How to collect waivers on Shopify

Shopify has no built-in waiver step. You add one with an app, and the main choice is when the customer signs.

There are four good moments. Most shops need one or two.

Before add to cart

The customer signs on the product page. The item goes in the cart afterwards.

Use this when one product needs a waiver and the rest do not. The waiver sits next to the thing it covers, so the customer knows why you ask.

The cost is a little friction at the top of the sale. A customer who is only comparing prices meets the waiver early.

At checkout

The customer can browse and build a cart freely. Checkout stops if a required waiver is not signed.

Use this when an unsigned order is a real problem for you, such as a rental that leaves the shop the same day.

Look for a check that runs on the server. A check that only runs in the browser can fail when an ad blocker stops the script.

By email after purchase

The order completes and a signing link goes out by email.

Use this for bookings made weeks ahead. You do not lose a sale to a long document, and guests can sign at home.

The cost is follow-up. Some people ignore email, so plan reminders and keep a way to catch anyone left on the day.

At the counter

A QR code on the counter or at the gate opens the waiver on the customer’s phone.

Use this for walk-ins and for anyone who missed the email. It also covers people who bought in person.

How to choose

Ask two questions.

1. What happens if someone arrives unsigned? If you can send them to a QR code, email is fine. If they cannot be served at all, block at checkout.
2. How far ahead do people buy? Same-day buyers should sign in the sale. Buyers who book weeks ahead can sign later.

A common pairing for a rental shop is a checkout block plus a QR code for walk-ins. A common pairing for tours is email with reminders, plus a QR code on the day.

Before you go live

• Have a lawyer review your waiver text.
• Run a real order yourself, on a phone.
• Check that the signature appears on the order.
• Decide how long a waiver stays valid, so regulars do not sign each time.
• Show counter staff where to find who has signed.

WaiverBee covers all four moments. You can see how a rental shop or a tour company sets it up.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Waiver rules differ by place and by activity. Have a lawyer review your waiver.