How to prepare your checkout for peak season: 6 tips for merchants

How to prepare your checkout for peak season: 6 tips for merchants

How to prepare your checkout for peak season: 6 tips for merchants

The most important sales period of the year is approaching. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas season are real revenue drivers. We show you how to be prepared.

The most important sales period of the year is approaching. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas season are real revenue drivers. We show you how to be prepared.

Sep 9, 2025

Slowly but surely, it's approaching: the most important sales period of the year. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas season are real revenue drivers if you're well-prepared. Now is the perfect time to optimise your checkout, improve the shopping experience, and provide your customers' preferred payment methods.

Based on the feedback and purchasing behaviour of 10,000 European consumers, we have compiled the 6 most important tips for a successful e-commerce start to the second half of the year. From targeted personalisation to an optimised payment mix including American Express. These tips will help you not only acquire customers in the coming months but also retain them long-term.

Slowly but surely, it's approaching: the most important sales period of the year. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas season are real revenue drivers if you're well-prepared. Now is the perfect time to optimise your checkout, improve the shopping experience, and provide your customers' preferred payment methods.

Based on the feedback and purchasing behaviour of 10,000 European consumers, we have compiled the 6 most important tips for a successful e-commerce start to the second half of the year. From targeted personalisation to an optimised payment mix including American Express. These tips will help you not only acquire customers in the coming months but also retain them long-term.

Slowly but surely, it's approaching: the most important sales period of the year. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas season are real revenue drivers if you're well-prepared. Now is the perfect time to optimise your checkout, improve the shopping experience, and provide your customers' preferred payment methods.

Based on the feedback and purchasing behaviour of 10,000 European consumers, we have compiled the 6 most important tips for a successful e-commerce start to the second half of the year. From targeted personalisation to an optimised payment mix including American Express. These tips will help you not only acquire customers in the coming months but also retain them long-term.

Slowly but surely, it's approaching: the most important sales period of the year. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas season are real revenue drivers if you're well-prepared. Now is the perfect time to optimise your checkout, improve the shopping experience, and provide your customers' preferred payment methods.

Based on the feedback and purchasing behaviour of 10,000 European consumers, we have compiled the 6 most important tips for a successful e-commerce start to the second half of the year. From targeted personalisation to an optimised payment mix including American Express. These tips will help you not only acquire customers in the coming months but also retain them long-term.

1. Build trust: Make ratings and reviews visible

Consumers seek security when shopping online, and authentic voices are incredibly convincing. There are simple measures for this:

  • Display trust seals like "Verified Reviews" directly on the homepage.

  • Integrate current reviews prominently on your product pages.

This way, you build trust and increase your conversion rate.

Consumers seek security when shopping online, and authentic voices are incredibly convincing. There are simple measures for this:

  • Display trust seals like "Verified Reviews" directly on the homepage.

  • Integrate current reviews prominently on your product pages.

This way, you build trust and increase your conversion rate.

Consumers seek security when shopping online, and authentic voices are incredibly convincing. There are simple measures for this:

  • Display trust seals like "Verified Reviews" directly on the homepage.

  • Integrate current reviews prominently on your product pages.

This way, you build trust and increase your conversion rate.

Consumers seek security when shopping online, and authentic voices are incredibly convincing. There are simple measures for this:

  • Display trust seals like "Verified Reviews" directly on the homepage.

  • Integrate current reviews prominently on your product pages.

This way, you build trust and increase your conversion rate.

2. Personalise the customer experience

Users expect a shopping experience that suits them. Especially during high-revenue periods, individual offers make all the difference.

Use existing data, for example from past campaigns, to:

  • display relevant product recommendations in the shopping cart.

  • offer exclusive discounts based on previous purchases.

The more personal the approach, the higher the probability of repeat purchases—and long-term customer loyalty.

Users expect a shopping experience that suits them. Especially during high-revenue periods, individual offers make all the difference.

Use existing data, for example from past campaigns, to:

  • display relevant product recommendations in the shopping cart.

  • offer exclusive discounts based on previous purchases.

The more personal the approach, the higher the probability of repeat purchases—and long-term customer loyalty.

Users expect a shopping experience that suits them. Especially during high-revenue periods, individual offers make all the difference.

Use existing data, for example from past campaigns, to:

  • display relevant product recommendations in the shopping cart.

  • offer exclusive discounts based on previous purchases.

The more personal the approach, the higher the probability of repeat purchases—and long-term customer loyalty.

Users expect a shopping experience that suits them. Especially during high-revenue periods, individual offers make all the difference.

Use existing data, for example from past campaigns, to:

  • display relevant product recommendations in the shopping cart.

  • offer exclusive discounts based on previous purchases.

The more personal the approach, the higher the probability of repeat purchases—and long-term customer loyalty.

3. Offer relevant payment methods

In fact, 91% of German consumers state that the payment method in e-commerce is crucial for the final purchase. 41% even state that the absence of a popular payment method leads to purchase abandonment.

