Adding a discount allows you to create promotional codes that customers can use to get a discount on their purchases. Sellers on a Diamond plan can also create automatic discounts applied automatically at checkout when a customer’s cart meets the discount conditions. This can help drive sales, attract new customers, and retain existing ones.
Why you should use it
Boost Sales: Encourage more purchases by offering attractive discounts.
Get Larger Order Sizes: Increase the average order size by setting minimum purchase requirements for discounts.
Attract New Customers: Use discounts as a tool to draw in new shoppers.
Drive Repeat Customers: Reward loyal customers with special offers.
Types of discounts and when to use them
Our discount feature offers a variety of options to help you manage promotions effectively. Here’s a breakdown of what’s possible and how to use each type to get the most benefit:
When a Customer…
Orders anything: The discount applies to any order, regardless of the total amount or number of items.
Use this to: Offer general promotions that apply to all purchases.
Spends at Least a Certain Amount: Set a minimum purchase amount to qualify for the discount, encouraging larger orders.
Use this to: Encourage customers to spend more by setting a minimum order value.
Orders at Least a Certain Number of Items: Require a minimum number of items in the order to use the discount, promoting bulk purchases.
Use this to: Increase the number of items per order.
Give Them…
Free Shipping: Removes the shipping cost for the customer.
Use this to: Reduce cart abandonment and make online shopping more attractive.
A Percentage Discount: Offers a percentage off the total order amount (e.g., 10% off).
Use this to: Promote site-wide sales or seasonal discounts.
A Flat Rate Discount: Provides a fixed monetary reduction on the total order amount (e.g., $10 off).
Use this to: Offer specific promotions or clear out inventory.
On…
Their Entire Order: The discount applies to the total order value.
Use this to: Simplify discounts that apply to everything in the cart.
All Items in a Specific Category: Applies the discount to items within a selected category.
Use this to: Focus on promoting specific categories or clearing out stock.
A Specific Product: The discount is valid only for a particular product.
Use this to: Boost sales of particular items or introduce new products.
Starting…
Now: The discount becomes active immediately.
Use this to: Run immediate promotions or flash sales.
On a Specific Date: Set the discount to start on a future date.
Use this to: Plan promotions in advance, such as for holidays or special events.
Expiring…
Never Expires: The discount code remains valid indefinitely.
Use this to: Offer ongoing promotions without an end date.
On a Specific Date: Set an expiration date for the discount.
Use this to: Create urgency and limit the duration of the promotion.
When It’s Used a Certain Number of Times: Limit the number of times the discount can be used.
Use this to: Control the budget for promotions and maintain exclusivity.
Limit to...
One Use Per Email Address: Limit the number of times the code can be used by someone with the same email.
Use this to: Share with new subscribers to your newsletter.
Automatic discounts
If you are on a Diamond plan, you can create discounts that will automatically apply to your customer’s cart when the discount conditions are met. Automatic discounts simplify the process of applying a discount to an order for your customers, which reduces the hassle of manual refunds for customers who forgot to apply their discount code on the checkout page. Upgrade here to take advantage of automatic discounts!
Remember that while you can have multiple active automatic discounts, only one can be applied per cart. If the order meets multiple active discount conditions, our system will automatically apply the discount that gives your customer the deepest discount on their order. Customers can also remove the automatically applied codes to use a manual code if they prefer.
Tips for effective discounts
Clear Communication: Make sure your customers know about the discount and how to use it.
Strategic Timing: Offer discounts during peak shopping times or to clear out old inventory.
Track Performance: Monitor the effectiveness of your discounts and adjust as necessary.
Set Minimum Purchase Amounts: Encourage larger purchases by setting a minimum amount that customers need to spend to use the discount. Look at your average order size and set the minimum a bit higher to boost sales.
How to use it
Step 1: Create a code
Navigate to Discounts: Go to your Big Cartel admin page and select ‘Discounts’ from the menu bar at the top.
Add New Discount: Click on the ‘Add Discount’ button.
Step 2: Describe your discount
Discount Name: Give your discount a name that is recognizable and descriptive.
Discount Code: Create a unique code that your customers will enter at checkout.
Step 3: Set discount options
Type of Discount: Choose between percentage off, fixed amount off, or free shipping.
Discount Value: Enter the value of the discount.
Minimum Purchase Amount (Optional): Set a minimum purchase amount required to use the discount.
Usage Limits (Optional): Limit the number of times the discount can be used or restrict it to a limited number of customers.
Active Dates: Set start and end dates for when the discount can be used.
Automatic Discount: If you are a diamond seller and would like your discount to apply automatically, toggle on
Automatic discount.
Usage LimitsIf you only want one auto discount applied per customer, toggle on Limit to one use per email.
Step 5: Save and promote your discount
Save Discount: Click Save to activate your discount.
Promote: Share the discount code with your customers via email, social media, or on your website.
FYI - only one discount code or automatic discount can be applied per transaction, and discount cannot exceed the total product value. If an order is eligible for multiple automatic discounts, our system will apply the discount that provides the greatest value to the customer.
How to add a discount
Log in at my.bigcartel.com: Open your browser and log in to your Big Cartel account.
Go to Discounts: Select ‘Discounts’ from the menu.
Create a New Discount Code: Click the Add discount + button.
Create a Code: Enter a unique discount code or click the dice to generate one.
Describe Your Discount: Provide a description that your customers will see at checkout.
Set Eligibility: Choose when the discount applies (e.g., on any order, minimum amount spent).
Choose Discount Type: Select from free shipping, percentage off, or flat-rate discount.
Specify Items: Decide which items the discount applies to (specific products, categories, or entire order).
Set Active Dates: Choose when the discount starts and ends.
Expiration: Decide if and when the discount code expires.
Automatic discount:If you are a Diamond seller, you can toggle on Automatic discount so the discount applies automatically to eligible orders. No code necessary!
Save and Share: Click ‘Save’ and share your new code with customers.
