> 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/has-subscription.md).
# Has Subscription
## Overview
The **Has Subscription** condition applies discounts based on whether the cart contains items with recurring subscription selling plans. This is perfect for rewarding subscription customers or handling mixed carts.
{% hint style="info" %}
This condition works with Shopify's native subscription functionality and subscription apps that use Shopify selling plans.
{% endhint %}
## Available Operators
Unlike other conditions, Has Subscription uses special operators to detect subscription items:
**Contains subscription** - Cart has at least one subscription item (may also have one-time items).
**Does not contain subscription** - Cart has no subscription items (all one-time purchases).
**Subscription only** - Cart contains ONLY subscription items (no one-time purchases).
**Mixed (subscription + one-time)** - Cart has both subscription AND one-time purchase items.
## Understanding Each Operator
### Contains Subscription
**Triggers when**: At least one item has a subscription selling plan
**Example carts that qualify**:
* 2 subscription items
* 1 subscription item + 3 one-time items
* 5 subscription items + 1 one-time item
**Example carts that DON'T qualify**:
* 3 one-time items only
**Use case**: Reward any customer who subscribes to at least one product.
### Does Not Contain Subscription
**Triggers when**: No items have subscription selling plans
**Example carts that qualify**:
* 3 one-time purchase items
* 1 one-time purchase item
**Example carts that DON'T qualify**:
* 1 subscription item
* 1 subscription + 2 one-time items
**Use case**: Offer discounts to encourage one-time customers to try subscriptions.
### Subscription Only
**Triggers when**: ALL items are subscriptions (no one-time purchases)
**Example carts that qualify**:
* 2 subscription items
* 1 subscription item
**Example carts that DON'T qualify**:
* 1 subscription + 1 one-time item
* 3 one-time items
**Use case**: Reward customers who fully commit to subscriptions.
### Mixed (Subscription + One-Time)
**Triggers when**: Cart has BOTH subscription and one-time items
**Example carts that qualify**:
* 1 subscription + 1 one-time item
* 2 subscriptions + 3 one-time items
**Example carts that DON'T qualify**:
* 2 subscription items only
* 3 one-time items only
**Use case**: Handle special cases where customers mix purchase types.
## Common Use Cases
### Reward Subscription Customers
**Free shipping for any subscription order**
**Configuration**:
* Condition: Has subscription **contains subscription**
* Target: All shipping rates → Free
**Result**: Any cart with at least one subscription gets free shipping.
{% hint style="info" %}
This is the most common subscription discount. It rewards customers for subscribing without being too restrictive.
{% endhint %}
### Subscription-Only Discount
**Free shipping for pure subscription orders**
**Configuration**:
* Condition: Has subscription **subscription only**
* Target: All shipping rates → Free
**Result**: Only carts with 100% subscription items get free shipping.
**Use case**: Encourage customers to subscribe to all their regular purchases.
### Encourage Subscriptions
**$5 off shipping for one-time purchases (to encourage subscribing)**
**Configuration**:
* Condition: Has subscription **does not contain subscription**
* Target: All shipping rates → $5 off
**Message to customer**: "Subscribe and save even more with free shipping!"
### Mixed Cart Handling
**Special discount for mixed carts**
**Configuration**:
* Condition: Has subscription **mixed (subscription + one-time)**
* Target: All shipping rates → 50% off
**Use case**: Reward customers who are building subscription habits while still making one-time purchases.
## Combining with Other Conditions
### Subscription + Value
**Free shipping for subscription orders over $50**
* Condition 1: Has subscription **contains subscription**
* Condition 2: Cart total **is at least** $50
Both conditions must be met.
### Subscription OR Value
**Free shipping for subscriptions OR high-value orders**
* Rule Group 1:
* Condition: Has subscription **contains subscription**
* Rule Group 2:
* Condition: Cart total **is at least** $100
Subscription customers always get free shipping, OR anyone spending $100+.
