the purchase is secured.

Frictionless Payments: The Aussie Standard

Australian consumers are savvy. They expect a variety of payment “lanes”:

1. Digital Wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay should be one-click options.
2. BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later): Afterpay and Zip remain essential for the Australian retail landscape.
3. Traditional Cards: Still a staple, but ensure the entry fields are mobile-optimised with auto-fill capabilities.

Visual Cues and Trust Signals

Trust is earned in pixels. Including small, recognisable icons (like “Secure SSL” or “Australian Owned”) near the “Pay Now” button reduces anxiety. Additionally, a “Progress Bar” at the top of the screen manages expectations—users like to know exactly how many clicks stand between them and their order.

Shipping Transparency

Nothing kills a sale faster than “Surprise Shipping” at the final step. In 2026, you should provide a shipping calculator on the product page or, better yet, offer a flat-rate or free shipping threshold that is clearly messaged site-wide.

Mobile-Optimised “Fat Finger” Design

Since the majority of Aussie shopping happens on mobile during commutes or on the couch, buttons must be large, easy to tap, and the keyboard should automatically switch to “Numeric” when entering credit card details.