Skip to content
Esc

Start typing to search the docs.

On this page
How-to Updated Aug 16, 2026

Write a custom message

Turn on the custom message option in the rule and write your own text. It replaces the default wherever that rule blocks a customer.

Applies to
  • All Shopify plans
  • Every rule type
Doesn't apply to
  • Different text per language on Basic — that is Premium
Need different text per language? See multilingual messages

Steps

1. Install Nex Validator

Search Nex Validator in the Shopify App Store, or use the button below. Approve the permissions and the app appears in your admin under Apps. There is a free trial, and it works on every Shopify plan.

2. Open the rule you want to change, or create one.

3. Enable Use custom message and write your text in Custom error message.

4. Save with Status set to Enabled.

What to write

Instead ofWrite
”Minimum order not met""Orders start at £50"
"Invalid quantity""This item is sold in packs of 6"
"Cart limit exceeded""Limit 2 per order so everyone gets a chance"
"Error”Anything at all

Verify it worked

Build a cart that breaks the rule and open checkout. Your text should appear in place of the default.

If you also show messages on the cart page, check both surfaces — they render in different places and a message that reads well at checkout can be truncated in a cart drawer.

A note on tone

A block is a refusal, and customers read refusals as the store’s fault. Explaining why costs a few words and measurably softens it — “so everyone gets a chance”, “our workshop produces in batches of 12”. Merchants who add a reason report fewer support messages about it.

Frequently asked

Can I use the customer's cart total in the message?

Write the message as static text stating your threshold. Do not assume dynamic values are substituted — check what actually renders before relying on it.

How long can it be?

Keep it to one sentence. Checkout is a narrow column and a long message wraps into a wall on mobile.

Can I use HTML?

Treat it as plain text. If you need styling on the cart page, use the Custom CSS field in the cart display settings instead.

See also: Messages · Show the message on the cart page · Create your first limit