Ideas to Upsell Every Product Category and Drive More Sales
by Jonathan Biri
CEO @ Conversion Bear
Bonus Material: Upselling and Cross-Selling Ideas for 20 Product Categories
Have you been waiting for a game-changing strategy to boost your sales?
And improve customer satisfaction levels at the same time?
Without adding new products to your ecommerce site's portfolio?
Then you've been waiting to upsell your products.
No matter the product category you're working with, there's a way to upsell it – and get all those benefits.
Have you been waiting for a game-changing strategy to boost your sales?
And improve customer satisfaction levels at the same time?
Without adding new products to your ecommerce site's portfolio?
Then you've been waiting to upsell your products.
No matter the product category you're working with, there's a way to upsell it – and get all those benefits.
Quick Recall: What Is Upselling?
In case you haven't been keeping up with your reading, upselling is a sales strategy where you offer something to up your customers' purchase.
It can be a product or a service related to their original purchase that they might have forgotten, such as damage insurance for their new phone.
Or it can be a product upgrade, also related to their original purchase. For example, a laptop with more storage than the one they've just put in their shopping basket.
It's a friendly reminder to show that you care about your customers.
The cherry on top of the cake when they didn't even realize they needed a slice.
And it benefits not only the customer, but your business, too.
It can be a product or a service related to their original purchase that they might have forgotten, such as damage insurance for their new phone.
Or it can be a product upgrade, also related to their original purchase. For example, a laptop with more storage than the one they've just put in their shopping basket.
It's a friendly reminder to show that you care about your customers.
The cherry on top of the cake when they didn't even realize they needed a slice.
And it benefits not only the customer, but your business, too.
With upselling, you can:
• Increase the average order value of your ecommerce site since you're upgrading your customer's original purchase. This way, it's likely you will sell more.
• Increase conversion rates since you're adding more value to their purchase (and because if something it's on a customer's cart, their buying intention is high).
• Increase your customer's experience and satisfaction. After all, you're giving them a chance to level up their purchase. You're adding value to their shopping experience on your ecommerce site.
The better you get at upselling your products – that is, finding out what the product combinations work better – the more results you'll see.
• Increase the average order value of your ecommerce site since you're upgrading your customer's original purchase. This way, it's likely you will sell more.
• Increase conversion rates since you're adding more value to their purchase (and because if something it's on a customer's cart, their buying intention is high).
• Increase your customer's experience and satisfaction. After all, you're giving them a chance to level up their purchase. You're adding value to their shopping experience on your ecommerce site.
The better you get at upselling your products – that is, finding out what the product combinations work better – the more results you'll see.
Overview: Upselling Techniques
There's not only one way to upsell (although there's a right way).
To start doing it correctly, it's important to know that where you offer your upselling to customers will depend on the product you're upgrading.
The most popular points to upsell are the product page, during the checkout process, or even after checkout (that's called post-purchase).
These are the spots where there's some buying intention – which is important to make your upselling relevant.
If it's not relevant, the only thing you're doing is annoying your precious customer.
And you don't want that, do you?
To start doing it correctly, it's important to know that where you offer your upselling to customers will depend on the product you're upgrading.
The most popular points to upsell are the product page, during the checkout process, or even after checkout (that's called post-purchase).
These are the spots where there's some buying intention – which is important to make your upselling relevant.
If it's not relevant, the only thing you're doing is annoying your precious customer.
And you don't want that, do you?
Once you've decided where your upselling offer is going to happen, it's time to choose how.
There are a few alternatives you can use:
• Upselling with add-ons. Level up your customer's main purchase with smaller ones. A phone cover, for example, or even an additional charger are basic upselling ideas for a phone.
• Upselling with product upgrades. Here, you want to offer a better, improved version of the product your customer's buying. Maybe they missed it – or maybe they haven't realized that a slightly more expensive phone actually has more advantages than the one they've just placed in their cart.
