Setting Up Discounts on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Access discounts through the Discounts panel on desktop or Selling tab on mobile
- Discounts apply to order subtotals only, not taxes or shipping (except free shipping)
- You can have up to 100 auto-triggered discounts running at once
- Some discounts can be combined, others can't – check the rules before stacking
- Only store owners and administrators can edit or delete discounts
- Always test your discount codes before launching campaigns
Squarespace's discount system gives you solid control over promotions, but knowing how everything works together saves you headaches down the line.
You'll find discount management in two places: the Discounts panel on your computer or the Selling tab in the mobile app. Both let you create, edit, and track your promotions.
How Discounts Work
Discounts calculate based on your order subtotals. They won't touch taxes or shipping costs, except when you're offering free shipping as the discount itself.
Here's what trips people up: discounts can't exceed the subtotal amount, and expired discounts will throw an error message if someone tries to use them. You can run up to 100 auto-triggered discounts at the same time.
Combining Discounts
What You Can Combine
You can stack certain discounts without issues:
- A single product discount with a general order discount (£10 off specific trainers plus £10 off any order)
- Category discounts with broader promotions (£10 off summer gear plus £10 off orders over £100)
- Free shipping with most other promotions
What You Can't Combine
Some combinations will clash:
- Product-specific and category discounts that affect the same item
- Multiple percentage-based promotions on the same order when one applies to the whole order
- Any discounts that target the same products directly
Keep your discount strategy simple. Too many stacked discounts can make your products feel cheap and confuse customers about their actual value.
Managing Your Discounts
Editing Discounts
Only store owners and administrators can edit or delete discounts. This keeps your pricing strategy secure.
To edit a discount:
- Open the Discounts panel on desktop or tap through on the app
- Select the discount you want to change
- Adjust the name, type, expiration date, or usage limits
- Hit 'Save' on desktop or the checkmark on mobile
You can set start dates for future promotions or add limits to prevent overuse.
Deleting Discounts
On desktop, scroll down in the discount details and click 'Delete discount'. On mobile, tap through to the discount view and select 'Delete'.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When discounts don't work at checkout, check these things first:
- Does the order meet all the discount conditions?
- Is the promo code spelled correctly and unique?
- Are the right shipping options selected?
- Has the discount expired or reached its usage limit?
If everything looks right but it's still not working, delete the discount and recreate it. Sometimes that clears up glitches.
Gift Cards and Special Cases
Customers can apply gift cards to discounted orders without problems. Free shipping promotions play nicely with most other discounts unless you've specifically set restrictions.
FAQs
Can I track how often my discounts get used?
Yes, the Discounts panel shows usage statistics for each promotion. You can see how many times each discount has been applied.
What happens if someone tries to use an expired discount?
Squarespace will show an error message and prevent the discount from applying. The customer will need to complete their purchase at full price or find a valid discount code.
Can I set up automatic discounts that don't need codes?
Yes, auto-triggered discounts apply automatically when customers meet your conditions. You can have up to 100 of these running simultaneously.
Why can't I combine certain discounts?
Squarespace prevents combinations that would apply multiple discounts to the same products. This stops customers from getting unreasonably deep discounts that could hurt your margins.
Jargon Buster
Discounts Panel – The main area in your Squarespace admin where you create and manage all your promotions
Auto-Triggered Discounts – Promotions that apply automatically when customers meet certain conditions, without needing a promo code
Order Subtotal – The total cost of items in a cart before taxes and shipping are added
Wrap-up
Smart discount management keeps customers happy while protecting your margins. Set clear rules about what can be combined, test everything before you launch, and keep an eye on usage statistics to see what's working.
The key is balance. Attractive discounts bring in sales, but too many stacked promotions can make your products seem less valuable. Plan your discount strategy as carefully as you plan your product pricing.
Ready to take your Squarespace skills further? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth tutorials and expert guidance.