Tech Update: New Checkout Updates

TechUpdates

Story by TechUpdates

Published on Sept 24, 2009 in Etsy News

Photo by gretchenmist

As we mentioned in the previous Checkout Update, we’re working to make Checkout a simpler, smoother process for shoppers, and we are rolling changes out gradually to make sure they improve buyer conversion. (“Conversion” is the percentage of shoppers who complete Checkout.) Improving buyer conversion helps more shoppers get a taste of Etsy and leads to more orders for Etsy sellers. In short, more happy Etsy members!

Today we’re rolling out a change to a small percentage of Etsy traffic that removes non-essential elements from the header of Checkout pages, to make the process clearer and faster. Simplifying the page header in the Checkout process is an e-commerce practice used by many great shopping sites, such as Amazon and Apple.

Here’s a preview of the shipping information page with a simplified header:

We’re going to see if this change makes it easier for shoppers to complete Checkout, and we’ll make adjustments as we learn more. If we’re certain the changes improve the Checkout experience for shoppers, we’ll roll the changes out to all of Etsy’s traffic.

We’ll update this post as we learn more.

P.S. If you want to get the breaking, vital Etsy news as it happens — delivered straight to your email inbox, then sign up for Etsy News Alerts emails. Read more about it here.  Expect this as an Etsy Alert email in your inbox if you already subscribe to the list.

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Discuss: 143 comments

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  • beadinbythesea

    beadinbythesea says:

    Great news! Thanks for all your work to make this site even better!

    2 years ago

  • asundrynotion

    asundrynotion says:

    Your efforts are appreciated! Now please integrate the Google Checkout secure online payment option to the Etsy checkout. I'd appreciate that even more!

    2 years ago

  • asundrynotion

    asundrynotion says:

    I should have said 'integrate secure Google Checkout into the Etsy checkout' above. You know what I meant. Thanks again!

    2 years ago

  • LuminousDreamDesigns

    LuminousDreamDesigns says:

    Thank you for all your hard work!

    2 years ago

  • pamwares

    pamwares says:

    always working hard for us!

    2 years ago

  • worksandfinds

    worksandfinds says:

    My gosh. You guys are working hard. Thank you :)

    2 years ago

  • crazyforcollars

    crazyforcollars says:

    Thank you for making it easier for newcomers to checkout smoothly, quickly, and properly!

    2 years ago

  • girltuesdayjewelry
  • SeaFindDesigns

    SeaFindDesigns says:

    Thanks!

    2 years ago

  • BizzieLizzie

    BizzieLizzie says:

    Fantastic! Thanks for keeping on top of these things! Much appreciated!

    2 years ago

  • bytheway

    bytheway says:

    Thank you so much! I really appreciate that you listen to the concerns of the sellers and try to make things easier for our buyers!

    2 years ago

  • maddyandme

    maddyandme says:

    looks great - hope you find it makes a difference.

    2 years ago

  • sucree

    sucree says:

    thanks for addressing the checkout issues

    2 years ago

  • LeelaBijou

    LeelaBijou says:

    great news! thank you!! :)

    2 years ago

  • Xenotees

    Xenotees says:

    Yay! Gotta love simple! Thanks!

    2 years ago

  • ccvalenzo

    ccvalenzo says:

    I hope with the new checkout you will maki it possible for the payment type to be changed. A lot of people mark the wrong type of payment and then can't change it without cancelling the whole sale.

    2 years ago

  • VixVintage

    VixVintage says:

    Thank you techies!

    2 years ago

  • BlueGremlin

    BlueGremlin says:

    thanks for always keeping etsy on the move! gogogogogo!

    2 years ago

  • VixVintage

    VixVintage says:

    The apricot butter looks so yummy.

    2 years ago

  • AmberLeaf

    AmberLeaf says:

    Yay!!!! I love the new checkout option!

    2 years ago

  • FrillyButts

    FrillyButts says:

    Thanks!

    2 years ago

  • vivikas

    vivikas says:

    Cool, thanks!

    2 years ago

  • MiasMunchies

    MiasMunchies says:

    Thank you Etsy! :)

    2 years ago

  • DivaBabyDesigns

    DivaBabyDesigns says:

    That is so great! The easier the better!! Thank you!

