How to offer credits on one-time purchases to all customers

Offer credits as rewards at every checkout, whether for a one-time purchase or a subscription, to attract a wider customer base and open a new path to subscription sign-ups.

This guide explains how to create and activate a one-time purchase rewards program.

Before you start

• This feature is available through Rewards. Access to Rewards depends on your plan. Check the Loyalty tab in your merchant portal to confirm whether this feature is available in your store.

• Customers can view and manage their credits in the customer portal. See Credits for more information.

How it works

Offer credits as rewards to all customers on their checkout order, whether they purchase a one-time product or a recurring subscription. Use this method to engage a broader range of customers, create a new funnel for subscription acquisition, and further consolidate your tech stack. 

Use cases

Review the following use cases for ideas on how you could implement this Rewards strategy into your business planning: 

Step 1 - Create a one-time purchase rewards program

Before configuring rewards, create a new one-time purchase program from the Rewards section of the merchant portal.

1. In the merchant portal, click Loyalty and select Rewards.
2. Click Create new.
3. Select Create one-time purchase program.

Step 2 - Configure program details

Start by creating the rewards program and determining who can participate. If you do not add eligibility conditions, all customers can earn rewards through the program.

1. In the Program name field, enter an internal name for the program.
2. Review the eligibility section:
   • Leave the program without conditions to allow all customers to participate.
   • Select Edit conditions if you want to limit eligibility to specific customers or segments.
3. In the Configure trigger window, add trigger conditions that determine which processed orders qualify for the program. You can add one or more conditions to target specific orders, customers, subscriptions, line items, charges, or shipping addresses.

Step 3 - Configure the credit reward

Credits are the only reward type available for one-time purchases. Because one-time purchasers don't have recurring orders, there's no upcoming order to apply a free gift or discount to. Choose a credit value that supports your customer incentive strategy while accounting for credit liability. By default, the program offers customers a 3% credit; however, you can adjust it to suit your business needs.

1. In the Rewards section, click the pencil icon on the existing reward.
2. Choose the credit type and reward value you want to offer. You can offer:
   • A percentage-based credit
   • A fixed dollar amount
3. Configure the credit expiration settings:
   • Use the store default expiration setting
   • Define a custom expiration period if available
   • Choose to never let them expire
4. Click Apply to save your preferences.

Step 4 - Add a reward notification

Notifications let customers know when they earn a reward. This step is optional; customers can still earn rewards if you do not configure a notification.

1. In the Notification section, click Add notification.
2. Select the email language.
3. Enter the Sender name.
4. Enter the Sender email address.
5. If prompted, authorize your sending domain in Email settings.
6. Enter an email subject line.
7. Click Edit email body to customize the email content.
8. Optional: Select a template from the Override notification template menu and click Apply template.
9. Click Preview notification to review the email.
10. Click Apply.

Step 5 - Activate the program

Activating the program makes it available to eligible customers. Customers cannot earn rewards from the program until you activate it.

1. Review your program settings.
2. Click Save to save any outstanding changes.
3. Click Activate.
4. Click Confirm: activate program.