The cart is often seen as just the final step before payment. But in reality, it’s one of the most valuable moments in the customer journey. It’s your last chance to build trust, connect with the customer, and leave a lasting impression.
In our article on how to use the cart to increase perceived value and boost sales, we explained how optimizing this critical stage can directly impact average order value and conversion. Today, we go one step further with a simple but powerful feature: additional notes.
With Planet, you can add personalized notes, reinforce brand messaging, or launch subtle promotions at just the right moment. Discover how to use the Shopify cart to surprise your customers and build loyalty.
What Are Additional Notes and What Are They For?
Additional notes are a free text field shown in the cart where the customer can write special instructions, personalized requests, or clarifications about their order.
While not every customer will use it, for those who do, it can be the key to a satisfying shopping experience.
Real-Life Examples of Use
Here are some real messages that Shopify stores commonly receive:
- “This is a gift. Please don’t include the receipt.”
- “Could you add a card that says ‘Happy Birthday, Laura’?”
- “I’d prefer the soaps to be in separate pouches, if possible.”
- “Morning delivery only, I work afternoons.”
- “If possible, please use a plain box with no logos. It’s a surprise.”
These messages don’t change the product itself, but they have a big impact on the overall experience. They can often make the difference between a glowing review and a return due to a misunderstanding.
Benefits of Additional Notes (For Your Store and Your Customers)
For your customers:
- They feel heard and valued
- They perceive attention to detail
- They feel more confident the order will meet their needs
For your business:
- You avoid presentation, packaging, or delivery errors
- You reduce preventable returns caused by a lack of context
- You build loyalty by strengthening emotional connection
- You add a layer of personalization with minimal operational impact
When Does It Make Sense to Use This Field?
The notes field isn’t essential for every business, but it’s especially useful in these cases:
- Customizable products, where the customer chooses size, finish, color, or combinations
- Gifting scenarios: beauty, stationery, gourmet, lifestyle, art
- Handmade or crafted brands, where each order may require extra attention
- Special delivery needs: fixed dates, sensitive shipments, unique recipients
If your products have emotional, aesthetic, or presentational value, this field can become a powerful loyalty tool at no added cost.
How to Add an Additional Notes Field in the Cart with Planet
If you’re using Shopify, you can enable the additional notes field in the cart directly through Planet, with no need to edit your theme or install extra apps. It’s one of those small settings that can have a big impact with minimal effort.
What does Planet do exactly?
- Adds a visible text field at the bottom of the cart, just before the checkout button
- Lets customers freely type their message
- Automatically associates the message with the order in the Shopify admin
- Lets you enable or disable the feature with one click from the Planet panel
Real Example
“Hi, could you gift-wrap this? It’s for an anniversary.”
This kind of message might seem small, but when your team acts on it, the customer notices. And that’s where loyalty begins.
Key Advantages
- Zero friction: The field doesn’t interrupt the checkout flow
- No development required: No extra apps or coding
- Fully compatible: Works alongside all other Smart Cart features in Planet
- Auto-adapts: Fits your Shopify store’s design automatically
A note isn’t just a message. It’s a sign of trust, a personal request, an opportunity to surprise and retain. In an increasingly automated world, enabling this small gesture can set your brand apart in a big way.
With Planet, you can give your customers a voice, right before they check out.
Activate the additional notes field in your Shopify cart in minutes, and turn it into your most effective tool for emotional and operational connection.