Some orders cost more to prepare and ship than they earn. A minimum order amount protects your margin, but it can also stop customers at checkout. The difference is in the threshold and the way you explain it.
When a minimum makes sense
- Low-priced products with high packing and shipping costs.
- Wholesale or trade customers.
- Fresh food or local delivery rounds.
- Made-to-order products with setup costs.
How to choose the threshold
Start from your fixed cost per order: packing, payment fees, time. The minimum should cover it with a margin, and stay below your average order value, so most customers never notice it.
Explain it before the checkout
- Mention it on product pages and in the cart.
- Say how much is missing: “Add 16 € more to complete your order.”
- Suggest products that fill the gap.
Minimum order or free shipping goal?
A minimum blocks; a free shipping goal encourages. Many stores use both: a low minimum (to avoid unprofitable orders) and a higher free shipping threshold (to raise the average basket).
Quantity rules per product
Sometimes the rule belongs to the product: sold by 6, minimum 2, maximum 3 per customer for a limited edition. Read quantity rules per product.
Limitly sets minimum and maximum order amounts and quantity rules per product, with clear messages in the classic and block cart. See the demo.
Frequently asked questions
Does WooCommerce have a minimum order setting?
Not by default; a plugin like Limitly adds a minimum and maximum order amount.
How do I tell customers about the minimum?
In the cart, with the missing amount, and on the product pages if it applies often.
Is a minimum order bad for conversion?
Not if it stays below your average order value and is clearly explained.