Marketing scenario
What this scenario gives you
Higher cart value, more orders above the delivery threshold, and fewer cases where shoppers abandon after seeing shipping cost.
Bar or embed with a dynamic progress indicator, missing amount, and success state after free shipping is unlocked.
When it is worth using
- stores with add-ons, accessories, and impulse products
- carts close to the free-shipping threshold
- brands that want to increase AOV without a discount code
When to skip it
Do not show the bar if the threshold is too far from the typical cart or shipping cost is not the main barrier. Then the progress bar can feel like pressure without real help.
Implementation plan
How to set it up
Calculate distance to threshold
The scenario should dynamically calculate cart value, missing amount, and progress percentage, then update the message after every cart change.
Suggest the next product
If the gap is small, show add-ons that match price and product context. The counter helps, but recommendation shortens the path to the goal.
Confirm success
After the threshold is reached, the bar should confirm that free shipping is active. That reduces the risk of removing an item from cart.
Mechanic
A progress bar works when the goal is close and clear
The best moment appears when the cart is close to the threshold. If the gap is small, the shopper can add batteries, a sample, socks, or an accessory. If the gap is huge, the bar starts feeling like pressure, not help.
- Show the missing amount, not only percentage.
- For empty carts, show the general threshold without pressure.
- After reaching the goal, switch the bar to a calm success message.
Recommendations
The best bar leads to concrete add-ons
If the shopper is 24 PLN short, show products in the 20-35 PLN range from the same category or natural complements. Then the scenario helps decide instead of only tracking progress.
- Do not show unavailable products or items too expensive for the gap.
- For a cart with a main product, show accessories rather than random bestsellers.
- If the gap is very small, CTA can lead directly to add-ons.
Threshold example
With a 199 PLN threshold, not every shopper should see the same copy
A 176 PLN cart should see: 23 PLN left for free shipping and add-on suggestions. A 58 PLN cart should see a general threshold note or nothing, because the gap is too large to feel helpful.
- Strong condition: missing amount up to 25-30% of cart value.
- Light condition: empty or far-from-threshold carts show only information.
- After success, show free shipping active and avoid another incentive.
Measurement
What to measure after launch
Evaluate the scenario by shopper behavior and cart impact, not by impressions alone. These metrics help you see whether the campaign supports revenue or only creates activity.
- AOV
- share of carts above threshold
- add-on clicks
- margin after shipping