How to prevent sample-only orders on Shopify

Short answer: Block checkout when sample-tagged products are present without a product tagged sample-qualifier, so samples accompany a qualifying full-size purchase. In Checkpost, choose “Samples need a qualifying full-size product” from Templates, adjust the values, test it, then save and enable the rule.

The problem

A quantity cap still permits orders containing only free samples. This separate rule requires a qualifying full-size product, keeping sample allowances tied to a product purchase rather than any item in the cart.

Related merchant discussion on Shopify Community

How to set it up

1. Install Checkpost from the Shopify App Store.
2. Open Templates and choose Samples need a qualifying full-size product.
3. Tag samples and qualifying full-size products separately. Combine with the sample quantity cap if both policies apply.
4. Use Try this rule to test a sample cart, then click Save rule.

The rule

Checkout is blocked when all of these conditions are true:

• Cart contains products tagged sample
• Cart does not contain products tagged sample-qualifier

Shoppers see: “Add a qualifying full-size product to order samples, or remove the samples.” at the top of checkout, in the cart and at checkout.

{
  "name": "Samples with qualifying products only",
  "match": "all",
  "conditions": [
    {
      "kind": "cart_contains",
      "filter": {
        "productTags": [
          "sample"
        ]
      }
    },
    {
      "kind": "cart_not_contains",
      "filter": {
        "productTags": [
          "sample-qualifier"
        ]
      }
    }
  ],
  "message": "Add a qualifying full-size product to order samples, or remove the samples.",
  "target": "cart",
  "runOn": "always"
}

Examples with the default settings

These outcomes apply to this rule alone. Other enabled rules may also affect checkout.

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

• Use sample for samples and sample-qualifier for eligible full-size products. Do not put both tags on a sample.
• Untagged accessories or gift cards do not qualify by default.
• A tag identifies eligibility, not payment value. If a qualifying item can be fully discounted, this rule still accepts it; add a separate minimum-subtotal policy when needed.

FAQ

Does any non-sample product qualify?

No. The product must carry sample-qualifier, so you control whether small accessories or gift cards count.

Does this also restrict the number of samples?

No. Add the Maximum 3 samples per order preset to enforce both policies.

Related rules

Add samples need a qualifying full-size product to your store