12 eCommerce Shopping Cart Examples & Tips

Your ecommerce shopping cart page is more than just a place where customers review their purchases. 

It’s a critical step in the buying process and can greatly impact whether a visitor completes their purchase or abandons their e shopping cart.

To help you create an effective shopping cart for ecommerce, we’ve combined practical tips with inspiring examples from top ecommerce online shopping cart designs. 

Here’s a guide to help you make the most out of your shopping cart for website design and functionality.

What is an eCommerce Shopping Cart?

An ecommerce shopping cart is the software tool on your website that handles the checkout process and manages everything from keeping track of the items a customer wants to buy to processing their payment and completing the transaction. 

Essentially, it takes your customer from just browsing to making a purchase. 

The effectiveness of shopping carts for websites depends on how smoothly they integrate with your site and how well they meet your customers’ needs.

Key Features of an Effective Shopping Cart Functionality

1. Simplicity and Clarity: Your ecommerce cart page should clearly display all essential details, such as product names, prices, and quantities. Keep it clean and straightforward so customers can quickly review their order summary without confusion.
2. User-Friendly Navigation: Ensure that it’s easy for users to adjust their online shopping cart systems. Whether they need to change quantities or remove items, a simple, intuitive design helps reduce frustration and makes the shopping experience smoother.
3. Clear Shipping Information: Provide transparent details about shipping costs and any thresholds for free shipping. This helps prevent cart abandonment caused by unexpected costs.
4. Secure Payment Options: Offer various payment methods and prominently display security icons to reassure customers that their transactions are safe.
5. Customization and Upselling: Make it easy for customers to select options like size and color. Additionally, suggest related products to encourage further purchases, enhancing their experience with your shopping cart functionality.

Types of Website Shopping Carts

There are two main types of shopping carts for ecommerce: licensed and hosted. Let’s explore both.

1. Licensed Shopping Carts

These shopping carts for websites are purchased with a one-time fee and then installed on your server. They offer a high degree of customization, allowing you to tweak the features and design to fit your specific needs.

Examples:

• OpenCart: Flexible and offers a range of extensions to boost your cart’s functionality.
• Magento: Ideal for complex stores, packed with advanced features.
• PrestaShop: Offers customization options to tailor your ecommerce cart.

2. Hosted Shopping Carts

Hosted e shopping cart systems are subscription-based and managed by the provider. This means they handle updates and security for you. They’re typically easier to set up but offer less customization.

Examples:

• BigCommerce: Built-in tools and integrations to streamline your operations.
• Shopify: Intuitive interface with a wide range of apps to extend shopping cart functionality.
• Volusion: Offers a comprehensive platform to get your ecommerce online shopping cart up and running quickly.

12 Examples of Ecommerce Shopping Cart Designs

Let’s dive into some of the best shopping cart designs from leading ecommerce sites:

Here are 12 top eCommerce sites with diverse industry representation, each showcasing unique features in their cart design to enhance the shopping experience:

1. Amazon

Amazon’s cart is as functional as you’d expect. I love the flexibility—whether you’re saving items for later, adjusting quantities, or checking out customer reviews. The shopping carts for websites are all about efficiency, making it easier than ever to finish shopping.

2. Walmart

Walmart’s shopping cart for website keeps it simple and effective. The cart clearly lists item prices and recommendations, creating a personalized experience. It’s perfect for those sticking to a budget, and the ecommerce online shopping cart helps ensure a smooth, no-fuss experience.

3. Target

Target strikes the perfect balance between sleek design and practicality. The ecommerce shopping cart shows you your items along with quick shipping updates. They’ve got the shopping cart functionality down, especially with that smart “frequently added” section helping you complete your purchase.

4. DSW

DSW’s cart is perfect for fashionistas. The product images are clear, and they slip in pairing suggestions (like a cute scarf). Their shopping cart for ecommerce keeps things smooth with a bold “Review Bag and Checkout” button, making the entire process seamless.

