How To Show Order Summary On Your Shopify Website?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Displaying an Order Summary is Crucial
3. Methods to Show an Order Summary on Your Shopify Website
4. Best Practices for an Effective Order Summary
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ

Introduction

Imagine making a purchase online and not being entirely sure what you have ordered until it arrives at your door. Not only does this create anxiety for the customer, but it can also lead to misunderstandings and disputes. This is where an order summary becomes essential. It provides a clear and concise breakdown of the items purchased, their costs, and other relevant details. In this blog post, we'll explore different ways to add an order summary to your Shopify website, why it's beneficial, and some best practices for implementing it effectively.

By the end of this post, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to seamlessly integrate an order summary into your Shopify website to enhance user experience and build customer trust.

Why Displaying an Order Summary is Crucial

An order summary serves several important functions:

1. Transparency and Clarity: It allows customers to review their orders, ensuring there are no mistakes or omissions.
2. Building Trust: Providing a clear breakdown of the order helps in building trust as customers are assured of what they are purchasing.
3. Customer Service: It acts as a reference point for both the customer and the business, simplifying any future questions or disputes.

Preventing Misunderstandings

An order summary helps customers verify the items and quantities they are purchasing. This reduces the chances of errors in the order fulfillment process, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

Enhancing User Experience

A well-designed order summary can improve the overall user experience by providing customers with all the information they need before completing the purchase. This reduces any hesitations they might have about the transaction.

Methods to Show an Order Summary on Your Shopify Website

Method 1: Editing the Theme’s Checkout Page Template

Editing your Shopify theme is one of the more technical methods, but it allows for maximum customization:

1. Access Your Theme: Go to your Shopify admin panel, navigate to Online Store -> Themes, and click on Actions -> Edit Code.
2. Locate the Checkout Template: Look for the checkout template file, typically named checkout.liquid.
3. Add Order Summary Code: Within the template, add the specific code snippet that calls for the order summary. The basic format might look something like this:

   {{ order.summary }}
   

4. Save Your Changes: Ensure you save the changes and preview your checkout to confirm everything displays correctly.

Method 2: Using Shopify Apps

For those less comfortable with code, Shopify offers several apps that can help you add an order summary:

1. Explore the Shopify App Store: Search for order summary apps such as Order Summary, Order Printer, and others.
2. Install and Configure: Follow the installation guide and configure the settings to match your preferences.
3. Integrate with Your Site: Many of these apps offer easy integration options with minimal setup required, making it seamless to add an order summary feature.

Method 3: Adding a Custom Snippet

Using custom snippets can be a middle ground between manual coding and using apps:

1. Create a Snippet: In your Shopify admin, create a new snippet file under Snippets -> Add a new snippet.
2. Add Snippet Code: Write or paste the code that pulls the necessary order summary details. For example:

   {% if order %}
     <div class="order-summary">
       <h2>Order Summary</h2>
       <ul>
         {% for item in order.items %}
           <li>{{ item.name }} - {{ item.price }}</li>
         {% endfor %}
       </ul>
       <p>Total: {{ order.total }}</p>
     </div>
   {% endif %}
   

3. Include the Snippet: Include this snippet in your desired template file, generally within the checkout or order confirmation pages, by using:

   {% include 'order-summary' %}
   

Best Practices for an Effective Order Summary

Highlight Important Details

Ensure that the order summary clearly lists the following:

• Product Names and Descriptions: Provide a detailed description or image of the items.
• Quantities and Prices: Clear numbers on the quantity ordered and the individual prices.
• Total Cost: Include taxes, shipping fees, and any discounts applied.

Match Your Website's Style

Consistency in design enhances user experience:

• Use Matching Fonts and Colors: Ensure the order summary blends with your site's overall theme.
• Responsive Design: Make sure the order summary looks good on both desktop and mobile devices.

Keep It Simple

Avoid overwhelming your customers:

• Minimalistic Design: Stick to essential information and use whitespace effectively.
• Readable Layout: Use bullet points, bold titles, or separations to make the summary easy to scan.

Conclusion

Adding an order summary to your Shopify website can significantly enhance transparency, build customer trust, and streamline the purchasing process. Whether you choose to edit your theme, utilize a Shopify app, or add a custom snippet, there are various methods to suit your level of expertise and preference. By following best practices in design and functionality, you can ensure your order summary not only looks good but also serves its purpose effectively.

With these comprehensive steps and tips, you should be well-equipped to integrate a clear and effective order summary on your Shopify site, ultimately leading to a better shopping experience for your customers.

FAQ

How do I enable the order summary page in Shopify settings?

Go to Shopify Admin -> Settings -> Checkout, then check the box next to "Enable Order Summary Page" under the Order Processing section.

Do I need coding skills to add an order summary to my Shopify site?

While coding skills can be helpful, many Shopify apps offer easy integration without the need for coding.

Can I customize the order summary to match my site's theme?

Yes, whether you are editing your theme directly or using an app, you can match the order summary's style to your site's overall design.