How to Limit 1 Product per Customer on Shopify [2024]
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How to Limit 1 Product per Customer on Shopify

Last modified: September 16, 2024

How to limit purchase quantity
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Want to keep things fair and make sure everyone gets a piece of the action? Limiting one product per customer on your Shopify store is the perfect way to do just that. Whether you’re dropping a limited-edition item or running a special promotion, setting up this rule helps you manage the hype and prevent stock from being wiped out by a single buyer. In this quick guide, I’ll show you how to easily put this limit in place so you can keep your customers happy and your products flying off the (virtual) shelves—one per person!

Limit 1 Product per Customer on Shopify: How to

If you want to limit customers to buying just one of a particular product on your Shopify store, there are a few straightforward methods to achieve this. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Method 1: Use a Third-Party App

  1. Find an App: Go to the Shopify App Store and search for apps like “Order Limits (MinMaxify)” or “Limit Qty Purchase” that can set purchase limits.
  2. Install the App: Choose an app, install it, and follow the setup steps provided by the app.
  3. Set the Limit: Inside the app, set the maximum quantity to 1 for the product you want to limit.
  4. Save and Test: Save your settings and check your store to make sure the limit works as expected.

Method 2: Use Shopify Scripts (Shopify Plus Only)

  1. Access Scripts: If you’re on Shopify Plus, go to your Shopify Admin and find “Scripts” under “Apps”.
  2. Create a Script: Write a simple script in Ruby that restricts the quantity of the product to 1. This requires some basic coding but is very effective.
  3. Test and Publish: Test the script to ensure it’s working, then publish it to enforce the limit.

Method 3: Manual Order Review

  1. Manually Adjust Orders: If you have fewer orders, you can manually review each one and adjust quantities if someone tries to buy more than one of the limited product.
  2. Notifications: Set up order notifications to alert you when an order comes in, so you can quickly make adjustments if needed.

Method 4: Custom Code (For Advanced Users)

  1. Edit Theme Code: If you’re comfortable with coding, you can edit your theme’s cart.liquid file to add custom JavaScript that limits product quantities in the cart.
  2. Test Your Code: After adding the code, test it thoroughly to make sure it works properly across different devices.
Key Takeaways
1
Supercharge your Shopify store by using third-party apps to effortlessly cap purchases at one per customer, keeping your limited editions truly exclusive.
2
Shopify Plus users can flex their coding muscles by creating custom scripts that seamlessly enforce product limits, adding a touch of tech wizardry to your store.
3
For those running a smaller shop, manually reviewing orders offers a straightforward, hands-on way to ensure customers only snag one of your special items.
Recommended: 10 Best Shopify Order Limit Apps – [2024]
# Name Image
1
Order Limits ‑ MinMaxify
Order Limits ‑ MinMaxify
2
KOR Order Limit Quantity
KOR Order Limit Quantity
3
OrderLogic ‑ Min & Max Limits
OrderLogic ‑ Min & Max Limits
4
Min&Max Limits by Limitsify
Min&Max Limits by Limitsify
5
Quantity Breaks Price & Limit
Quantity Breaks Price & Limit
6
MinCart ‑ Min Max order limits
MinCart ‑ Min Max order limits
7
AOD: Order Limits (Min‑Max)
AOD: Order Limits (Min‑Max)
8
Digital Takeout: OrderLimits
Digital Takeout: OrderLimits
9
Order Minimum App
Order Minimum App
10
Quantify
Quantify
Show More

Why Limit Quantity of Product Purchases?

There are numerous reasons why you might want to limit quantity per customer. For one, you might have a limited stock of a highly valuable item and want to ensure that all your customers get a chance to make a purchase.

Or there might legislation that limits the number of products that can be bought at any one time. Additionally, you may want to get sales information for a specific high-demand product to better manage inventory levels.

These are good reasons why you should limit the quantity of products you sell to each customers. But there might be other reasons as well, such as disabling customer accounts temporarily if there are concerns about unauthorized purchases.

Limiting product quantity per customer isn’t that hard on Shopify, This is because there are advanced features apps that are available for you.

