How to Create an Online Order Form (Step-by-Step Guide)

Muhammad Khawaja
Muhammad Khawaja

How to Create an Online Order Form

Running a business—whether it is a local bakery, a freelance consulting firm, or an e-commerce shop—requires an efficient way to take orders. If you are still relying on back-and-forth emails or manual spreadsheets, you are likely losing time and potentially losing customers.

An online order form automates the collection of customer data, product selections, and payments all in one place. In this guide, we will walk through the essential steps to building a form that converts visitors into paying customers.

1. Identify Your Core Requirements

Before you start building, you need to define what information is absolutely necessary. Asking for too much information can lead to cart abandonment.

Essential fields usually include:

  • •  Customer name and contact information
  • •  Shipping or delivery address
  • •  Product/Service selection (with quantity)
  • •  Preferred payment method

2. Choose the Right Form Builder

While there are many tools available, for an order form, you need a builder that supports calculations and payment integrations. Your builder should be able to automatically sum up the total cost based on the quantities selected by the user.

Look for a tool that offers:

  • •  Secure SSL encryption
  • •  Integrations with Stripe, PayPal, or Square
  • •  Mobile-responsive design

3. Design for Clarity and Branding

Your order form is an extension of your brand. If the form looks untrustworthy or outdated, customers will be hesitant to enter their credit card details.

  • •  Use High-Quality Images: If you are selling physical products, include small thumbnails next to the selection fields.
  • •  Match Your Colors: Use your brand’s color palette for buttons and headers to create a cohesive experience.
  • •  Clear Pricing: Ensure taxes, shipping fees, and discounts are clearly displayed before the final checkout button.

4. Implement Calculations and Logic

A smart order form does the math for your customer. Using "Calculated Fields," you can set up your form to:

  1. Multiply the price of an item by the quantity selected.
  2. Add a flat shipping fee or a percentage-based tax.
  3. Apply a discount code if the user enters one.

By automating this, you reduce the risk of human error and make the purchase process much smoother.

5. Set Up Automated Confirmations

Once a customer submits an order, they should receive an immediate confirmation. This builds trust and provides them with a record of their purchase.

  • •  Customer Email: Send a summary of their order and an estimated delivery date.
  • •  Internal Notification: Set up an alert for your team so you can begin processing the order immediately.

6. Test and Optimize

Before going live, send a few test orders through the system. Check the mobile view specifically—ensure the "Buy" button is easy to tap and the keyboard doesn't block the input fields.

Boost Your Sales with Better Forms

Creating an online order form doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on a clean design and automated calculations, you can provide a professional shopping experience for your clients.

Ready to build your own? For a seamless experience with built-in logic and payment support, try FlowyForm.