> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://responsive-media.gitbook.io/advanced-free-shipping/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://responsive-media.gitbook.io/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-subtotal.md).
# Cart Subtotal
## Overview
The **Cart Subtotal** condition applies discounts based on the sum of line item prices **before** taxes and **before** cart-level discounts. This is the raw product value in the cart.
{% hint style="info" %}
Cart Subtotal is calculated before product discounts and taxes. If you want to check the final cart value after discounts and taxes, use [Cart Total](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-total.md) instead.
{% endhint %}
## When to Use Cart Subtotal
Use Cart Subtotal when you want to:
* **Reward product purchases** regardless of discounts applied
* **Avoid discount stacking issues** where product discounts reduce eligibility
* **Simplify for customers** in tax-inclusive regions
* **Base on merchandise value** only
## Available Operators
All numeric operators are available:
* **Is greater than**
* **Is less than**
* **Is equal to**
* **Is at least** - Most common
* **Is at most**
{% hint style="info" %}
These work identically to [Cart Total operators](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-total.md#available-operators). See that page for detailed operator explanations.
{% endhint %}
## Cart Subtotal vs Cart Total
The key difference:
| Scenario | Cart Subtotal | Cart Total |
| --------------------------------------- | ------------- | ---------- |
| Product A: $30
Product B: $25
| $55 | $55 |
| **+ 10% product discount (-$5.50)** | $55 | $49.50 |
| **+ 10% tax (+$4.95)** | $55 | $54.45 |
**Cart Subtotal**: Always $55 (original product prices) **Cart Total**: $54.45 (after discount, after tax)
## Common Use Cases
### Free Shipping on $50 in Products
Ensure customers buy $50 worth of products, regardless of discounts:
**Configuration**:
* Condition: Cart subtotal **is at least** $50
* Target: All shipping rates → Free
**Example**:
* Customer adds $60 worth of products
* Applies a 20% off product code (-$12)
* Cart total is now $48
* But cart subtotal is still $60 → ✓ Free shipping applies
{% hint style="info" %}
This prevents customers from using product discounts to drop below your free shipping threshold.
{% endhint %}
### Wholesale Minimum Order
Require wholesale customers to order a minimum product value:
**Configuration**:
* Condition 1: Customer tag **contains** "Wholesale"
* Condition 2: Cart subtotal **is at least** $500
* Target: All shipping rates → Free
### Avoid Tax Confusion
In regions with high or variable taxes, subtotal is clearer:
**Configuration**:
* Condition: Cart subtotal **is at least** $50
* Target: All shipping rates → Free
**Why**: Customers see "$50 in products = free shipping" without worrying about tax calculations.
## Combining with Other Conditions
### Subtotal + Location
**Different thresholds by region based on product value**
* Rule Group 1 (US):
* Condition 1: Country **is** US
* Condition 2: Cart subtotal **is at least** $50
* Rule Group 2 (CA):
* Condition 1: Country **is** CA
* Condition 2: Cart subtotal **is at least** $75
### Subtotal + Collection
**Free shipping when buying $100 from specific collection**
* Condition 1: Collection **contains** "Premium Products"
* Condition 2: Cart subtotal **is at least** $100
{% hint style="info" %}
For more granular collection value checking, use Collection Item Cost instead.
{% endhint %}
## Best Practices
{% hint style="info" %}
**Use subtotal when product discounts are common.** If you frequently run product sales, subtotal prevents customers from losing free shipping eligibility.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Communicate clearly.** Tell customers "Spend $50 on products" rather than just "$50 for free shipping" to avoid confusion.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Consider your discount strategy.** If you rarely offer product discounts, Cart Total might be simpler for customers to understand.
{% endhint %}
## When to Use Cart Total Instead
Use [Cart Total](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-total.md) when:
* You want to include the effect of product discounts
* You want to include taxes in the threshold
* You want customers to see the "final" cart value
* You don't run many product discount promotions
## Examples by Scenario
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Product Sale Protection" %}
**Scenario**: You run a 25% off sale but still want $50 in products for free shipping
**With Cart Subtotal**:
* Customer adds $60 worth of products
* 25% off applied → Cart total becomes $45
* Cart subtotal still $60 → ✓ Free shipping
**With Cart Total**:
* Cart total is $45 → ✗ No free shipping
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="High Tax Region" %}
**Scenario**: Your region has 20% sales tax
**With Cart Subtotal**:
* Customer adds $50 in products
* Tax adds $10 → Cart total $60
* Threshold is "subtotal ≥ $50" → ✓ Clear for customer
**With Cart Total**:
* Threshold would need to be "total ≥ $60"
* Confusing: "Why do I need $60 for $50 free shipping?"
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Wholesale Orders" %}
**Scenario**: Wholesale customers get special pricing
**With Cart Subtotal**:
* Wholesale price: $40/unit (retail $50)
* Customer buys 10 units
* Subtotal: $400 (wholesale price)
* Threshold: "subtotal ≥ $300" → ✓ Qualifies
This rewards order size, not retail value.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
## Troubleshooting
Discount applying when it shouldn't
* Check if line item discounts are reducing product prices
* Verify you're using Cart Subtotal (not Cart Total)
* Line item discounts ARE included in subtotal
Customers confused about threshold
* Clearly communicate "product value" vs "cart total"
* Consider adding a progress bar showing subtotal
* Use simple round numbers ($50, $75, $100)
Different from Cart Total
* This is expected if you have product discounts or taxes
* Review the comparison table above
* Test with your specific tax and discount setup
## Related Conditions
* [**Cart Total**](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-total.md) - Check cart value after discounts and taxes
* **Collection Item Cost** - Check subtotal of specific collection items
* [**Cart Quantity**](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-quantity.md) - Require minimum number of items
* [**Cart Weight**](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-weight.md) - Base discounts on total weight
---
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