Foundation · 2 min
What you need to know
Why offer guest checkout?
A first-time buyer who encounters a mandatory account creation step may abandon. Guest checkout removes that barrier while still collecting the information needed to fulfil the order.
When should an account be offered?
After purchase, or as an optional step, explain benefits such as faster future purchases or order history — but only when the store actually provides them. Never make a customer think an account was created without telling them.
What if the email already has an account?
Provide a way to sign in or continue as a guest, subject to the store’s actual process. Do not disclose private account details to someone merely because they typed an email address.
A quick store check
Complete guest checkout, sign-in checkout and an existing-email path. Check whether progress and entered information are preserved throughout each path.
Foundation · 2 min
Frequently asked questions
Should returning customers always sign in?
Offer a convenient sign-in path but do not trap a customer who cannot access a password and just wants to finish a purchase.
Where do I configure guest checkout?
Use current registration settings document, then test guest, sign-in and existing-email paths before publishing.