How to Add Fixed Amount Discount in Shopify: Step-by-Step Guide

You want to run a "$20 off" sale. Maybe it's for new customers. Maybe it's to clear out some inventory. Either way, you need to know how to set it up in Shopify.

Good news: adding a fixed amount discount in Shopify is simple. It takes about 5 minutes.

In this guide, we'll walk you through every step. We'll also share some tips to make sure you don't give away more money than you planned.

What Is a Fixed Amount Discount?

A fixed amount discount is simple. You take a specific dollar amount off the price.

Instead of "20% off", you say "$20 off".

The discount stays the same no matter what the customer buys. A $20 discount is always $20. It doesn't change based on the cart total.

When to Use Fixed Discounts

• High-ticket items: "$100 off" sounds bigger than "10% off" on a $1,000 product.
• Minimum spend offers: "$25 off orders over $150" encourages larger carts.
• Win-back campaigns: "$20 because we miss you" feels personal.

Step 1: Access the Discounts Section

First, let's get to the right place in Shopify.

1. Log in to your Shopify Admin panel.
2. Look at the left sidebar.
3. Click on Discounts. You'll find it between "Marketing" and "Products".

You'll see the Discounts dashboard. Any discounts you've created before will show up here.

Step 2: Create a New Discount

Now let's create your fixed amount discount in Shopify.

1. Click the black "Create discount" button in the top right corner.
2. Shopify shows you four discount types. Pick "Amount off order".

This type works on the entire cart. It's the most common choice for dollar off Shopify promotions.

Step 3: Choose the Discount Method

Now you need to decide: how will customers get this discount?

Option 1: Discount Code

Customers type a code at checkout (like SAVE20).

Best for: Email campaigns, influencer partnerships, welcome offers.

Option 2: Automatic Discount

The discount applies automatically. No code needed.

Best for: Site-wide sales like Black Friday where you want zero friction.

Step 4: Set the Discount Code (If Using Code Method)

If you chose "Discount code", you need to create the code now.

1. Enter your discount code name (like SAVE20 or HOLIDAY25).
2. Or click "Generate random code" to create a random code.

Tips for Good Discount Codes

• Keep it short. SAVE20 is better than SUMMERSALE2024SAVE20.
• Make it easy to type. Avoid letters that look like numbers (O vs 0, I vs 1).
• Make it relevant. WELCOME for new customers. THANKYOU for returning ones.

Step 5: Configure the Discount Value

This is where you set how much money customers save.

1. Find the "Discount value" section.
2. Select "Fixed amount" from the dropdown menu.
3. Enter the discount amount (like 20.00 for $20 off).

Next, choose the "Purchase type":

• One-time purchase: The standard option. Works for regular orders.
• Subscription: If you sell subscription products.
• Both: Works for both types.

Simple advice: If you're a normal e-commerce store, just pick "One-time purchase".

Step 6: Set Customer Eligibility

Who gets to use this fixed amount discount in Shopify?

Under the "Eligibility" section, you have three choices:

• All customers: Anyone can use it. Good for public sales.
• Specific customer segments: Only certain groups (like "VIP customers" or "Haven't bought in 30 days").
• Specific customers: You hand-pick individual people.

Step 7: Set Minimum Purchase Requirements

This is important for dollar off Shopify discounts. You probably don't want to give $20 off a $25 order.

Under "Minimum purchase requirements", choose one option:

• No minimum requirements: The discount works on any order. Even a $10 order.
• Minimum purchase amount ($): Example: "$20 off orders over $100".
• Minimum quantity of items: Example: "$15 off when you buy 3 items".

Step 8: Set Maximum Discount Uses

How many times can this discount be used?

Under "Maximum discount uses", you have two options:

• Limit total uses: Set a total usage limit. Good for "First 100 customers get $20 off!" promotions.
• Limit to one use per customer: Each customer can only use it once. Highly recommended.

Step 9: Configure Discount Combinations

Can customers combine this discount with other offers?

Under "Combinations", choose which discounts can work together:

• Product discounts: Can they combine with a sale on specific products?
• Order discounts: Can they combine with another cart discount?
• Shipping discounts: Can they combine with free shipping?

Step 10: Set Active Dates

When does this fixed amount discount in Shopify start and end?

Under "Active dates":

• Start date: When the discount begins. Default is "Right now".
• Start time: Pick the exact hour.
• Set end date: Check this box if you want the discount to expire.

Step 11: Save Your Discount

Almost done! Time to review and save.

1. Look at the Summary panel on the right side of the screen.
2. Read it carefully. Does everything look right?
3. Click the "Save" button at the top right corner.

Your fixed amount discount in Shopify is now active!

Step 12: Test Your Discount

Never assume it works. Always test!

1. Open your store in a new Incognito or Private browser window.
2. Add items to your cart. Meet the minimum if you set one.
3. Go to checkout.
4. Enter your code and click Apply.
5. Check the math. If the cart was $120 and you set $20 off, the new total should be $100.

Managing Your Discounts

Need to change something later? Here's how:

1. Go back to Discounts in your Shopify admin.
2. Click on the discount name.
3. Change any setting you need.
4. Click Save.

To delete: Click "Deactivate" first, then "Delete discount".

To share: Click "Promote" → "Get shareable link".

Quick Comparison: Fixed Amount vs. Percentage

Not sure which discount type to use? Here's a quick guide:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Before you launch your dollar off Shopify promotion, watch out for these:

Conclusion

Creating a fixed amount discount in Shopify is straightforward. The hard part is using it wisely.

Remember: the best discount is one that brings you a profitable customer—not just any customer.