With Facebook shops, sellers have the flexibility to offer customers different checkout methods. The checkout process is a crucial part of the shopping experience, so it’s important for sellers to choose a checkout method that is fast, convenient, and secure for customers.
What are the different checkout methods for Facebook Shops?
There are three main checkout methods available for Facebook Shops:
- Checkout on Facebook: Customers complete purchase without leaving Facebook.
- Checkout on seller’s website: Customers are redirected to seller’s website to complete purchase.
- Checkout with third-party provider: Customers checkout via third-party provider like Shopify or BigCommerce.
Each method has its own pros and cons for both sellers and buyers. Checkout on Facebook is convenient for customers, but sellers pay a 5% selling fee. Checking out on a seller’s website allows sellers to avoid fees, but requires driving traffic outside of Facebook. Third-party checkouts integrate with existing ecommerce platforms but introduce another middleman.
How to change the checkout method
Sellers can change their checkout method at any time in their Facebook Shop settings. Here are the steps:
- Go to your Facebook Shop manager
- Click “Settings” in the left sidebar
- Under “Checkout”, click “Edit checkout”
- Select your preferred checkout method: Facebook checkout, external website checkout, or third-party provider checkout
- Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your new checkout method
- Be sure to publish your changes by clicking “Save” after making edits
It may take up to 24 hours for checkout method changes to fully publish to your live shop. Keep in mind any checkout customizations or integrations will need to be redone when switching methods.
Key considerations when choosing a checkout method
Here are some key factors sellers should consider when selecting a Facebook Shops checkout method:
Fees
Facebook charges a 5% selling fee for orders placed via Facebook checkout. Other methods avoid this fee.
Customer experience
Checkout on Facebook provides a seamless experience without leaving the app. External checkouts may introduce more steps.
Integration with existing platforms
Third-party checkouts allow easy integration with Shopify, BigCommerce, and other existing ecommerce platforms.
Customization
External checkouts allow full control and customization of the checkout process and pages.
Order management
With Facebook checkout, orders are managed directly in Shops manager. Other methods rely on external tools.
Payment methods
Facebook checkout supports credit cards and Facebook Pay. Other methods may allow alternative payment options.
Audience targeting
Checkout on Facebook allows shoppers to purchase without leaving the platform for broader audience targeting.
How to set up checkout on Facebook
If you choose checkout on Facebook, here is how to set it up:
- Select “Facebook” as the checkout method in your Facebook Shop settings.
- Facebook will prompt you to connect an existing Facebook page or set up a new one for your shop.
- Add your business address, tax information, and bank account details.
- Choose whether to require Facebook accounts for checkout or allow guest checkouts.
- Select your payment provider – either Facebook Pay only or Facebook Pay + credit cards.
- Configure your shipping methods and delivery time estimates.
- Set up Facebook pixels for tracking and optimization.
Facebook will review your checkout setup. Once approved, customers will be able to seamlessly complete purchases from your Facebook Shop.
How to set up checkout on your website
To direct customers to your website for checkout:
- Select “External website” as the checkout method.
- Input your website URL and specify the page customers will be sent to.
- Ensure your website checkout is fully functional and secure.
- Consider adding Facebook pixel to your website checkout page.
- Test the customer checkout experience end-to-end.
- Drive traffic to your Facebook shop and ads to direct sales to your website.
This option gives you full control of the checkout process. However, you’ll need to drive shoppers to your website to complete transactions.
How to set up checkout with a third-party provider
To use a third-party checkout option like Shopify or BigCommerce:
- First set up an account with your preferred ecommerce platform.
- Select the “Third party provider” checkout option in Facebook.
- Follow the steps to connect your Facebook Shop to your ecommerce platform.
- Map your Facebook catalog to products in your ecommerce store.
- Sync order and inventory data between Facebook and your platform.
- Configure shipping rates and payment options.
- Test end-to-end checkout prior to going live.
This convenient option integrates your existing ecommerce backend with your Facebook presence. However, additional provider fees may apply.
Tips for optimizing your checkout process
Whichever checkout method you choose, there are best practices you can follow to maximize conversion rates:
- Offer multiple payment options like credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay.
- Clearly display shipping costs early in checkout process.
- Highlight security and encryption to build trust.
- Reduce number of steps and clicks required to purchase.
- Remember and restore abandoned carts to resume checkout.
- Include upsells and cross-sells to increase order value.
- Provide live chat, email, or text support during checkout.
- Test, optimize, and continuously improve the checkout flow.
Troubleshooting checkout issues
Here are some common checkout issues and fixes:
Checkout not loading
Check for errors in the browser console. Verify network connectivity. Try clearing cookies, cache, or using incognito browsing.
Errors during payment
Confirm payment details entered correctly. Refresh and try again. Contact payment provider. Ensure billing address matches payment method.
High abandoned cart rate
Simplify checkout process. Reduce required fields. Make checkout mobile-friendly. Add trust seals and security guarantees.
Checkout flow not working
Carefully test checkout end-to-end. Fix any broken links or buttons. Check third party integrations. Enable JavaScript. Use structured data.
Checkout not secure error
Ensure site has valid SSL certificate installed. Upgrade unsupported TLS versions. Enable HSTS. Redirect http to https.
Can’t change checkout method
Configure new method fully before deleting old. Avoid making multiple changes simultaneously. Give Facebook time to review changes.
Conclusion
The checkout process is a make-or-break moment in converting online shoppers. Carefully consider the pros and cons of different checkout methods when setting up your Facebook Shop. Prioritize elements like convenience, customization, fees, and integration with existing platforms. Test and refine your checkout flow to eliminate friction. Follow ecommerce best practices to guarantee customers have a seamless purchasing experience. With an optimized checkout process, you’ll be primed to scale your Facebook commerce business and boost sales.