Think about the last time you purchased something online. If it was your first time buying from that site, you probably were given the option to create an account to save your information for your next purchase. If it was your go-to retailer, then you probably just logged in and used one of the payment methods you saved previously.
Enter the CIM (Customer Information Manager). When paired with a payment gateway, a CIM module will offer your customers the chance to save their card for future purchases and manage it from the user-facing admin section. If you don’t already have stored payment functionality on your site, here are four reasons why you should consider adding it.
1. Quicker, easier checkout
Offering the option to save payment information makes the checkout process simpler, while maintaining security. Anything that can do that is a boon to your store. It makes mobile transactions smoother and easier for the mobile user, and it helps out your desktop users too. A quick, easy checkout is a highly valued quality that transfers across all devices.
2. Better user experience
By making your checkout process easier and more straightforward, you’re also improving your user experience – in the area that matters most. A complicated, lengthy checkout process is one of the top reasons for cart abandonment. Offering a saved option, can improve the experience and reduce abandonment rates.
3. More security for repeat customers
Your loyal customers are your most valuable customers. Offering them the option to save their information for future purposes means they won’t have to continuously enter it each and every time they stop by your ecommerce site. Aside from reducing the number of times and amount of places they have to enter sensitive information, they’ll know their information is stored securely as well.
4. Promotes customer loyalty
All of these things end up improving the experience users have on your site and increasing the chances of them wanting to come back – cue customer loyalty. It’s a great way to make things easier on your established loyal customer base while encouraging new visitors to become loyal customers. In addition, you’re laying the groundwork to be able to build an effective rewards program.
Think back again to your last online purchase. If you used the CIM function, chances are, it enhanced your checkout experience. So, if it works well for you, why wouldn’t you use it on your own eCommerce site?