    2 years ago

  • RawBoneStudio

    RawBoneStudio says:

    Can't wait to try them out. Thanks!!!

    2 years ago

  • mamapainter

    mamapainter says:

    Can't wait to see how it goes. So far, the SEO changes have been fabulous!

    2 years ago

  • firelilyjewelrygems

    firelilyjewelrygems says:

    great idea!

    2 years ago

  • VintageEyeFashion

    VintageEyeFashion says:

    the simpler the better...thanks!

    2 years ago

  • peacefrogdesigns

    peacefrogdesigns says:

    Thanks to everyone at Etsy trying to make everything easier for us, sellers an buyers alike! It is appreciated! :)

    2 years ago

  • hellobrowneyes

    hellobrowneyes says:

    You guys are my bffs

    2 years ago

  • JoannasPhotography

    JoannasPhotography says:

    great news! thank you :)

    2 years ago

  • MetalheartDesign

    MetalheartDesign says:

    thanks for all the improvement tweaks lately!

    2 years ago

  • marypearlsvintage

    marypearlsvintage says:

    thanks for making it easier to sell old treasures in a new way!

    2 years ago

  • goodlookin

    goodlookin says:

    Very good news. I've been through the buying process, at it seems clear, but wow, it really trips up some people! Thanks for your efforts.

    2 years ago

  • heatherfuture

    heatherfuture says:

    Lovely!

    2 years ago

  • art4friends

    art4friends says:

    YAY for gretchenmist (AUSTRALIAN ARTIST) for having her work as the feature image! And super work etsy too ;) x

    2 years ago

  • 2TrickPony

    2TrickPony says:

    Peace, love, and easy checkout♥

    2 years ago

  • gretchenmist

    gretchenmist says:

    great to have this fine tuning happening behind the scenes. and thanks so much for using my print up the top :)

    2 years ago

  • 1AEON

    1AEON says:

    sweet pictures!!!!! you already made an esty member happier:)

    2 years ago

  • creativeminds2009

    creativeminds2009 says:

    thank you!

    2 years ago

  • tamar

    tamar says:

    Great news! I am still hoping to eliminate all the uncompleted sales because lots of new buyers don't understand the process....I send at least 2 emails a day to buyers...:)

    2 years ago

  • stubbornwoman

    stubbornwoman says:

    Sorry, but you are a day late and a dollar short. I sold a hat this afternoon and have yet to get paid. Boo Hoo.

    2 years ago

  • ladaworks

    ladaworks says:

    You are the hardest working people. I love you all. Fantastic improvement. Thank you.

    2 years ago

  • kittybblove

    kittybblove says:

    Thank you etsy! Hopefully this will all work out and checkout will become easier for buyers. We get a good amount of first time buyers who need help paying and hopefully this will help resolve issues that they have. Looking forward to more updates on this in the future :D

    2 years ago

  • ApplewoodHandwovens

    ApplewoodHandwovens says:

    You've made great strides just since I've opened my shop and you continue.... Thank You

    2 years ago

  • pinkytoeclothing

    pinkytoeclothing says:

    Thanks for all you do!!

    2 years ago

  • ArtDecoDame

    ArtDecoDame says:

    fun picks love those shoes!

    2 years ago

  • jazzygeminis

    jazzygeminis says:

    thanks

    2 years ago

  • HoneyBoo

    HoneyBoo says:

    Thanks for the improvements!

    2 years ago

  • Owlishly

    Owlishly says:

    This looks great, I'm really hoping that it works out well! I typically have at least one or two sales a week where the customer doesn't pay because they've thought that they've completed the transaction. This'll be a fantastic improvement!

    2 years ago

  • HelenesDreams

    HelenesDreams says:

    Hey Etsy..thanks for improving. It is greatly appreciated! Do you think you can add the discount codes for weekend deals and free shipping? This would greatly enhance the user friendliness of offering a sale and not dealing with refunds and things like this. After all, if your going to promote a sale..it should sell for the sale price.

    2 years ago

  • ShesaGem

    ShesaGem says:

    Awesome, simple is better!!

    2 years ago

  • Talula

    Talula says:

    Anything you can do to make check-out easier for our buyers is soooooo very much appreciated! Easy check-out "hopefully" = buyers that actually pay!!! Yay!!!