• Upselling with complementary services. This is the perfect upselling strategy to let your creativity run wild. Think of a service that saves time and money for your customer: warranty offers and insurance are the obvious examples here.
Regardless of the type of upselling you choose to use in your ecommerce site, remember to keep them relevant to the customer's purchase.
No one likes being offered savoury treats when they want dessert.And remember that the possibilities are endless!
If you like Maths, we're sure we could come up with an impressive number of upselling combinations you could have on your ecommerce site.
There are a few alternatives you can use:
• Upselling with add-ons. Level up your customer's main purchase with smaller ones. A phone cover, for example, or even an additional charger are basic upselling ideas for a phone.
• Upselling with product upgrades. Here, you want to offer a better, improved version of the product your customer's buying. Maybe they missed it – or maybe they haven't realized that a slightly more expensive phone actually has more advantages than the one they've just placed in their cart.
• Upselling with complementary services. This is the perfect upselling strategy to let your creativity run wild. Think of a service that saves time and money for your customer: warranty offers and insurance are the obvious examples here.
Regardless of the type of upselling you choose to use in your ecommerce site, remember to keep them relevant to the customer's purchase.
No one likes being offered savoury treats when they want dessert.And remember that the possibilities are endless!
If you like Maths, we're sure we could come up with an impressive number of upselling combinations you could have on your ecommerce site.
Just to give you a brief estimation: if you have 25 products in your ecommerce site's portfolio and each product offers two (we're being modest here!) upselling options, that gives you nearly 3.000 upselling combinations.
There's no excuse!
And the combinations are even greater when you add an extra strategy to your sales toolkit.
There's no excuse!
And the combinations are even greater when you add an extra strategy to your sales toolkit.
Don’t Forget About Cross-Selling
Upselling and cross-selling are very similar – but not exactly the same.
Their meanings often overlap since they both can be considered a valuable add-on to the customer's existing cart.
With upselling, however, we're usually talking about upgrading the same product. It's more about going up a notch. Better value for money.
Cross-selling, on the other hand, means expanding the product. Offering more products that complement and expand the original purchase.
Their meanings often overlap since they both can be considered a valuable add-on to the customer's existing cart.
With upselling, however, we're usually talking about upgrading the same product. It's more about going up a notch. Better value for money.
Cross-selling, on the other hand, means expanding the product. Offering more products that complement and expand the original purchase.
For example: a customer buys a laptop. The upsell is to offer them a faster version of the laptop they chose.
The cross-sell would be to offer them a printer, a mouse, or even a laptop stand – products that customers usually buy when they're getting a new laptop.
These techniques have similar benefits too as they both give your customers exactly what they need.
We won't tell you anyone if you don't get the names right, though.
However, we will tell if you do either of them incorrectly!
The cross-sell would be to offer them a printer, a mouse, or even a laptop stand – products that customers usually buy when they're getting a new laptop.
These techniques have similar benefits too as they both give your customers exactly what they need.
We won't tell you anyone if you don't get the names right, though.
However, we will tell if you do either of them incorrectly!
Questions to Ask to Make Sure It Is Time to Upsell
You learned where to upsell. And had a look at a few of the options available for you.
Are you ready to go?
Almost. Almost!
Are you ready to go?
Almost. Almost!
Before you create your upsell offers, use these questions as a checklist to make sure you're good to go.
1. Does the product complement the item that the customer is buying?
If the answer here is no (or even maybe!), go back to the drawing board. If it's not a relevant offer, or not at all related to the original purchase, stop.
And try again!
And try again!
2. Will this product really benefit your customers?
Upselling is a strategy to add value to your ecommerce site.
Add value, and not remove it!
That's what happens when your upselling offers don't really benefit your customer.
Make sure you're adding value to them!
Add value, and not remove it!
That's what happens when your upselling offers don't really benefit your customer.
Make sure you're adding value to them!
