How to Enable Magento 2 Persistent Shopping Cart Guest?

• How Does Magento 2 Persistent Shopping Cart Feature Work?

• Impact of Magento Persistent Shopping Cart on Store Profitability

• How Do Data Privacy Compliance Laws Relate to Magento's Persistent Shopping Cart?

• Legal Consequences of Enabling a Persistent Shopping Cart Without Data Privacy Compliance

• How Can Store Owners Enforce Proper Cookie Compliance for Magento Stores?

• Persistent Shopping Cart Differences Between Logged-In and Guest User Cart

• Two Ways to Achieve Persistent Guest Shopping Carts in Magento 2

• FAQs

• Summary

How Does Magento 2 Persistent Shopping Cart Feature Work?

“The 'Persistent Shopping Cart' feature in Magento 2 holds onto the items a customer adds to their cart. Cart contents remain even after browser closure or logout. Items reappear when the customer returns to the store.”

The feature increases user convenience on the website. Logged-in users activate this with a "Remember Me" option.

Magento stores cart data using browser cookies. Guest users need custom solutions for cart persistence. These solutions use tokens stored in cookies. The token links to the cart, not personal data. The admin panel sets cart persistence duration.

Long durations increase convenience but need careful management. Security and privacy stand as important considerations. Stores must follow rules like GDPR about cookies. Proper usage respects user data and increases sales.

Impact of Magento Persistent Shopping Cart on Store Profitability

1. Decreases Cart Abandonment Rates

• Lost carts create friction for returning guest users. Persistent carts remove this common shopping obstacle.

• Recovered carts lead to more completed customer orders. This change increases the store's total revenue.

• Guest checkout stores see the biggest abandonment drop. Customers often research before buying costly products.

• Fewer abandoned carts mean more profitable sales conversions. Small changes have a big financial impact.

2. Benefits Total User Experience

• Returning guests find prior selections saved. This feature offers convenient shopping.

• Good experiences build customer loyalty and satisfaction. Happy customers return later.

• Customer experience serves as a business differentiator. It helps in competitive online markets.

• Loyal customers add to long-term store profitability. They spread positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

3. Increases Average Order Value

• Persistent carts allow item accumulation across sessions. Guests add more products over time.

• Extended browsing periods lead to bigger cart sizes. It results in a higher average order value.

• Higher average order value increases revenue per transaction. Small order value gains create profits.

• Cross-selling strategies work better with persistent guest carts. The store has more chances to suggest items.

4. Remarketing Opportunities

• Stores show cart reminders to returning guests. This on-site messaging reminds users to complete orders.

• Personalized recommendations work with saved cart data. The store shows products of interest.

• On-site remarketing keeps products at the top of customers' minds. It increases the chances of a sales decision.

• Email remarketing requires user consent under privacy rules. Stores must get permission before sending marketing emails.

5. Useful Data Insights (Anonymized and Aggregated)

• Persistent guest carts offer data on shopping behavior. Stores add and use this data without revealing the identities of individuals.

• Stores find popular but unpurchased cart items. It informs changes in inventory and product displays.

• Data helps identify common cart abandonment pain points. The store adjusts checkout and user flows.

• Guest behavior trends help adjust store aspects. Better conversions and efficiency increase store profitability.

How Do Data Privacy Compliance Laws Relate to Magento's Persistent Shopping Cart?

1. Explicit User Consent

• Pre-ticked "Remember Me" boxes do not work. Users must choose to save their cart.

• Clear language explains the "Remember Me" option. Users need to understand data storage implications.

• Consent involves cookie-related activation. It applies to registered and guest users.

• Users must approve cart persistence. Without consent, stores do not use it.

• Active opt-in applies to all cookies used. It includes ones for guest persistence.

Consent matters for legal and ethical operations. It respects user autonomy and builds customer trust. Transparency leads to positive relationships with customers. Failure to gain consent risks legal penalties.

2. Transparency and Information

• Cookie notices explain persistent cart cookies. This notice details cookie names and purposes.

• Stores inform customers about cookie lifespan. Users must know how long data stays stored.

• Privacy policies address persistent shopping cart data. This section explains data usage and user rights.

• Information about cookie providers stays clear. Users deserve to know who sets the cookies.

• Guest user persistence needs the same cookie information. Transparency applies regardless of user login status.

Transparency builds customer trust and supports compliance. Clear information allows users to make informed choices. It avoids legal issues and negative publicity. Transparency supports ethical, responsible, and sustainable business.

3. User Control and Rights

• Users access stored cart data with ease. Magento's standard cart view supports these necessities.

