Having a sturdy, reliable funnel software isn't just a fancy addition to an online business—it's essential. Once upon a time, there were a few tools that could help you take payments online, now there are many. This meaty review is here to dissect the ins and outs of ThriveCart, showcasing features, benefits, and how you can utilise them to sprinkle some sales magic onto your online business. But first, my journey with Thrivecart.
I'm a ThriveCart Customer
I think this part needs to be shared upfront. I try to be as unbiased as possible in my reviews, and give you the information you need to make a purchasing decision.
I invested in ThriveCart in 2016. It was $495 and I loved all the cart features, which were limited back then. I saw the potential. However, my darling husband was upset with me for spending this on a tool without consulting him. And because I am a totally mature adult without a petty bone in my body, I sulked and didn't use it for 2 years. What can I say? I've adulted a lot more since then and I'll never behave that way again over poor communication.
In 2018, darling hubby (aka light of my life, man of my dreams etc etc.) says "I've found this tool, and it's a lifetime deal. It's called ThriveCart..." So I gently reminded him that we already had it. And we've used it ever since.
This review is packed with us much detail as possible. So I've added the table of contents so you can find the bit you need quickly and easily if you want to skim. Just click the orange "table of contents" bar and it will expand. Oh, and remember to check out my offer in the posts P.S.
ThriveCart Features You'll Adore
A Checkout Experience Your Customers Will Love
Let’s face it, nobody wants to trudge through a checkout process longer than the Nile. ThriveCart brings to the table a checkout experience that’s smooth. Whether you're a fan of the one-step or multi-step checkout, ThriveCart has got you covered. It’s all about keeping those pesky cart abandonment rates at bay and ensuring your customers glide through the payment process with a smile. It even has this thing called Dunning which deals with cart abandonment.
Imagine you’re selling a range of organic skincare products. With ThriveCart, you could set up a one-page checkout where customers can swiftly review their item, enter payment info, and hit that sweet 'Buy Now' button without breaking a sweat. You can also capture the email addresses of your customers and add them to your mailing list.
ThriveCart Has Payment Gateways!
When it comes to online selling, flexibility is key, especially when it comes to how your customers can pay. ThriveCart rolls out the red carpet for a multitude of payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net. Visa, MasterCard, Amex, you name it, Thrivecart has it.
Let’s say you’re running a boutique online bookstore. With ThriveCart, you can offer multiple payment options, allowing your bookworms to choose their preferred way to pay, be it via PayPal or their trusty credit card. It’s all about making the payment process a breeze for your customers. The fewer hoops for your customers to jump through, the more likely they are to become customers!
Thrivecart doesn't take a % of your sales. You will still pay Stripe or another payment processor fees, but you won't pay an additional penny to Thrivecart.
Maximise Sales Opportunities: Embed Your Cart Anywhere
Capturing sales is all about being where your customers are. That's why I'm excited to share how you can effortlessly integrate modal or embeddable carts onto any website in mere seconds. This feature is a game-changer, turning casual site visitors into paying customers by providing them with a seamless shopping experience, right where they are.
Imagine the ease with which you can convert interest into sales – whether that's on a blog post, a landing page, or even within an article. The ability to embed your cart means you’re not just waiting for customers to come to you; you’re engaging them at every touchpoint. This approach is not just about increasing convenience; it's about smartly expanding your sales opportunities.
I love using the embeddable carts. If I have a great converting sales page on my website I can just add the cart, no need to recreate the page in Thrivecart. This can save you hours of time!
ThriveCart and GDPR Compliance: What You Need to Know
Ensuring GDPR compliance is crucial for any online business, especially when handling customer data. ThriveCart recognises this need and offers features to keep your business aligned with these regulations.
Key Compliance Features
- Consent Checkboxes for Marketing Emails: This feature allows you to obtain explicit consent from your customers before sending them marketing communications. It's a straightforward, yet vital, step in adhering to GDPR.
- Customisable Footer Terms: You can add additional terms and conditions to your checkout page's footer. This ensures that all necessary legal information is transparent and easily accessible to your customers.
- Efficient Data Management: With ThriveCart, you have the ability to clear out customer data when it's no longer needed. This respects the GDPR's principles of data minimisation and storage limitation.
