Free Shipping Threshold
Definition
The free shipping threshold is the minimum cart value a customer must reach to qualify for free shipping during checkout.
This threshold is commonly used by store owners to increase the average order value and offset shipping costs while still offering an incentive to the customer.
Good or Bad
Good when it encourages customers to add more items to their cart, increasing order value and improving profitability
Bad when it is set too high, making it unrealistic or frustrating for the customer to reach
Why It Matters
Free shipping is one of the strongest motivators in eCommerce.
Customers are more likely to complete their purchase when they feel they are getting something extra without paying more. Setting a free shipping threshold helps businesses balance between offering value and covering delivery costs.
It also reduces cart abandonment and creates an opportunity to increase sales volume.
Common Mistakes
- Setting the threshold too high for your average customer order size
- Not clearly communicating how much more the customer needs to spend to get free shipping
- Applying the rule to all regions, even where shipping is expensive or not feasible
- Forgetting to update or test how coupons affect eligibility
How to Improve It
- Set a threshold based on your current average order value plus a small increase
- Show customers how close they are to unlocking free shipping during the cart or checkout process
- Apply the threshold conditionally based on country, shipping method, or customer type
- Use promotional banners or cart notifications to remind customers about the offer
Recommended Plugin
Free Shipping Over Amount: Amount Left Tracker for WooCommerce
This plugin helps you display dynamic messages that show customers exactly how much more they need to spend to qualify for free shipping.
You can customize the message, control where it appears, and apply conditions based on user role, country, or product category.
Real-World Example
A customer adds 42 USD worth of items to the cart. The store has a free shipping threshold of 50 USD.
A message appears at the top of the cart saying: “Add 8 USD more to get free shipping.” The customer adds another item and completes the order with confidence.
Related Terms
- Cart Abandonment
- Shipping Rules
- Cart Notices
- Average Order Value
FAQs
What is a free shipping threshold in WooCommerce
It is the minimum order amount a customer needs to qualify for free shipping
Can I show a message that tells customers how much more they need to spend
Yes. The WPFactory plugin allows you to show real-time messages based on the customer’s cart subtotal
Can I apply different thresholds for different shipping zones
Yes. You can set separate thresholds by country or region, and show different messages accordingly