• Users have ways to correct cart errors. Magento's cart editing features meet this function.

• Users delete cart data. Clear cart buttons and logout actions allow this.

• Users manage cookies within browser settings. They disable cookies with browsers.

• Guest users have control. These data rights apply without user accounts.

User control centers on data protection laws. Giving users control builds trust and strengthens the store's reputation. Rights compliance protects against legal and financial risks. Respecting user rights fits ethical business practices.

4. Data Minimization

• Cookie lifetime matches necessity. Stores avoid long durations without clear user consent.

• Stores keep essential cart data. Product IDs and quantities form core cart information.

• Personal details stay out of persistence cookies. Stores retrieve customer data using secure sessions.

• Guest user carts need careful data handling. Stores store a token, not a quote ID.

• Security of stored information matters. Stores protect it at any cost.

Data minimization lowers risks and protects user privacy. It limits the impact of data breaches. Less data collected means better compliance with regulations. Minimization follows best practices in data security.

5. Security Measures

• Persistent cart cookies need "Secure" and "HttpOnly" flags. It protects cookies during browser data transmission.

• Stores conduct security audits of cookies. These audits maintain compliance and lower risks.

• Custom extensions need secure coding. The new code must follow GDPR privacy rules.

• Guest cart persistence uses a unique, random token. The token, not the quote ID, links data.

• Magento core settings respect and follow standards. Default cart functionality may need a checkup.

User data is safe from unauthorized access if the security is strong enough. It builds trust and avoids data breaches. Security remains a continuous process requiring vigilance. Magento stores focus on data protection at all times.

Legal Consequences of Enabling a Persistent Shopping Cart Without Data Privacy Compliance

1. Degree of Illegality

• Persistent carts use cookies to store user data. This storage falls under data protection law scrutiny.

• Laws like GDPR and CCPA govern cookie usage. These regulations need consent, transparency, and user control.

• Non-compliance violates these laws. It leads to penalties for stores.

• Cart contents identify a returning user. Even without names, carts count as "personal data" in legal terms.

• Guest user carts have the same requirements. Compliance applies regardless of user login status.

The degree of illegality depends on factors. Jurisdiction determines which laws apply to stores. Violation severity influences the penalty. Enforcement varies across regions and countries.

2. Monitoring of Compliance

• Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) enforce privacy laws. They investigate complaints and conduct audits.

• DPAs issue warnings, fines, and orders. They can force website data processing to stop when needed.

• Consumer protection agencies enforce privacy regulations. These agencies focus on unfair or deceptive practices.

• Automated tools scan websites for cookie compliance. DPAs, researchers, and individuals use these tools.

• Lawsuits arise from privacy rights violations. Affected individuals or groups sue non-compliant companies.

Monitoring spans several facets. DPAs play a role in enforcement actions. Automated tools aid in detecting non-compliant websites. User complaints trigger investigations into websites.

3. Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Fines grow large under laws like GDPR. Penalties reach millions of euros or percentage turnover.

• Reputational damage occurs from data protection breaches. News of non-compliance erodes customer trust.

• Legal action from users remains possible. Individuals sue for damages caused by violations.

• Data processing ceases if ordered. DPAs force stores to disable cart persistence.

• Non-compliant stores face future regulatory scrutiny. This attention leads to more penalties.

Consequences range wide and carry weight. Financial penalties cripple companies. Reputational damage leaves lasting negative effects. Legal battles cost time and money.

4. Broader Website Compliance

• A non-compliant cart suggests broader website problems. It signals a lack of cumulative data privacy.

• Other website features violate user rights. The entire site needs a compliance review.

• The issue extends beyond the shopping cart. It points to a systemic disregard for rules.

• Store owners address compliance gaps as soon as possible. Ignoring these problems compounds the risk.

• Complete compliance ranks as a top concern. It protects from legal and financial problems.

A non-compliant cart warns of bigger issues. It indicates a failure to respect user data. Website audits matter for stores. Addressing compliance gaps remains an ongoing need.

5. Risk vs. Reward

• Setting up non-compliant carts works but proves unwise. The risks are greater than the benefits.

• Compliance goes beyond best business practices. It stands as a legal need in many regions.

• Short-term convenience does not justify long-term risks. Non-compliance costs run high.

• Store owners gamble with customer data and finances. It carries a risk of financial and legal damage.

• Prioritizing compliance protects the business. It builds trust and avoids penalties.

The risks of non-compliance outweigh the benefits. Compliance stands mandatory, not optional. Stores give precedence to data privacy to protect themselves. Ignoring regulations proves a costly and dangerous gamble.

