5 Non-Negotiables for Modern Customers When Doing Business with Online Stores

Date
January 19, 2026
Reading Time
4 minute read

Online shoppers today are more informed, empowered, and selective than ever. They visit your online store with high expectations and zero patience for friction. If their needs aren’t met instantly, from the first click to the final delivery, they won’t think twice about switching to a competitor who offers a more seamless and trustworthy experience.

So, every aspect of your online business, from your online payment processing service to your return policies, must be designed with your customers at the center. To win their trust and loyalty, you must deliver on the non-negotiables that define a world-class shopping experience. Let’s break down the five must-haves that today’s Filipino digital consumers expect every online store to deliver.

1. Security

When customers share their card or e-wallet details, they’re giving you something far more valuable than just payment; they’re giving you their trust. That’s why your business must make its security visible and verifiable. For instance, SSL encryption keeps data private between your site and your shoppers, while badges or trust seals signal that your checkout process is encrypted and fraud-protected. Conversely, a single sign of risk, such as a missing padlock icon or vague privacy statements, can send them running to another store.

Even better, use the best online payment processing gateway designed for safety and reliability: Maya Checkout from Maya Business. It’s PCI-DSS compliant, meaning your business automatically meets the gold standard for protecting customer data, from network security to access control and regular system testing. Add 24/7 fraud protection from Maya, the country's only end-to-end digital payments company, and you’ve just given your customers a reason to breathe easy. When shoppers see that level of commitment to their safety, they’ll remember and return.

2. Convenience

Today’s shoppers expect quick-loading pages, smooth navigation, and multiple ways to pay, especially when shopping on mobile. This means every second counts and every step should feel effortless. This is exactly where Maya Checkout excels. It allows your online store to accept credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, and even QR Ph codes on a single, unified platform. Whether you’re using Shopify or WooCommerce, Maya integrates smoothly so your customers can pay the way they prefer—without hiccups or extra clicks.

And if you don’t have a website yet? No problem. For entrepreneurs who sell directly on Facebook Live or Instagram, Maya Payment Links make it easy to send a secure checkout link via chat or email. Customers can simply tap, pay, and get instant confirmation. This leads to a smoother and faster experience.

Convenience also extends to returns. Your policies should make it easy for customers to return products they’re not happy with. This shows that your customer service covers the entire customer journey.

3. Simplicity

Great user experience isn’t about dazzling design alone. In fact, it’s about making every moment feel effortless. After all, shoppers want clear pricing, intuitive menus, visible contact details, and an easy way to reach help when needed. When they can navigate your store without second-guessing, they’re more likely to trust your brand.

Even when errors happen, the fix should also be simple. Suppose a customer is unable to pay when your website is down. With Maya Payment Links, you can quickly send the unique payment link with no complicated steps or frustration. That one small act of efficiency can turn a potential lost sale into a loyal customer.

4. Speed

Modern customers want websites that load instantly, checkouts that run smoothly, and payment confirmations that arrive without delay. A lag of just a few seconds can make them doubt the reliability of your store.

That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that every online payment processed on your platform happens in real time. Quick and reliable payment confirmation reassures your customers that their transaction is complete and your business is trustworthy.

With Maya Checkout, you get just that. Transactions are authorized instantly, and settlements are completed by the next business day (T+1). Moreover, customers receive immediate confirmation, giving them peace of mind while you enjoy faster cash flow.

Need to send invoices to suppliers in Cebu or Davao? Maya Invoice Payments lets you create and send invoices directly via email or messaging apps. You can also receive payments through cards or e-wallets without breaking a sweat.

5. Authentic Reviews

Online shoppers can’t touch or test your products until they’re delivered, so they rely on the experiences of other people when deciding whether or not to buy something online. That said, a wall of perfect five-star reviews often feels too good to be true. What builds real trust is an authentic and healthy mix of glowing praise and honest, constructive feedback. Therefore, encourage your customers to share their genuine thoughts, then display them proudly. This transparency shows confidence in your product and respect for your buyers.

And don’t stop there. Respond to feedback: thank the happy customers and address the not-so-happy ones with grace and professionalism. When people see that you listen and respond, they perceive your business as human, approachable, and sincere. In a digital world where trust is fragile, authenticity is your strongest currency.

Meet Your Customers’ Expectations with Maya Business Solutions

Modern Filipino consumers expect excellence at every turn. From security and simplicity to authenticity and speed, your business must rise to the challenge. Sign up for Maya Business to create a seamless, secure, and customer-friendly operation that will give your shoppers the confidence to keep coming back.

Setting up a Maya Business account lets you open a Maya Business Deposit account and use it as your settlement account. With an industry-leading 2.5% per annum interest rate, you’ll earn PHP 25,000 in interest per year on a PHP 1 million deposit. Furthermore, you’ll be able to send money to your partners and suppliers for free via InstaPay and PESONet, letting you save more. 

Signing up also qualifies you for a no-collateral Maya Flexi Loan offer of up to PHP 2 million in just 3 months, allowing you to have another funding source to further develop your business. Just use Maya as your primary processor for all wallet and card payments. The more you use our solutions, the better the loan offer will be. 

Sign up for Maya Business today to enjoy the benefits of Maya Business solutions.