Shipping discounts for subscription orders

Configure shipping discounts that apply to the first subscription checkout and recurring subscription renewals.

Configure subscription shipping discounts from Discounts / Gift with Purchase.

You do not set them inside the subscription plan.

When configured correctly, the discount can apply to:

• the initial subscription checkout

• recurring subscription renewal orders

When to use this

Use this setup when you want:

• free shipping on subscription orders

• free shipping above a threshold for subscribers

• different shipping incentives for subscription and one-time orders

How subscription shipping discounts work

Roadmap evaluates the shipping discount against each order.

That includes the first checkout and later subscription renewals.

If the order matches the rule, the shipping discount applies.

If it does not match, it will not apply.

The setting that matters most

The most important field is Order contains.

This decides which subscription orders can qualify.

Use Subscriptions only when

Every qualifying order should contain subscription items only.

This is usually the cleanest rule for recurring renewal orders.

Use At least one subscription when

The first checkout may include both subscription and one-time items.

This is the usual choice for mixed carts.

Do not use One-time purchase items only when

The discount should apply to any subscription order.

That setting blocks subscription carts entirely.

If the first checkout contains a subscription and a one-time item, Subscriptions only will not apply.

Use At least one subscription for that setup.

Configure the discount

1

Open the discounts dashboard

Go to Discounts / Gift with Purchase.

Create a new discount and choose Shipping Discount.

2

Add the internal setup details

Enter a clear Name.

Set Status to Active when you are ready.

3

Set the spend threshold

Use If the customer spends at least... if the shipping offer needs a minimum subtotal.

Leave it at the lowest value only if no threshold is intended.

4

Choose the subscription cart rule

Set Order contains to the option that matches your subscription flow.

Use Subscriptions only or At least one subscription in most cases.

5

Set shipping countries

Choose All countries or Selected countries.

Use selected countries if the offer should be market-specific.

6

Set the shipping discount value

Add the Discount Note if shoppers should see a cart message.

Then choose Percentage or Fixed amount.

7

Set customer eligibility and dates

Choose the intended audience.

Then set Active Dates, save, and test.

Initial checkout vs recurring renewals

Initial subscription checkout

The first checkout qualifies if the cart matches the shipping discount rule.

This is where mixed carts matter most.

If shoppers often add one-time products too, use At least one subscription.

Recurring subscription renewals

Recurring renewals qualify when the renewal order matches the same rule.

Most renewal orders are subscription-only.

That means Subscriptions only often works well for renewals.

Recommended setups

Free shipping on all subscription orders

Use:

• Order contains → Subscriptions only

• no country restriction, unless needed

• no spend threshold, unless needed

Choose this when the first checkout is also subscription-only.

Free shipping when a cart includes any subscription

Use:

• Order contains → At least one subscription

• threshold optional

• country restriction optional

Choose this when the first checkout may mix subscription and one-time items.

Subscriber shipping offer above a threshold

Use:

• Order contains → Subscriptions only or At least one subscription

• a clear spend threshold

• the intended audience rule

Common mistakes

The first checkout is mixed

If the cart contains subscription and one-time items, Subscriptions only will fail.

Use At least one subscription instead.

The discount is set to one-time carts

One-time purchase items only blocks subscription orders.

The country restriction is too narrow

If the shipping address is excluded, the discount will not apply.

Another promotion changes the threshold

If another offer changes subtotal, the shipping rule may stop qualifying.

Test before launch

Run these checks:

1. test a first subscription checkout

2. test a mixed cart if your store allows mixed carts

3. test a recurring subscription renewal path if available

4. test an excluded cart that should not qualify

Related guides

• Create a shipping discount

• Shipping discount not applying?

• Getting started with subscriptions