Remember, maintaining GDPR compliance not only safeguards your customer's data but also fortifies your business's credibility. ThriveCart's built-in features assist you in GDPR compliance, allowing you to focus on growing your business with peace of mind.
ThriveCart Manages Subscriptions Like a Pro
If you’re in the market for subscriptions, you’ll appreciate ThriveCart’s robust subscription management system. It’s like having a personal assistant who takes care of all the nitty-gritty of recurring payments, so you can sit back and watch your empire flourish.
I really, really like the subscription features of ThriveCart, it's made my admin so much easier. Out of all the subscription tools out there, I love this one the most.
Real-world Example of Using ThriveCart for Subscriptions:
Imagine you run an online fitness coaching program with monthly and yearly subscription options. ThriveCart will help manage these subscriptions, send out reminders, process recurring payments, and even handle the fuss if someone decides to cancel.
Core Features of ThriveCart Subscription Software
- Recurring Billing: Automates regular payments for your services.
- Payment Reminders: Sends notifications to subscribers about upcoming charges (needs integration with your email service provider)
- Cancellation Management: Deals with subscription cancellations efficiently.
The Importance of Subscription Management
The subscription model is growing exponentially. In 2022, the global subscription e-commerce market size was valued at $72.9 billion and is projected to reach $478.2 billion by 2025, according to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.
For fitness coaches, this model provides a steady income stream and builds a loyal customer base. However, managing these subscriptions can be tricky.
Challenges in Subscription Management
- Payment Tracking: Keeping track of who has paid and when.
- Renewal Reminders: Ensuring clients renew their subscriptions.
- Cancellation Handling: Dealing with cancellations sensitively.
ThriveCart in Action: A Real-World Scenario
Picture this: You run an online fitness coaching program offering monthly and yearly plans. Here's how ThriveCart streamlines your process:
- Month One: You gain 100 subscribers. ThriveCart automates their billing.
- Month Three: Subscribers receive automated renewal reminders. Thanks to this, 85% renew their subscription.
- Month Six: A handful of clients cancel. ThriveCart handles these smoothly, maintaining a positive customer relationship.
In businesses using automated subscription management tools like ThriveCart, there’s a noticeable impact:
- Increased Retention Rates: Automated renewal reminders can boost retention by up to 30% (Source: Forbes).
- Reduced Churn Rate: Efficient handling of cancellations can reduce churn rates by 5-10% (Source: McKinsey).
Additional Real-World Applications of ThriveCart Subscriptions
Case Study 1: Yoga Studio Subscription Boost
A small yoga studio switched to ThriveCart for their online classes. Post-implementation, their subscription retention increased by 25%, and administrative workload decreased by 40% (Source: ThriveCart User Testimonials).
Case Study 2: Personal Trainer Expands Client Base
A personal trainer utilised ThriveCart for their nutrition planning service. As a result, they saw a 20% increase in new subscribers within three months (Source: Fitness Business Analysis Report).
Upsell and Downsell Funnels That Work
ThriveCart makes creating upsell and downsell funnels as easy as pie. It’s like having a pathway that gently guides your customers to add more value to their purchase, without feeling like they’re being strong-armed.
Let’s say you’re selling a basic web design course. Once a customer decides to buy, ThriveCart’s funnels can tempt them with an offer to upgrade to the premium one-to-one coaching at a sweet discount. It’s a win-win!
Personally, I think I've only used the upsells/downsells maybe once, twice max. I do use the Order Bumps a lot more.
Affiliate Management Sans Headaches
Launching and managing an affiliate program is almost a breeze with ThriveCart. It’s your ticket to harnessing the power of affiliate marketing to boost your brand without the usual logistical nightmares.
Imagine you have a line of eco-friendly cleaning products. You can set up an affiliate program, and let happy customers and eco-bloggers spread the word, while tracking sales and commissions through ThriveCart’s tidy interface.
ThriveCart Benefits That Keep on Giving
Conversions Through the Roof
ThriveCart is like a magnet for conversions. Its well-designed templates and user-friendly checkout process are engineered to transform casual browsers into loyal customers.
Analytics That Actually Make Sense
With ThriveCart’s analytics, you’re not drowning in a sea of numbers. You get crystal clear insights on sales, conversions, and customer behaviour which is like having a roadmap to making better business decisions. I love that I can see exactly how many clicks on each of my sales pages.
Support That’s Actually Supportive
Having a hiccup-free journey is the dream, and ThriveCart’s stellar customer support is there to ensure you’re never left in the lurch. Please note there's also a Facebook group with ThriveCart, but that's not the place for support! Sure, other ThriveCart customers can help you, but the best support takes place when you open a ticket. It's the same for many software companies.
Mobile-Responsiveness for the Win
In a world that’s glued to smartphones, ThriveCart ensures your shopping cart looks dapper on every device. It’s about giving your customers a stellar shopping experience, whether they’re on a desktop or on the go with their mobile. I have had a few mobile glitches, but they were user error (yes dear reader, it was me screwing things up)!
A Few Considerations When it Comes to ThriveCart
It's Not Free, But It’s Worth it
ThriveCart comes with a price tag, but when you weigh it against the tonnes of features and benefits, it's well worth it. Since I first invested in Thrivecart they've added the Learn section (great for courses), more templates, SEO features, order bumps, and custom domains. They're continually improving the software, and personally, I like that.
1. Customisation Could Use a Spice-Up?
ThriveCart does a good job with its templates, but if you're the kind who likes to tinker around and customise every nook and cranny, you might find the options a bit limited. You can create something eye-catching, but maybe not a Picasso-level masterpiece. However, I've found I can pretty much do with it whatever I like, so where people are struggling with customisation I'm not quite sure. It's come a long way since I first invested in the software.
Here's two screenshots of one of my sales pages and one of my checkout pages. I tend to use Checkout pages more than a full sales page.
The images of the carts are clickable so you can see them better.
2. One-Time Fee Could Sting
Now, the one-time fee can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s great not having to worry about monthly payments nibbling at your budget, but the upfront cost can be a bit of a gulp moment. I know when I took the plunge I had a few moments of what have I done, but I've never actually regretted it. It’s a chunk of change upfront, which might not sit well with everyone, especially if you're just starting out. When I think of the amount of money I've saved over the years I know I've made the right choice.
3. The Learning Curve isn’t a Steep One
ThriveCart packs a lot under its hood, and with great power comes, well, a bit of a learning curve. You’ll need to roll up your sleeves and spend some time getting acquainted with all the bells and whistles to really make it sing. It takes about 20 minutes to set up a product, but... that first time might take you a couple of hours. I've heard people say you can get your first product up in 10 minutes, but I think you'd need your sales page copy and your degree in tech to achieve that on the first attempt. Like all things, it becomes easier and faster with use.
4. The Affiliate Centre Could be Beefier
While ThriveCart does a stand-up job with its affiliate management, it might not satisfy the appetite of those looking for a more comprehensive suite of tools. It covers the basics pretty well, but if you’re looking to dive deep into affiliate marketing, you might find it a bit lacking. That said... my best launches have been using the Thrivecart affiliate system, so I have no complaints!
If you upgrade to ThriveCart Pro, you have even more tools in your affiliate centre, so if this is important to you then do explore ThriveCart Pro.
5. Lack of Native Email Marketing Integration
ThriveCart doesn’t come with a built-in email marketing tool, which means you’ll need to buddy it up with an external email marketing service. It’s an extra hoop to jump through, which could be a bit of a drag. Thrivecart email is something I'd pay extra for. Whilst it does integrate with most email marketing services through their integrations... I'd prefer native integration. Why? Because I'm that person.
6. The Aesthetics Aren't Everyone’s Cuppa Tea
Some folks have a bone to pick with ThriveCart’s overall aesthetic. It gets the job done, but apparently it’s not winning any beauty pageants. If you’re keen on a sleek, modern look, the design of Thrivecart itself might feel a tad dated. Personally, I don't care as it does what I need it to do.
In the grand scheme of things, no platform is going to tick every box (as much as we’d love that). ThriveCart has its share of foibles, but it’s still a strong player in the shopping cart arena. It's about weighing up the pros and cons and deciding if it’s the right fit for your online empire.
7. It's a Funnel Cart System
This means you sell one item at a time, with an order bump as well as upsells and downsells if you want them. Your customer cannot put 6 different things in a basket and then check out. Thrivecart is closer to a funnel system, or funnel software than an eCommerce tool.
What are the advantages of Thrivecart?
1. One-and-Done Payment (for now)
Unlike some of its peers who love siphoning off your wallet month after month, ThriveCart asks for a one-time payment. Yes, it's a bit upfront, but then you’re done! It's like buying a house instead of renting it; it's yours for keeps. I first invested in ThriveCart in 2016, and I've used it daily since 2018.
2. Bumper-to-Bumper Checkout Templates
ThriveCart rolls in with a suite of high-converting checkout templates. They’ve done the homework to ensure these templates are geared to entice customers to hit that ‘Complete Purchase’ button. These can be customised and branded to match your own brand.
3. Subscription Savvy
If you’re selling subscription-based products or services, ThriveCart has your back. It makes managing recurring payments less of a chore and more of a “set it and forget it” affair. It’s like having a mini-accountant who takes care of the regular billing bits. I use this for my memberships. There's even a customer hub where you can let your customers turn off and pause their subscriptions. What's not to love?
4. Upsells and Downsells
Creating upsell and downsell funnels is a cinch with ThriveCart. It’s all about gently nudging customers to snag that extra value, which in turn, boosts your sales figures. It's like having a friendly sales assistant who knows just when to offer those irresistible add-ons.
5. Affiliate Management without the Migraines
Launching an affiliate program doesn't have to feel like rocket science. ThriveCart simplifies the process, making it easier to track, manage, and reward your affiliate warriors. It’s like having a well-oiled machine to expand your sales force without the HR headaches.
6. Integrations? Yes, Please!
Although it may not have a native email marketing tool, ThriveCart plays well with others. It integrates with a bunch of third-party tools, be it email marketing, membership platforms, or webinar services. You can also integrate with Zapier, Pabbly and Make. It doesn't integrate with Acumbamail or Sendfox, which is a fraction frustrating for me as those are the tools I use.
7. Data-Driven Decisions
With its analytics suite, ThriveCart hands you the reins to a chariot of insightful data. It's all about understanding how your cart is performing, where your sales are coming from, and how you can optimise for even better results. It’s like having a crystal ball, only with real, actionable data.
8. Security that Puts Fort Knox to Shame
ThriveCart takes security seriously. With SSL certification and PCI compliance, it's got the vault-like chops to ensure your transactions and customer data are locked up tighter than a drum.
9. Support that Actually Supports
Last but not least, if you hit a snag, ThriveCart’s support team is there to throw you a lifeline. It’s always reassuring to know there’s a helping hand when you need it. It's not the fastest response time, so don't leave your cart set up to the last minute.
10. Custom Domain Name
Okay, this is part of the upgrade, but it's worth the extra $195 to get it. If you want your own domain name in the URLs of your sales funnels, you can do that with ThriveCart Pro. This is my primary reason to upgrade. I just can't settle on a domain name! So whenever I share my sales page URLS they have followthearrows in the domain name. That was cute at the time, but annoys me now. A custom domain name fixes all of this! And whilst it's more of a nice to have than a msut have, if you're hot on your branding then you'll want this.
In a nutshell, ThriveCart packs a hefty punch of features and benefits that could make your online selling journey less of a battlefield and more of a breeze. It’s about making life easier, sales smoother, and your bank balance a bit plumper!
Unlocking Advanced Features with ThriveCart Pro
Upgrading to a ThriveCart Pro account opens up a suite of advanced features designed to enhance your online business. At the time of writing, Thrivecart Pro is $195 and
Enhanced Features of ThriveCart Pro
Comprehensive Affiliate Centre: An expansive platform that streamlines managing and motivating your affiliates.
Subscription Saver (Dunning): This functionality addresses failed payment issues, helping to retain subscribers longer.
Effortless Sales Tax Handling: Simplifies the complexities of calculating and applying sales taxes to your transactions.
Strategic Business Projections: Offers insightful forecasts to aid in strategic planning and decision-making.
