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Home » Blogs » Building Trust with First-Time Buyers in Your Shopify App
By Gaurav Parvadiya | Last Updated On August 1st, 2025
Imagine walking into a store for the first time. The lights are flickering. The cashier doesn’t say hi. The prices aren’t clear. You’d probably leave, right?
That’s exactly how a first-time app user feels when your Shopify mobile app doesn’t look or feel trustworthy.
Your app might have great products. But if it doesn’t build trust fast, new users won’t stay long enough to buy. According to Baymard Institute, 68.8% of online shoppers abandon carts before completing checkout, often due to trust issues like a lack of clarity around returns, shipping, or payment security.
This guide shows you exactly what to include in your Shopify app to fix that – using smart design, clear words, and the kind of features that make new users say, “Okay, I can trust this brand.” Once you complete reading the whole article, you’ll know how to improve first-time buyer trust in Shopify app.
First-time buyers are naturally cautious. Your app might be their first direct interaction with your brand. If it doesn’t feel like a legit store, they assume it’s risky.
Apps that look too plain, too buggy, with a lack of Shopify app trust features, or too different from your website can immediately raise red flags. People want visual consistency: same logos, fonts, colors, and tone across all platforms. Consistency creates mobile app trust signals.
Online fraud is real. According to a 2023 Statista report, global e-commerce losses to fraud were over $48 billion. So when your app doesn’t show trust badges, refund policies, or clear product info, users get nervous. The question here: “How to make Shopify app trustworthy?”
Shoppers worry they won’t get what they paid for, or that they can’t get help if something goes wrong. These fears grow when the app feels unfinished or missing basic info. So, to grab the sales from first-time buyers, at first, you need to build trust in e-commerce mobile app.
Asking users to sign up right away, give too much info, or enable permissions without explanation can feel pushy. First-time buyers want space to explore. Before you offer a personalized experience for first-time buyers, let them browse freely.
Trust builds when users feel in control – when they can browse freely, ask questions, and check your credibility before making a decision. Then, slowly and gradually, you build trust in your eCommerce mobile app.
If your app takes too long to load or crashes often, users feel like it’s poorly made, which makes your brand look untrustworthy. Google research shows that 53% of mobile users leave a site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load.
Make sure your app runs smoothly. Every screen should open fast, and nothing should break. That alone builds a sense of quality and is one of the important Shopify app trust features.
Use the same branding as your website and social media. A familiar logo, color scheme, and voice help people connect the dots. It says, “Yes, this is the same brand you saw on Instagram.” This is the most common approach to improve first-time buyer trust in the Shopify app.
Avoid clutter. Give users breathing room. Space between elements makes your content easier to read and makes your app feel more professional.
The little words in your app matter. Instead of confusing or robotic terms, use simple, warm language.
Bad: “Submit credentials to complete transaction.” Better: “Add your payment info securely to finish your order.”
A calm, human tone helps reduce fear and is one of the app onboarding best practices. It also makes your app feel like it was made by people, not machines.
Shopify app trust features aren’t bells and whistles; they’re the foundation of your user’s first impression. Every element in this section helps reduce anxiety and builds buyer confidence right inside your app. Let’s break down how to make the Shopify app trustworthy through the pointers below.
First-time buyers worry about scams and identity theft. Showing security badges like SSL encryption, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, or Visa logos helps ease that fear. They enhance the Shopify app trust features. These visual trust markers tell users, “Your payment is safe here.”
According to a survey by Baymard Institute, 18% of users abandon checkout because they don’t trust the site with their credit card information. That number applies just as much to apps. Payment assurance isn’t a luxury, it’s survival. So, you must pay close attention to a secure app checkout experience for users.
You should display these logos near the checkout button, on the payment screen, and even below the “Add to Cart” button. Keep the icons real and up to date. Don’t overuse them, but place them where the user is most likely to hesitate. The example below will show you how you can create the first purchase conversion Shopify app.
Example: “Your payment is 100% encrypted. We use trusted platforms like PayPal and Shop Pay.”
Social proof is powerful. It’s one of the major mobile app trust signals. When users see other people buying, reviewing, and loving your products, it reduces the risk in their minds. A glowing review from a verified buyer builds more confidence than your product description ever will. You can easily build trust in an e-commerce mobile app through reviews.
