Create a deposit link
Create shareable checkout links that have the deposit option pre-selected - perfect for campaigns, customer conversations, and closing sales faster.
Info: This guide requires Downpay to be installed with selling plans configured on your products.
Why use deposit links in campaigns?
High-value products often suffer from cart abandonment because customers hesitate at the full price. A deposit link removes that friction - instead of asking for $2,000 upfront, you are asking for $500 today. That is a much easier yes.
Whether you're running a marketing campaign or helping a customer one-on-one, deposit links give customers a lower-commitment entry point while still securing the sale. The customer feels less pressure, and you get cash flow plus a committed order.
| Use case | Example |
|---|---|
| Email campaigns | "Reserve your custom sofa with just 25% down" converts better than "Buy now for $3,500" |
| SMS promotions | Quick, direct link to checkout with deposit pre-selected |
| Social media ads | Reduce sticker shock on high-AOV products by promoting the deposit price |
| Pre-order launches | Build hype and capture early orders with minimal customer commitment |
| Customer support | Customer asking about a custom order? Send them a link with the exact product and deposit terms |
| VIP customers | Create a special link with a discount or free gift for high-value customers |
| Phone/chat sales | Close the sale while you're still talking by sending a link they can checkout immediately |
Creating a Deposit Link
Start a new link
From your Checkout Links dashboard, click Create Link and give your link a name.
Add a product with a Downpay selling plan
In the Cart section, search for and add a product that has a Downpay selling plan configured.
Select the deposit option
Click Edit on the line item - you'll see all available selling plans for that product. Select Deposit Only Due at Checkout and click Done.
Tip: The deposit amount shown is configured in your Downpay settings. Customers will pay this amount at checkout and the remaining balance later.
Add optional promotions
Enhance your campaign by adding:
- Free shipping to increase conversions
- Free gifts to add extra value
- Discounts to sweeten the deal
Customize your link
- Change the slug to something memorable like
deposit-campaignorpreorder-special - Add attribution parameters to track campaign performance
- Set usage limits if you want to cap redemptions
- Add a passcode for exclusive access
- Change the slug to something memorable like
Save and test
Click Save to create your link. Then click Visit Link to test it - you'll see the deposit option already selected in the cart.
Alternative: Create from Shopify Admin
You can also create deposit links directly from any product page in Shopify:
Open the product
Go to the product in your Shopify admin.
Access the quick action
Click More Actions at the top of the page, then select Create Checkout Link.
Configure the deposit
The product is already in the cart. Click Edit on the line item and select the deposit selling plan.
Finalize your link
Add any promotions, customize the slug, and click Create Link.
Tip: Use UTM tracking to measure which channels drive the most deposit conversions.