Why E-commerce Needs Age Verification During Checkout

Did you know that over 30% of businesses in the eCommerce sector have faced fines or legal action due to inadequate age verification measures? This alarming statistic underscores the importance of compliance for retailers selling age-restricted products like alcohol, tobacco, or adult content. Beyond avoiding penalties, age verification is essential for creating a responsible shopping environment that protects young consumers from accessing inappropriate materials.

Implementing effective age verification not only safeguards your business but also fosters trust with your customers. Ensuring that minors cannot access restricted products, you demonstrate your commitment to ethical retailing. We’ll guide you through the process of adding age verification to your Shopify store, helping you maintain compliance while creating a safer shopping experience for everyone.

Why Is Age Verification Important?

Implementing age verification isn’t just a box to check; it serves several important purposes that affect both businesses and customers. Enforcing age restrictions, retailers protect themselves from legal issues, build customer trust, and create a safer online environment for young people. Here’s a closer look at why age verification is important:

• Legal Compliance: Many products, especially those that can be harmful, have strict age limits set by law. Not following these rules can result in hefty fines and legal trouble, which can harm a business’s reputation and finances. By complying with these regulations, businesses show they are responsible and protect themselves from potential legal problems.

• Customer Trust: Checking the age of visitors shows that a retailer cares about ethical practices. This transparency helps customers feel safer, knowing that the retailer is taking steps to protect them. When customers trust a brand, they are more likely to return for future purchases and recommend it to others. In today’s market, where consumers prefer responsible brands, age verification is key to building customer loyalty.

• Protecting Minors: Age verification is essential for keeping underage individuals from accessing restricted products or content. By putting these systems in place, businesses help protect young consumers from inappropriate materials. This responsible approach not only shields minors but also establishes the retailer as a caring brand that prioritizes the safety of all customers. Creating a safer online shopping experience benefits everyone.

The ‘STEPS’ to Verify!

S – Selecting the Right Age Verification App

When it comes to selecting an age verification app for your e-commerce platform, Token of Trust stands out as an excellent option. Here’s why:

• Rapid Verification: Token of Trust ensures that 90% of age verifications are completed in less than five seconds, providing a quick and seamless experience for your customers.
• Broad Compatibility: It integrates smoothly with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other platforms, allowing you to maintain a consistent age verification process across different sales channels.
• Global Coverage: With extensive age verification in 251 countries, Token of Trust enables secure transactions and compliance with varying legal standards.
• User-Friendly Process: Customers only need to fill out a simple form for the age verification during checkout, making the process straightforward. Returning users can be fast-tracked for a better experience.
• Enhanced Security Features: Beyond age verification, Token of Trust offers advanced fraud prevention tools to minimize chargebacks and protect against friendly fraud.
• Data Protection: The service securely handles sensitive information, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

T – Taking Steps to Install Token of Trust

To integrate Token of Trust into your Shopify store, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Token of Trust Website: Access the Token of Trust site to create an account.
2. Choose Your Plan: Select a plan that fits your business needs.
3. Install the Plugin: Follow the installation instructions specific to Shopify.
4. Configure Settings: Set your preferences, including age requirements and customization options.

For detailed instructions on installing the Age Verification App, please click “How to add age verification in checkout on Shopify”

E – Enhancing Your Age Verification Popup

Once installed, customize how Token of Trust operates:

• Select Age Requirements: Decide the minimum age for accessing your site (e.g., 18 or 21).
• Customize Appearance: Tailor the popup’s design to match your store’s branding, ensuring it feels like a natural part of the shopping experience.
• Add Links: Include links to your privacy policy and terms of service for clarity.

P – Performing Tests on Your Age Verification Process

Before making your age verification live, it’s essential to test it:

• Preview the Popup: Visit your store to see how the popup appears to customers.
• Test Different Inputs: Enter various birth dates to ensure the system accurately allows or blocks access based on age.
• Troubleshoot: If you encounter any issues, consult Token of Trust’s support resources or documentation.

S – Switching to Live with Your Popup

Once everything is set up and tested:

1. Save Your Changes: Ensure all configurations are saved.
2. Activate the Age Verification: Enable the age verification feature in your store settings.
3. Monitor Customer Interaction: After going live, keep an eye on how customers are interacting with the popup to ensure a smooth experience.

Your Shopify Age Verification is Set Up!

If you’ve completed all the steps, congratulations! You now have a fully functional age verification popup ready to use. Just activate it in your store, and you’re all set. If you ever want to update the text or targeting settings, you can easily make changes to the existing popup without having to create a new one.

Token of Trust simplifies the age verification process, making it seamless for both you and your customers. With 90% of verifications completed in under five seconds, your customers won’t face long waits, reducing cart abandonment. The app integrates smoothly with Shopify and other platforms, ensuring a consistent experience across your sales channels. It also provides age verification services in 251 countries, helping you comply with legal requirements no matter where your customers are located.

Got any questions? Feel free to contact us!