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Using the Line Item Editor in Checkout to Offer Subscription Upgrades

Let customers switch between one-time and subscription purchases in checkout with the Line Item Editor.

Christian Sokolowski avatar
Written by Christian Sokolowski
Updated over a week ago

Line Item Editor in Checkout

The Line Item Editor is a widget type available for Shopify Plus merchants using the checkout extension. It offers customers a seamless way to upgrade individual products in their cart from a one-time purchase to a subscription — and vice versa — directly from the checkout page.


How Does It Work?

  • Widget Type:

    • The Line Item Editor is a widget type available under Checkout > Line Item Editor.

  • Switch to Subscription:

    • Once the widget is set up and published, it operates when the Switch to Subscription toggle is on, displaying the upgrade/downgrade options directly on the checkout page.

  • Functionality:

    • If the switch to subscription setting is enabled, shoppers can:

      • Upgrade an item from one-time purchase to a subscription.

      • Downgrade back to a one-time purchase.

      • Select delivery frequency from a dropdown (e.g., “Deliver every 4 weeks”).

    • If the disable downgrade setting is enabled, shoppers will not be able to downgrade their subscription in the cart checkout.

  • Customizable Messaging:

    • Set a custom message for each action to clearly communicate the benefit or change:

      • Upgrade Message Example: “Upgrade to Subscription and save 15%”

      • Downgrade Message Example: “Change to a $25 one-time purchase”

  • Editable Labels:

    • Customize interface labels to fit your brand tone:

      • Upgrading

      • Downgrading

      • Subscription Option

      • Downgrade to One Time

      • Upgrade to Subscription

      • Upgrade to Subscription Without Discount


Video Tutorial

Installing the Line Item Editor Widget in Shopify

The Line Item Editor is installed using the same process as any other Rebuy checkout extension widget. Follow the steps below to add it to your Shopify checkout and optimize your subscription experience.

Step 1: Create Your Widget

  1. Click on 'Checkout Extensions'

  2. Select 'Get Started' to begin creating a new widget.

  3. Choose 'Checkout' as the location for your widget.
    Note: This is the only page where you can add the Line Item Editor widget type.

  4. Select 'Line Item Editor' as your widget option.

  5. Click 'Create Widget' to generate your new widget.

Step 2: Customize Your Settings

  1. Activate the Widget - Toggle the switch to 'On' to activate your widget.

  2. Enable/Disable Downgrade Option

    1. You can enable or disable the downgrade option, allowing or preventing customers from downgrading their subscription selections during checkout.

  3. Adjust Widget Labels - Customize your widget labels to match your brand's voice.

  4. Save Your Settings - Don’t forget to save your changes.

  5. Copy the Widget ID - You’ll need this ID for the next step.

Step 3: Add the Widget to Your Shopify Checkout

  1. Go to the Shopify Checkout Editor and click 'Add App Block' under the order summary section. the app block MUST be added in this section under the "items in cart."

  2. Choose 'Rebuy Smart Component' from the options.

  3. Paste the Widget ID you copied earlier into the relevant field.

  4. Set "Hide This Extension" to 'NO'.

  5. Position your app block to be under the "Items in cart" section.

  6. Save Your Work in the Shopify Checkout Editor.

Important! The positioning of the app block is important. It MUST be nestled under the "items in cart" within the order summary section in the checkout editor.


Limitations

  • Shopify Plus Merchants Only:

    • This widget is only available for Shopify Plus merchants.

  • Manual Placement Required:

    • Just like other checkout widgets, the Line Item Editor must be manually added to your checkout through the Shopify Checkout Editor. Note the placement of the app block does not matter, it simply must be installed to power the switch to subscription feature.

  • Preview Mode is not live data:

    • You can add any product to see how the Switch to Subscription feature would look. The information shown here does not reflect your actual product selling plans. The 15% discount and subscription frequencies are sample values to help you visualize the feature's appearance.

Troubleshooting

Here are three common reasons your switch to subscription upsells may not be working in checkout:

  1. Incorrect App Block Placement: The most likely cause is that the app block is not placed correctly. For the subscription feature to work, the app block must be positioned directly under the "items in cart" section within the order summary. Double-check the placement to ensure it's nested correctly under "items in cart."

  2. Subscription Integration Issues: Your subscription integration might not be set up properly. Make sure you’ve enabled your subscription provider in the integrations section.

  3. Product Sync Issues: Your products may be out of sync. Run a manual product sync to ensure everything is up to date.


FAQs

Who can use the Line Item Editor widget?
The Line Item Editor is only available to merchants on Shopify Plus. It must also be manually added via the Shopify Editor like other checkout widgets.


Can I use more than one Line Item Editor widget in my store?
No, only one Line Item Editor widget can be added per store.


Why isn't my switch to subscription working in the checkout?

The most likely reason the switch to subscription isn’t working is that the app block is not placed correctly. For the subscription feature to function properly, the app block must be placed directly under the "items in cart" section within the order summary section of the checkout editor. If the app block is placed outside of this section, it will not function as expected. Double-check the positioning of your app block to ensure it’s correctly nested under "items in cart."


What does the Line Item Editor let shoppers do?
It allows shoppers to switch individual cart items from a one-time purchase to a subscription, and back. This helps drive more subscription conversions at checkout.


Can I customize the messaging and labels?
Yes! You can customize:

  • Upgrade and downgrade messages (e.g., "Upgrade and save 15%")

  • Labels like “Upgrading,” “Downgrading,” “Subscription Option,” and more.


Is there a way to show delivery frequency options?
Yes. Once a shopper selects the subscription upgrade, a Delivery dropdown appears, letting them choose delivery intervals like “every 4 weeks.”


Will the widget work if a product doesn’t have a subscription option?
No. The Line Item Editor only appears for products that have a subscription option available. This applies to Shopify's checkout editor, live preview of a checkout, and live checkout.


Does this replace the existing product subscription setup?
No. This widget enhances the checkout experience by giving shoppers the option to upgrade or downgrade at the point of purchase—it doesn’t replace your existing subscription product setup.


Can I place the app block elsewhere in the checkout editor?

To ensure proper functionality, the app block must only be placed under the "items in cart" section in the order summary. Placing it elsewhere will prevent it from working as expected.

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