    2 years ago

  • MyMoms

    MyMoms says:

    Thanks for the improvements, love the picks!

    2 years ago

  • FibroFibers

    FibroFibers says:

    Hmm, interesting. It's a simple change, but I think it will make a significant difference. Thanks!

    2 years ago

  • HempPatch

    HempPatch says:

    Cool, thanks Etsy!

    2 years ago

  • LavenderField

    LavenderField says:

    Thanks guys for working so hard, these improvements are always welcomed!

    2 years ago

  • suldrun

    suldrun says:

    great news but can you have a different shop name then your user name?

    2 years ago

  • KatDesignsNYC

    KatDesignsNYC says:

    That sounds terrific! Thanks for the improvements.

    2 years ago

  • GlamRockEmporium

    GlamRockEmporium says:

    Yay! Increased buyer conversion makes the GlamRockEmporium happy :)

    2 years ago

  • underoakstudios

    underoakstudios says:

    Thanks keep it up! I've bought a ton on etsy and every time I have to figure it out again. The more user friendly the better!

    2 years ago

  • fantasybeader

    fantasybeader says:

    UUUGGGGGGGGG SPAM!!!! Ok sorry got side tracked. I cant wait till checkout is a little easier to use for first time shoppers :-)

    2 years ago

  • spacejam

    spacejam says:

    sounds great!

    2 years ago

  • skydreamslight

    skydreamslight says:

    would you please allow us to pay to all sellers at once? it is pain to log onto paypal with each sellers when i bought from many different sellers at once. and i really appreciate the new change! thank you!

    2 years ago

  • RobinMariaPedrero

    RobinMariaPedrero says:

    Thank you! I have had to walk some of my clients through the process, they thought they had paid and could not get to the next step of going to pay pal.

    2 years ago

  • ovgilliesdesigns

    ovgilliesdesigns says:

    Great to see you guys making the site better!

    2 years ago

  • Morado

    Morado says:

    Thank you! Hope it works :o) A little tired and sad about non paying buyers (sniff!) http://twitter.com/MoradoShop http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop

    2 years ago

  • stitchntyme

    stitchntyme says:

    Thank you Etsy for this improvement, very appreciated. Hope it is available soon to all of the Etsy community.

    2 years ago

  • lovelygifts

    lovelygifts says:

    As always, thank you for the updates : )

    2 years ago

  • woodponddesigns

    woodponddesigns says:

    Thank you. These changes sound great.

    2 years ago

  • ManoCelebrates

    ManoCelebrates says:

    Thanks a lot,means more customers.

    2 years ago

  • smallstakes

    smallstakes says:

    Excellent news!

    2 years ago

  • wristcandycreations

    wristcandycreations says:

    YAY! Can't wait to see how this improvement does! Hopefully our customers will enjoy an easier check out now! Thank you.

    2 years ago

  • FatBatShop

    FatBatShop says:

    Thanks for always looking for new ways to make Etsy easier and better! Do appreciate it! :)

    2 years ago

  • SquierDesign

    SquierDesign says:

    An easier to read and simplified check out is a great idea ... hope it does well.

    2 years ago

  • AntiGenre

    AntiGenre says:

    Will this also eliminate buyers who claim that they "didn't mean to click" or "didn't realize they clicked" the Commit to Purchase button? Twice today this has happened. Grrrr. Hoepfully these changes will smooth the process out a bit.

    2 years ago

  • DoodlebugAccessories

    DoodlebugAccessories says:

    Fantastic as always. Appreciate it very much.

    2 years ago

  • birdie1

    birdie1 says:

    Thank you so much. I regularly get first time buyers who never end up paying. This is MUCH needed.

    2 years ago

  • recycledwares

    recycledwares says:

    Thanks for trying out new ideas and concepts to make the etsy shopping experience better for everyone. i appreciate your hard work.

    2 years ago

  • wristielove

    wristielove says:

    many many thanks!

    2 years ago

  • philosophi

    philosophi says:

    Great - I have to be careful not to buy too much now it's even easier! :)

    2 years ago

  • smilingbluedog

    smilingbluedog says:

    Sounds like etsy's working hard to make things easier. Thankyou!

    2 years ago

  • konkokto

    konkokto says:

    I think it´s already rad enough as it is.