Therefore, it is particularly important that you offer common wallets such as PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay, as well as local solutions like iDEAL (Netherlands) or Bancontact (Belgium).

Particularly relevant: American Express.

Customers with an Amex card are particularly loyal.

  • 68% even say that Amex is their preferred payment method for all purchases (1).

  • Additionally, you gain access to over 146 million valid cards worldwide (2).



By the way: 46% of German American Express cardholders state that they look for signs or logos indicating that the merchant accepts American Express before making a retail purchase, compared to 32% of German non-cardholders who gave the same answer for another payment method (3).

This means: If you visibly integrate Amex, you won't be overlooked.

Integrate Amex now and activate high-spending target groups.

In fact, 91% of German consumers state that the payment method in e-commerce is crucial for the final purchase. 41% even state that the absence of a popular payment method leads to purchase abandonment.

Therefore, it is particularly important that you offer common wallets such as PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay, as well as local solutions like iDEAL (Netherlands) or Bancontact (Belgium).

Particularly relevant: American Express.

Customers with an Amex card are particularly loyal.

  • 68% even say that Amex is their preferred payment method for all purchases (1).

  • Additionally, you gain access to over 146 million valid cards worldwide (2).



By the way: 46% of German American Express cardholders state that they look for signs or logos indicating that the merchant accepts American Express before making a retail purchase, compared to 32% of German non-cardholders who gave the same answer for another payment method (3).

This means: If you visibly integrate Amex, you won't be overlooked.

Integrate Amex now and activate high-spending target groups.

In fact, 91% of German consumers state that the payment method in e-commerce is crucial for the final purchase. 41% even state that the absence of a popular payment method leads to purchase abandonment.

Therefore, it is particularly important that you offer common wallets such as PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay, as well as local solutions like iDEAL (Netherlands) or Bancontact (Belgium).

Particularly relevant: American Express.

Customers with an Amex card are particularly loyal.

  • 68% even say that Amex is their preferred payment method for all purchases (1).

  • Additionally, you gain access to over 146 million valid cards worldwide (2).



By the way: 46% of German American Express cardholders state that they look for signs or logos indicating that the merchant accepts American Express before making a retail purchase, compared to 32% of German non-cardholders who gave the same answer for another payment method (3).

This means: If you visibly integrate Amex, you won't be overlooked.

Integrate Amex now and activate high-spending target groups.

In fact, 91% of German consumers state that the payment method in e-commerce is crucial for the final purchase. 41% even state that the absence of a popular payment method leads to purchase abandonment.

Therefore, it is particularly important that you offer common wallets such as PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay, as well as local solutions like iDEAL (Netherlands) or Bancontact (Belgium).

Particularly relevant: American Express.

Customers with an Amex card are particularly loyal.

  • 68% even say that Amex is their preferred payment method for all purchases (1).

  • Additionally, you gain access to over 146 million valid cards worldwide (2).



By the way: 46% of German American Express cardholders state that they look for signs or logos indicating that the merchant accepts American Express before making a retail purchase, compared to 32% of German non-cardholders who gave the same answer for another payment method (3).

This means: If you visibly integrate Amex, you won't be overlooked.

Integrate Amex now and activate high-spending target groups.

4. Offer flexible shipping & free returns

Avoid purchase abandonment? Then shipping options and return processes are an important lever.

55% of German customers report that high shipping costs or additional taxes are reasons for purchase abandonment. Therefore:

  • Offer multiple delivery options – e.g., standard, express, or pick-up at a parcel shop.

  • Communicate shipping and return conditions clearly and visibly.

This way, you reduce hurdles in the checkout and increase satisfaction.

Avoid purchase abandonment? Then shipping options and return processes are an important lever.

55% of German customers report that high shipping costs or additional taxes are reasons for purchase abandonment. Therefore:

  • Offer multiple delivery options – e.g., standard, express, or pick-up at a parcel shop.

  • Communicate shipping and return conditions clearly and visibly.

This way, you reduce hurdles in the checkout and increase satisfaction.

Avoid purchase abandonment? Then shipping options and return processes are an important lever.

55% of German customers report that high shipping costs or additional taxes are reasons for purchase abandonment. Therefore:

  • Offer multiple delivery options – e.g., standard, express, or pick-up at a parcel shop.

  • Communicate shipping and return conditions clearly and visibly.

This way, you reduce hurdles in the checkout and increase satisfaction.

Avoid purchase abandonment? Then shipping options and return processes are an important lever.

55% of German customers report that high shipping costs or additional taxes are reasons for purchase abandonment. Therefore:

  • Offer multiple delivery options – e.g., standard, express, or pick-up at a parcel shop.

  • Communicate shipping and return conditions clearly and visibly.

This way, you reduce hurdles in the checkout and increase satisfaction.

