Customising Your Wix Checkout Process
TL;DR:
- Wix checkout can't be completely replaced, but you can enhance it using eCommerce APIs and Velo
- Pre-fill customer details and add conditional discounts to speed up the process
- Custom checkout elements can improve load times and user experience
- Always test changes on a staging site before going live
- Third-party payment gateways integrate well with Wix's existing checkout
Wix gives you a solid checkout system out of the box, but that doesn't mean you're stuck with the default setup. While you can't completely rebuild the checkout flow from scratch, there's plenty you can do to make it work better for your business.
The main tools for checkout customisation are Wix's eCommerce APIs and Velo. These let you add custom functionality without breaking the core checkout process.
What You Can Actually Customise
Here's what's possible with Wix's current setup:
Pre-filling customer information is one of the most useful tweaks. If someone's logged in or has bought from you before, you can automatically populate their details. This cuts down on typing and reduces cart abandonment.
Conditional discounts work well too. You can set up automatic discounts based on order value, customer type, or purchase history. The discount applies during checkout without the customer needing to remember a code.
Custom messaging can be added at different checkout stages. This might be shipping information, return policies, or upsell suggestions.
Payment gateway options are flexible. Wix supports most major payment providers, so you can offer the payment methods your customers actually want to use.
Using Velo for Checkout Enhancements
Velo is Wix's development platform, and it's where the real customisation happens. You'll need some coding knowledge, but the payoff is worth it.
The most common use case is connecting your checkout to external services. Maybe you want to sync order data with your CRM, or trigger email sequences based on purchase behaviour.
You can also use Velo to validate information during checkout. Custom validation rules help prevent order errors and reduce support tickets later.
Performance Benefits
A well-optimised checkout doesn't just improve user experience. It can also boost your site's technical performance.
Faster checkouts mean lower bounce rates, which search engines notice. If customers can complete purchases quickly, they're more likely to finish the transaction.
Loading times matter too. Custom checkout code that's properly optimised can actually speed up the process compared to loading multiple third-party scripts.
Testing Your Changes
This bit is crucial. Always test checkout modifications on a development site first. Broken checkouts mean lost sales, so you need to be certain everything works.
Test different scenarios: new customers, returning customers, different payment methods, and various order sizes. Mobile testing is especially important since many customers shop on their phones.
FAQs
Can I completely replace Wix's checkout with my own system?
No, Wix doesn't allow you to replace the entire checkout flow. You can enhance and customise it, but the core system stays in place.
Do I need coding skills to customise my checkout?
Basic customisations like payment gateway setup don't require coding. More advanced features using Velo will need some development knowledge.
Will checkout customisations affect my site's loading speed?
Well-coded customisations shouldn't slow down your site. Poor code can cause problems, which is why testing is important.
Can I add custom fields to the checkout form?
Yes, you can add custom fields for specific information you need from customers during checkout.
Jargon Buster
APIs – Application Programming Interfaces. These let different software systems communicate with each other.
Velo – Wix's development platform for adding custom code and functionality to your site.
Checkout Flow – The sequence of steps customers go through when making a purchase.
Cart Abandonment – When customers add items to their cart but leave without completing the purchase.
Wrap-up
Wix checkout customisation sits in a sweet spot between flexibility and simplicity. You can't rebuild everything from scratch, but you can make meaningful improvements that help your business and your customers.
The key is identifying what actually needs changing. Don't customise for the sake of it. Focus on genuine pain points in your current checkout process, then use Wix's tools to address them.
Start with simple improvements like pre-filling customer data or adding clearer messaging. Once you're comfortable with basic customisations, you can explore more advanced options with Velo.
Join Pixelhaze Academy to learn more about Wix development and eCommerce optimisation.