How to Create a Limited-Time Offer

Shows how to schedule promotions with strict start and end timestamps so discounts automatically activate and expire without manual intervention.

Before You Begin

• Determine the exact campaign duration (such as a 48-hour flash sale or weekend special).
• Prepare your promotional marketing banners and social posts.

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.

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

• The promotion becoming active at the scheduled start time and automatically expiring when the deadline passes.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

Problem: Shoppers Attempt to Use Code Shortly After Expiration

Solution: Decide whether to honor late requests as a customer service courtesy or politely explain that the limited-time event has concluded.

Related Help Articles

• How to Run Your First Online Promotion (/merchant-guides/discounts/first-online-promotion)
• 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.