Some orders cost more to pack and ship than they earn. A cart minimum sets the floor in units rather than money, which suits stores where everything is priced similarly.
Before you start
- The fewest items an order should contain.
- A message telling customers what to do about it.
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. Go to Simple Order Limit → Create Rule.
3. Give the rule a title, and switch Enable/Disable Limit on. A rule that is saved but not enabled looks identical to one that is not working.
4. Open the Cart tab, choose Cart Min Quantity, and enter the minimum number of items.
5. Write the error message, then save. Name the number: “Orders start at 6 items.”
Verify it worked
- Cart with fewer items than the minimum → checkout blocked, message shown.
- Cart at the minimum → checkout completes.
Test exactly at the number too. A minimum of 6 should allow 6, not require 7.
Common setups
| Goal | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Make shipping worth it on low-value goods | 4–6 items |
| Build-your-own box or mixed case | Exactly your case size |
| Wholesale storefront | 12–24 items |
| Sample packs | 3 items |