> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usecharlie.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Cart Rules
> Control which locations can fulfill orders based on cart properties
Cart rules let you restrict fulfillment based on **cart properties**. When a cart meets specific criteria like total quantity, total amount, or contains items with specific attributes, you can control exactly which locations are allowed to fulfill the order.
Cart rules are ideal for routing high-value orders to secure locations, bulk orders to warehouses, or orders with special handling requirements to capable locations.
## How cart rules work
A cart rule has two parts:
1. **When** (condition): Which cart properties trigger the rule
2. **Then** (filter): Which locations to block or allow when triggered
```mermaid theme={"system"}
flowchart LR
A[Customer reaches
checkout] --> B{Cart matches
rule condition?}
B -->|No| C[All locations
eligible]
B -->|Yes| D[Apply location
filter]
D --> E{Filter action}
E -->|Include| F[Only specified
locations can fulfill]
E -->|Exclude| G[Specified locations
blocked]
```
## Create a cart rule
Go to **Charlie → Fulfillment Constraints** and click **Create rule**.
Enter a descriptive name (max 75 characters) that explains the rule's purpose, like "High-value orders - Warehouse only" or "Bulk orders - Distribution center".
Set the **Status** to:
* **Active**: Rule applies immediately at checkout
* **Draft**: Rule is saved but won't affect checkout
Under **Rule type**, select **Cart based**.
In the **Configuration** section under **When**, set up what triggers the rule:
**Condition**: Choose the cart property to evaluate
| Condition | Description |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| **Total cart quantity** | Total number of items in the cart |
| **Total cart amount** | Total value of the cart in your store currency |
| **Line item has attribute** | Items with specific custom attributes |
The available operators and value fields depend on the condition you select.
Under **Then**, define which locations are affected when the rule triggers:
**Action:**
| Action | Effect |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Include** | Only the specified locations can fulfill (all others blocked) |
| **Exclude** | The specified locations are blocked (all others allowed) |
**Property**: Choose how to target locations
| Property | Value | Use when |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| **Specific locations** | Select individual locations | You need precise control over specific locations |
| **Location with tag** | Enter tag names | You want to target locations by capability |
| **Location with type** | Warehouse or Store | You want to target all locations of a type |
Click **Save** to create your rule. If set to Active, it takes effect immediately at checkout.
You can create up to **10 configurable rules** total across Product, Customer, and Cart rule types. Plan your rules strategically.
## Condition types
Triggers based on the total number of items in the cart.
**Operators available:**
| Operator | Description |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| **Equal** | Cart has exactly this many items |
| **Not Equal** | Cart does not have exactly this many items |
| **Greater Than** | Cart has more than this many items |
| **Less Than** | Cart has fewer than this many items |
| **Greater Than Or Equal** | Cart has this many or more items |
| **Less Than Or Equal** | Cart has this many or fewer items |
**Value**: Enter the quantity threshold
**Best for:**
* Routing bulk orders to warehouses
* Limiting small stores to single-item orders
* Handling large orders with dedicated fulfillment
**Example:** Orders with more than 10 items should only be fulfilled from warehouses with bulk packaging capabilities.
Triggers based on the total value of the cart in your store currency.
**Operators available:** Same as Total cart quantity (Equal, Not Equal, Greater Than, Less Than, Greater Than Or Equal, Less Than Or Equal)
**Value**: Enter the amount threshold (in your store currency)
**Best for:**
* High-value orders requiring secure handling
* Premium orders with special packaging
* Insurance or verification requirements
**Example:** Orders over €500 should only be fulfilled from your central warehouse with dedicated security processes.
Triggers based on custom attributes attached to line items. This is the most flexible condition type.
Constraint applies only to line items matching this attribute. Other items in the cart are not affected.
**Operators available:**
| Operator | Description |
| -------------- | ------------------------------- |
| **Equal** | Attribute value exactly matches |
| **Not Equal** | Attribute value does not match |
| **Is Set** | Attribute exists (any value) |
| **Is Not Set** | Attribute does not exist |
**Fields:**
* **Attribute key**: The name of the attribute (max 125 characters)
* **Attribute value**: The value to match (max 125 characters, not required for Is Set/Is Not Set)
**Best for:**
* Gift wrapping or special packaging
* Engraving or personalization
* Pre-order or backorder items
* Custom handling requirements
**Example:** Items with a `gift_wrap` attribute set to `true` should only be fulfilled from locations with gift wrapping capabilities.
Line item attributes are typically set by your theme or custom app at cart/checkout. Common examples include gift messages, personalization text, or special handling instructions.
## Location filters
Select individual locations from your list. Use this when you need precise control.
