Introduction

Offering discounts and free shipping together can significantly boost conversions on Shopify. However, many merchants have encountered limitations when trying to apply both a discount and free shipping in a single order. This article explores possible solutions and workarounds to help you create combined offers.

Problem Overview: Applying Discount and Free Shipping Together

Shopify currently does not support applying both a discount code and free shipping directly on the same checkout. Merchants seeking to provide this combination must explore alternative methods, as there’s no default setting for applying two discounts simultaneously.

Solution: Workarounds to Combine Discount and Free Shipping

Although Shopify does not allow combining a discount with free shipping directly, here are two possible solutions:

• Method 1: Use Discount Codes with Free Shipping as a Condition
  Create a discount code that includes a free shipping option by setting a minimum purchase requirement. This allows free shipping to apply along with the percentage or fixed discount under certain conditions.
• Method 2: Set Up an Automatic Discount and Free Shipping
  Use Shopify’s automatic discount feature to apply a discount at checkout. Combine this with a separate free shipping rate that activates based on the same minimum purchase amount to create the appearance of combined discounts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up Discount and Free Shipping

1. Step 1: Create the Discount Code with Free Shipping
   Go to your Shopify admin and navigate to Discounts. Create a new discount code, set the discount type to either “Percentage” or “Fixed amount,” and enable “Free Shipping” as part of the conditions. Note that this may require a specific minimum order amount.
2. Step 2: Create Free Shipping as a Shipping Rate
   Go to Settings > Shipping and Delivery. Set a free shipping rate for orders that meet the minimum amount required by the discount.
3. Step 3: Test Your Discount
   Go through your store’s checkout process to ensure the discount and free shipping are working together as expected.

Additional Tips for Discounts and Free Shipping

• Advertise the Combined Offer: Make sure customers are aware of the discount and free shipping offer by displaying it prominently on your site and through email marketing.
• Set Up Minimum Purchase Requirements: To avoid margin losses, set a minimum order amount for free shipping eligibility alongside the discount.
• Monitor the Impact on Sales: Track the performance of combined discount and free shipping offers to understand their effect on sales and adjust accordingly.

Conclusion

While Shopify does not natively support combining discount codes with free shipping, you can achieve a similar effect through strategic setup. By following the above methods, you can create combined offers that attract customers and increase conversions. Test and adjust these setups as necessary to find the best solution for your store.

FAQs

• Can I apply multiple discount codes at once on Shopify?
  No, Shopify currently does not support stacking multiple discount codes. However, you can use a workaround with free shipping and a single discount code.
• What if I want to offer both a discount and free shipping without a minimum purchase amount?
  In this case, you may need to consider building a custom promotion using Shopify apps that offer greater flexibility for discounts and promotions.
• Are there Shopify apps that allow for combined discounts?
  Yes, some Shopify apps provide features for advanced discounting, which may include combining discounts with free shipping. Check the Shopify App Store for solutions like “Automatic Discount & Gift” or “Discounted Pricing.”
• Will customers see both the discount and free shipping during checkout?
  If set up correctly, customers should see the discount applied to the order total, along with a free shipping option at checkout.