Troubleshoot a rule: activation, matching, conflicts, and recovery

Updated September 7, 2026 · SMART Functions Creator (E-TRADE PARTNER)

When a rule gives an unexpected result, check its active state and dates, the data its input provides, its Line groups, and other active promotions. Test the checkout with a small cart before adding more conditions.

1. Check activation and dates

Check the saved function's status and the individual rule's active setting. Discount Active dates apply to the discount function. A new automatic discount with a current start date can become active when saved; use a future start date while preparing it and verify the saved status. Dates use the store timezone.

2. Reduce the test to one clear case

Use one qualifying product and the minimum quantity needed. Compare the expected amount with checkout. Then add a nonqualifying product, test one unit or currency increment below the threshold, and test above it. Record the input cart, expected result, and actual result separately.

3. Check matching data

• Customer tags require an identified customer record. Test guests separately, especially for negative tag conditions.
• A line item property must reach the cart line. Check the configured key, value, and Attribute input.
• Payment rules match the internal method name. Shipping rules match the rate name with the configured Is or Contains mode.
• A Line group sums matching units. Select the appropriate grouping in Volume discount, Buy X get Y, or Bundle price when each product or line should qualify independently.
• Check Function size for large configurations. Adding another rule inside the same function does not create a fresh configuration budget.

4. Find conflicting promotions

Review Shopify's native discounts and discounts created by other apps as well as this function. A separate free-shipping promotion can still apply to customers excluded from your new rule. An existing zero-priced rate also remains free. Combination settings and eligibility must be tested together.

Within the app's shipping discount execution, the first matching shipping rule for a rate wins. Order specific cases before broad fallbacks. For product and order discounts, do not infer a reliable sequence between independent Shopify Functions; use deliberate targeting and combination settings.

5. Recover a previous configuration

1. Open the saved function and choose More actions → Export JSON to keep a configuration copy.
2. Use More actions → Version history, select a snapshot, and choose Restore. Restoration replaces unsaved editor changes.
3. Review the restored configuration and Save to persist it. Discount Active dates are not restored; review them separately. Cart transform active state is also not restored.
4. Duplicate is available from More actions for supported function types, but not cart transforms. Check the duplicate's eligibility and activation before using it.

When to ask support

Send the function name or ID, the exact steps to reproduce, quantities and prices, the expected result, and what checkout actually showed. Mention other active promotions and whether the issue occurs for guests or identified customers. Share store-specific details through the app's support channel.

A reproducible test does not require placing an order

Inspect the checkout before payment for discount and rate behavior. Cases tied to order history, redemptions, or later subscription charges need their own validation. A theme's cart display is not sufficient evidence that the checkout rule failed.