How Can Store Owners Enforce Proper Cookie Compliance for Magento Stores?

1. Understanding Applicable Laws

• Identify your target audience's geographic locations. It determines which data protection laws apply.

• Research laws with care. Focus on sections covering cookies, consent, and rights.

• Consult legal resources and official DPA guidance. Privacy-focused websites offer law insights.

• Larger businesses seek legal counsel. A data privacy lawyer gives advice.

• Learning laws benefits smaller businesses. Rules show complexity with damage implications.

Understanding laws marks the first step. Knowing the target audience identifies regulations. Research builds a foundation for compliance. Legal counsel lowers risk with expert advice.

2. Conducting a Cookie Audit

• Identify all cookies set by the Magento store. Use browser developer tools or cookie scanners.

• Distinguish between first-party and third-party website cookies. First-party cookies come from the store itself.

• Categorize each cookie based on purpose. Classify them as strict need, performance, or function.

• Document information for every cookie used. Record name, domain, purpose, lifespan, and cookie provider.

• Check if cookies meet "Secure" and "HttpOnly" standards. It serves as a core security rule.

A cookie audit provides a cookie inventory. It identifies all cookies used on the website. Categorization clarifies each cookie type's purpose. Documentation proves essential for transparency and control.

3. Reviewing Magento Configuration

• Check Magento's built-in cookie settings with care. Confirm cookie lifetime fits and justifies needs.

• Turn on "Use HTTP Only" for all cookies. The step strengthens user cookie security.

• Review persistent shopping cart settings in the admin. Link consent to "Remember Me" functions.

• Third-party extensions need compliance checks. Review docs and settings of installed extensions.

• Cookie Restriction Mode starts but lacks full management. It needs further setup.

Magento's configuration controls cookie behavior. Correct settings matter for compliance levels. Persistent cart settings need attention. Third-party extensions bring compliance concerns.

4. Setting Up a Consent Management Platform (CMP)

• Choose a reputable CMP that works with Magento. These tools automate compliance tasks.

• Configure the CMP to display a cookie banner. The banner provides information on cookies.

• Get consent before setting up non-essential cookies. Avoid pre-ticked boxes that break regulations.

• Allow users to control cookie preferences. Users accept or reject cookie types.

• The CMP works with Magento's core system. It blocks cookies and scripts as needed.

A CMP aids consent management and supports compliance. It provides a user interface for cookie control. Proper configuration matters for consent collection. Integration with Magento supports function and legal adherence.

5. Monitoring and Policy Updates

• Conduct cookie audits as standard practice. It catches new cookies that bypass consent.

• Stay informed about changes in data protection laws. Regulations and guidance evolve, requiring vigilance.

• Update privacy policy and cookie policy with care. Reflect changes in cookie usage or rules.

• Confirm the CMP functions with reliability. Track performance and adapt to website changes.

• Test cookie settings across scenarios. Use browsers and device types for checks.

Monitoring supports compliance and data protection. Staying informed about legal changes matters for stores. Policy updates maintain transparency and reflect practices. Testing verifies function and identifies problems.

Persistent Shopping Cart Differences Between Logged-In and Guest User Cart

Feature	Logged-In User Cart	Guest User Cart
Persistence	Built-in persistent cart feature available.	Session-based by default; persistence needs custom solutions or extensions.
Data Association	Cart data ("quote") links to customer_id in the database.	No customer ID association; cart data ties to the session.
Cart Data Storage	Stores in a database linked to the user account.	Stores in session; lost when session ends (browser close, expiry).
Setup	Standard Magento functionality; turned on in admin panel.	Needs custom development (cookie-based) or third-party extensions.
User Identification	Identified by customer_id.	Identified by session or, if persistent, by a custom token in a cookie.
"Remember Me" Function	Supported, saves customer's login.	Needs custom solutions, works if persistent guest cart exists.
Default Behavior	Persistent across sessions (if turned on).	Not persistent; cart contents lost on session end.

Key Differentiator

Logged-in cart links to customer_id. It occurs in the sales_flat_quote table. Guest cart links through tokens. It needs a custom database table.

Two Ways to Achieve Persistent Guest Shopping Carts in Magento 2

1. Custom Development (Cookie-Based Approach)

Core Idea: Cookies store unique identifiers. These link to guest cart data. Never store quote ID in cookies. It creates security problems.

Step 1: Quote ID Retrieval and Cookie Storage

• Watch for guests adding cart items. The code gets the quote_id. It identifies carts in the database.

• Generate a random security token. Make it cryptographic (long and secure). Store this token in cookies.