    2 years ago

  • FeralGlass

    FeralGlass says:

    A step in the right direction, however... getting a bad shipping address has never been a problem that I can recall. Having non-paying buyers who think they have opaid because the checkout process leads them to think they are done..that is aproblem reported every day in the forums. Please fix the payment hand-off. Without that, having a valid address is moot.

    2 years ago

  • KnitStorm

    KnitStorm says:

    Hope it helps! Have had a few nonpayments lately...

    2 years ago

  • michon

    michon says:

    even small changes are probably good, let us know how it works out!

    2 years ago

  • HeyChica

    HeyChica says:

    Thanks, looking forward to a simplified checkout process!

    2 years ago

  • cocomo

    cocomo says:

    will there be a "send invoice" or "payment reminder" option for sellers - when buyers dont pay right away?

    2 years ago

  • OhFaro

    OhFaro says:

    Thanks etsy. I agree with CoCo- we need reminders and a way to re-send the invoice.

    2 years ago

  • DalkullanJewelry

    DalkullanJewelry says:

    Thank you Etsy! The Delicate Fern stamp is really lovely!

    2 years ago

  • katieblue

    katieblue says:

    Thanks for the improvements, Etsy!

    2 years ago

  • Slowshirts

    Slowshirts says:

    I love it! And next you'll add a size/color choice option for the customer during checkout????? PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE! It's everything we have EVER WANTED!

    2 years ago

  • SimpleJoysPaperie

    SimpleJoysPaperie says:

    Thank you for working to make checkout faster and easier.

    2 years ago

  • fibrevolution
  • cavebaby

    cavebaby says:

    As both, buyer and seller, I'd love one more improvement added: pay to all sellers at once. If you buy 5 items from 5 different sellers, you have to log in PayPal 5 times and make 5 payments. eBay has a nice feature: Pay One Seller At a Time or Pay All Sellers At Once. Thank you for working on it though!

    2 years ago

  • bhangtiez

    bhangtiez says:

    Sounds great...thanks 4 the update!

    2 years ago

  • Giftbearer

    Giftbearer says:

    Thanks! This should reduce errors, especially for first-time buyers.

    2 years ago

  • metalRomance

    metalRomance says:

    The only thing about Checkout that I thought was very confusing was when you want to pay with a credit card and 'Paypal' login page would come up. I didn't understand that the 'Continue without logging into Paypal' selection actually meant to 'continue payment just using your credit card. I avoided making purchases a few times because of this confusing message.

    2 years ago

  • Squier

    Squier says:

    Simplicity is the key!

    2 years ago

  • VintageStarrBeads

    VintageStarrBeads says:

    I can't wait for that addition to check for buyers. As A seller i have had to cancel so many sales of First time buyers at etsy. They logon for the first time, add to cart, and then either have trouble obtaining paypal or they just never return and the so called SALE is NEVER PAID and I have to cancel it! So annoying! Maybe this will be easier for new buyers. For DEADBEAT non-payers well.. there's always KARMA!!! -Rachelle Starr A.K.A Vintagestarrbeads and Starrbeads

    2 years ago

  • Momyzmunymakerz

    Momyzmunymakerz says:

    I agree with Squier... Simplicity is the key!

    2 years ago

  • Iammie

    Iammie says:

    Ooh, nice!

    2 years ago

  • samsstuff

    samsstuff says:

    Thanks for the updates & keeping us informed! This should help make it easier on buyers (& sellers).

    2 years ago

  • ScrapHappieAZ

    ScrapHappieAZ says:

    Hope this reduces the number of none paid purchases.

    2 years ago

  • lostmitten

    lostmitten says:

    Thanks for all of the hard work! Hopefully this results in fewer non-paying buyers!

    2 years ago

  • mazedasastoat

    mazedasastoat says:

    You guys are awesome! :-) Always thinking up new ways of making Etsy even better for us all & the best thing is... you actually LISTEN to what we say! Thank you so much for all your hard work.

    2 years ago

  • SimplySassySupplies

    SimplySassySupplies says:

    Thanks for making things easier for us and the buyer. In my short time w/Etsy, I have seen alot of improvements!!

    2 years ago

  • JANETLILY

    JANETLILY says:

    Thank you so much! for making it easier for the buyer :) My shop is doing really well, with your hard work. It will be even better!