3. Are they open to spending more?
Another important step is to offer upsells to customers who want to spend more.
There are a few ways of doing this – personalization, for example. Once you know what customers are high-spenders, you can show them more premium upselling options.
However, if this is a first-time customer, you might not know each other so well (yet!).They might not know your product. And they might not trust you yet.
So take it easy. Start low and learn about your customers through different types of research.
Then, once you know their profile, you'll know how to better create offers that align with their spending habits.
Thus delivering exactly what they wanted (Even if they didn't know it yet).
There are a few ways of doing this – personalization, for example. Once you know what customers are high-spenders, you can show them more premium upselling options.
However, if this is a first-time customer, you might not know each other so well (yet!).They might not know your product. And they might not trust you yet.
So take it easy. Start low and learn about your customers through different types of research.
Then, once you know their profile, you'll know how to better create offers that align with their spending habits.
Thus delivering exactly what they wanted (Even if they didn't know it yet).
That said, there are still some risks you have to watch out for – even if you said yes to all the questions above.
Eliminating Risks: When to Avoid Upselling
Remember that one of the main objectives of upselling is customer satisfaction.
Keep that in mind at all times when working on your upselling strategy.
There are a few points in the customer journey where upselling should be avoided.
If at any point upselling is no longer relevant, don't do it.
We repeat: don't annoy your customer!
Keep that in mind at all times when working on your upselling strategy.
There are a few points in the customer journey where upselling should be avoided.
If at any point upselling is no longer relevant, don't do it.
We repeat: don't annoy your customer!
If your customer service team got a complaint and has to solve a problem, just solve the problem. That's not the time to sell, it's time to turn the table and get those customer smiles back.
If your customer said no to a premium upgrade, they're not interested or it might not fit their budget. Don't be pushy.
If what you're upselling is not connected to the primary purchase (or any of its related needs), why are you even thinking of doing it? Don't.
Fulfilling customer's needs is what brings more sales and lifetime value. The time of pushy salespeople is long gone.
If your customer said no to a premium upgrade, they're not interested or it might not fit their budget. Don't be pushy.
If what you're upselling is not connected to the primary purchase (or any of its related needs), why are you even thinking of doing it? Don't.
Fulfilling customer's needs is what brings more sales and lifetime value. The time of pushy salespeople is long gone.
Upselling Categories: Where Should You Start?
Here's why this sales strategy is so versatile: it can be used in pretty much every product category there is.
From fishing rods to high-end jewelry.
From soap bars to artwork.
From records to digital products.
You get the idea.
But the thing is, we all run out of ideas sometimes. That's why we came up with ideas on how to upsell products – because you're our valued customer, and we want to add value to you too.
From fishing rods to high-end jewelry.
From soap bars to artwork.
From records to digital products.
You get the idea.
But the thing is, we all run out of ideas sometimes. That's why we came up with ideas on how to upsell products – because you're our valued customer, and we want to add value to you too.
While Shopify's most popular categories (March, 2021) are:
• Clothing (27.7%)
• Jewelry & watches (12.5%)
• Home & garden (12.4%)
• Fashion accessories (5.5%)
• Health & beauty (4.5%)
• Accessories (3.7%)
• Toys & hobbies (3.4%)
• Shoes (2.9%)
• Books (2.8%)
• Food & Beverages (2.3%)
We made sure to include a wide-range of categories so as not to leave any ecommerce site out.
Yep, we're that nice.
Check out our tips for upselling your specific product category below.
• Clothing (27.7%)
• Jewelry & watches (12.5%)
• Home & garden (12.4%)
• Fashion accessories (5.5%)
• Health & beauty (4.5%)
• Accessories (3.7%)
• Toys & hobbies (3.4%)
• Shoes (2.9%)
• Books (2.8%)
• Food & Beverages (2.3%)
We made sure to include a wide-range of categories so as not to leave any ecommerce site out.
Yep, we're that nice.
