Pinterest introduced hosted checkout for merchants

Pinterest just introduced an easier way for shoppers to check out on their platform.

Hosted checkout is here. Hosted checkout is being launched first on Shopify and provides Pinterest shoppers a seamless way to check out. The new feature should remove several steps from the current purchase process.

Improving the current process. Previously when shoppers found a product they loved on Pinterest, they would need to click the Pin, visit the retailer’s website, find the product, add it to their cart, enter payment details, and check out. With hosted checkout, shoppers can browse, click, and buy without even leaving Pinterest.

Buyers can now pick the product they want and then tap “Buy” to enter the hosted checkout process via Shopify. From there, buyers just enter payment and shipping details and the process is complete.

Early testing. Pinterest says that shoppers who used hosted checkout were more likely to make a purchase. They saw a “+3.9% lift in their purchase propensity and a +2.7% lift in checkouts per user compared to Pinners who did not encounter the hosted checkout experience.” For merchants, this means an increase in sales as well as boosted organic distribution in home feeds, search, and shopping surfaces.

What Pinterest says. Hosted checkout is currently available to select US merchants who are in the Pinterest Verified Merchant Program and use Shopify to sell their products on Pinterest. Eligible merchants will see the hosted checkout section at the top of the shopping settings in the Shopify app. If you see the option, turn it on, and you’re ready to go. To learn more information about hosted checkout, you can read their announcement here.

Why we care. Early tests look promising and any attempts to make the checkout process easier and faster for shoppers is a plus. Advertisers and merchants who use Pinterest to promote their products may see their sales increase when they use hosted checkout. To see if you’re eligible and to test the new experience, visit your Pinterest Merchant Center.

About The Author

Nicole Farley is an editor for Search Engine Land covering all things PPC. In addition to being a Marine Corps veteran, she has an extensive background in digital marketing, an MBA and a penchant for true crime, podcasts, travel, and snacks.