Spiegel Research Center found that displaying reviews can boost conversion rates by up to 270%. That number jumps even higher for higher-priced products or new brands. If you’re just starting out, you need reviews front and center to see the first purchase conversion Shopify app.
Don’t just show stars. Let users read the reviews. Better yet, include real customer photos, timestamps, and tags like “Verified Buyer.” These elements help buyers feel like they’re not the first, and they won’t be the last. Building trust is one of the crucial app onboarding best practices.
Example: “Rated 4.9 ★ by 312 real customers. See what they’re saying.”
Nothing kills trust faster than surprise costs. First-time users want full clarity on price, taxes, shipping fees, and when they’ll get the product. They’re trying to answer, “How much will I pay, and when will it arrive?”
Display all fees before the final checkout screen to clearly show the mobile app trust signals to the users. Break them down simply. You don’t have to offer free shipping, but if you do, highlight it. If delivery takes 7 days, don’t promise 3. Being honest builds credibility. It also builds trust in an e-commerce mobile app.
Include a dynamic delivery estimate based on the user’s location. This gives your store a more thoughtful, personalized feel and reduces post-purchase anxiety. Even a range (e.g., “delivers in 3–5 days”) works better than no info at all.
Example: “Total: $48.25 (including tax). Free shipping. Estimated delivery: Tuesday, July 30.”
Don’t force new users to create an account. A forced sign-up wall feels like a trap, and people bounce. Let them buy first. Earn their loyalty later. Focus on offering a secure app checkout experience to users.
Allow express options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. These are not just convenient, they’re mobile app trust signals. Users are more likely to check out with methods they already use and recognize.
Make sure the guest checkout button is visible and worded clearly. Avoid tricky design patterns like grayed-out buttons or buried options. Apply app onboarding best practices. If users have to search for “Checkout as guest,” you’ve already lost them.
Every first-time buyer is asking themselves: “What if I don’t like it?” A clear, fair return policy reduces that hesitation. It does improve first-time buyer trust in the Shopify app.
Display your return or refund terms on the product page, inside the cart, and right before checkout. Don’t bury it in your footer or link to a legal document. Use plain language that anyone can understand. The following example will show you how to make the Shopify app trustworthy through best practices.
Show the policy as a summary with a “Learn more” option. For example, “Free returns within 10 days.” That’s easier to process than a 3-paragraph legal clause.
Example: “Changed your mind? Return your order free within 10 days, no questions asked.”
If a buyer has a question and can’t find an answer, they leave. Simple as that. Add a visible way for users to contact you – live chat, WhatsApp, or email options are some of the best Shopify app trust features.
Even if support isn’t instant, knowing it exists builds trust in the eCommerce mobile app. According to Forrester, 44% of users say live support during checkout is one of the most important features.
Put your support button in a fixed, familiar spot – like the bottom right corner. Use friendly icons and copy. Let users know they’ll get a reply, even if it’s automated at first.
Example: “Got a question? Chat with us. We usually reply in 10 minutes or less.” This approach gives a personalized experience for first-time buyers.
You’ve probably seen it: “Only 3 left!” or “7 people bought this today!” Used wisely, these create urgency. Used badly, they feel fake and manipulative.
Use real data. Sync your counters with actual stock or sales. Tools like Fomo or Shopify apps like Proof can help automate this.
Avoid exaggerating or using vague counters like “Lots of people are buying.” Specificity builds trust in an eCommerce mobile app, generalities raise doubt.
Example: “15 people bought this in the last 24 hours. It’s trending!”
Trust doesn’t end with the transaction. How you handle data matters. First-time users want to know you won’t spam or sell their info.
Make your privacy policy accessible, but also summarize it in plain English during sign-up or checkout. Tell users what you collect, why you need it, and how it’s stored.
Even a small sentence like “We respect your privacy and never share your data” goes a long way. It does improve first-time buyer trust in the Shopify app.
Example: “We only collect the info we need to fulfill your order. Your data is safe, and we’ll never sell it.”
Read More:- Top Shopify Store App Features Customers Expect In 2025
A lot of Shopify store owners think onboarding is about showing off Shopify app trust features. But for first-time users, onboarding should be about trust, not selling. It’s your first opportunity to say, “You’re in the right place. We’ve got you.”
The first screen of your onboarding flow should introduce your brand. Not with a long story, but with something personal. A quick message that says what your store is about, what your values are, or even why you started.