Check out our tips for upselling your specific product category below.
How to Upsell Accessories
If your store sells accessories and bags, you'll be happy to hear that the segment will possibly be one of the healthiest in 2022.
Congratulations!
And if you don't sell bags or accessories, don't worry.
Upselling strategies can boost the sales of other product categories too...Yet another reason to think about how to upsell your products.
Congratulations!
And if you don't sell bags or accessories, don't worry.
Upselling strategies can boost the sales of other product categories too...Yet another reason to think about how to upsell your products.
Here's how to make the most of your accessory upselling:
• Personalize. Look at your customer's past purchases to understand their taste and style. Then, focus your upselling on relevant offers to them.
• Bet on classics. OK, so maybe you don't know your customer that well yet. That's OK! Your upselling offers can be classic items like a black leather bag or a brown belt.
• Consider free shipping and free returns. Most of your competition is probably doing that, and it could be a decision-making point for your customers. Either way, it's an added value for them.
Cross-selling wise, think of accessories that are frequently bought together and bundle them for a better price.
• Personalize. Look at your customer's past purchases to understand their taste and style. Then, focus your upselling on relevant offers to them.
• Bet on classics. OK, so maybe you don't know your customer that well yet. That's OK! Your upselling offers can be classic items like a black leather bag or a brown belt.
• Consider free shipping and free returns. Most of your competition is probably doing that, and it could be a decision-making point for your customers. Either way, it's an added value for them.
Cross-selling wise, think of accessories that are frequently bought together and bundle them for a better price.
How to Upsell Artwork
Whether you are selling handmade crafts or original prints, upselling is a great alternative to add even more value to your customers.
And as far as upselling options go, give these a try:
• Framing services. An easy way to solve another one your customer's needs straight away: frame their art pieces before they are even delivered! And if your customer can customize them, even better!
And as far as upselling options go, give these a try:
• Framing services. An easy way to solve another one your customer's needs straight away: frame their art pieces before they are even delivered! And if your customer can customize them, even better!
• Post-purchase premium offers. Are your customers also collectors, by any chance? Give them a discount on their next purchase above a certain price-limit. (And make it for a limited-time only to create a sense of urgency.)
• Free shipping. Offer free shipping from a minimum order amount (maybe a lower one for handmade crafts and more for premium artwork).
The more exclusive your upsell, the better.
• Free shipping. Offer free shipping from a minimum order amount (maybe a lower one for handmade crafts and more for premium artwork).
The more exclusive your upsell, the better.
How to Upsell Books
If you need proof that books are not dead, just take a look at Amazon (aka the world's largest bookstore).
There are ways of competing with the ecommerce giant, of course, and these upselling techniques might help you too:
• Stay relevant. Your upselling offers should be of the same author or the same genre. A poetry book to a criminal novel reader might not work.
• Bet on social reviews. Readers trust other readers – ensure you show some reviews along with your upselling suggestions to make them even more relevant.
There are ways of competing with the ecommerce giant, of course, and these upselling techniques might help you too:
• Stay relevant. Your upselling offers should be of the same author or the same genre. A poetry book to a criminal novel reader might not work.
• Bet on social reviews. Readers trust other readers – ensure you show some reviews along with your upselling suggestions to make them even more relevant.
• Go premium. Maybe a customer is interested in a signed copy. Or even first-editions, if your ecommerce site works with them.
• Cross-sell. Bookmarkers, notebooks, and stationary might do really well in this product category!
Ebooks can follow these strategies or digital product ones.
• Cross-sell. Bookmarkers, notebooks, and stationary might do really well in this product category!
Ebooks can follow these strategies or digital product ones.
How to Upsell Digital Products
Digital products are everywhere and everyone consumes them. They can be:
• Online courses, classes, and webinars;
• Ebooks, workbooks and other printables;
• Audiobooks and music;
• Templates, web elements (WordPress themes, for example);
• Software programs.And more, of course.
