Show free shipping progress in the cart
A line showing how much more to spend for free shipping encourages bigger orders. Add it to the cart page.
2 min read
Area
CRO & UX
Severity
Medium
Fix effort
Medium
Stores failing
Not enough data
If you offer free shipping above an amount, the cart should show how close the shopper is. "Add $12 more for free shipping" is a prompt that often turns into an extra item. This check looks for that message in the cart.
Why it matters
Shoppers dislike paying for shipping and will add something to avoid it. The prompt makes the goal visible at the moment of decision. It lifts order value when the threshold is set well.
What the audit looks at
The audit reads the cart page for text or a progress element that references the free shipping amount.
What usually causes it
- A threshold stated only in a site banner
- No app or setting to calculate the difference
- A message that does not update with the total
- A threshold set far above typical orders, so it never motivates
How to fix it
Show how much more to spend for free shipping. The effort is medium, a theme or template edit that takes an afternoon.
- Set the threshold first, then show the gap in the cart: "Add $12 for free shipping".
- Pick a threshold slightly above your average order value.
On Shopify
- Settings > Shipping and delivery: add a free shipping rate with a condition on order price, then show the message with a cart goal app or a snippet in the cart section.
On WooCommerce
- WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping: add a Free shipping method with a minimum order amount, then show the gap with a plugin or a cart notice.
How to check it yourself
- Add an item below the threshold and read the cart.
- Add another and see it change.
- Check the mini-cart carries the same message.
Frequently asked questions
Where should the threshold sit?
Slightly above your average order value so a small addition reaches it.
Is a progress bar necessary?
Text works. A bar adds a visual push.
Related checks
Check your own store
See whether your store passes this check
Paste your store URL. The audit loads your pages in a real browser and shows the result for this check with the evidence behind it.