Cart drawer or full cart page: which converts better?

We are trying to decide if we should use the cart drawer feature rather then the full cart page. Was hoping others had some experience and have maybe done some A/B testing on which converted better?

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I am interested in any insights other experts will add to this thread. But based on experience, a cart drawer is better than a cart page, for conversion and user experience.

Hi, @SoftwareCW !

An article from Ethercycle suggests that while a full cart page may have a higher conversion rate overall, a cart drawer can offer aesthetic and functional benefits. The cart drawer allows customers to continue shopping without being redirected, and it can provide immediate visual confirmation that a product has been added to the cart. However, since it doesn’t direct customers straight to a checkout page, it might necessitate an additional step for the customer to complete their purchase. They recommend using clear language, like “go to checkout,” to guide users effectively​​. Source here: https://ethercycle.com/blog/497

On the other hand, an article on GetWiser highlights the effectiveness of cart drawer upsell and recommendations. It notes that well-optimized cart drawers featuring product recommendations can increase conversion rates, cart value, and average order value. This approach leverages the convenience of a cart drawer to make it easier for customers to add additional products to their cart, thereby enhancing the potential for upselling and cross-selling​​. Source here: https://www.getwiser.ai/blog/increase-conversion-rate-cart-value-average-order-value-cart-drawer-upsell-recommendations/

Vaimo, in discussing the optimization of the cart page and customer journey, points out several advantages of drawer carts. These include the cart’s constant availability throughout the shopping experience, the visual confirmation of added products, and the capability to start the checkout process with a single click. Drawer carts are also noted for being mobile-friendly and in line with mobile-first design patterns, which can be a crucial factor given the increasing prevalence of mobile shopping​​. https://www.vaimo.com/blog/6-ways-to-optimize-your-cart-page-and-improve-your-customer-journey/

Speaking from experience, a Cart Drawer is easier for users, but you can’t add lots of up-selling features out there. I would stick to both the Drawer and the Page and let users decide. The Add to Cart should open the Drawer, while the Bag icon should open the page. This is the logic I usually follow and it went quite well so far. The best choice - if you must stick to one - will depend on your specific store layout, the type of products you sell and the customer base.

If this was useful, feel free to mark the response as an Accepted Solution. Thanks!