How to set a minimum order amount on Shopify

Short answer: Block checkout until the cart subtotal reaches your minimum, protecting margins on shipping and handling. In Checkpost, choose “Minimum order value” from Templates, adjust the values, test it, then save and enable the rule.

The problem

Small orders can cost more to pick, pack and ship than they earn. A minimum order value protects your margin without raising prices.

How to set it up

1. Install Checkpost from the Shopify App Store.
2. Open Templates and choose Minimum order value.
3. Set the amount in your store currency. Converted automatically for other currencies.
4. Use Try this rule to test a sample cart, then click Save rule.

The rule

Checkout is blocked when all of these conditions is true:

• Cart subtotal is less than 25

Shoppers see: “The minimum order is $25. Add a few more items to check out.” at the top of checkout, in the cart and at checkout.

{
  "name": "Minimum order $25",
  "match": "all",
  "conditions": [
    {
      "kind": "number",
      "field": "cart_subtotal",
      "op": "lt",
      "value": 25
    }
  ],
  "message": "The minimum order is $25. Add a few more items to check out.",
  "target": "cart",
  "runOn": "always"
}

Where this rule works

These are cart and checkout validations, including supported accelerated checkouts. They are current-cart policies; they do not track previous purchases of a SKU. Shopify excludes POS, recurring subscription orders and native pre-order/Try Before You Buy flows from this API. See Shopify's validation compatibility.

Tips

• Set the amount in your store currency. Checkpost converts it for shoppers paying in other currencies.
• Mention the minimum in your announcement bar to reduce friction.
• Exempt staff or VIP customers with a customer tag condition.

Can you do this without an app?

Shopify's own Checkout Blocks app can enforce simple cart subtotal limits. Use a rule engine when the minimum should depend on the customer, products, market or delivery method.

FAQ

Is the minimum before or after discounts?

It uses Shopify's cart subtotal, which is before taxes, shipping and order-level discounts. Use "Cart total" for the amount the customer actually pays.

Can I set a different minimum per country?

Yes. Create one rule per market with a Market country condition.

Related rules

Add minimum order value to your store