eCommerce dos and don’ts
Knowing what drives customers away is the first step to building a checkout experience they actually enjoy. Here are the dos and don’ts every store should know.
The DOs
- ✅ Detailed product descriptions — cover features, benefits, dimensions, materials
- ✅ Multiple product images — 5+ angles plus lifestyle shots
- ✅ Visible reviews — social proof above the fold on PDPs
- ✅ Free shipping threshold — “Free shipping over R500” lifts AOV 15%+
- ✅ Mobile-first design — 60%+ of SA ecommerce traffic is mobile
- ✅ Security badges — SSL, PCI compliance, trust marks visible
- ✅ Multiple payment methods — card, EFT, instant EFT, mobile wallets
- ✅ Clear returns policy — visible from product page, not hidden in footer
The DON’Ts
- ❌ Hidden shipping costs — surprise R150 shipping at checkout = abandonment
- ❌ Forced account creation — always offer guest checkout
- ❌ Tiny product photos — customers can’t see what they’re buying
- ❌ No search bar — or worse, a search that returns nothing
- ❌ Slow page load — every second over 3 = 7% conversion loss
- ❌ No phone number or contact info — trust killer
- ❌ Confusing navigation — customers leave if they can’t find products in 3 clicks
- ❌ Auto-playing video with sound — the fastest way to make customers close your tab
Get an honest audit of your store
We’ll review your store against this checklist and identify the highest-impact fixes.