Imagine this: a customer browses your online store, adds items to their cart, and gets to checkout—only to leave without making a purchase.

The average cart abandonment rate is around 70%, meaning that for every 10 potential buyers, 7 walk away without completing their order.

For businesses in the UAE, this is a missed revenue opportunity. But why does it happen? More importantly, how can you fix it?

This guide breaks down the main reasons customers abandon their carts and offers actionable solutions to turn more visitors into paying customers.

Why Do Customers Abandon Their Carts?

1. Unexpected Extra Costs at Checkout

Many shoppers abandon their cart when they see hidden fees like taxes, shipping, or extra charges at checkout.

Solution:

  • Be upfront about shipping costs and additional fees.
  • Offer free shipping if possible or provide clear shipping rate calculators before checkout.
  • Display a transparent price breakdown throughout the buying process.

2. Complicated Checkout Process

If checkout requires too many steps, customers get frustrated and leave. Long forms, account creation, and too many clicks create friction.

Solution:

  • Enable guest checkout so customers don’t have to sign up.
  • Use auto-fill fields and reduce form requirements.
  • Offer one-click checkout for returning users.

3. Website Speed & Performance Issues

If a website takes too long to load, customers won’t wait. Slow pages, crashes, or payment failures lead to abandoned carts.

Solution:

  • Optimize your website speed using fast-loading images & cache tools.
  • Use reliable hosting to ensure smooth performance.
  • Ensure mobile optimization—many UAE shoppers use smartphones to buy online.

4. Payment Security Concerns

Customers won’t complete a purchase if they don’t trust your payment process. Lack of SSL security badges, limited payment options, or an unprofessional checkout page can make buyers hesitate.

Solution:

  • Display trust badges (SSL certificate, secure payment logos, money-back guarantees).
  • Offer multiple payment options, including credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later).
  • Ensure a secure, professional-looking checkout page.

5. No Clear Return & Refund Policy

Many customers hesitate to buy because they fear they can’t return the product if they’re unhappy.

Solution:

  • Have a clear, easy-to-find return policy.
  • Offer a hassle-free return process (e.g., free returns or exchanges).
  • Display your refund policy at checkout for reassurance.

6. Lack of Payment Options

Not everyone uses the same payment method. If customers can’t find their preferred option, they leave.

Solution:

  • Offer a variety of payment options, including:
  • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
  • Apple Pay / Google Pay
  • PayPal
  • Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options like Tabby or Tamara in the UAE

7. No Urgency or Incentive to Complete the Purchase

If customers feel they can come back later, they might never return.

Solution:

  • Use limited-time offers (e.g., “Flash Sale! 20% Off – Ends Tonight”).
  • Show stock urgency (e.g., “Only 3 Left in Stock!”).
  • Offer first-time purchase discounts (e.g., “Get 10% Off Your First Order”).

How to Recover Abandoned Carts & Increase Sales

1. Send Cart Abandonment Emails

Many shoppers leave without buying but still intend to purchase later. A well-timed email reminder can bring them back.

How to do it:

  • Send an automated email within 24 hours of cart abandonment.
  • Include a reminder of their selected items.
  • Offer a discount or free shipping to encourage checkout.

2. Use Retargeting Ads

Ever noticed an ad for a product you almost bought? That’s retargeting in action.

How to do it:

  • Use Facebook Pixel, Google Ads, or TikTok Ads to retarget users who abandoned their cart.
  • Show them a reminder ad with their selected products.
  • Offer an exclusive discount to complete their order.

3. Offer Live Chat Support During Checkout

Some customers abandon their carts because they have questions or doubts. If they don’t get immediate answers, they leave.

How to fix it:

  • Add live chat support during checkout.
  • Use AI chatbots to assist with common questions.
  • Offer a phone or WhatsApp support option for quick help.

4. Optimize Your Checkout for Mobile Users

Over 60% of online shoppers in the UAE browse on mobile. A cluttered mobile checkout experience leads to cart abandonment.

How to fix it:

  • Use a responsive design that works smoothly on all devices.
  • Reduce scrolling & unnecessary fields for faster checkout.
  • Enable one-click payment options (Apple Pay, Google Pay).

5. Provide Personalized Offers to Hesitant Buyers

Not all customers need the same incentive to buy.

How to do it:

  • Offer free shipping for high-value carts.
  • Give a discount code to first-time buyers.
  • Use exit-intent popups with exclusive deals (e.g., “Wait! Here’s 10% Off If You Buy Now!”).

Final Thoughts

Cart abandonment is a challenge for every online store, but it’s not a lost sale—it’s an opportunity.

By identifying why customers leave and implementing smart fixes, businesses can recover lost revenue and boost conversions.

Quick Recap of Fixes:

  • Be transparent about costs (no hidden fees).
  • Simplify checkout steps (guest checkout, one-click pay).
  • Ensure fast-loading pages & mobile optimization.
  • Build trust with secure payments & clear return policies.
  • Send cart abandonment emails to recover lost sales.
  • Use retargeting ads to remind customers about their carts.
  • Provide live chat support to answer last-minute doubts.