Easy Way to Reduce Checkout Friction

Simplify • Reassure • Convert

Nothing stalls a sale faster than “surprise” fees at checkout. With global trade tensions and ever-shifting tariffs, it’s no wonder shoppers hit “Exit” instead of “Buy.” By proactively addressing tariff concerns, you can be the brand that customers trust—and watch your checkout conversions climb.

There's An Easy Way to Reduce Checkout Friction

Unexpected costs are conversion killers. When buyers see a final price that doesn’t match their expectations—because of duties, taxes, or tariffs—they bail. Even loyal customers second-guess purchases when trade-war headlines flash across the news.

Real Talk: 70% of online carts are abandoned before payment. While there are many reasons, fear of surprise charges ranks right up there with shipping costs and complex forms.

Four Sigmatic’s Check Out Call Out

One brand nailing the easy way to reduce checkout friction: Four Sigmatic. On their Shopify checkout, they added a green call out directly beneath the order total:

“The price you see is the price you pay—no extra fees or surprise charges.”

By using a friendly color and concise wording, they:

• Reassure nervous buyers

• Set clear expectations around pricing

• Reduce support tickets asking about hidden fees

This small tweak not only calms tariff anxiety but also subtly differentiates Four Sigmatic from competitors who stay silent on duties and taxes.

How to Add Check Out Messaging in Shopify

1. Access Your Checkout Settings

   • From your Shopify admin, go to Settings → Checkout.

2. Add a Custom Order Summary Message

   • Scroll to the Order processing section.

   • Locate Additional scripts and paste in a small snippet of HTML/CSS for your call-out banner.

3. Example Code Snippet:

   <div style="margin-top:12px; padding:10px; background:#e6f4ea; border-radius:4px; color:#2d552d; font-size:14px; text-align:center;"> <strong>The price you see is the price you pay</strong><br> No extra fees, duties, or surprise charges. </div>

4. Preview & Test

   • Run a test checkout (you can use a $0 test order) to confirm your message displays correctly on desktop and mobile.

5. Fine-Tune Language & Styling

   • Swap out “duties” for “tariffs” if that resonates with your audience.

   • Adjust colors to match your brand palette.

Tip: Keep your copy short and sweet. The goal is clarity, not a novel.

Beyond Tariffs: Other Checkout Reassurances

While tariff messaging addresses one major friction point (especially right now), consider testing similar call outs for:

• Shipping guarantees (“Fast + Free shipping on all U.S. orders”)

• Return policies (“Hassle-free 30-day returns”)

• Security badges (SSL, PCI-compliant logos)

Each reassurance removes mental roadblocks, so your customers glide through checkout instead of stalling.

The Bottom Line: Reassurance Drives Conversions

Brands that provide upfront clarity at checkout see measurable uplifts in completed orders—and reductions in “Where’s my charge?” support tickets. By adding a simple line like:

“The price you see is the price you pay”

You demonstrate transparency, build trust, and set yourself apart from competitors who leave their customers guessing.

Key Takeaways to Reduce Checkout Friction

• Identify the top fears slowing your checkout (tariffs, shipping, returns).

• Add clear, concise call-outs directly below your order total.

• Test & Refine messaging, placement, and design for maximum impact.

• Differentiate your brand by being the one that puts customers first.