### Subscription + Location
**Free shipping for US subscription customers**
* Condition 1: Has subscription **subscription only**
* Condition 2: Country **is** US
### Subscription + Customer
**Extra discount for VIP subscribers**
* Condition 1: Has subscription **contains subscription**
* Condition 2: Customer tag **contains** "VIP"
## Examples by Strategy
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Subscription Incentive" %}
**Goal**: Make subscriptions more attractive than one-time purchases
**Discount 1** (Subscriptions):
* Condition: Has subscription **contains subscription**
* Discount: Free shipping
**Discount 2** (One-time):
* Condition: Has subscription **does not contain subscription**
* Discount: $5 off shipping (only if cart ≥ $75)
**Result**: Subscriptions get better shipping terms, encouraging sign-ups.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Pure Subscription Reward" %}
**Goal**: Reward customers who go all-in on subscriptions
**Configuration**:
* Condition: Has subscription **subscription only**
* Discount: Free shipping + free express upgrade
**Result**: Customers who subscribe to everything get premium benefits.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Tiered Subscription Benefits" %}
**Goal**: Different benefits based on subscription commitment
**Discount 1** (Any subscription):
* Condition: Has subscription **contains subscription**
* Discount: 25% off shipping
**Discount 2** (Subscription only):
* Condition: Has subscription **subscription only**
* Discount: Free shipping
**Result**: Some subscription = 25% off, all subscription = free.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="New Subscriber Welcome" %}
**Goal**: Encourage first-time subscribers
**Configuration**:
* Condition 1: Has subscription **contains subscription**
* Condition 2: Customer order count **equals** 0
* Discount: Free shipping
**Result**: First-time customers who subscribe get free shipping.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
## Subscription vs One-Time Purchase Settings
Don't confuse the **Has Subscription condition** with the **Purchase Type settings** at the bottom of the discount form:
| Feature | Has Subscription Condition | Purchase Type Settings |
| ------------ | -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| **Purpose** | Check IF cart has subscriptions | Control WHERE discount applies |
| **Location** | In conditions section | At bottom of form |
| **Options** | Contains, doesn't contain, only, mixed | One-time, Subscription, Both |
**Purchase Type Settings** control whether the discount itself can apply to subscription orders:
* **One-time purchase** - Discount only applies to one-time purchases
* **Subscription** - Discount only applies to subscription orders
* **Both** - Discount can apply to either (most common)
{% hint style="info" %}
Usually you want Purchase Type set to "Both" and use the Has Subscription condition to control the logic. This gives you more flexibility.
{% endhint %}
## Best Practices
{% hint style="info" %}
**Start with "Contains subscription".** This is the most flexible option and rewards any subscription commitment.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Clearly communicate benefits.** Show customers they'll save on shipping by subscribing. Display this on product pages.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Don't be too restrictive.** "Subscription only" might discourage customers from adding one-time items to their subscription orders.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Test with your subscription app.** Different subscription apps may implement selling plans differently. Always test in Test Mode first.
{% endhint %}
## Troubleshooting
Discount not applying to subscription orders
* Check Purchase Type settings (should be "Both" or "Subscription")
* Verify products have subscription selling plans enabled
* Confirm customer selected subscription option (not one-time)
* Test in Test Mode with a known subscription product
Discount applying to wrong orders
* Review which operator you're using (contains vs only vs mixed)
* Check if you meant to use Purchase Type settings instead
* Verify subscription products are properly configured
Mixed carts not working as expected
* Confirm you're using "mixed" operator (not "contains")
* "Contains" includes mixed carts, "mixed" requires both types
* Test with various cart combinations
## Related Conditions
* **Customer Order Count** - Combine with subscription for first-time subscriber discounts
* [**Cart Total**](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-total.md) - Add value thresholds to subscription discounts
* **Customer Tags** - Create VIP subscription tiers
* **Product in Cart** - Specific product subscription discounts
## Learn More
**Subscriptions Advanced** - Deep dive into subscription discount strategies
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