Ordering Cycle

 

We have all been there after placing an order online. Wondering…. Did they received my order? Did I place the order correctly? I hope I got everything right. Now… where do I click next? Do I need to logout? Close the window?
These are all valid questions that popup in your customers’ heads after placing an order. So why not address them all?

Did they receive my order?

Make sure to add the necessary wording in your Order Confirmation page to assure your customer that his/her order has been received and is now being processed. Follow up with an automated email if possible to confirm the items that were ordered and when to expect them to be delivered.

Did I place the order correctly?

The Order Summary in the Order Confirmation page is important. Also, offer your phone number so the customer can call with any questions or updates to their order (think Upsell here).

Now… where do I click next?

A clear call to action with 1 button should suffice for this. Have a button in your Order Confirmation page that reads “Logout & Go to Home Page”. This will create a sense of closure to the Ordering Cycle.

Do I need to Logout?

Logging out of any website or online store after you have finished using it is a good habit. Specially on shared computers. Helping your customers logout after completing an order gives them a sense of security and protects them (and you) from unauthorized use and access of their profile, order history, and even automated return requests. Again, providing a “Logout” button in the Order Confirmation page will address this problem.

Should I close the window?

Closing a window doesn’t necessarily logs you out of a website or online store. The browser’s cookies and history could bring you back into the store as a logged in user after you open a new window and navigate back to the store. Again, logging out manually is just a good habit, so provide this option to your customers and close the Ordering Cycle.

Discussion Question:
What do you offer on your online store or website to close the Ordering Cycle and how does it work for you?