**Example setup:**
* Action: **Include**
* Property: **Specific locations**
* Value: Central Warehouse, Secure Facility
**Result:** Only the selected locations can fulfill orders matching the condition.
Target locations based on tags you've assigned. This is powerful for capability-based routing.
**Example setup:**
* Action: **Include**
* Property: **Location with tag**
* Value: `high-value-certified`
**Result:** Only locations tagged `high-value-certified` can fulfill orders matching the condition.
Make sure you've [set up location tags](/locations/tags) before using this filter.
Target all Warehouses or all Stores at once.
**Example setup:**
* Action: **Include**
* Property: **Location with type**
* Value: Warehouse
**Result:** Only warehouses can fulfill orders matching the condition; all stores are blocked.
## Examples
### High-value orders from warehouse only
A jewelry retailer wants to ensure orders over €500 are only fulfilled from their central warehouse where they have insurance verification and secure packaging.
* **Name:** High-value orders - Warehouse only
* **Status:** Active
* **Type:** Cart based
* **Condition:** Total cart amount
* **Operator:** Greater Than
* **Value:** 500
* **Action:** Include
* **Property:** Location with type
* **Value:** Warehouse
**Result:** Orders over €500 are fulfilled exclusively from warehouses with proper security handling.
***
### Bulk orders to distribution center
A wholesaler wants orders with more than 20 items to be fulfilled only from their distribution center equipped for bulk packaging.
Go to [Locations](/locations/overview) and add the tag `bulk-capable` to your distribution center.
* **Name:** Bulk orders - Distribution center
* **Status:** Active
* **Type:** Cart based
* **Condition:** Total cart quantity
* **Operator:** Greater Than
* **Value:** 20
* **Action:** Include
* **Property:** Location with tag
* **Value:** `bulk-capable`
**Result:** Large orders are routed to locations equipped to handle bulk fulfillment.
***
### Gift-wrapped items from flagship stores
A fashion brand offers gift wrapping, but only flagship stores have the premium packaging materials and trained staff.
Add the tag `gift-wrap-capable` to stores with gift wrapping services.
* **Name:** Gift wrap - Flagship stores only
* **Status:** Active
* **Type:** Cart based
* **Condition:** Line item has attribute
* **Operator:** Equal
* **Attribute key:** `gift_wrap`
* **Attribute value:** `true`
* **Action:** Include
* **Property:** Location with tag
* **Value:** `gift-wrap-capable`
**Result:** Items with gift wrapping are only fulfilled from stores with gift wrapping capabilities.
Remember: with Line item has attribute, only the specific items matching the attribute are constrained. Other items in the same cart can be fulfilled from any location.
***
### Exclude small stores from large orders
A retailer has small urban stores with limited inventory and packing space. Orders with more than 5 items should skip these locations.
Add the tag `small-store` to locations with limited capacity.
* **Name:** Large orders - No small stores
* **Status:** Active
* **Type:** Cart based
* **Condition:** Total cart quantity
* **Operator:** Greater Than
* **Value:** 5
* **Action:** Exclude
* **Property:** Location with tag
* **Value:** `small-store`
**Result:** Orders with more than 5 items skip small stores and are routed to larger locations or warehouses.
## Best practices
Set quantity thresholds based on what your locations can realistically pack and ship in a timely manner.
Route high-value orders to locations with proper insurance, security, and verification processes.
Leverage line item attributes for personalization, gift services, or custom requirements that need specific capabilities.
Create rules in Draft mode first, verify the logic with test orders, then activate.
## Troubleshooting
This means all locations with stock are blocked for orders meeting the amount threshold.
**Check:**
1. Does at least one allowed location have all products in stock?
2. Is your amount threshold in the correct currency?
3. Are there conflicting rules blocking all locations?
**Quick fix:** Set the rule to Draft temporarily to restore checkout.
**Check:**
1. Is the rule status set to **Active**?
2. Is the attribute key spelled exactly right (case-sensitive)?
3. Is the attribute actually being set on the line item? Check the cart/checkout payload.
4. If using "Equal", does the value match exactly?
**Debug tip:** Use your browser's developer tools to inspect the cart data and verify the attribute is present.
**Check:**
1. Is the operator correct? ("Greater Than" vs "Greater Than Or Equal")
2. For amounts, are you using the right currency value?
3. For quantities, remember it's total items, not unique products
**Example:** "Greater Than 5" triggers at 6+ items, not at 5. Use "Greater Than Or Equal 5" to include 5.
## Related
Restrict locations based on what's in the cart
Restrict locations based on who is buying
Set up tags to use in your rules
Prioritize locations instead of blocking them