How Percentage Discounts Work

Explains how percentage-based promotional codes compute reductions proportionally against cart subtotals or selected items.

Before You Begin

• Review your product pricing structure to determine appropriate discount percentages.
• Check whether tax applies before or after the discount calculation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open Discounts Directory

Navigate to Commerce -> Sales -> Discounts in your Admin Panel.

Step 2: Click Create Discount

Click the Create Discount button in the top action bar to open the Discount Type selection modal.

Figure 163.1: Discount Configuration Form with Code, Value, Usage Limits, and Validity Dates

Step 3: Select Discount Model

Choose from the 5 available types: Amount off products, Buy X get Y, Buy X get Y amount off, Amount off order, or Free shipping.

Step 4: Configure Code and Discount Value

Enter a custom coupon code or click Generate Code (e.g. SHOP-XXXXXX). Specify Percentage (%) or Fixed Amount (₹).

Step 5: Set Eligibility & Minimum Requirements

Choose Applies To (All Products, Specific Collections, or Specific Products) and set minimum spend thresholds.

Step 6: Set Schedule and Save

Set Start Date/Time and optional End Date/Time. Click Save Discount to launch your promotion.

What You Should See

• Accurate proportional deductions displayed transparently on the order summary breakdown.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

Problem: Discount Deducts More Value than Anticipated on Large Carts

Solution: Set a maximum discount cap or pair the promotion with specific non-clearance product collections.

Related Help Articles

• How Fixed Amount Discounts Work (/merchant-guides/discounts/how-fixed-amount-discounts-work)
• How to Create a Discount Code (/merchant-guides/discounts/create-discount-code)

Complete Settings Reference

The table below details every configuration field, option, and toggle for this feature, explaining what each setting controls with practical merchant examples.

Setting / Option Name	What It Does (Platform Function)	Merchant Example / Use Case
Discount Type: Amount off products	Applies a percentage or fixed cash discount only to designated items or collections.	Offer “20% off all Summer Dresses” without discounting footwear or bags.
Discount Type: Amount off order	Discounts the entire cart subtotal at checkout when criteria are satisfied.	Offer “₹200 off your entire order over ₹1,500” to encourage higher order values.
Discount Type: Free shipping	Waives all shipping fees on qualifying customer orders.	Run a weekend promotional campaign offering code “FREESHIP” on orders over ₹499.
Discount Type: Buy X get Y	Gives the customer free or discounted items when purchasing designated trigger items.	Buy 2 Shirts, Get 1 Cap Free to move excess accessory inventory.
Generate Code Button	Generates a random unique alphanumeric coupon code with the prefix “SHOP-“.	Quickly generate unique one-time codes for influencer partnerships without thinking up names.
Minimum Purchase Requirement	Restricts the discount to orders where the cart subtotal meets or exceeds the specified minimum amount.	Set Minimum Purchase Amount to ₹1,000 so shoppers cannot use a ₹200 discount on a ₹250 order.
Set End Date Schedule	Automates coupon expiration at a specific date and time.	Set promotion to end on Sunday at 11:59 PM. The code automatically stops working at midnight.