f6

Payment Method at a glance

Site Genre: Pattern Group f

magnify imageFigureF6.1 Half.com provides the ability to use previous billing information or quickly enter new billing information. With only a minimum of fields for the credit card details, the billing address can be quickly copied from the shipping address.

Background

For QUICK-FLOW CHECKOUT (F1) on a PERSONAL E-COMMERCE (A1) site, each step must be simple and clearly defined. In the SHOPPING CART (F3) pattern, items are collected and summarized. The QUICK ADDRESS SELECTION (F4) and QUICK SHIPPING METHOD SELECTION (F5) patterns allow the customer to specify where and how to ship the order. This pattern describes the mechanism for specifying how to pay for the order.

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PROBLEM

When it comes to paying for an order, people demand security and simplicity.

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SOLUTION

magnify image FigureF6.4 Customers must be able to easily specify how to pay for their orders, whether by selecting from previously used billing information or by entering new information.

Dispel any concerns that customers might have about security by addressing them up front with a link to your security or privacy policy. A pick list or radio buttons help customers select the billing options. Create a form for entering new credit card information that is quick and easy to read: with labels rightaligned and input fields left-aligned along the same vertical grid line, and using a minimum of fields, minimal instructions, and a Use This Card action button. If storing multiple billing addresses, above the new address form include a list of all previously stored addresses with a Use This Address action button next to each one.

Other Patterns to Consider

Answer questions that customers might have about your site security by linking directly to your PRIVACY POLICY (E4). Link to your return policy to enable EASY RETURNS (F9) and to assure customers that they can change their minds if they’re not satisfied. Help customers fill out the form by having a CLEAR FORM (H10) that helps PREVENT ERRORS (K12) and provides MEANINGFUL ERROR MESSAGES (K13) when errors do occur. Use ACTION BUTTONS (K4) to lead customers to the next step in the checkout process. Display the rows of items in a GRID LAYOUT (I1).

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Pattern Resources

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