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Free shipping progress bar
"Add €21 more" — a cart bar shows how close shoppers are to free shipping and gently lifts the average order value.
Why it matters
Shipping costs are one of the most common reasons shoppers put off an order. Many stores already ship free above a certain amount, but shoppers either don't know it or can't tell how much they're short. A progress bar in the cart turns a hidden condition into a clear goal: "€21 more — and shipping is free."
In fashion, topping up an order is especially easy: a belt or top to go with a dress, a T-shirt with trousers, a scarf with a coat. Shoppers aren't "paying extra to avoid shipping" — they get one more piece they probably wanted anyway.
How it drives sales
- A higher average order value. A specific amount to the goal motivates shoppers to add one more item instead of paying for shipping.
- More items per order. Suggestions right below the bar show pieces at the right price — no need to go back to the catalog.
- Fewer abandoned carts. An unexpected shipping fee at the last step drives people away; here the condition is clear from the start.
- A feel-good moment. A full bar and a "Free shipping unlocked!" message give a small sense of victory right before payment.
How it works
- A manager sets the free shipping threshold in the CMS — for example, €100.
- The shopper adds an item — the cart shows a bar and a message with how much is left to the threshold.
- Below the bar is a selection of top-up items: related products or pieces from the same look.
- The shopper adds an item in one click — the bar fills up and the total updates on the fly.
- Once the threshold is reached, the message turns into a congratulation and shipping on the order becomes free.
CMS settings
| Setting | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Threshold | The order value above which shipping is free |
| Where to show | Cart, slide-out mini cart, product page |
| Copy | The message with the amount and the goal-reached message |
| Product suggestions | Turn top-up suggestions on and choose their source |
Use cases
- A permanent threshold — the core mechanic for the whole store.
- A seasonal promotion — the threshold is lowered for the duration of a sale, and the bar reflects it instantly.
- Tied to looks — top-up suggestions are built from pieces of the same look, so shoppers complete an outfit rather than a random mix.
- Bringing shoppers back — if a shopper leaves, the abandoned cart email can remind them how close they were to free shipping.