When shopping online, do you log in first, or only at checkout?

[ArtcoInc]

Some online sellers (like Amazon) recognize you when you first load their site, and log you in. But many (most?) don't.

On those shops that don't, do you log into your account when you first load the site, or wait until after you browse around a bit, fill your cart, and proceed to checkout?

I understand ... If it's a site you've never been to before, there is no account to log into, nor any compelling reason to create an account without checking out the shop first.

That said, I suspect that many returning/existing Phoenix customers may not be aware of the 'benefits' of logging in when they first load the shop, such as their order history, the "you bought this item on xxx date" (add-on), and the status of any current orders.

The stock greeting:

Welcome Guest!
Would you like to log yourself in or would you prefer to create an account

really doesn't promote logging in first.

Should we promote logging in first? If so, how?

M

[Dan Cole]

On those shops that don't, do you log into your account when you first load the site, or wait until after you browse around a bit, fill your cart, and proceed to checkout?

Personally I login when I'm forced to, which is generally at checkout. On occasions I might login to see a previous order or to find an invoice I need. That's just the way I roll.

Dan

[bonbec]

Same as Dan.

[burt]

Same...

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I'm pretty sure that `welcome guest` stuff was removed some versions ago, or at least turned off.
I think `welcome` is quite old fashioned these days ? Suppose it depends on demographic?

[14Steve14]

Always login at the last minute unless there is something specific in my account I am looking for before checking out such as a product I previously purchased. We removed all the "welcome guest" stuff years ago. We do always make sure that we logout of any sites we login to , and prefer a frictionless login. If a website knows us and logs us in when we visit or get to checkout, thats great.

Two factor authentication on any ecommerce site generally means we never signup or never buy.

[artfulweb]

Hi everyone. In France we have to show prices with tax included so to non vat countries prices can seem unreasonably expensive (20% more) therefore I call attention to the fact that by logging in the customer will see the prices with or without vat according to their country. For example a US customer will see the price without the vat, whereas an Italian customer will see it with vat. All of that is configured in admin tax zones and reflected in a message on the website.

[ecartz]

IMO, the easiest way to promote that form of identification would be to copy what Amazon does and recognize prior shoppers with a long running cookie.

Welcome, Artcoinc! (If not Artcoinc, click here to log in.)

I'm with the others. Without that, I don't log in until I need something. My cart, prior orders, to check out, etc.

[ArtcoInc]

Thank everyone that has answered! Has anyone tried to add Auto-Login to Phoenix?

https://levelup.gitconnected.com/interv ... 28d511cdf3

M

[ArtcoInc]

Or, should this be a topic for another thread?

[burt]

Don't forget shared use computers - potential for Privacy Issues etc.
Would need thinking about. At the very least a message somewhere

Are cyber-cafe's still a thing? Or maybe in a library?