One‑Page Checkout: 7 low‑lift tests to run in 2025

Shopify’s one-page checkout is now the default layout, and merchants can toggle between one-page and three-page flows with minimal effort. In 2025, you can still run low-dev experiments to optimize conversion—whether on Shopify Plus or not. Below are 7 tests you can launch from settings (plus extra Plus-only upgrades), updated for current Shopify platform changes. After the post, Book a Free Consultation if you’d like help implementing these in your store.

Before you test: Shopify script deprecation & Thank You / Order Status changes

Shopify continues to phase out script support on the Order Status / Thank You pages. While the original cutoff for scripts / additional scripts was announced as August 28, 2025, Shopify has since updated its timeline and offered extended windows for non-Plus merchants.

• For Plus stores, more aggressive deprecation may apply on or after August 2025.
  
• For non-Plus stores, certain existing scripts may continue to function until mid-2026 (e.g. June 30, 2026) depending on Shopify’s migration schedule.
  
• New installations or script changes to Order Status pages are already restricted in many cases; Shopify encourages migration to Web Pixels or UI / Checkout Extensions if you rely on custom tracking or scripts.
  

Note (2025 update): If your store has already migrated or partially migrated, test carefully. Consult Shopify’s developer changelogs and your current store status.
Because the tests below primarily affect the checkout flow itself, most remain valid regardless of order status script capabilities—but the section on Order Status definitely requires awareness of these changes.

The 7 low-lift checkout tests (valid for 2025 and beyond)

1) One-page vs. three-page layout (time-based A/B)

Why: Some audiences prefer step-by-step flows, others like streamlined checkout.
How: In Settings → Checkout → Customize, toggle the Checkout layout between One-page and Three-page. Run each version for fixed intervals (e.g. two weeks) to avoid overlap. Branding and custom checkouts remain intact.
Measure: GA4 events: begin_checkout, add_shipping_info, add_payment_info, purchase; compare step drop-offs.
Works on: All plans.

2) Accelerated wallet lineup (all vs. curated)

Why: Offering Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal typically reduces friction; but too many options can distract.
How (non-Plus): Enable or disable payment providers in Settings → Payments.
Plus option: Use Payment customization with Functions or Checkout Blocks to hide, reorder, or conditionally present certain methods (e.g. hide buy-now-pay-later for high-AOV customers). Note: express wallets can be hidden but not reordered.
Measure: Wallet usage share, checkout completion rate, AOV, fraud/chargebacks.

3) Address autocomplete (ON vs. OFF)

Why: Autocomplete reduces form friction and typographical errors.
How: In the Checkout & accounts editor, enable address autocompletion. For Plus stores, you can also adjust or swap providers via the Address Autocomplete API.
Measure: Checkout duration, shipping error tickets, add_shipping_info conversion rate.
Works on: All plans (provider customization is a Plus capability).

4) Contact method & phone requirement (flexibility vs. recovery)

Why: Permitting checkout by phone or email helps mobile users, but sacrifices ability to recover abandoned carts and conflicts with Shop Pay.
How: In Settings → Checkout → Checkout form options, test:

• Email only vs. Phone or email, and
  
• Phone required vs. Optional.
  Measure: Checkout completions, abandoned recovery rate, SMS opt-in quality.
  

5) Shipping method names: clarity wins

Why: “Standard / Expedited” labels may not convey meaningful expectations.
How (non-Plus): Rename shipping options in Settings → Shipping and delivery → Manage (e.g. “Express (1–2 business days)”). Carrier systems may still prepend their name (e.g. “FedEx Ground”).
Plus option: In Checkout Blocks, hide or reorder delivery methods and attach dynamic labels or disclaimers under specific rates (e.g. “Taxes & duties not included”).
Measure: Selection frequency, support tickets/refunds, customer satisfaction metrics.

6) Microcopy tweaks using one-page language strings

Why: One-page flow introduces new phrasing opportunities (“Add delivery instructions,” “Enter address manually,” etc.). Subtle copy changes reduce hesitation and support inquiries.
How: In the Checkout & accounts editor → Theme content (Checkout & system), edit one-page–specific strings. Tweak labels step by step.
Measure: Form error rates per 1,000 checkouts, time to completion, support tickets around addressing/payment.

7) Order status page: “Track with Shop” link toggle (on vs. off)

Why: The Shop app tracking link can increase visibility and repeat engagement, but directing post-purchase away from your site adds friction.
How: In Checkout form options, toggle “Show a link for customers to track their order with Shop” on the Order Status page. Hold a control group.
Measure: Click-through rate (CTR) on status page, “Where’s my order?” ticket volume, 60-day repurchase rate.

Plus-only upgrades worth exploring

• Payment method rules (e.g. hide BNPL for high-value orders, offer Net Terms to business accounts).
  
• Checkout banners showing return policies, warranties, or duty disclaimers, inserted contextually.
  
• Dynamic messaging under shipping methods (e.g. “Order by 2 pm ET for same-day dispatch”).

Measurement & instrumentation tips

• In GA4, ensure you emit ecommerce events: begin_checkout, add_shipping_info, add_payment_info, purchase with item parameters.
  
• Map funnel/drop-off in GA4 and compare with Shopify conversion metrics.
  
• Be mindful of synchronous vs asynchronous measurement—use event-based triggers where possible.
  

Guardrails, updates & caveats

• Script deprecation timeline is active. Don’t rely on additional scripts or script tags in Order Status pages indefinitely—migrate them to Web Pixels, UI Extensions, or Checkout Blocks.
  
• Some migrations may already be enforced: new script tags may no longer be permitted even before the full shutdown.
  
• Express wallets can be hidden but not reordered—reordering applies only to standard/non-express methods.
  
• Phone-only checkout means no abandoned cart email recovery, and Shop Pay will not be available in such flows.
  
• Always test in a controlled environment (e.g. staging, draft theme) before pushing to live.
  

Conlusion

With the evolution of Shopify’s checkout architecture and the deprecation of scripts on the Order Status page, it’s more important than ever to rely on configurable, experiment-friendly optimizations rather than brittle hacks. The 7 tests laid out above remain relevant and actionable—whether or not your store has already migrated scripts—and they offer high value for low implementation effort.

If you’re ready to act, here’s how we can help you move forward:

• Download the free Shopify CRO checklist from Scalater. It consolidates this post’s tests (and more) into a deliverable you can print, assign, and track.
  
• Need help implementing? If you’d rather not DIY, our Shopify CRO team at Scalater can assist—audit your current checkout, set up the experiments, and migrate your scripts to Web Pixels / UI Extensions safely.
  

Book a Free Consultation to start optimizing your Shopify checkout with expert support. Let’s get your store converting more.