The Limit Quality Purchase App

One of the top options that you can use is the app called KOR Order Limit Quantity. This has been specifically designed to give Shopify owners, like you, the option to ensure that you can limit the quantity of a specific product or products in a category someone can buy at one time.

Let’s have a look at this app and what it can do for you without having to edit any code.

Set Quantity Per Purchase

The first option allows you to limit the number of a specific product that can be purchased in a single order. This is particularly useful for digital products or items with limited stock, ensuring that more customers have the opportunity to make a purchase.

However, this feature does allow customers to place multiple orders to buy more of the product.

Limit Quantity for Products Based on Collection

This feature allows you to set purchase limits for a collection of products, so customers can only buy a certain number of items from that collection in a single order.

However, like the previous option, it doesn’t prevent customers from placing multiple orders to buy more of the products. This can be costly and time-consuming for the customer, which often discourages them from doing so.

Limit Quantity Per Purchase via Time

Another option is to limit how often a product can be purchased within a specified time period (e.g., a week, month, or year). This means a customer cannot buy the product again until the set time period has passed.

This approach is ideal for businesses with products that have a defined lifespan.

Limit Product Quantity to Once in a Lifetime

Another option is to implement a lifetime restriction. This prevents a customer from making another order of the same product indefinitely. Once a customer purchases the product, they will be permanently restricted from buying it again.

This approach can be particularly useful for businesses with unique or high-value items, subscription-based products, or limited edition goods. By enforcing a lifetime limit, businesses can create a sense of exclusivity and scarcity, enhancing the perceived value of the product. Additionally, it helps in fair distribution among customers, ensuring that more individuals have the opportunity to purchase the item. This method is also effective in preventing hoarding or reselling of limited stock items, maintaining a balanced and equitable market for all customers.

Keep Reading

Real World Statistics on Limiting Quantities Per Customer

Did you know that 80% of shoppers value their experience just as much as the products they buy?

  1. Hoarding and Reselling? Not Today!
    • During the wild early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, savvy retailers who slapped quantity limits on essentials saw a whopping decrease in hoarding and secondary market reselling. Imagine a 25% drop in hoarding and a 30% plunge in reselling! Those are serious stats that kept the shelves stocked and customers happy​ (Invoca)​​ (McKinsey & Company)​.
  2. Customer Satisfaction Through the Roof!
    • Did you know that 80% of shoppers value their experience just as much as the products they buy? Yep, it’s true! When stores limit how much you can buy, it creates a fair playing field, boosting satisfaction and trust. Think about it – no more frustration from empty shelves and missed must-haves​ (McKinsey & Company)​.
  3. Inventory Management Magic:
    • Retailers are reporting magic in their inventory turnover rates thanks to quantity limits. Take Sephora, for example. Their loyalty program gives top-tier members first dibs on limited products, ensuring everyone gets a shot and keeping those shelves stocked just right​ (McKinsey & Company)​.
  4. Sales Skyrocket for Hot Items:
    • When stores cap how much of a hot product you can snag, it often leads to a rush of excitement and urgency. This strategy can pump up overall sales by 15% during peak times like Black Friday and the holidays. Who doesn’t love a good shopping spree with a hint of exclusivity?​ (Invoca)​.
  5. Fresh Faces in the Market:
    • Quantity restrictions can also reel in new customers. During the pandemic, online shops saw a flood of fresh faces as they implemented purchase limits. This move ensured everyone had a fair shot at getting what they needed, boosting the store’s reputation and customer base​ (McKinsey & Company)​.

These vibrant stats show that putting limits on how much customers can buy isn’t just about managing stock – it’s about creating a fair, exciting, and satisfying shopping experience for everyone. Whether you’re a retailer or a customer, limiting the quantities each customer can buy is a win-win!

Conclusion: How to Limit Quantity Per Customer on Shopify

Mastering how to limit quantity per customer on Shopify gives you the power to maintain exclusivity, manage your inventory effectively, and create a more controlled shopping experience. Whether you choose the simplicity of a third-party app, the customization of Shopify Plus scripts, or the hands-on approach of manual review, you’re equipped to ensure that your most coveted products are distributed fairly. By implementing these strategies, you can keep your customers engaged and your store running smoothly, all while maintaining that sought-after sense of exclusivity.

