How to Enter a Shopify Discount Code Before Checkout

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Apply Discount Codes Before Checkout?
3. How to Add a Discount Code Field Before Checkout
4. Considerations for Applying Discount Codes
5. Top Shopify Apps for Discount Codes
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Imagine you’re on the verge of completing your online purchase, only to realize you have a discount code to apply but aren’t sure how to do so before checkout. Frustration sets in, possibly leading to cart abandonment. Many Shopify store owners face a similar issue: how can customers apply discount codes before reaching the last step of the purchase process? This blog post addresses this pressing concern, providing a comprehensive guide on how to enter a Shopify discount code before checkout, thereby enhancing your customers’ shopping experience and reducing cart abandonment rates.

If you’re a Shopify store owner eager to boost conversions by simplifying discount code utilization, this guide is for you. By the end of this post, you’ll understand the importance of integrating discount code fields on your cart page, explore different methods to do so, and learn about relevant Shopify apps that can streamline the process.

Why Apply Discount Codes Before Checkout?

Enhancing User Experience

Allowing customers to apply discount codes before reaching the checkout not only smoothens the purchasing process but also enhances user satisfaction. Customers appreciate knowing their total discount and the final price without having to navigate through multiple pages.

Reducing Cart Abandonment

A significant number of customers abandon their carts due to complicated checkout processes. By integrating discount code fields on the cart page, you minimize this friction point, leading to higher conversion rates.

Building Trust and Loyalty

Offering a seamless discount application process reflects positively on your brand. Trust and convenience play pivotal roles in customer retention, encouraging repeat purchases and fostering brand loyalty.

How to Add a Discount Code Field Before Checkout

Method 1: Using Shopify Apps

Several Shopify apps can help you add a discount code field to your cart page. These apps vary in features and ease of integration but ultimately aim to improve user experience by providing an early discount application process.

Voila - Discount on Cart

Voila is a popular Shopify app designed to let customers apply discount codes directly on the cart page. It offers a straightforward setup and features that enhance the discount application process.

• Easy Integration: Voila seamlessly integrates with your existing cart page, requiring minimal setup.
• Popup Discounts: Besides adding a discount field, Voila can display a popup with available discounts, delighting customers with surprise savings.
• Reduced Cart Abandonment: By allowing customers to see savings immediately, Voila significantly reduces cart abandonment rates.

Carter - Discount Code in Cart

Carter is another effective app for integrating discount codes into the cart page. It stands out with its compatibility with various themes and customization options.

• Theme Compatibility: Carter supports over 50 popular Shopify themes, ensuring a smooth setup process.
• Customizable Fields: You can tailor the appearance of discount fields to match your store’s design.
• One-Click Setup: The app offers pre-made configurations, making it easy to integrate without coding knowledge.

Method 2: Custom Code Snippets

While using apps is convenient, some store owners prefer custom coding solutions for greater flexibility and control. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to adding a discount code field through custom code:

Step 1: Create a New Code Snippet

1. In your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Themes.
2. Edit your current theme by selecting Actions > Edit code.
3. Under the Snippets section, click Add a new snippet and name it cart-apply-discount.

Step 2: Add HTML and Liquid Code

Add the following code to your new snippet:

<div class="cart__discount">
    <label for="discount code">Discount Code</label>
    <input type="text" id="discount_code" name="discount" placeholder="Enter discount code" />
    <button type="button" onclick="applyDiscount()">Apply Discount</button>
</div>

Step 3: Include the Snippet in Your Cart Template

In the cart.liquid template, include the new snippet:

{% include 'cart-apply-discount' %}

Step 4: Implement JavaScript for Functionality

Add the following JavaScript to handle applying the discount:

function applyDiscount() {
    var discountCode = document.getElementById('discount_code').value;
    var checkoutUrl = '/checkout?discount=' + discountCode;
    window.location.href = checkoutUrl;
}

Method 3: Shareable Discount Links

For those who prefer not to tinker with code, shareable discount links offer a simple alternative. You can create these links from your Shopify admin to automatically apply discounts when a customer clicks them.

1. Navigate to Discounts in your Shopify admin.
2. Select the discount you wish to promote and click Get shareable link.
3. Share this link through email campaigns or social media. When customers click the link, they are directed to your store with the discount applied.

Considerations for Applying Discount Codes

Customer Eligibility

When creating discount codes, you can specify which customer segments are eligible. This feature allows you to target specific groups, enhancing your marketing efforts.

Usage Limits

Setting usage limits on discount codes ensures they are used appropriately. You can limit the number of times a discount can be applied per customer or globally.

Active Dates

Ensure your discount codes are active during the intended promotional periods. Setting start and end dates helps manage your promotions effectively.

Top Shopify Apps for Discount Codes

Dcode - Discount Codes in Cart

Dcode is an excellent app for creating discount boxes on any page. It guides you through setup with a wizard, offering multiple styles and real-time discount displays.

Automatic Discounts & Gifts

This app automatically applies discount codes based on predefined rules. It supports various conditions, such as cart content, customer location, and order value, for customized discount application.

Conclusion

Integrating a discount code field on your cart page before checkout is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the shopping experience, reduce cart abandonment, and boost conversions. Whether you choose a Shopify app, custom coding, or shareable discount links, ensuring a seamless discount application process can significantly impact your store’s success.

FAQ

How do I add a discount code to Shopify before checkout?

You can add a discount code field to your cart page using Shopify apps like Voila or Carter, by implementing custom code snippets, or by using shareable discount links.

Can discount codes be applied automatically in Shopify?

Yes, you can use apps like Automatic Discounts & Gifts to automatically apply discount codes based on predefined rules and conditions.

What are the benefits of applying a discount code before checkout?

Applying a discount code before checkout enhances user experience, reduces cart abandonment rates, and builds trust and loyalty among customers.

Are there any Shopify themes that support discount code fields out of the box?

Most popular Shopify themes support discount code fields through compatible apps, and Carter offers pre-made configurations for many themes.

How can I manage the active dates for my discount codes?

In your Shopify admin, navigate to the Discounts section and specify the start and end dates for each discount code to ensure they are only active during intended promotional periods.