Shopping Cart

Definition

A shopping cart is a feature found on e-commerce websites that allows users to collect and review items they intend to purchase. It works similarly to a physical shopping cart in a store, letting customers add, remove, or modify items before proceeding to checkout. Shopping carts typically store product details, quantities, prices, and any applied discounts or promotions.

Why It Matters

The shopping cart is an integral part of the online shopping experience. It provides a way for users to:

• Keep track of selected products
• Modify or update their choices
• See the total cost, including shipping and taxes
• Apply promo codes
• Proceed to checkout when ready

Without a functioning shopping cart, online transactions would be confusing and inconvenient, leading to lost sales and frustrated customers.

How It’s Used

• Adding Items: Users click an “Add to Cart” button next to a product.
• Reviewing Cart: Customers can view all selected items in a single place.
• Modifying Orders: They can change quantities, remove products, or save items for later.
• Applying Coupons: Discount codes or loyalty points may be entered during checkout.
• Checking Out: The shopping cart connects to payment gateways and shipping options.

Most modern shopping carts also include features like persistent carts (saving items between sessions) and guest checkout for speed and convenience.

Example in Action

An online clothing store uses a shopping cart to help shoppers manage their purchases. A customer adds two shirts and a pair of jeans. They apply a promo code for 15% off, change the shirt size in the cart, and proceed to checkout. The cart calculates the discount, tax, and shipping fee before processing payment securely.

Common Questions and Answers

1. What is the difference between a shopping cart and a checkout page?
   • The shopping cart is where you review and manage items, while the checkout page is where you finalize the purchase.
2. Do I need to register to use a shopping cart?
   • No, many sites offer guest checkout, though registering can provide added benefits like order tracking.
3. Can I keep items in my cart for later?
   • Yes, many carts offer “save for later” or wishlist features.
4. Why did my shopping cart empty when I left the site?
   • Some carts don’t store information between sessions unless you’re logged in or cookies are enabled.
5. Is my payment info stored in the shopping cart?
   • No. Payment details are handled on secure checkout pages—not within the cart itself.

Unusual Facts

1. Abandoned cart rates average over 70% across industries—often due to unexpected costs or complicated checkout processes.
2. Persistent shopping carts can remember your items for days or weeks.
3. Some shopping carts integrate AI suggestions to upsell or cross-sell products.
4. E-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce offer customizable cart features.
5. Shopping carts can track user behavior to provide insights into purchasing habits.

Tips and Tricks

1. Keep your cart simple and easy to navigate.
2. Display all costs upfront, including shipping and taxes.
3. Allow guest checkout to avoid losing sales from users who don’t want to register.
4. Include images and product details in the cart view.
5. Send reminder emails to users who abandon their carts.

True Facts Beginners Often Get Wrong

1. The cart isn’t the final step—you still need to go through checkout to complete a purchase.
2. Items in your cart aren’t reserved unless explicitly stated; they can sell out.
3. Abandoned carts don’t mean the user wasn’t interested—sometimes they were just researching.
4. Customizing your cart design can improve conversions, not just aesthetics.
5. Free shipping shown in the cart often depends on order total—double-check thresholds.

Related Terms

[Checkout] [E-Commerce] [Payment Gateway] [User Experience (UX)] [Cart Abandonment]