Resellers clearing your stock. Customers bulk-buying sale items before others get a chance. A single order wiping out your limited inventory. These are problems that a maximum order quantity rule solves — and Shopify does not include one by default.
When You Need a Maximum Order Quantity
- Sale events — limit each customer to 2 units of a discounted product so stock is distributed fairly
- Limited edition releases — maximum 1 per order to prevent resellers
- High-demand products — cap bulk purchases during stock shortages
- Promotional items — a free gift with purchase, maximum 1 per order
How to Set a Maximum Order Quantity on Shopify
Step 1 — Install Fold
Fold is a Shopify app that enforces quantity rules at checkout using Shopify Functions. Install it in one click from the Shopify App Store.
Step 2 — Create a Maximum Quantity rule
Open Fold from your Shopify admin. Click Create Rule and select Maximum Quantity. Choose your target: a specific product, a collection, a product tag, or your entire store.
Step 3 — Enter your maximum
Set the cap — for example, 2 units per cart. Write a customer-facing message: “Due to high demand, this product is limited to 2 per order.”
Step 4 — Enable and test
Activate the rule and test it from a private browsing window. Add more than the maximum and proceed to checkout. The rule should block it and display your message.
Maximum Quantity vs Per-Customer Limit: What Is the Difference?
A maximum order quantity caps a single cart. A per-customer limit tracks purchase history across all orders. For a flash sale, a maximum per cart is usually enough. For limited editions where resellers might place multiple separate orders, a per-customer lifetime limit is stronger.
Fold supports both rule types, and you can combine them on the same product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the maximum enforce at checkout or just in the cart?
Fold enforces at the Shopify checkout level via Shopify Functions. Customers cannot bypass it by editing the cart URL.
Can I set different maximums for different collections?
Yes. Create separate rules for each collection or product with different caps. All active rules evaluate simultaneously.
Does it work with Shopify POS?
Shopify Functions run in the online checkout. For POS rules, configure separately in your POS settings.
Stop stock being cleared out by bulk buyers. Install Fold and set your maximum order quantities in minutes.
