How to Automatically Expand Order Summary at Checkout in Shopify

In the world of e-commerce, a smooth checkout process is crucial for converting browsers into buyers. One common issue that Shopify store owners face is customers not realizing they need to click on the Order Summary to view their charges and total, especially on mobile devices. This can lead to confusion, abandoned carts, and lost sales. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to expand the Order Summary by default in Shopify checkout and discuss various solutions to this problem.

Understanding the Order Summary Issue

The Hidden Order Summary Problem

Many Shopify store owners have noticed that customers, particularly those on mobile devices, often miss important information about their orders during checkout. This is because the Order Summary is collapsed by default, requiring users to click on it to view details such as shipping costs, taxes, and discount codes.

Impact on User Experience

This hidden information can significantly impact the user experience, leading to:

1. Confusion about the final order total
2. Difficulty in applying discount codes
3. Uncertainty about shipping costs
4. Increased likelihood of cart abandonment

Mobile-First Considerations

With over 70% of e-commerce traffic coming from mobile devices, it’s crucial to optimize the checkout experience for smartphone users. The collapsed Order Summary can be particularly problematic on smaller screens, where space is at a premium.

Solutions to Expand the Order Summary

Changing the Order Summary Title

The most straightforward solution, as recommended by Shopify support, is to change the title of the Order Summary box. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your Shopify admin panel
2. Navigate to Settings > Checkout
3. Click on “Manage checkout language”
4. Select “Checkout” from the options
5. Search for “Expand Summary” in the filter
6. Change the text to something more descriptive, such as “Click to view order details”

While this doesn’t automatically expand the Order Summary, it does make it clearer to customers that they need to click to see more information.

Using Custom JavaScript

For those with more technical expertise, adding custom JavaScript to the checkout page can force the Order Summary to expand by default. Here’s a script that can be added to the checkout.liquid file or the additional scripts section:

<script>
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
    setTimeout(function() {
        const orderSummaryToggle = document.querySelector('.order-summary-toggle__text');
        if (orderSummaryToggle) {
            orderSummaryToggle.click();
        }
    }, 0);
});
</script>

This script simulates a click on the Order Summary toggle as soon as the page loads, effectively expanding it by default.

Shopify Plus Solution

For Shopify Plus merchants, there’s now a built-in solution to this problem. Here’s how to implement it:

1. From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Checkout
2. Click “Customize” next to your checkout configuration
3. In the Sections sidebar, select “Order summary”
4. Activate the “Always show discount code field” setting
5. Click Save

This feature not only expands the Order Summary but also ensures that the discount code field is always visible, addressing two common user experience issues at once.

Best Practices for Optimizing Checkout

Clear Communication

Regardless of whether you can expand the Order Summary by default, it’s essential to communicate clearly with your customers throughout the checkout process. Use descriptive labels, provide tooltips where necessary, and ensure that all important information is easily accessible.

Streamlined Design

Keep your checkout design clean and uncluttered. Remove any unnecessary distractions that could lead customers away from completing their purchase. A single-page checkout can be particularly effective in reducing abandonment rates.

Mobile Optimization

Given the prevalence of mobile shopping, ensure that your entire checkout process is optimized for smaller screens. This includes:

1. Large, easy-to-tap buttons
2. Simplified forms with auto-fill where possible
3. Clear error messages and validation
4. Easily accessible customer support options

Monitoring and Improving Checkout Performance

Analytics and Heatmaps

Use tools like Google Analytics and heatmap software to monitor how customers interact with your checkout page. Pay attention to where they drop off and which elements they interact with most frequently.

A/B Testing

Continuously test different versions of your checkout page to see what works best for your specific audience. This could include testing different layouts, button colors, or copy.

Customer Feedback

Regularly solicit feedback from your customers about their checkout experience. This can be done through post-purchase surveys or by reaching out to customers who abandoned their carts.

By implementing these solutions and best practices, you can significantly improve your Shopify store’s checkout experience, reduce cart abandonment, and ultimately increase your conversion rates. Remember, a smooth and transparent checkout process is key to building trust with your customers and encouraging repeat business.