Use real photos when you can – of your products, your team, or your packaging. It creates an emotional bridge between the user and your brand. A welcome that feels human makes a big difference.
Example: “We’re a small team from Austin who believe self-care should be simple and natural. Thanks for checking us out.”
If your app asks for notifications, location, camera access, or account creation immediately, users may feel overwhelmed or suspicious. First-time users want to look around before they commit to anything.
Let them explore the app. Delay permission prompts until they’re relevant. For example, ask for notification access only when the user adds a product to their wishlist or places an order.
Some users will want to dive in right away. Give them a clear skip button. Don’t hide it in a corner or use dark UX tricks to make it hard to find.
People appreciate choice. And giving users control builds a sense of mutual respect. It builds trust in the eCommerce mobile app. You’re not here to force, you’re here to guide.
When you show a feature, explain how it helps the user. Don’t just say, “Save favorites.” Say, “Add items to your wishlist so you can find them easily later.”
This approach makes your app feel like a helpful assistant, not a sales machine. And that tone builds lasting trust.
Example: “Enable wishlist to save your top picks in one place. No sign-in needed.”
When users decide to buy, that’s when trust matters most. A smooth and secure app checkout experience can be the difference between a completed order and a lost sale. Especially for someone buying from you for the first time.
Break checkout into clean, single-page flows. Users should see a product summary, price breakdown, delivery estimate, and payment fields – all in one place.
Studies show that one-step checkouts can increase conversions by up to 20% compared to multi-step flows.
Example: “You’re almost there! Just review your order and choose a payment method.”
No surprises. Include taxes, shipping, and any handling fees before they reach the payment screen. Transparency reduces second-guessing. It improves first-time buyer trust in Shopify app.
First-time users trust what they know. Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Shop Pay make them feel safe. These options also auto-fill fields, speeding up the process.
Example: “Fast, secure payment with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Shop Pay.”
This is your last chance to reduce hesitation. A short sentence about security or support reassures nervous buyers.
Example: “100% encrypted. Have questions? We’re here to help, even after checkout.”
After the order is placed, show a confirmation screen with a receipt and what happens next: “We’ll email you tracking info as soon as it ships.”
A clear, professional post-purchase screen makes the transaction feel real and helps buyers feel in control.
Social proof is more than a nice-to-have. It’s a powerful psychological driver that helps users feel they’re not alone in trusting you.
People trust reviews from others who’ve actually bought the product. Add “Verified Buyer” tags to reviews. Show real names (or initials), star ratings, and timestamps.
According to BrightLocal, 49% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Example: “⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Loved the texture! Reviewed by Aanya, verified buyer on July 25.”
Photos from other buyers create an emotional connection. It helps users visualize your product in real life. You can use carousel sliders to showcase user photos and quotes.
Example: “Swipe to see how real customers are styling our products.”
Show that your product is in demand, but don’t overdo it. Real-time counters like “18 people bought this today” or “Trending” can push hesitant buyers to act.
Use tools like Fomo or Shopify’s built-in notifications. Just make sure the numbers are based on actual activity.
Example: “18 sold today, our most-loved color this week!”
Add a trust-building reminder at checkout like: “More than 3,000 happy customers.” This boosts confidence right before they buy. This approach will surely increase the chance of the first purchase conversion Shopify app.
Too many 5-star reviews with no critique can feel fake. Allow a mix of real feedback and reply to reviews openly. This honesty actually builds more trust in the e-commerce mobile app.
Example: “We read every review and use your feedback to improve. Thank you for helping us grow.”
First-time buyers are naturally skeptical. One of the biggest questions in their minds is: “What happens if something goes wrong?” You can answer that before they even ask, by clearly showing your policies upfront.
Don’t bury your return or refund policy in the footer or behind three taps. Add it directly to the product page, cart page, and checkout screen. Use a short summary in plain language so that even someone skimming can get the message.
Example: “Changed your mind? No worries. We offer 10-day free returns.”
This makes your brand feel fair and honest. According to UPS’s Pulse of the Online Shopper report, 68% of shoppers check the returns policy before making a purchase.
If there are conditions, like “must be returned unused” or “no returns on clearance items,” – be upfront. People don’t mind rules; they mind surprises.
Use expandable text or tooltips to explain exceptions without cluttering the screen.
