Checkout without login - possible?

[DivaVocals]

The "COWOA" mod (which makes accounts optional) addresses the repeat customer issue. As long as a customer has not created an account, they can purchase as many times as they want with the same e-mail address. Once they create an account, they cannot purchase with that e-mail without logging in.

Thanks for the clarification.. From reading the support threads, it still seems as if these add-ons are still working out some kinks.. Have you used these add-ons fairly issue free??

[GoingGear]

As for customers not being technically savvy; how much savvy does one require to enter information into clearly labeled data fields? If customers are not having issues entering in data into PayPal forms, then ZenCart account forms is a cinch IMO..

It's not that they don't understand or can't handle technology, it's more that they don't trust it. As far as comparing the checkout to Paypal, like I said, these are people that do not use Paypal because of Paypal policies and issues. Some also do not like the fact that Paypal is not FDIC insured and protects their own interests more than they protect the buyer or seller.

I understand that they are entering all of this information already. I suppose it is akin to somewhere like HH Gregg or a computer parts order at Frys, where they try to get as much information from you as possible, regardless of whether or not it is necessary. From what I understand, the customers want their credit card/address/phone/email information used for credit card processing ONLY, and not stored in tables for more than 30 days or whatever the law is for credit card data.

[DivaVocals]

It's not that they don't understand or can't handle technology, it's more that they don't trust it. As far as comparing the checkout to Paypal, like I said, these are people that do not use Paypal because of Paypal policies and issues. Some also do not like the fact that Paypal is not FDIC insured and protects their own interests more than they protect the buyer or seller.

I understand that they are entering all of this information already. I suppose it is akin to somewhere like HH Gregg or a computer parts order at Frys, where they try to get as much information from you as possible, regardless of whether or not it is necessary. From what I understand, the customers want their credit card/address/phone/email information used for credit card processing ONLY, and not stored in tables for more than 30 days or whatever the law is for credit card data.

The customer's credit card data is not stored in ZenCart's tables at all.

I understand what your customers are saying. I guess I am saying that the logic of it doesn't make sense to me.. Given their concerns, I wonder why they bother shopping online at all.. A good majority of the online stores customer management features are very similar to ZenCart's. So unless they are ONLY planning on shopping with your store, I can't imagine that they will be able to buy from a lot of online stores..

Anyway I digress.. I would take Glenn's suggestion about using on of the no account add-ons. If you do this and offer your customer's a payment method like check/money order you should be golden. Good luck with your new store..

[GoingGear]

So unless they are ONLY planning on shopping with your store, I can't imagine that they will be able to buy from a lot of online stores..

Well, that's the problem. They DON'T shop with many online stores. Don't get me wrong, the majority of my customers don't care about having to create an account, but there is a small subset that does not trust online shopping that I would still like to accommodate.

I understand that ZC does not store credit card information, so I worded that wrong. I was referring more to the address/email/phone type information. I guess they think I am going to send them junk mail and spam every couple of days.

[mamasylvia]

I have customers who don't like creating an account, either. I put a "why create an account" message on my home page to bring up the plusses, including getting an immediate $5 coupon to use with their first order. That coupon makes it worth most people's time to go ahead and set up an account. ;)

[yellow1912]

I guess the point is:
With or without account created, they still have to enter those info anyway, what makes the difference here?

Obviously you can choose not to collect certain info such as fone number etc, but the rest are required for billing and shipping anyway.

[DivaVocals]

Well, that's the problem. They DON'T shop with many online stores. Don't get me wrong, the majority of my customers don't care about having to create an account, but there is a small subset that does not trust online shopping that I would still like to accommodate.

I understand that ZC does not store credit card information, so I worded that wrong. I was referring more to the address/email/phone type information. I guess they think I am going to send them junk mail and spam every couple of days.

And that is honorable for you to think of these customers, but IMO you build a site/online business based on the rules not the exceptions..

Folks who don't normally shop online or trust online shopping in general are the exceptions to the rules of an online business. If you were to evaluate these customers and the revenue they bring in against the cost of the effort you put into accomodating them, you'd probably find that at the end of the day there isn't enough initial or repeat business to warrant going out of your way to accommodate what you admit is a small subset of your customers.. Just my opinion..

[gjh42]

Diva -
I haven't used any checkout mods, so can't give first-hand opinions. I did follow the COWOA thread when it was active a year or so ago.

[DivaVocals]

Diva -
I haven't used any checkout mods, so can't give first-hand opinions. I did follow the COWOA thread when it was active a year or so ago.

Got it.. I've been following that thread as well.. I think the COWOA add-on is close, but not quite "there" yet if you know what I mean.. I only have one client who has expressed an interest in COWOA, and I have convinced her to wait.. IMO there seems to be some kinks that still need to be worked out just yet before this mod can be used reliably..

[yellow1912]

Note that cowa mod development stopped long ago.