How to start a workflow for high-spending customer segments?

Topic summary

A user asks how to create a workflow targeting customers who have spent a certain amount across multiple orders.

Segmentation Setup:

  • Navigate to Shopify Admin → Customers → Create a New Segment
  • Use conditions like customer.total_spent > 5000 AND order_count >= 3 to define high-spending customers
  • Adjust thresholds based on store-specific criteria

Automation Options:

For Shopify Plus users:

  • Use Shopify Flow to create automated workflows
  • Set triggers (Customer Created/Order Paid) with spending conditions
  • Add actions: tag customers as “VIP”, send notifications, or issue discount codes

For non-Plus stores:

  • Use third-party apps like Klaviyo, Omnisend, or Automizely
  • Create segments based on spending thresholds
  • Set up automated VIP email sequences

Engagement Strategies:

  • Offer exclusive discounts or early sale access
  • Send personalized thank-you messages
  • Invite to loyalty programs or private communities
  • Target with premium upsells

The response includes detailed step-by-step instructions with emoji markers for clarity. A third post appears misplaced, discussing individual customer emails rather than segment workflows.

Summarized with AI on November 1. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

How can I create a workflow for a specific segment of customers who have spent a certain amount on several orders? What conditions need to be met and how do I start this workflow?

Thank you for your help,

Hi @Annabelle11

If you want to create a workflow for high-spending customer segments, Shopify Flow (for Shopify Plus) or customer segmentation + automation apps can help. Here’s how you can do it:


1. Define Your High-Spending Customer Segment

In Shopify Admin, go to:
Customers > Create a New Segment
Use conditions like:

customer.total_spent > 5000 AND order_count >= 3

(This example targets customers who have spent over $5,000 across at least 3 orders).

:pushpin: Adjust the values based on what qualifies as “high-spending” for your store.


2. Set Up an Automated Workflow (Shopify Flow – Shopify Plus Only)

If you have Shopify Plus, use Shopify Flow to trigger actions when a customer meets these conditions.

Steps to Create a Workflow:

:one: Go to Shopify Admin → Apps → Open Shopify Flow.
:two: Click Create Workflow.
:three: Set the Trigger as “Customer Created” or “Order Paid”.
:four: Add a Condition:

  • Customer total spent is greater than X
  • Order count is greater than Y
    :five: Add an Action, like:
  • Tag customer (“VIP” or “High-Spender”)
  • Send an internal email (to notify your team)
  • Send a discount code via email

:pushpin: Example Workflow Setup:

  • Trigger: Order Paid
  • Condition: If customer.total_spent > 5000 AND order_count >= 3
  • Action: Add customer tag “VIP” → Send a special offer email

3. Alternative – Use an Automation App (For Non-Shopify Plus Stores)

If you don’t have Shopify Flow, use apps like:

Klaviyo (for advanced email automation)
Omnisend (for VIP customer segmentation + follow-ups)
Automizely (for loyalty-based automations)

:pushpin: Example in Klaviyo

  • Create a segment: Spent over $5,000 & ordered 3+ times
  • Set up a VIP email sequence (exclusive perks, discounts, early access to sales).

4. What Can You Do With This Segment?

Once you have your high-spending customer segment, you can:
:check_mark: Offer exclusive discounts or early access to sales.
:check_mark: Send personalized thank-you emails or handwritten notes.
:check_mark: Invite them to a loyalty program or private community.
:check_mark: Retarget them with high-end upsells.


Final Takeaway- For Shopify Plus: Use Shopify Flow to automate VIP tagging & rewards.

  • For non-Plus stores: Use Klaviyo, Omnisend, or Automizely for segmentation & automation.
  • Engage high-spenders with exclusive perks & offers to boost retention!

Let me know if you need help setting this up. Thanks!
Daisy.

Hi @ZOOSEBRAND

I totally get what you’re trying to do—you want to send customized, individual emails to customers while keeping your brand’s email template intact. Shopify’s built-in email system only allows bulk emails to subscribed customers, but you can still send individual emails with your branded template. Here’s how:


Option 1: Use Shopify’s Order Notification Emails (If Customer Has Purchased)

If the customer has placed an order before, you can send a customized email using the “Contact customer” feature.

Steps:

:one: Go to Shopify Admin > Customers
:two: Search for the specific customer
:three: Click on their profile and select “Contact customer”
:four: Type your personalized message
:five: Shopify will send this using your store’s default email style

:pushpin: Downside: This method only works for customers who have made a purchase before.


Option 2: Use a Free Email App Like Shopify Email (For Subscribed Customers)

If the customer is subscribed, you can send an email using Shopify Email but with a workaround.

Steps:

:one: Go to Shopify Admin > Marketing > Create Campaign > Shopify Email
:two: Choose your branded email template
:three: Add the customer’s email manually in the “To” field
:four: Customize the content and send

:pushpin: Downside: This only works if they opted in to receive marketing emails.


Option 3: Manually Send a Branded Email (For Anyone, Including Non-Subscribed Customers)

Since Shopify doesn’t allow individual non-subscribed emails, you can export the email template and send it manually.

Steps:

:one: Create a branded email template in Shopify Email
:two: Preview it and copy the HTML code (right-click > Inspect > Copy Outer HTML)
:three: Paste it into Gmail, Outlook, or any email service
:four: Change the customer’s name & message
:five: Send it manually

:pushpin: Best for fully personalized, one-by-one emails.


Option 4: Use a Third-Party Email App Like Klaviyo or Omnisend (Best for Automation)

If you want an easier way to send branded, individual emails, Klaviyo or Omnisend allow sending one-off emails with full customization.

Steps (Klaviyo Example):

:one: Install Klaviyo
:two: Create an email template with your brand style
:three: Go to Campaigns > Create New Email
:four: Choose “Send to a specific email”
:five: Personalize the message and send

:pushpin: Best if you plan to do this often without copying HTML manually.


Which Option Is Best for You?

:check_mark: If the customer has purchased → Use Shopify’s “Contact Customer” option.
:check_mark: If they are subscribed → Use Shopify Email (but only for opt-in customers).
:check_mark: If you want full flexibility → Copy the email HTML & send manually.
:check_mark: If you want an automated solution → Use Klaviyo or Omnisend.

Let me know if you need extra help! Thanks.
Daisy.