Why stores add a terms checkbox
Some stores want shoppers to confirm they've read something before buying: custom or made-to-order products that can't be returned, age-restricted items, pre-orders with long lead times, or simply the store's terms of service.
A checkbox next to the checkout button makes that step visible. It's a clear prompt to read the policy, and it reduces surprises later, such as a customer who didn't realise personalised items are final sale.
- Personalised or custom products that can't be returned.
- Pre-orders where shoppers should accept a delivery window.
- Age-restricted products, as a reminder alongside your own age checks.
- Services or bookings with specific cancellation terms.
- Bulk orders with different return rules.
This guide isn't legal advice. Whether a checkbox is required, and what it should say, depends on your products and where you sell. Check with a qualified adviser if you're unsure.
Your options on Shopify
Shopify lets you write store policies, including terms of service, refund and privacy policies. Once added, Shopify links them in the footer of your checkout pages. See Adding store policies. Shopify's standard checkout doesn't add a required I agree checkbox for these policies, which is why many merchants add one in the cart.
| Option | Requires a tick | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify store policies | No, links only | Checkout footer |
| Theme code customisation | Possible | Theme cart page, if you or a developer build it |
| Nexora Show terms of service checkbox | Yes, for the drawer's checkout button | Cart drawer footer |
Step by step: turn on the checkbox
- Write your policy
In Shopify, add or update your terms of service in your store's policy settings so there's a page to link to.
- Open Cart buttons
In the Cart editor, click Cart buttons in Footer group.
- Turn on the checkbox
Switch on Show terms of service checkbox.
- Write the label
In Label terms, write the text shoppers agree to (default
I agree to the Terms of service.). The field is a rich text editor, so you can link the wordsTerms of serviceto your policy page. - Save and test
Click Save. In the drawer, click checkout without ticking: the checkbox is highlighted and a short message asks the shopper to agree first. Tick it and checkout continues.
Related Cart buttons settings
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Show terms of service checkbox | Adds the checkbox above the checkout button. Shoppers must tick it to check out from the drawer. |
| Label terms | The text next to the checkbox, with optional links. |
| Show shipping/tax notice | Shows a line such as Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout, set in Label taxes policy. |
| Label checkout | The checkout button text. |
| Buttons direction | How the checkout and view cart buttons are arranged. |
What shoppers see in the drawer
| Moment | What happens |
|---|---|
| Before the box is ticked | The checkout button looks faded |
| Shopper clicks checkout without ticking | The checkbox gets a red outline and a short shake, and the line Please agree to the terms before checkout. appears |
| Shopper ticks the box | The checkout button returns to normal and checkout works as usual |
| Shopper changes the cart, such as a quantity or a discount code | The drawer refreshes and the box is unticked again, so it needs ticking once more |
The reminder Please agree to the terms before checkout. is fixed English text. It isn't one of the Cart buttons labels, so it can't be edited or translated. On a store in other languages, make Label terms clear enough on its own.
Example: made-to-order furniture
A furniture maker builds each piece to order and doesn't accept returns on custom sizes.
- Show terms of service checkbox: on.
- Label terms:
I understand custom sizes are made to order and can't be returned. See our Terms of service.withTerms of servicelinked to the policy page. - Show shipping/tax notice: on, Label taxes policy
Delivery is quoted at checkout. Lead time 4–6 weeks.
Short, specific wording works better than a generic legal sentence. Shoppers are more likely to read one line that tells them exactly what's different about your store.
Other wording ideas
I agree to the Terms of service and Refund policy.I understand pre-order items ship in March.I confirm I am over 18.I've checked my engraving text is correct.
Second example: a pre-order store
- Label terms:
I understand pre-order items ship from March 15 and may arrive separately., withship from March 15linked to/policies/shipping-policy. - Show view cart button: off. View cart opens your theme's cart page, which the checkbox doesn't cover, so turning it off keeps every drawer checkout behind the tick.
- Label checkout:
Place pre-orderso the button matches the agreement.
Tips and limits to know
- Other ways to check out: the checkbox applies to the drawer's checkout button. Buttons outside the drawer, such as a theme's cart page or product-page buy buttons, aren't covered.
- No record on the order: the tick is a prompt before checkout; the drawer doesn't save it to the order. If you need proof of acceptance, ask a legal adviser what fits your case.
- Keep the label short: one or two lines; put the detail on your policy page.
- Check the link: open the drawer on your store and click the policy link to make sure it works.
- Translate it: add the label in each published language on the Translations page.
Reassure shoppers in the same footer with trust badges and payment icons.
Frequently asked questions
Can shoppers check out without ticking the box?
Not from the drawer's checkout button. The checkbox is highlighted and they're asked to agree first.
Can I link to my terms page?
Yes. Label terms is a rich text field, so you can add a link to your policy page.
Does Shopify already have a terms checkbox?
Shopify links your store policies in the checkout footer, but its standard checkout doesn't add a required agreement checkbox.
Is the acceptance saved on the order?
No. The checkbox makes shoppers confirm before checkout, but the tick isn't stored on the order.
Can I translate the checkbox text?
Yes, on the Translations page for each published language.
Why did the box untick itself?
The drawer refreshes its totals when the cart changes, for example a new quantity or a discount code, and the box starts unticked again.
Can I change the "Please agree" reminder?
No. That reminder is fixed text. You can edit Label terms, the text next to the checkbox.