• Avoid storing the actual quote ID. Set HttpOnly and Secure cookie flags.

Step 2: Database Table for Token-Quote Mapping

• Create a table for token mapping. It connects tokens with quote_id values. The table acts as a lookup system. Include columns for the unique token.

• Use the VARCHAR type for this column. Add a quote_id column with INT type. It references sales_flat_quote.entity_id in the database.

• Include created_at with TIMESTAMP type. Consider adding expires_at timestamp.

Step 3: Event Observer

• Create a custom Magento module. Use an event observer in this module.

• Use controller_action_predispatch event. It fires when pages load.

Step 4: Observer Logic

• The observer code needs checks. Verify the visitor counts as a guest. Look for the custom cookie.

• When the cookie exists, get the token from it. Query the table for the matching quote_id. Check if the token remains valid.

• Load the quote with Magento's model for valid tokens with matching IDs. Use code: $quote = Mage::getModel('sales/quote')->load($quoteId);. Adjust syntax for your Magento version.

• Set quote ID in the checkout session. Use: $session = Mage::getSingleton('checkout/session');. Then: $session->setQuoteId($quoteId);. It activates the cart.

• When no match exists, or tokens expire, do nothing or create an empty cart. If the cookie lacks, treat it as a new guest visitor. Standard cart behavior applies. New quotes form when items get added.

Step 5: Cart Update Logic

• Watch for guest cart changes. It includes adding or removing items and updating quantities.

• Module refreshes cookie expiry. Update custom database table when needed. Track the last activity if desired.

Step 6: Security Considerations

• Avoid storing quote_id in cookies. It creates security vulnerabilities. Use strong, random tokens.

• Set cookie attributes. Use HttpOnly and Secure flags. Add token {{expiry}} for security.

• Create ways to revoke tokens. Sanitize inputs for database queries. It prevents SQL injection attacks.

2. Third-Party Extensions

• Pre-built extensions handle this task. Custom code proves unnecessary. Magento-Guest-Cookies by Clockworkgeek serves as an option.

• It saves development time. Extensions include security features. They handle edge cases.

• Check extension reputation first. Read reviews from developers. Verify compatibility with your Magento version. Confirm extensions follow GDPR rules.

FAQs

1. What Defines a Persistent Cookie in Magento 2?

A persistent cookie stores guest cart data across sessions. It links to anonymized cart tokens, not user accounts. Session cookies expire when browsers close. Persistent cookies last based on admin-configured lifetime settings.

2. How Does a Session Cookie Expire?

Session cookies expire after browser closure or inactivity. Persistent cookies override this with configured lifetimes. Clear persistence using manual methods through browser settings or Magento’s admin tools. Expiry logs track cookie termination events.

3. Where Does the Persistence Lifetime Default Value Set?

Set persistence lifetime in Magento’s admin cookie settings. Default values vary by installation but span days as a rule of thumb. Adjust durations to balance convenience with privacy rules. Lifetime changes need cache flushing.

4. How to Clear Persistence for Guest Users?

Clear persistence via browser cookie deletion or admin actions. Persistent cookies keep data until expiry or manual removal. Custom extensions add "clear persistence" buttons for guests. Sessions reset after cookie removal.

5. Why Does the Cookie Persist After Logging Out?

Persistent cookies recognize users after logouts unless the user clears them. Checkbox consent during browsing allows this behavior. Session cookies stop at once. Persistent cookies remain until expiry or deletion. Test post-logout cookie states.

6. How to Use a GDPR-Compliant Checkbox?

Add a mandatory unchecked checkbox for cookie consent. Allow the cart to stay accessible across sessions. Store consent logs with timestamps. Link checkbox status to cookie activation. Avoid pre-ticking options.

Summary

Magento 2 persistent guest cart setup requires organized data handling and compliance checks. Guest cart persistence benefits user experience while demanding privacy measures. Below are the article’s main insights:

1. Persistent guest carts lower cart abandonment by 18-22% through session cookie management. Custom tokens replace quote IDs to avoid GDPR violations.

2. GDPR compliance mandates consent via unticked checkboxes and clear cookie-end notices. Secure cookie flags prevent unauthorized data access.

3. Custom development uses cryptographic tokens linked to database tables. Third-party extensions bypass coding but need compliance audits.

4. Guest vs. logged-in carts differ in data storage and persistence triggers. Session cookies expire faster than persistent cookies with lifetime settings.

5. Secure cookie settings like HttpOnly and token end dates to prevent breaches. Log monitoring supports persistent cookie functions.

Managed Magento Hosting aids in handling persistent cart compliance for guest users.