Checkout Rules

Article Level: Advanced

A Checkout Rule is a means of controlling the final part of the checkout process and allows the store owner to place limits on the quantities of items being purchased and to control the final selection of shipping and payment methods that are presented to the customer.

Creating Checkout Rules

To create a checkout rule, go to the Preferences -> Checkout rules section of your store toolbox, and follow the instructions below:

1. Click the Add a Checkout Rule link
2. Type in a description of the rule. This description may be displayed in the checkout, so make sure it means something to your customer.
3. Select the rule action. You can choose to create a rule to
   • Deny purchases
   • Set Maximum Quantity
   • Set Minimum Quantity
   • Set Quantity Range
   • Set a Shipping Tag
   • Set a Payment Tag
4. Enter the required quantities or tags as required for the rule action. A Shipping Tag or Payment Tag is a single word, starting with a letter and containing only letters and digits. The tag is used to associate the rule with a specific shipping rate or payment method.
5. If rule is only going to run for a limited time, then enter a start date and optionally an end date. The rule will not be active until the start date and will no longer be available after the end date.
6. You can associate a rule with a set of specific products, if required. The products can be selected by specifying which collection they belong to, or by specifying that all products with a specific product type, vendor or tag are to be used. If you don't specify a product, then the rule applies to all products.

Whilst checkout rules may appear complex at first, you will find that the advanced functionality provided by them makes it worthwhile to spend some time experimenting until you get it right. After you've created a rule, make sure you test it in your checkout to make sure you've set it up right!