    2 years ago

  • expressyourself
  • kittycrossbones

    kittycrossbones says:

    I'm kind of confused as a buyer just said it says contact seller for payment? No more automatic payments?? That's going to be a pain to have to invoice every one of my customers...

    2 years ago

  • AdornMeJewelry

    AdornMeJewelry says:

    Does this mean that the buyer will automatically be taken to PayPal so they can check out? Just had another customer recently who thought they had paid when they hadn't, and I had to instruct them to go into their purchases, click the green button and so forth.

    2 years ago

  • cassidycay

    cassidycay says:

    Thanks for the update about checkout! Very good to know. I also love all the highlighted Etsy things, especially the man with the mustache.

    2 years ago

  • WhiteEarthStudio

    WhiteEarthStudio says:

    Thank you for all of the updates

    2 years ago

  • lindabutterfly

    lindabutterfly says:

    Over the past two years many of my 1st time buyers have had to be taken step by step through the checkout process. Maybe reducing the checkout pages header like this will reduce overload in peoples' minds and make them concentrate on following the steps and eventually paying. I first voiced this as a possible solution about 17 months ago. Good to see it finally happening.

    2 years ago

  • jewelrybyamor

    jewelrybyamor says:

    Million thanks for all th information you provided. I will try to follow them.

    2 years ago

  • thehippiecouple

    thehippiecouple says:

    integrating google checkout also would be cool.

    2 years ago

  • terrabellaaccents

    terrabellaaccents says:

    Hope this helps bring in more customers! YAY!

    2 years ago

  • Carley50

    Carley50 says:

    I am new here and need some help getting my site up and running. I am having problems viewing my logo and can't seem to get it together (help) ? Thanks Carol H.

    2 years ago

  • Connie1952

    Connie1952 says:

    I am new to Etsy. So I need all the help I can get. There seems to be so much to know.

    2 years ago

  • annehopkins

    annehopkins says:

    I'm LOVING it!!! :) xox

    2 years ago

  • CBProducts

    CBProducts says:

    nice nice..HOODIES ARE IN!!! CHECK EM OUT... RIDE OR DIE womens/mens hoodie http://bit.ly/dqvy1v

    2 years ago

  • mollbelldesigns

    mollbelldesigns says:

    New at this but learning as I go, thanks Etsy for all your help and support!!! ;)

    2 years ago

  • nikdesign

    nikdesign says:

    Thanks for your hard work.

    2 years ago

  • SiSenorLingerie

    SiSenorLingerie says:

    i like your explainations,Etsy, it's always very clear.. keep up with the exelent work. :)

    2 years ago

  • WHITECOCKADE46

    WHITECOCKADE46 says:

    Great news. Thanks a lot

    1 year ago

  • kcbowtique

    kcbowtique says:

    You All Are Awesome!!!! Thanks A Bunch :)

    1 year ago

  • OldPostCards

    OldPostCards says:

    Etsy is becoming a House Word name in CRAFT and O Yes Vintage stuff. Keep up "GOOD WORK ETSY". Dan

    1 year ago

  • allysonjames

    allysonjames says:

    Simply, Thank You!

    1 year ago

  • auntbethys2

    auntbethys2 says:

    ....one m o r e thing to love about you, etsy~ y'all are aMAZing... (:

    1 year ago

  • Brookman

    Brookman says:

    Papa's Antique Attic Thanks for the exposure Etsy. I have been trying to sell my photography and wood crafts begining in 2007. Etsy has been more profitable this past year than all the church bazaars and arts & crafts shows due to the cost of a space/sales.

    1 year ago

  • dacopeland

    dacopeland says:

    Thanks for the exposure Etsy. Keep up the good work.

    1 year ago

  • omistress

    omistress says:

    Looking forward to a great 2011 with Etsy's help and support!

    1 year ago

  • WoodBowlsAndMore

    WoodBowlsAndMore says:

    Thanks for the opportunity to share my woodworking with others. This process was so much easier than trying to design an individual website and I believe I'll receive more exposure.

    1 year ago

  • treasure4ever

    treasure4ever says:

    Always improving. I appreciate that. Just as we strive to improve what we make. . . you are busy at work improving ways to give us outlets to show our newest works of art, jewelry etc. Always striving to make etsy better. Thank you!

    1 year ago