Abandoned Cart vs Abandoned Checkout

Defining the Metrics

In Shopify analytics, you will often see terms like 'Added to Cart' and 'Reached Checkout' used interchangeably, but they represent different stages of intent. An abandoned cart occurs when a user adds items but leaves before initiating the checkout process. An abandoned checkout happens when a user starts filling in their shipping or payment details but stops before clicking 'pay'.

Why the Distinction Matters

Knowing where your customer dropped off dictates your recovery strategy. A user who abandons at the checkout stage is closer to buying and may just have had a technical issue or sticker shock. A user who abandons the cart is likely still browsing or comparing prices.

Recovery approaches:

• Cart Abandonment: Focus on product reminders and brand value.
• Checkout Abandonment: Focus on friction removal, such as offering a discount or addressing shipping costs.

By distinguishing between these, you can tailor your CartKeeper recovery automations. Using WhatsApp to address specific concerns based on the exact drop-off point is a highly effective way to salvage potential revenue.