WHAT IS IT
A Free Shipping / Cart Incentives campaign automatically discounts or eliminates shipping costs when a customer meets a condition, such as spending a certain amount, reaching a minimum item quantity, or being a first-time buyer. It applies to all delivery options at checkout.
An optional progress bar widget can be shown in the cart to motivate customers:
"Add $20.01 more for free shipping!"
SHIPPING OFFER TYPES
Free shipping over threshold: Spend $X → all shipping rates become $0
Tiered shipping discounts: Multiple discount levels (e.g., 50% off at $30, free at $60)
Free shipping on first order: New customers (0 prior orders) get free shipping automatically
Discount code shipping: Customer enters a code at checkout to get the discount
WHEN USE IT
- Increase average order value → Free over threshold ($50, $75, $100)
- Reduce cart abandonment → Show a progress bar widget
- Reward new customers → Free first order
- VIP shipping perk → Custom rule restricted to a customer segment
- Seasonal promotion → Free shipping with a discount code
STEP BY STEP: CREATE A FREE SHIPPING CAMPAIGN
Scenario used in this guide:
Goal: Free shipping for customers who spend $50 or more, with a progress bar widget.
Step 1: Go to Create Campaign
From the Discount Prime sidebar, click Campaigns → Create Campaign.
Step 2: Choose Campaign Type
Click the Free Shipping / Cart Incentives card.
Step 3: Pick a Scenario (Optional)
- Free shipping over $50 → pre-fills: Min spend = $50, Discount = Free (100%)
- VIP free shipping → pre-fills: Free first order, customer segment mode
Step 4: Name Your Campaign
Enter a name like: Free Shipping, Orders Over $50
Step 5: Choose the Offer Type
Select Free shipping over threshold.
Step 6: Set the Discount
- Discount type: Free Shipping (100%), Percentage off, or Fixed amount off
- Discount value: 100% for fully free shipping
Step 7: Set the Minimum Requirement
- Minimum type: Amount ($) or Quantity (items)
- Minimum value: e.g. $50.00
Step 8: Choose Delivery Method
Automatic (recommended): shipping discount applies silently at checkout, no code needed.
Discount code: The customer must enter a code.
If choosing a code:
- Letters, numbers, dashes, and underscores only
- No spaces allowed (use FREESHIP, not FREE SHIP)
- Minimum 3 characters
Step 9: Enable the Progress Bar Widget (Recommended)
Toggle Enable progress bar widget ON.
This shows a bar in the cart telling customers how close they are to free shipping.
Options:
- Show on product page: widget also appears on product detail pages
Step 10: Customer Eligibility (Optional)
Restrict to all customers, specific segments, specific tags, or customers with a purchase history condition (e.g., more than 2 prior orders).
Step 11: Countries (Optional)
Apply to all countries or select specific countries.
Enable Exclude remote zones if you don't want to cover expensive remote shipping areas.
Step 12: Combination Setting
Choose whether this shipping discount can be combined with product or order discounts.
Step 13: Save the Campaign
STEP-BY-STEP: VERIFY THE CAMPAIGN WORKS
Test scenario:
Campaign: Free shipping when spending $50+
Store shipping rates: Standard $8.99, Express $18.99
Verification:
Cart $29.99 → Standard $8.99, Express $18.99 (not discounted)
Cart $49.99 → Standard $8.99, Express $18.99 (1 cent below threshold still NOT free)
Cart $64.98 → Standard $0.00, Express $0.00 (free!)
Step 1: Add Below Threshold
Add items totaling $29.99. Go to checkout. Confirm shipping rates are not discounted.
Step 2: Check the Progress Bar
Return to the cart. The widget should show:
"Add $20.01 more for free shipping."
The bar should be at approximately 60%.
Step 3: Cross the Threshold
Add items until the total reaches $64.98. The widget should update to:
"Free shipping unlocked!"
Go to checkout, both Standard and Express should show $0.00.
Step 4: Test the Exact Boundary
Add items totaling exactly $50.00 → should qualify (>= $50).
Add items to $49.99 → should NOT qualify.
Step 5: Verify Widget on Product Page
If the Show on product page was enabled, navigate to a product detail page and confirm the widget appears near the Add to Cart button.
Step 6: Verify Widget Does Not Appear on Home or Collection Pages
Navigate to your home page and a collection page. The widget should NOT appear there.
TIPS & COMMON MISTAKES
$49.99 does NOT qualify for a $50 threshold: The comparison is strict; the subtotal must be $50.00 or more. Be clear in your widget messaging.
Execution order matters when combining: With the AFTER mode, a product discount that reduces the cart below $50 would also lose the free shipping.
Automatic is almost always better than a discount code: Customers won't benefit from code mode unless they remember to enter the code at checkout.
Remote zones: Some carriers charge significantly more for remote areas. Enable Exclude remote zones to avoid absorbing that cost.
MINI FAQ
Does a $49.99 cart qualify for a $50 threshold?
Does a $49.99 cart qualify for a $50 threshold?
No, the comparison is strict; the subtotal must be $50.00 or more.
Can I require a discount code instead of applying the shipping discount automatically?
Can I require a discount code instead of applying the shipping discount automatically?
Yes, but Automatic is recommended since customers won't benefit from a code unless they remember to enter it.
Does this discount apply to every shipping rate?
Does this discount apply to every shipping rate?
Yes, it applies across all delivery options at checkout, including Standard, Express, and any custom rates, unless you exclude remote zones.
Best for:
Retail & DTC stores reducing cart abandonment and lifting average order value.