Running promotions, offering free gifts or attaching warranties to products can be a powerful way of increasing sales and satisfying customers. But in Shopify, doing this manually means editing every order – a tedious, error-prone task.
That’s why our first Workflow of the Month is Arigato’s Add Line Item to Order automation. This workflow lets you automatically insert a predefined product (such as a bonus item, warranty, digital file or sample) into an order as soon as it’s created. The result: consistent promotions, less admin work, happier – everyone’s a winner.
What the Workflow Does
The workflow listens for a new Shopify order. As soon as a new order is created:
- It checks the order contents.
- If the specified bonus product or warranty isn’t already there, it adds that product as a new line item.
- It ensures no duplicates – the item won’t be added twice.
In the simplest of terms: “Every new order gets an extra product automatically, with no manual editing.”
Why This Workflow Makes A Difference
Merchants use this automation because it solves real pain points:
- Save time: No more editing orders one by one.
- Delight customers: Surprise buyers with a free sample or digital bonus.
- Consistency: Every order follows the same rules, no human slip-ups.
- Marketing impact: Run “get a free gift” promos without discount code complexity.
- Flexibility: Add warranties, upsells, loyalty gifts or digital items automatically.
Common Use Cases
This workflow isn’t just for gifts (although we do love a freebie…) Here are practical applications:
- Warranties & service items: Automatically attach a warranty extension to eligible products.
- Digital downloads: Include a PDF guide or bonus file in relevant orders.
- Seasonal campaigns: Add a limited-time promotional item without changing your theme or checkout.
- Free sample: Let your customers experience another of your products – and prime them to consider another purchase on delivery.
- VIP perks: Automatically include a special item for customers tagged as VIP.
How to Set It Up (Step-by-Step)
- Install Arigato Automation from the Shopify App Store.
- Import the “Add Line Item to Order” workflow template.
- Choose the product you want to add (free gift, warranty, etc.).
- Configure conditions (optional):
- Add only if the order total is over $50.
- Add only for certain product types.
- Add only for customers with a specific tag.
- Test the workflow on a sample order.
- Activate it – now every new order will include your defined line item.
Manual vs Workflow vs Alternatives
Method | Pros | Cons |
| Manual order edits | No app required | Time-consuming, prone to mistakes |
| Promo codes | Simple to set up | Requires customer to input |
| Arigato “Add Line Item” Workflow | Automatic, customizable, prevents duplicates | Tell us if you spot one! |
This workflow stands out because it edits the order itself. Customers see the bonus on invoices, receipts and packing slips – giving full transparency and reducing confusion.
FAQ
Can I add a free gift automatically to every Shopify order?
Yes. With Arigato’s Add Line Item to Order workflow, you can insert a predefined product into each order automatically.
Does the bonus item affect inventory?
Yes. The workflow adds a real line item, so inventory decreases as usual.
Can I apply this only to certain customers or orders?
Yes. Add conditions to limit the workflow (e.g. only orders over $50, only VIP customers).
Will the bonus show on receipts and invoices?
Yes. Because it’s a true order line item, customers see it on their order confirmation, invoice and packing slip.
What happens if the item is already in the order?
The workflow checks for duplicates and won’t add it twice.
🏆 Why It’s Workflow of the Month
We’ve chosen to put Add Line Item to Order in the spotlight because – like all the best automations – it’s simple and powerful.
Whether you’re running a free gift campaign, attaching warranties or surprising VIPs with a little something extra, this automation saves manual work and ensures consistency across every order.
With BFCM rapidly approaching, it’s a simple tweak to ensure you stand out among competitors and give customers a reason to choose (and remember) your brand.
Merchants report:
- Time saved: Editing dozens of orders per day reduced to zero.
- Improved marketing: Easier to run “free gift with purchase” campaigns.
- Customer satisfaction: Buyers see exactly what they’re getting on their order record.
Ready to make every Shopify order smarter?