FAQs
  • Is it possible to limit the purchase of particular product variants while keeping other variants of the same product unrestricted?

    Yes, it is possible to set restrictions on specific product variants. Certain third-party apps available on Shopify offer granular control over product variants, allowing you to apply purchase limits.

  • Are there apps available on Shopify that can automatically notify customers when they reach or exceed purchase limits for a particular product?

    Yes, you can find third-party apps on Shopify’s app store that offer automated notification features. These can be configured to send automatic notifications to customers when they surpass purchase limits.

  • Can I create a waitlist for products that have reached their purchase limit, allowing customers to express interest for future availability?

    Yes, you can use specialized apps to implement a waitlist feature for products that have reached purchase limits. Customers can join a waitlist to express their interest in purchasing the product.

  • Can I limit the number of a specific product a customer can buy on Shopify?

    Yes, you can limit the quantity of a specific product a customer can purchase by using Shopify apps or custom code to enforce purchase restrictions.

  • What is the easiest way to limit 1 product per customer on Shopify?

    The easiest way is to use a Shopify app designed for this purpose, such as “Order Limits (MinMaxify)” or “Limit Quantity Purchase.” These apps allow you to set purchase limits without needing to code.

  • Can I limit the purchase of a product without using an app?

    Yes, but it requires custom coding. You can use JavaScript or Liquid code to enforce the limit on the product page or at checkout, though this may require some technical knowledge.

  • How do Shopify apps help in limiting product purchases?

    These apps allow you to set specific purchase limits per product or per order. They can enforce rules at the cart or checkout level, ensuring customers cannot exceed the specified quantity.

  • Is it possible to limit 1 product per customer across multiple orders?

    Yes, some apps or custom solutions allow you to track customer purchase history and restrict further purchases of the same product if they’ve already bought it before.

  • Can I limit the number of a product based on customer tags or groups?

    Yes, certain apps or custom code can enforce product limits based on customer tags or groups, allowing you to apply different rules for different types of customers.

     

  • Can I limit the number of products at the variant level?

    Yes, many apps allow you to set purchase limits at the variant level, so you can limit the quantity of specific variants (e.g., sizes or colors) a customer can purchase.

     

  • What happens if a customer tries to purchase more than the allowed limit?

    Depending on the app or custom solution you’re using, the customer might see an error message or the excess quantity may be automatically removed from their cart.

  • Is it possible to limit 1 product per customer only during a promotion or sale?

    Yes, you can set time-sensitive rules using apps or custom code to limit purchases only during specific promotional periods.

  • Can I prevent customers from bypassing the limit by placing multiple orders?

    Some apps track customer orders and prevent them from placing multiple orders for the same product, but this often requires an app with more advanced features or custom development.

  • How do I apply purchase limits to specific products only?

    Most apps or custom solutions allow you to select specific products or collections where the purchase limits apply, so other products in your store remain unrestricted.

  • Can I use discount codes with purchase limits?

    Yes, but it depends on how the app or custom code is set up. Ensure that the purchase limits and discount codes don’t conflict, as some solutions might need additional configuration to work together.

  • Is it possible to limit purchases based on customer location?

    Yes, with the right app or custom solution, you can set purchase limits based on the customer’s geographic location or shipping address.

  • Do purchase limits affect the entire cart or just individual products?

    Purchase limits can be set for individual products or for the entire cart, depending on your specific needs and the capabilities of the app or custom solution you use.

  • Can I limit the number of a product during pre-orders or product launches?

    Yes, purchase limits are often used during pre-orders or product launches to ensure fair distribution and prevent stockouts.

  • Will limiting products affect my store’s conversion rate?

    It could, depending on how the limits are communicated to customers. Clear communication about purchase limits can help maintain a positive customer experience.

  • How do I communicate product limits to my customers?

    You can add notes on product pages, use pop-up messages, or include information during checkout to inform customers about purchase limits.