Add Delivery Instructions at Squarespace Checkout
TL;DR:
- Custom checkout forms help customers specify delivery details for local deliveries
- Create a form called 'Delivery Instructions' with date, select, and phone fields
- The form appears for all shipping options on your site
- Test the form yourself before going live to catch any issues
Setting up delivery instructions at checkout makes local delivery services run much smoother. Your customers can tell you exactly what they need, and you avoid the back-and-forth emails trying to figure out delivery details.
This works on Squarespace 7.1 sites with Commerce plans that support custom checkout forms. If you're on an older 7.0 site, you'll need to upgrade to 7.1 first.
Creating Your Delivery Instructions Form
Head to your Squarespace Commerce settings and look for the checkout section. You'll find the option to create custom forms there.
Name your form 'Delivery Instructions' so customers know what it's for. Keep the name simple and clear.
Essential Fields to Include
Date Field
Let customers pick their preferred delivery date. This stops you delivering when nobody's home and gives customers control over timing.
Select Field
Use this for delivery locations or special instructions. You might offer options like "Leave at front door," "Ring doorbell," or "Deliver to reception."
Phone Field
Essential for last-minute delivery questions. Sometimes you need to contact customers quickly, and having their phone number right there saves time.
Text Area
Add a text field for additional notes. Customers often have specific requests that don't fit into your preset options.
Setting Up the Form
Once you've added all your fields, arrange them in a logical order. Put the most important information first – usually the delivery date and location preferences.
Save your changes and the form will appear at checkout for all your shipping options. This means customers will see it whether they're choosing local delivery, standard shipping, or express delivery.
Test the form yourself by placing a test order. Check that all fields work properly and that you're getting the information you actually need.
Making It Work for Your Business
Keep the form fields relevant to your delivery process. If you don't need a phone number, don't ask for one. Too many fields can put customers off completing their purchase.
Consider what information helps you deliver better. Some businesses need gate codes, others need specific delivery windows. Add fields that solve real problems in your delivery process.
Remember that this form appears for all shipping methods, so word your questions carefully. A field asking for "delivery instructions" works for both local delivery and standard shipping.
FAQs
Can I customise the form fields for delivery instructions?
Yes, you can add different field types including text, date, phone, and dropdown menus. Choose fields that match the information you need for deliveries.
Will customers see this form for all shipping options?
Yes, the custom checkout form appears for all shipping methods you offer. Keep your questions general enough to work for different delivery types.
How do I access the delivery instructions after someone places an order?
The information appears in your order details in the Squarespace Commerce dashboard. You can also set up email notifications to include this information.
Jargon Buster
Custom Checkout Form – A form you create to collect specific information from customers during checkout, beyond the standard name and address fields.
Form Fields – Different types of input areas where customers enter information, like text boxes, dropdown menus, or date selectors.
Commerce Plan – Squarespace's paid plans that include e-commerce features like custom checkout forms and advanced shipping options.
Wrap-up
Adding delivery instructions to your checkout process helps local delivery services run smoothly. Keep your form simple, test it thoroughly, and only ask for information you actually use. Your customers will appreciate being able to specify their delivery preferences upfront, and you'll spend less time chasing delivery details after orders come in.
Want to learn more about optimising your Squarespace checkout process? Check out our full Commerce course at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership