E-Commerce Accessibility Checklist

E-Commerce Accessibility Audit

E-commerce websites have unique accessibility challenges due to complex product interactions, multi-step checkout flows, and dynamic content updates. Inaccessible checkout flows directly lose revenue and expose businesses to legal risk.

Critical E-Commerce Flows to Audit

Product Browsing

• Product images have descriptive alt text (including color, pattern, key features)
• Product filters are keyboard-operable and announce applied filters
• Sort controls are accessible and announce the current sort order
• Product grids maintain logical reading order

Product Details

• Size/color selectors are labeled and keyboard accessible
• Quantity input accepts keyboard input
• "Add to Cart" button has clear, unique accessible name
• Stock availability is announced (not color-only indicator)
• Product reviews are navigable and readable

Shopping Cart

• Cart item count updates are announced (aria-live)
• Remove item buttons are labeled with product name
• Quantity changes are reflected and announced
• Price calculations update accessibly
• "Proceed to Checkout" is prominent and keyboard accessible

Checkout Flow

• Progress indicator shows current step accessibly
• Form fields have visible labels and autocomplete attributes
• Address forms support autocomplete for all fields
• Error messages are clear and reference specific fields
• Payment form is keyboard accessible and labeled
• Order review step allows editing before final submission
• Order confirmation is clearly announced

Common E-Commerce Accessibility Failures

1. Product images with generic "product-123.jpg" alt text
2. Color swatches that rely only on color with no text labels
3. Add to cart confirmation that only appears visually
4. Checkout forms that lose data when tabbing between fields
5. Payment iframes that trap keyboard focus
6. Promotional banners that auto-advance without pause control

Testing Approach

Test the complete purchase flow end-to-end:

1. Search for a product
2. Filter and sort results
3. Select a product
4. Choose options (size, color)
5. Add to cart
6. View and edit cart
7. Complete checkout
8. Verify order confirmation