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Total Uses Limit for a Discount

The total uses limit caps how many times a discount can be redeemed across all customers. This companion covers when to use it, how to pick the number, how to watch the used count, and what happens once the cap is reached, and links to the full usage limits guide.

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The Limit number of times this discount can be used in total option caps the combined number of redemptions across every customer, so once the discount has been used that many times it stops applying for everyone. This is the cap for the whole discount, separate from the limit of one use per customer. This article goes deeper on the total cap; and Discount Usage Limits covers both limits and the steps to turn them on.

Use the total cap when a promotion has a fixed budget or a limited run, because it stops the discount on its own once the number is reached and cannot overrun what you planned. It is the right choice for a limited offer, such as the first few hundred orders, or a code with a set budget. Leave it off for an offer that should stay open, such as a standing perk.

When to set a total cap

Situation Total cap
A limited run, such as the first 500 orders Set it, to the number of uses you can afford
A code with a fixed budget Set it, based on the budget divided by the value per use
A standing offer with no limit Leave it off

Before you begin

  • Your role includes Edit discounts.
  • You know the maximum number of redemptions you want to allow.
  • Open Discounts in the admin sidebar, then create a discount or open an existing one, since this section is part of every discount form.

Steps

1. Turn on the total uses limit and set the number

On the discount, turn on Limit number of times this discount can be used in total and enter the number. Choose the number as the most redemptions you are willing to give, since the discount will stop once it is reached. See Discount Usage Limits.

2. Watch the used count as the promotion runs

Open the discount and read Performance, which shows how many times it has been used. Check it during a busy promotion so you can see how close it is to the cap and decide whether to raise the number or let it finish. See Discount Detail Page.

3. Decide what to do as it nears the cap

As the used count approaches the number, decide whether to increase the cap to keep the offer running, or to let it reach the cap and stop. Making the decision before the cap is reached avoids the discount stopping at a time you did not plan for.

Verify the result

  • The discount shows the total uses limit you set under Usage limits.
  • Performance shows the current number of times the discount has been used.
  • Once total uses reach the number, the discount no longer applies at checkout.

Best practices

  • Set the cap to the most redemptions you can afford, so the discount cannot cost more than planned.
  • Check the used count during a busy promotion, so a cap is not reached without your knowing.
  • Decide ahead of the cap whether to raise it or let the offer end, rather than reacting after it stops.

Common mistakes

  • No total cap on a budgeted promotion, so the discount keeps applying past the number you could afford.
  • Not watching the used count, so the discount stops at the cap at an unexpected time.

If something goes wrong

  • The discount stopped for everyone. Its total uses may have reached the cap; raise the number if you want it to continue.
  • The used count looks wrong. Reopen the discount to see the current Performance count.
  • You cannot edit the discount. Your role may not have permission to manage discounts.

Next steps

Still stuck?

More in Discounts

  • Schedule Discounts

    The Active dates section controls the window in which a discount runs. You set a start date and time so the discount begins on its own, and you can turn on Set end date to add an end date and time so it stops on its own. Because the start and end drive the discount status, scheduling lets you plan a sale in advance and be sure it does not run longer than you intend.

  • Discount Management

    The Discounts page is where you manage every discount in your store. You filter the list by status, search for a discount, select rows to activate or deactivate several at once, manage the columns shown, export the list, and open any discount to edit it. Because everything is in one list, you can review and update your discounts from a single place.

  • Apply a Discount to a Customer Segment

    The Eligibility control on a discount decides who can use it. You can leave it open to all customers, or limit it to a market, to specific customer segments, or to individual customers. Limiting a discount to a segment means only customers who match that segment can redeem it, which is how you run an offer for a chosen group such as returning or high-value customers.

  • Automatic Discounts

    An automatic discount applies at checkout with no code to enter. You create one like any discount, but set the Method to Automatic discount and give it a Title that customers see in their cart and at checkout.

All 32 articles in Discounts

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