Require phone number in certain countries

[RySid]

Is there any way to require customers in 'certain' countries (not all countries) to enter their phone number when ordering?

A lot of our orders from certain countries get returned because they require a phone number.

I'd rather not require phone numbers from all customers (I know this is an option) because many people do not want to enter both when ordering.

[Rio]

Hi, @RySid. 

Rio here from the Shopify Community Team. 

It's not currently possible to edit the checkout to specific countries. But if you can tell me more about the work flow, as well which countries often get returns I would be happy to see if there are any similar issues that we have found workarounds for. 

In this case, I belive in general it would be better to require a phone number if there is a significant amount of orders being returned. 

[RySid]

Hi, it would be for certain countries such as UAE

[Rio]

Hi, @RySid. 

Could you take a look at the shipping details page via the tracking number and let me know what the return reason was? 

The UAE does not use or rely on postal (zip) codes. It's a country divided into distinct Emirates similar to Provinces or States. It's possible that this may be having an impact on these orders. 

[SuneS]

This is an issue that should be resolved swiftly as countries in the EU are required to attach a phone number to most delivery methods. 

Right now I have to contact customers within the EU one by one to get their phone number after they have ordered to be able to ship them products, but I can't make it mandatory for everybody as that will make my conversion rate plummet.

Is it in Shopify's plan to make this an option in the nearest future? I am aware that many sellers are having the same issue when shipping to the EU.

[SuneS]

Let me follow up with another question that can help solve this issue temporarily. Is there a way I can write some place at the checkout that I strongly advise customers from the EU to include their phone number for a seamless order and delivery experience?  

[DouglasJ]

I've been using an app called Checkout Buddy to handle this use case (requiring phone number for specific countries).

[dpd11]

I free partial work around for this that may help a bit... From admin, go: Online Store>Click 3 dots next to Customize>Edit Default Theme Content. Then Search on 'Phone'. Re-label the tag for "Phone (Optional)" to something like... "Phone (Required for Customs on International Orders)". I've tested and it fits on desktop, but cuts off mid way on 'International' on phones. You'd have to shorten it to fit on phones. but yeah, this should be a standard option. Most people don't want to add a phone. I've had numerous PITAs where customs/broker is stumbling around trying to deliver without a customer phone #.