Finding the right checkout solution is about more than just payment processing; it's about optimising the overall customer journey to maximise conversions and profitability.
In this comparison, we'll look at Simpler Checkout and Stripe Checkout through a different lens, focusing on payment options, cost efficiency, user experience, integration, and merchant benefits to see which solution is better suited for your online store.
Payment Options: Comprehensive Offerings
Stripe Checkout offers a comprehensive suite of payment methods, supporting credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and a wide array of local payment methods like ACH, SEPA Direct Debit, iDEAL, Bancontact, Kalrna, and more. Stripe dynamically shows the payment options most likely to increase conversion, making it versatile for global businesses.
Simpler Checkout also provides a broad selection, including PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna (Buy Now, Pay Later), Revolut Pay, as well as other local payment methods popular across Europe. By integrating BNPL services and additional local options alongside credit and digital wallets, Simpler offers a highly flexible checkout experience.
Both Stripe and Simpler provide extensive payment options, but Simpler Checkout stands out with the inclusion of PayPal, and Revolut Pay—all of which are crucial for offering customers the flexibility they desire.
Cost Comparison: Subscription vs. Transaction Fees
Stripe Checkout uses a straightforward per-transaction pricing model: 1.5% + €0.25for basic checkout functionality, with additional fees for additional features. For growing businesses or those with high transaction volumes, these fees can quickly become a burden.
Simpler Checkout offers a different approach: subscription-based pricing with three main tiers:
This pricing structure can be particularly cost-effective for merchants processing many transactions since it avoids the high per-transaction fees. By bundling the cost into a predictable monthly fee, merchants have more control over their overheads, making it easier to forecast and manage costs.
If you want predictable, budget-friendly checkout costs, Simpler Checkout's subscription model offers more value, especially for scaling businesses.
Each plan comes with a 30-day free trial, giving businesses an opportunity to test Simpler’s impact on conversions before committing. Learn more here.
User Experience: Speed and Convenience
Stripe Checkout offers a branded and customisable payment page, ensuring that the checkout feels familiar to users. It's designed to be mobile-responsive and supports major payment methods, providing a secure and straightforward process for entering payment details.
Simpler Checkout is specifically engineered to minimise friction and speed up the checkout process. First-time users complete checkout in under a minute with a simplified form that requests only essential details.
Returning users can enjoy one-click checkout, which completes purchases in under 7 seconds thanks to auto-fill capabilities.
Built-In Loyalty Program: Rewarding Repeat Customers
Simpler Checkout includes an integrated loyalty program called Simpler Coins. This program rewards customers for their purchases, encouraging repeat buying without any additional setup or cost for the merchant. This loyalty feature helps merchants foster customer retention and improve lifetime value.
Stripe Checkout, by contrast, lacks a built-in loyalty system, leaving merchants to handle customer retention strategies separately.
Integration: Technical Resources vs. Ready-Made Solutions
Stripe Checkout is known for being developer-friendly with its robust API, which allows for deep customisation. For businesses with in-house developers or those who are technically inclined, Stripe provides a lot of flexibility to create a tailored checkout experience. However, this also means that businesses without dedicated technical resources may find integration and maintenance more challenging.
Simpler Checkout, on the other hand, requires minimal technical setup. It is designed for easy integration with major e-commerce platforms, and Simpler also provides dedicated support to guide merchants through the process. This plug-and-play approach ensures a fast setup, allowing merchants to start using the platform with minimal hassle.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a more hands-off, ready-made checkout solution, Simpler Checkout is better suited to your needs. For advanced customisation and if you have the technical expertise, Stripe may be more appealing.
Compliance and Security
Both Simpler Checkout and Stripe adhere to industry-standard security practices, ensuring that customer data is handled safely.
Like Stripe**, Simpler Checkout** also provides advanced fraud protection measures and real-time transaction monitoring, adding an additional layer of security.
Simpler Checkout’s Enhanced Security:
- PCI-DSS Compliance
- Advanced Fraud Detection: Real-time monitoring helps prevent fraudulent transactions, an essential feature for e-commerce.
Case Study: Simpler Checkout in Action
Simpler Checkout is trusted by hundreds of brands across Europe, providing a seamless and flexible checkout experience that drives conversions and customer satisfaction.
Below, you can see two specific brand success stories to demonstrate the tangible impact Simpler can have on e-commerce performance.
Funky Buddha Case Study:
Funky Buddha, a leading clothing brand in Southern Europe, integrated Simpler Checkout to enhance the online customer experience.
- They saw 24.7% increase in conversion rates.
- 75% of buyers skipped the funnel and bought directly from the product page or mini cart.
- 10% of purchases completed in just one click (averaging 6 seconds).
- 57% rise in registered buyers.
MyBrand Shoes Case Study:
MyBrand Shoes, a trendy European footwear retailer, integrated Simpler Checkout to improve payment flexibility and streamline the buying experience.
- 98% of Orders Completed Earlier in the Funnel: 53% directly from the product page, 45% from the mini-cart, reducing drop-off rates.
- 18% of Orders via Digital Wallets: Quick, secure payments like Google Pay and Apple Pay gained traction.
- 13% of Orders via PayPal & 8% via Klarna: Significant uptake of modern payment methods.
- Checkout Share Improved from 10% to 22%: Over three months, Simpler's streamlined funnel increased adoption.
- Average Purchase Time: 6.8 seconds for returning customers and 72 seconds for first-time shoppers, indicating an optimised, seamless experience.
Conclusion: Which Checkout Solution Should You Choose?
Choosing between Stripe Checkout and Simpler Checkout largely depends on the nature of your business and the kind of experience you want to offer your customers.
- If you need a highly customisable checkout experience and have the developer resources to leverage Stripe's full capabilities, then Stripe is a great fit. It's ideal for businesses that need a branded checkout solution with robust developer tools.
- On the other hand, if you’re looking for a comprehensive, cost-effective, and conversion-optimised checkout solution that requires minimal technical setup, Simpler Checkout has a distinct edge. With a complete payment suite, faster checkout times, built-in loyalty features, and a subscription-based pricing model, Simpler makes it easier for you to deliver an outstanding checkout experience and boost conversions.
Ready to take your checkout to the next level? Get Simpler
You will soon hear from us!
Share this article