Joint Venture (JV) Contracts: Facilitates partnership agreements, simplifying collaboration with other businesses.
Advanced User Management: Allows for finer control over who accesses your ThriveCart account and their permissions.
Client Usage Rights: Gives you the option to manage client accounts, broadening your service offerings.
Custom Domain Functionality: Enables you to use your own domain for checkout pages, enhancing brand consistency.
You can access the Pro edition in your dashboard area, it's the blue button.
Remember, upgrading to ThriveCart Pro is more than just accessing additional features; it’s about elevating your business to a higher standard of efficiency and professionalism. With these tools at your disposal, you're well-equipped to take your online venture to new heights.
ThriveCart FAQs
Your Go-To Guide on ThriveCart: Unravelling Common Questions
ThriveCart often sparks a range of FAQs among users and prospective buyers. Let me guide you through some of the most common questions, offering clarity and insight into what ThriveCart can do for your business. Please remember these are based on my experiences.
Frequently Asked ThriveCart Questions
- What's the Cost of ThriveCart?A vital query for many! ThriveCart boasts a one-time payment model, meaning you pay once and it's yours for the lifetime of the product. I've used it since 2016. This eliminates ongoing monthly fees. The cost varies depending on current promotions and access levels, so it's a good idea to check their official website for the latest pricing.
- Is ThriveCart User-Friendly? Overall, ThriveCart is easy enough to use. While newcomers might face a slight learning curve, mastering it quickly leads to smooth sailing.
- Can ThriveCart Handle Subscriptions? Indeed, ThriveCart excels in managing subscription-based products. It simplifies setting up and handling recurring payments, making it ideal for membership sites, online courses, or any similar models. I love how easy this is.
- Integration with Other Tools? ThriveCart integrates seamlessly with various platforms and tools, be it email marketing software, membership platforms, or webinar services.
- Is ThriveCart Optimised for Mobile? Absolutely! ThriveCart ensures your checkout pages are both visually appealing and fully functional on any device.
- How Does ThriveCart Manage Taxes? ThriveCart includes a feature for automatic tax calculation, tailored to your customer’s location – like a friendly, automated tax assistant.
- Affiliate Programmes with ThriveCart? Yes, you can easily set up and manage affiliate programmes with ThriveCart's in-built platform, broadening your product's reach and rewarding collaborators.
- What Support Does ThriveCart Offer? ThriveCart provides an extensive knowledge base, video tutorials, and a dedicated support team. There’s also a private Facebook group for user interaction and tips sharing.
- Handling Refunds in ThriveCart? Processing refunds is straightforward with ThriveCart, allowing for hassle-free management directly from your dashboard.
- Customising Checkout Pages? ThriveCart offers various templates for checkout pages. While fully custom designs aren’t possible, you can tweak elements like colours, text, and fields to align with your branding.
ThriveCart: More Than a Funnel Cart
ThriveCart is not merely a funnel cart solution; it’s a comprehensive platform designed to elevate your online sales significantly. With its array of features like streamlined checkout processes, multiple payment gateways, and effective subscription management, it stands as a top choice for ambitious online entrepreneurs.
Sarah x
P.S. Making the leap to ThriveCart is a significant decision for your business. To make this choice even more rewarding, I have an exclusive offer just for you. If you purchase ThriveCart through my link, here's what awaits you:
- Two 30-Minute Consultation Calls: Use these sessions to explore how ThriveCart can specifically benefit your business. It's a chance to ask questions, gain insights, and ensure you're making the most of ThriveCart's features.
- Customised Checkout Page Installation: I'll set up a high-conversion checkout page for you. This isn't just any checkout page; it's one of mine crafted to significantly boost your sales.
- Comprehensive Sales Page Creation: You’ll also receive one of my professionally designed, long-form sales pages. I'll import it into your account on our call. You can then play around with it and make it all your own.
- Future-Proof Your Business: Once your sales page is live, you can replicate it for future use. This not only makes your life easier but also streamlines your sales process.
Remember, this is more than a tool; it's a game-changer for your business. With ThriveCart and my personalised support, you're setting yourself up for remarkable success. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to transform your online business landscape.