5. Best Buy

Best Buy’s shopping cart for website is packed with details, which makes sense for bigger purchases. I love how they integrate trade-in options and protection plans right in the shopping cart functionality. Plus, with PayPal checkout, it’s all about making things quick and easy.

6. Wayfair

Wayfair keeps things neat and tidy. Their shopping carts for ecommerce include everything you need: delivery dates, assembly options, and flexible payment plans like Klarna. Their purple branding really pops, giving the whole e shopping cart experience a polished vibe.

7. ASOS

ASOS is all about aesthetics, and their ecommerce cart reflects that. The bold images help you visualize your fashion finds, and the “low in stock” alert creates a sense of scarcity. The online shopping cart systems make it super easy to review prices and remove items on the go.

8. Walgreens

Walgreens keeps it simple but effective. Their shopping cart for ecommerce includes a pop-up view with “frequently bought together” suggestions to nudge you toward extra purchases (without being annoying). The age-restricted item alert adds a nice layer of shopping cart functionality, making sure compliance is smooth.

9. Ulta

Ulta’s ecommerce online shopping cart is all about convenience. The pop-out feature lets you keep shopping without losing your place, and the visuals make it easy to review your picks. Plus, they nail the ecommerce product recommendations—perfect for throwing in that extra lip gloss or serum before you check out!

10. Crate & Barrel

Their ecommerce shopping cart is clean, minimal, and super easy to navigate. The website shopping cart puts the spotlight on products with sleek images and clear prices. I love how they include a “People Also Bought” section—just enough to inspire you without being pushy. And that ecommerce cart summary at the top right? It makes checking out a breeze.

11. Barnes and Noble

Simple but user-friendly. Barnes & Noble’s ecommerce cart gives a clean summary of your book choices with savings options and easy-to-find buttons to save for later. PayPal integration adds that final touch, giving the e shopping cart system an extra level of convenience.

12. Home Depot

Home Depot’s ecommerce shopping cart is focused and straightforward. After adding an item, they suggest related products that you might need for your project. It’s all about creating a smooth, efficient experience, with their online shopping cart systems making checkout a breeze.

How to Reduce eCommerce Cart Abandonment and Increase Conversions

To tackle cart abandonment and boost conversions effectively in your ecommerce shopping cart, here are detailed strategies with examples that can improve your shopping cart functionality:

Offer Incentives:

• Discount Popups: When a customer shows signs of leaving their ecommerce cart, trigger a popup offering a discount or free shipping if they complete their purchase. For example, “Wait! Get 10% off your order if you complete your purchase within the next 30 minutes!”
• Exit-Intent Offers: Use exit-intent technology to present an offer when a customer moves to close the tab or navigate away from their online shopping cart system. For instance, “Don’t miss out! Use code SAVE15 for an extra 15% off your ecommerce online shopping cart total if you check out now.”

Create Urgency:

• Limited-Time Discounts: Display countdown timers for sales promotions or discounts on your shopping cart for website. For example, “Flash Sale: 20% off ends in 2 hours!” This can prompt customers to act quickly and complete their purchase before the offer expires.
• Low Stock Alerts: Show messages like “Only 3 items left in stock!” or “Hurry, only a few left at this price!” on product pages and in the e shopping cart to create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate purchases.

Show Relevant Alternatives:

• Similar Products: If a customer abandons their shopping cart for ecommerce, show them related products or alternatives they might be interested in. For example, if a customer leaves their cart with a pair of running shoes, display personalized recommendations for other running shoes or athletic gear.
• Product Recommendations: Use algorithms to suggest products based on the items in the shopping cart for ecommerce. For instance, if a customer has added a camera to their cart, recommend complementary items like lenses, memory cards, or camera bags.

Optimize Your eCommerce Shopping Cart Today

Your ecommerce shopping cart page is a crucial element of your site. 

By focusing on user-friendly design, clear information, and strategic upselling, you can enhance the shopping experience and improve your conversion rates. 

Take inspiration from the top examples and implement these best practices to make your shopping cart for your website an effective tool for closing sales.