Free gift with purchase
How to offer a free gift with purchase on Shopify
A free gift once the cart reaches a threshold is one of the best ways to lift order value, because the shopper adds more to reach it. It has to be easy to see and impossible to abuse.
The built-in way
In Shopify, a free gift is a Buy X get Y discount with a minimum purchase amount: spend $75, get product Y free. It works, with two catches:
- The shopper must add the gift to the cart themselves, so many never do.
- Nothing tells them how close they are, so the threshold does not pull them up.
A progress bar that unlocks rewards
The version that sells shows a progress bar ("Add $12 more for a free tote") and unlocks rewards in steps: free shipping at $50, a free gift at $75, a second gift at $100. ZS Bundles calls this Progressive gifts.
- Install the app, press Turn on in theme, and Save.
- Create bundle deal → Progressive gifts.
- Add the steps: free shipping, a free product, a discount, each unlocked by a quantity or a cart amount.
- Publish. The bar shows on the product page, and the cart shows how close the shopper is.
Gifts and free shipping are checked at checkout. If the shopper removes items and drops below the step, the reward goes away, so it cannot be gamed.
See free gifts unlock on the demo store Install ZS Bundles free
Choosing the gift and the threshold
- Set the threshold 20–30% above your average order. Close enough to reach, far enough to matter.
- Pick a gift with a high perceived value and a low cost. Samples, minis, accessories and branded totes all work well.
- Free shipping first. It is the reward people want most. Put it on the first step.
- Show it everywhere. Product page, cart and cart drawer.