How do I set minimum purchase requirements for discount codes?

Question

I'm struggling to create discount codes that only apply when a customer's cart reaches a certain total value. My current approach of offering blanket discounts is hurting my profit margins, and I want to encourage larger purchases while preventing small, unprofitable transactions. I need a strategic way to set minimum purchase requirements that motivate customers to add more items to their cart without creating too much friction in the buying process. What are the best practices for implementing minimum purchase thresholds for discount codes?

Muhammed Tüfekyapan · Accepted Answer

Setting Minimum Purchase Requirements for Discount Codes
Minimum purchase requirements are essential for protecting margins on discount codes. Without them, customers can apply a 20% off code to a single low-margin item - erasing your profitability. A well-set minimum ensures the discount only activates when the economics make sense.

Step-by-Step Setup in Shopify
1. Go to Shopify Admin - Discounts2. Create new discount or edit existing3. Scroll to "Minimum purchase requirements"4. Select "Minimum purchase amount" and enter the dollar threshold5. Or select "Minimum quantity of items" for item-count-based requirements6. Save the discount
The requirement applies to the subtotal before shipping and taxes. If a customer doesn't meet the minimum, Shopify will show an error message at checkout explaining what's needed.

Setting the Right Minimum

GoalMinimum StrategyExample

Margin protectionSet at or above break-even point for discount depth20% off requires $75 minimum to stay profitable
AOV liftSet 20-30% above current AOV to encourage add-onsAOV is $55, set minimum at $70
Category minimumRestrict discount to specific collections or productsCode only applies to summer collection items
Bundle requirementSet item minimum to ensure multi-product purchaseBuy 3+ items to unlock the discount

Maximizing Minimum Thresholds
Growth Suite's Advanced Cart Drawer can display a progress bar showing customers exactly how much more they need to spend to unlock the discount - turning the minimum requirement from a blocker into an AOV-lifting incentive. Customers who are close to the threshold are highly motivated to add one more item.

How do I set minimum purchase requirements for discount codes?

TL;DR - Quick Answer

Complete Expert Analysis

Setting Minimum Purchase Requirements for Discount Codes

Step-by-Step Setup in Shopify

Setting the Right Minimum

Turn This Knowledge Into Real Revenue Growth

+32% Conversion Rate

60-Second Setup

14-Day Free Trial

Muhammed Tüfekyapan

Continue Learning

How do I write a Mother's Day cart abandonment recovery email?

What is the best timing for a Mother's Day cart recovery email?

Should I offer an extra discount in my Mother's Day recovery email?

Use Cases

Goal	Minimum Strategy	Example
Margin protection	Set at or above break-even point for discount depth	20% off requires $75 minimum to stay profitable
AOV lift	Set 20-30% above current AOV to encourage add-ons	AOV is $55, set minimum at $70
Category minimum	Restrict discount to specific collections or products	Code only applies to summer collection items
Bundle requirement	Set item minimum to ensure multi-product purchase	Buy 3+ items to unlock the discount