Add Gift Messages at Checkout on Squarespace
Adding gift messages to your Squarespace checkout gives customers a way to include personal notes with their orders. It's a simple feature that makes the shopping experience more personal and helps you stand out from competitors.
TL;DR:
- Enable gift messages by creating a custom checkout form in your Commerce settings
- Use Select, Text, and Text Area fields to capture the information you need
- Gift messages appear in your order details for easy printing and packaging
- Preview your checkout after setup to make sure everything works smoothly
- This feature works on Squarespace 7.1 commerce plans
Setting Up Your Gift Message Form
Head to your Squarespace dashboard and go to Commerce, then Checkout. Look for the Custom Form section where you can add extra fields to your checkout process.
Create a new form called "Add a Gift Message" or something similar that makes sense for your customers. Keep the name clear so people know exactly what they're filling out.
Adding the Right Fields
You'll want to use three types of fields to capture gift message information:
Select Field: Perfect for dropdown options like "Mr.", "Mrs.", "To:", or gift wrapping preferences. This keeps things tidy and gives customers clear choices.
Text Field: Use this for short information like recipient names, sender names, or special dates. Keep these fields focused on single pieces of information.
Text Area Field: This is where the actual gift message goes. Give customers enough space to write something meaningful without making the form feel overwhelming.
The key is not to overcomplicate it. Three or four fields usually cover everything you need without making checkout feel like filling out a tax return.
Making It Work for Your Business
Once you've set up your fields, save the form and test it yourself. Place a test order and see how the gift message appears in your order details. You want to make sure you can easily spot the message when you're packing orders.
The gift message information shows up in your order management area, so you can print it out or copy it onto a card to include with the package. This is the bit most people miss when they're setting things up, so double-check that you know where to find the messages once orders start coming in.
FAQs
Can I change the fields after I've created the form?
Yes, you can edit the fields anytime through your Commerce settings. Just remember to test the checkout process after making changes.
Do gift messages cost extra to set up?
No, custom checkout forms are included with Squarespace Commerce plans. There's no additional charge for adding gift message functionality.
Can customers skip the gift message if they don't need it?
Yes, you can make the gift message fields optional so customers only fill them out when they're actually sending a gift.
Will the gift messages slow down my checkout process?
Not if you keep the form simple. Three or four fields won't add significant time to checkout, and customers who want to add messages appreciate having the option.
Jargon Buster
Custom Checkout Form: Extra fields you add to your checkout process to collect specific information from customers
Text Area Field: A larger text box that allows customers to write longer messages or notes
Select Field: A dropdown menu that gives customers a list of options to choose from
Commerce Settings: The section of your Squarespace dashboard where you manage your online store features
Wrap-up
Adding gift messages to your checkout process is one of those small touches that can make a big difference to customer experience. It shows you've thought about how people actually use your products and gives them a way to make their purchases more personal.
The setup only takes a few minutes, but it gives your customers something they'll actually use. Test it thoroughly once you've got it running, and you'll have a feature that sets your store apart from the competition.
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