The report attempts to answer questions like: Does a shorter checkout process really decrease shopping cart abandonment? Should you use an order confirmation screen? Does live chat improve conversions? Study samples included a variety of vertical market groups including apparel and accessories, computers and electronics, and both high and low ticket value product retailers.

1. The Ecommerce Checkout Report A Study of the Checkout Tactics of the Top 100 Online Retailers Visit the companion blog to ask questions, share test results or comment: www.elasticpath.com/ecommerce-checkout-report/

2. Panelists Jason Billingsley Co-founder & VP Marketing Elastic Path Software Stephan Spencer Founder & President Netconcepts

4. What was the purpose of the study?

5. How did we segment? Apparel and Accessories High Tech and Office Low average order value High average order value under $77 over $77

6. 23 Checkout Tactics of the Top 100 Online Retailers

8. Is navigation or search available?

10. Number of pages in checkout process?

12. Is there coupon code entry?

14. Can you edit items during checkout?

15. Is Ajax used within the checkout?

17. Does account creation or log in take you out of the checkout?

19. How are errors displayed?

21. Are alternative payments accepted?

23. Is live chat prevalent during checkout?

25. Is a phone number prevalent during checkout?

27. Is an address prevalent during checkout?

29. Are return policies prevalent during checkout?

31. Can you see shipping estimates prior to entering personal info?

33. Are security badges shown?

35. Are estimated shipping dates displayed?

37. Can you checkout as a guest or anonymously?

39. Are cart items always visible during checkout?

41. Is the cart total always visible during checkout?

43. Is a CVV (Card Verification Value) number required?

44. Is a final order confirmation screen used?

46. Are cross-sells displayed on the cart page?

48. Are cross-sells displayed during checkout?

50. Can gift wrapping or messaging be added to items?