Tell users when their order will arrive and how it will be shipped. Add expected delivery windows on product pages and in checkout.
Example: “Order today, we’ll ship it by Friday, and you’ll get it by next Tuesday.”
Clarity here reduces anxiety, especially for time-sensitive orders like gifts or seasonal items.
Give users the option to read your full return, shipping, or privacy policies – but don’t force it. A simple “Learn More” or “See full policy” link builds transparency without overwhelming them. This is one of the app onboarding best practices.
Example: “Want to know more? Read our full return policy here.”
Most brands stop thinking about trust once the order is placed. But first-time buyers are still watching. How you treat them after the sale is just as important.
As soon as the order is placed, show a clean confirmation screen and send an email or in-app message. Include the order number, summary, and what’s next. This is how to make the Shopify app trustworthy.
Example: “Thanks for your order! We’re packing it now. Order #8723.”
A professional confirmation makes the transaction feel legitimate, which builds confidence that their money didn’t vanish.
Let users follow the progress of their order from packaging to delivery. Shopify offers integrations with tools like AfterShip and Route that make tracking easy inside your app.
Knowing where the package is – and when it will arrive – helps eliminate buyer anxiety.
Use push notifications to update users when the item is shipped, out for delivery, or delayed. Keep messages short and valuable. This will give a personalized experience for first-time buyers.
Example: “Good news, your order has shipped! Estimated delivery: Aug 3.”
Avoid marketing pushes right after the first purchase. Let the first messages be about service, not sales.
Make it easy for buyers to contact you if something goes wrong. Add a “Need help with your order?” button inside the order screen. This way, you can easily escalate the first purchase conversion Shopify app.
Following through after the sale shows you’re not just chasing a one-time transaction, you’re investing in long-term loyalty.
Shopify app trust features aren’t just a feeling; it’s visible in how people behave. You can track trust using specific data inside your Shopify app.
This tells you how many new users actually complete a purchase. A high bounce rate or drop-off at checkout could mean something is making users hesitant – often, it’s a lack of clarity or assurance.
Benchmark: A good first-purchase rate for mobile apps is around 3–5%, but it can go higher with optimized UX and app onboarding best practices.
How long does it take for a new user to buy something after installing your app? The shorter the time, the more confident they feel.
Track the average time it takes for users to complete their first order and look for trends based on traffic source, product category, or user behavior. A proper tracking will enhance the first purchase conversion Shopify app.
This metric shows how many users start checkout but don’t finish. If abandonment is high, your checkout flow might be confusing or untrustworthy. Add confidence-boosters like reviews, trust badges, and clear return policies to reduce friction.
According to Baymard Institute, the average cart abandonment rate is nearly 70%, so anything better is already a win.
When users trust you, they’re more willing to hear from you. A high opt-in rate for push notifications or emails shows you’re earning that trust. Here’s the tip to make you understand how to make the Shopify app trustworthy.
Tip: Time your push permission request for after the first positive action, like adding a product to a wishlist.
Returns aren’t always bad, but if lots of first-time buyers are asking for them, you may have a trust gap around product expectations, photos, or delivery.
Analyze return reasons and update product pages or policies based on the feedback. This is how you improve first-time buyer trust in the Shopify app.
Building trust doesn’t take years. You can make major progress in just four weeks with the right plan.
Start by adding trust badges, clear return summaries, and verified reviews. Make sure every product page and checkout screen talks about app onboarding best practices, that your store is real and safe.
Revise your checkout flow to reduce steps. Add guest checkout. Show full price breakdowns early. These decrease friction for first-time buyers and build trust in the e-commerce mobile app.
Add live chat or WhatsApp support. Write or update your microcopy to sound more human and helpful. Show delivery timelines before checkout to apply mobile app trust signals.
Track checkout abandonment, TTFP, and opt-in rates. Read your reviews and respond. Fix one small thing each day – a confusing button, an unclear message, or a slow-loading screen.
Shopify app trust features aren’t built to give you results all at once, but trust will grow quickly when users see you care about the little things.
Gaurav is the founder and CEO of Twinr, a tech entrepreneur with a decade of experience and a passion for SaaS. With a Master's degree in Computer Science, he specializes in no-code development, driving innovation in the mobile app industry. When he's not busy growing the company, you'll find him writing about tech, growth, software development, e-commerce, and occasionally sneaking in a game of badminton.