Shopify has announced a new tool that will help all users of the system to manage stores in the best possible way and provide the best shopping experience for their customers. The feature is called add-to-cart limit and is an amazing instrument, the simple logic of which allows store owners to put the cap on what users could possibly buy. In other words, they can specify the maximum amount of a certain item any customer can add to their cart at a time.
What is the Add-to-Cart Limit?
The add-to-cart limit is a unique feature in the Shopify control board that gives full rights to the store owners by setting the maximum number of any product or variant that a customer can add to the cart. For example, if you sell a t-shirt in multiple colors—red, blue, and green—and set a limit of 30, customers can purchase up to 30 of each color variant per order.
Why Use Add-to-Cart Limits?
Implementing add-to-cart limits can be beneficial for several reasons:
Protect Your Inventory
Previously, if a customer attempted to add more items than were available in stock, Shopify would automatically reduce the quantity to match the available inventory. While this prevented overselling, it also disclosed exact stock levels to customers. The add-to-cart limit feature helps maintain inventory privacy and prevents bulk buying, especially during sales or product launches.
Promote Fairness and Scarcity
By restricting the number of items each customer can purchase, store owners can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity around their products. This strategy can enhance desirability and ensure that more customers have the opportunity to buy products during flash sales or limited edition releases.
Meet Legal or Supplier Requirements
In some cases, legal regulations or supplier agreements may necessitate limiting purchase quantities. The add-to-cart limit feature allows store owners to comply with these requirements easily.
How Does the Add-to-Cart Limit Work?
Shopify provides automatic recommendations for the add-to-cart limit based on your store’s order history. If your store has more than 250 sales, the recommended limit is calculated using your order data, with a buffer for larger-than-average orders. For stores with fewer than 250 sales, the default limit is set to 50 per product variant. Store owners can adjust this limit at any time, raising it for best-selling items or lowering it for exclusive products. However, it is essential to choose a limit that aligns with your business goals, as setting it too low could negatively impact sales.
Exceptions to the Limit
The add-to-cart limit applies to all products, customers, and carts created through your online store. However, it does not apply to carts created through Shopify POS, draft orders, or B2B catalogs that have their own quantity rules.
How to Set Up Add-to-Cart Limits
Setting up the add-to-cart limit is straightforward and can be done directly from the Shopify admin panel. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Checkout.
- In the Advanced Preferences section, click on Add to Cart Limit.
- Activate the option to set a maximum quantity per item that can be added to a cart.
- Enter your desired limit in the limit field. The recommended limit will appear beneath the field.
- Click Done and then Save.
- Store owners can deactivate or modify the limit at any time to adapt to changing business needs.
Advanced Tips and Use Cases
Apply Limits for Special Promotions
Utilize the add-to-cart limit feature to control the number of discounted or limited edition items each customer can buy. This ensures that more customers can take advantage of your promotional offers.
Combine with Apps for More Flexibility
For those needing to set different limits for various products or variants or wanting to apply rules to the entire cart, consider using Shopify apps that offer advanced cart validation and quantity rules.
Communicate Limits Clearly
It is crucial to inform customers about any purchase limits on product pages or during checkout. Clear communication helps set expectations and avoids confusion.
Conclusion
The add-to-cart limit feature from Shopify is a valuable tool for store owners looking to manage inventory effectively, promote fairness, and enhance the shopping experience. By implementing this feature, you can take control of your store and ensure that more customers have the opportunity to purchase your products. If you are ready to activate your add-to-cart limit, head to your Shopify admin today and start optimizing your store management.
ExpertsInShopify is a leading e-commerce web development company based in Dubai, specializing in Shopify solutions. From custom store setups to advanced feature integrations, we empower businesses to grow and succeed online.
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