How do I add special instructions or notes fields for customers?

Yes, you can add special instructions fields for customers through both Shopify's native cart notes and Bird app's delivery-specific instruction fields.

You have three options for collecting customer instructions, each serving different purposes:

1. Enable Bird App Pickup & Delivery Notes

The Bird app can capture specific notes from customers during checkout:

Enable Pickup Notes:

1. Navigate to Bird App Settings > Pickup
2. Under the pickup section, enable pickup notes
3. You're done - customers will see an additional field to enter pickup notes or special instructions

Enable Delivery Notes:

1. Navigate to Bird App Settings > Delivery
2. Under the delivery section, enable delivery notes
3. You're done - customers will see an additional field to enter delivery notes or special instructions

These fields capture instructions specific to each delivery method.

Append Date & Time to Order Notes (Optional)

To automatically add selected delivery/pickup date and time to order notes:

1. Navigate to Bird App Settings > Order Management > Advanced
2. Enable "Append date time to order note" option
3. You're done - delivery details automatically appear in Shopify order notes

This information can now be included in packaging slips by following the article on adding date and time to packaging slips and invoices.

2. Enable Shopify Cart Notes (General Instructions)

Enable Shopify's standard "Order special instructions" field for general customer comments:

1. Go to your theme customizer
2. Navigate to Cart page in the theme editor
3. Go to Cart settings, find "Cart Note" and toggle it
4. Customize the field label in Themes > ... > Edit default theme content

Customer notes are stored in the {{ note }} Liquid variable for instructions like "Leave at side door." Complete steps for enabling order notes in Shopify are available.

3. Add Widget Instructional Text

Display guidance text directly in the Bird widget footer for each delivery method:

1. Navigate to Bird App Settings > Text & Languages
2. Click edit for your language
3. Use "Add instructions in widget footer" fields for Shipping, Local Delivery, and Store Pickup
4. Use "Widget Preview" to see your changes

Learn how to customize widget language and labels to display instructional text that guides customers before they enter their notes.

Accessing Customer Instructions

Bird provides specific Liquid variables to capture instructions:

• {{ delivery_instructions }} - captures instructions entered in delivery note field (Bird)
• {{ pickup_instructions }} - captures instructions entered in pickup note field (Bird)
• {{ note }} - captures general order notes from Shopify cart

Updated on: 09/29/2025