What is the best order flow?

[And then there was one les]

Hi folks, I am trying to work out the best order flow. here are a few options that i'm looking at for a feature request and i am wondering which would be most acceptable. Feel free to add your own suggestions also.

 

1:: Product Group > Select Product > Select Addons > Signup > Payment > Configure

 

2:: Product Group > Select Product > Select Addons > Configure > Signup > Payment

 

3:: Product Group > Select product + Configure > Select addons > Signup > Payment

 

4:: Product Group > Select product + Addons > Sign up > Payment > configure

 

There are so many more possible variations. I am leaning towards number 4 myself. I feel that allowing to configure after payment will eliminate a very awkward step in the flow and make for a more streamlined flow.

 

The reason i am asking is i simply dont think the order flow we have now is optimal. I know there needs to be a minimal configuration prior to committing the order especially where a domain is also ordered for use with the product but there are some that could be done later, things like choosing the hostname, name server names and the like, These things shouldnt be in the order flow that just makes the forms more complicated than they really need to be.

 

I wonder a similar flow as is used for SSL Certs might be the answer, they require post payment configuration already?

 

Consider this flow

 

Product group > Select product > Configure product > Select addons > Add to cart > Complete sign up form > Make payment

 

That is a 7 step process just to get a client to the payment gateway. Now add in the gateway steps your looking at an order process that could easily have 10 or more steps involved. Is this not just a massive hurdle that many clients simply give up on?