Should I use multivariate testing for checkout optimization?
Muhammed Tüfekyapan
Founder & CEO
TL;DR - Quick Answer
Complete Expert Analysis
Optimizing Order Summary Presentation in Checkout
The order summary in Shopify checkout serves two functions: confirming what the customer is buying (reducing uncertainty abandonment) and showing the total cost (which can trigger price-shock abandonment if costs were not visible earlier). Getting the format right for your specific store is a testing exercise.
Order Summary Format Variables
- Expanded vs. collapsed: Expanded shows all line items immediately; collapsed reduces cognitive load but may increase uncertainty
- Product images visible: Product images in the summary reassure customers they have the right item
- Subtotal vs. total prominence: Leading with subtotal keeps focus away from shipping; total-first is more transparent
- Savings displayed: Showing original price vs. sale price reinforces discount value at checkout
Test Scenarios
| If your abandonment primarily comes from... | Test this format |
|---|---|
| Product uncertainty | Expanded with product images |
| Price shock at total | Show complete total (shipping included) prominently earlier |
| Complex multi-item carts | Collapsed summary with expand option to reduce overwhelm |
Growth Suite Advanced Cart Drawer shows complete cost information including shipping before customers enter checkout, reducing the likelihood that price-shock abandonment occurs at the order summary step. Customers who have already seen their full cost in the cart drawer are less likely to abandon when they see the same total at checkout.
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With over a decade of experience in e-commerce optimization, Muhammed founded Growth Suite to help Shopify merchants maximize their conversion rates through intelligent behavior tracking and personalized offers. His expertise in growth strategies and conversion optimization has helped thousands of online stores increase their revenue.
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