Free shipping progress in the mini-cart: how much more to spend
A message showing how much more to spend for free shipping lifts order value. See how to add a progress bar to the mini-cart.
2 min read
Area
CRO & UX
Severity
Medium
Fix effort
Medium
Stores failing
Not enough data
If your store offers free shipping over a threshold, the mini-cart is the best place to show how close the shopper is. A line such as "You are $12 away from free shipping" nudges them to add an item. This check looks for that message.
Why it matters
Shoppers often add one more item to avoid paying for shipping. Without the message, they may not know how close they are. It is one of the most reliable ways to increase average order value when a threshold exists.
What the audit looks at
The audit looks for a message in the mini-cart about how much more to spend for free shipping.
What usually causes it
- A threshold stated only on the shipping policy page
- A banner at the top of the site but not in the cart
- No app to calculate the remaining amount
- A static message that does not change with the cart total
How to fix it
Show how much more to spend to get free shipping. The effort is medium, a theme or template edit that takes an afternoon.
- "You are $12 away from free shipping" raises order value at the point of decision.
- Show it in the mini-cart and the cart, and calculate it from your real threshold.
On Shopify
- Set a real free shipping threshold first: Settings > Shipping and delivery. Shopify has no built-in progress bar, so use a cart goal app or add one to your cart drawer in Edit code.
On WooCommerce
- Set a free shipping method with a minimum order amount, then use a free shipping bar plugin or add a message to the mini-cart template.
How to check it yourself
- Add an item below the threshold and read the message.
- Add another and watch it update.
- Check the cart page for the same message.
Frequently asked questions
What if I have no free shipping threshold?
Then the check is not relevant and is skipped.
How should I set the threshold?
Slightly above your average order value, so it prompts a small addition.
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.