5. Offer flexible payment models like "Buy Now, Pay Later"

Especially towards the end of the year, the demand for instalment payments increases. Offer the option to buy now and pay later, e.g., with Klarna or Alma. And think of a target group that particularly likes to pay with credit card:

63% of German American Express cardholders state that they always prefer to use their American Express card for retail purchases, regardless of whether it's a more expensive purchase or a small, everyday expense (1).

Therefore, also enable: Payment with American Express.

Especially towards the end of the year, the demand for instalment payments increases. Offer the option to buy now and pay later, e.g., with Klarna or Alma. And think of a target group that particularly likes to pay with credit card:

63% of German American Express cardholders state that they always prefer to use their American Express card for retail purchases, regardless of whether it's a more expensive purchase or a small, everyday expense (1).

Therefore, also enable: Payment with American Express.

Especially towards the end of the year, the demand for instalment payments increases. Offer the option to buy now and pay later, e.g., with Klarna or Alma. And think of a target group that particularly likes to pay with credit card:

63% of German American Express cardholders state that they always prefer to use their American Express card for retail purchases, regardless of whether it's a more expensive purchase or a small, everyday expense (1).

Therefore, also enable: Payment with American Express.

Especially towards the end of the year, the demand for instalment payments increases. Offer the option to buy now and pay later, e.g., with Klarna or Alma. And think of a target group that particularly likes to pay with credit card:

63% of German American Express cardholders state that they always prefer to use their American Express card for retail purchases, regardless of whether it's a more expensive purchase or a small, everyday expense (1).

Therefore, also enable: Payment with American Express.

6. Don't forget customer loyalty after the purchase

A good post-purchase experience determines whether someone returns. 43% of consumers buy again if they were satisfied with the purchase process (4).

Seize this opportunity by:

  • personalised shipping and status messages

  • targeted discount promotions for subsequent purchases

  • invitations for feedback and reviews

These small measures strengthen loyalty – and lead to more repeat purchases.

A good post-purchase experience determines whether someone returns. 43% of consumers buy again if they were satisfied with the purchase process (4).

Seize this opportunity by:

  • personalised shipping and status messages

  • targeted discount promotions for subsequent purchases

  • invitations for feedback and reviews

These small measures strengthen loyalty – and lead to more repeat purchases.

A good post-purchase experience determines whether someone returns. 43% of consumers buy again if they were satisfied with the purchase process (4).

Seize this opportunity by:

  • personalised shipping and status messages

  • targeted discount promotions for subsequent purchases

  • invitations for feedback and reviews

These small measures strengthen loyalty – and lead to more repeat purchases.

A good post-purchase experience determines whether someone returns. 43% of consumers buy again if they were satisfied with the purchase process (4).

Seize this opportunity by:

  • personalised shipping and status messages

  • targeted discount promotions for subsequent purchases

  • invitations for feedback and reviews

These small measures strengthen loyalty – and lead to more repeat purchases.

What Mollie can do for you

Mollie makes it easy for you to handle payments efficiently and securely – with a platform that covers your entire payment process.

Your advantages with Mollie:

  • More than 35 payment methods including American Express, activatable with a click

  • Secure payments for you and your customers

  • Customisable checkout for higher conversion rates

  • Mobile app and dashboard for full control – anytime, anywhere

  • Fraud prevention tools, flexibly customisable

In addition:

  • Easy integration into all common shop systems

  • Transparent prices without hidden costs

This turns payment into a growth driver. Learn how Mollie takes your checkout to the next level.

Small changes, big impact

Those who prepare early will benefit the most during peak season: with higher conversion rates, larger basket sizes, and more loyal customers.

Focus on personalised experiences, trust-building measures, flexible shipping and payment options, and make sure to integrate key payment methods like American Express.

Speak to a Mollie expert and start optimising your checkout today.

Sources

(1) American Express commissioned internet panel survey conducted in April 2024 – May 2024 based on retail purchases made in the 6 months prior to the survey. Definition of American Express Card Members: Respondents who reported that they have an American Express Card and that they used that card to make retail purchases in the prior 6 months. Disclaimer: The trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

(2) Amex Q4 2024 earnings

(3) American Express commissioned internet panel survey conducted in April 2024 – May 2024 based on retail purchases made in the 6 months prior to the survey. Definition of American Express Card Members: Respondents who reported that they have an American Express Card and that they used that card to make retail purchases in the prior 6 months. Definition of Non-Card Members: Respondents who reported that they do not have any type of American Express Card and that they used Visa, MasterCard, debit cards, cash, direct transfer, or payment services to make retail purchases in the prior 6 months.

(4) Mollie European E-Commerce Report 2025

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Table of contents

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MollieGrowthHow to prepare your checkout for peak season: 6 tips for merchants
MollieGrowthHow to prepare your checkout for peak season: 6 tips for merchants
MollieGrowthHow to prepare your checkout for peak season: 6 tips for merchants