If you want to upsell digital products, you might want to try:
• Discounted licensing. If your product requires a license (like a software) a way to upsell would be offering a discount on a premium upgrade.
• Discounted subscriptions. If subscriptions apply, offer long-term options with a relevant discount.
• Premium upgrades. Depending on the customer, you might be able to offer a premium offer instead.
If everybody needs digital products, how can you give yours a special touch?
• Online courses, classes, and webinars;
• Ebooks, workbooks and other printables;
• Audiobooks and music;
• Templates, web elements (WordPress themes, for example);
• Software programs.And more, of course.
If you want to upsell digital products, you might want to try:
• Discounted licensing. If your product requires a license (like a software) a way to upsell would be offering a discount on a premium upgrade.
• Discounted subscriptions. If subscriptions apply, offer long-term options with a relevant discount.
• Premium upgrades. Depending on the customer, you might be able to offer a premium offer instead.
If everybody needs digital products, how can you give yours a special touch?
How to Upsell Drinks
For alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, ecommerce sites should think if a volume discount strategy can benefit them.
Yes, that also counts as upselling!
Not every customer would like a box of 12 bottles of beer for a discount – but some of them might. That's why we can't stress it enough: know your customer!
Yes, that also counts as upselling!
Not every customer would like a box of 12 bottles of beer for a discount – but some of them might. That's why we can't stress it enough: know your customer!
More options:
• Are you selling wine? Offer a premium corkscrew for a discounted price. Is it possible to offer a bottle collection service for recycling? Doing good for the planet is a great customer loyalty strategy. And great for the planet, obviously.
• Post-purchase options. If a customer tried a certain type of drink – say, a natural orange wine from Portugal – maybe they are interested in orange wine from Spain too?
• Cross-selling: if your ecommerce site sells both food and drinks to a more gourmet clientele, offer food and drink pairings during checkout.
Free delivery on minimum orders can also be a great thing to add!
• Are you selling wine? Offer a premium corkscrew for a discounted price. Is it possible to offer a bottle collection service for recycling? Doing good for the planet is a great customer loyalty strategy. And great for the planet, obviously.
• Post-purchase options. If a customer tried a certain type of drink – say, a natural orange wine from Portugal – maybe they are interested in orange wine from Spain too?
• Cross-selling: if your ecommerce site sells both food and drinks to a more gourmet clientele, offer food and drink pairings during checkout.
Free delivery on minimum orders can also be a great thing to add!
How to Upsell Electronics
Most electronics are not exactly impulsive buys.
Sometimes, they can even be a long-term investment.
Digital cameras, smart TVs, new laptops or desktop computers… They can be a high-ticket purchase, and it's likely your customer will take their time to decide.
With that in mind, think of how to upsell your products in ways that would help your customer make their decision.
If you're upselling premium and upgraded options (with a discount or not), remember to compare them to the product your customer chose in the first place. Show them where there's more value!
And if your ecommerce site doesn't have products to upgrade, remember to add services like extended warranties and insurance.
Your customers will thank you for it!
The golden rule of upselling is to help your customers to help themselves, making them happier when their shopping is done and delivered.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't think of cross-selling techniques too. For example:
• Digital cameras might be an opportunity to sell camera bags, extra storage cards, batteries, chargers, and lenses.
• Laptops and computers might suggest laptop stands, mouse, keyboards, cases, and software.
• Record players might need speakers and cables.You get the idea, right?
More value, fewer headaches.
Sometimes, they can even be a long-term investment.
Digital cameras, smart TVs, new laptops or desktop computers… They can be a high-ticket purchase, and it's likely your customer will take their time to decide.
With that in mind, think of how to upsell your products in ways that would help your customer make their decision.
If you're upselling premium and upgraded options (with a discount or not), remember to compare them to the product your customer chose in the first place. Show them where there's more value!
And if your ecommerce site doesn't have products to upgrade, remember to add services like extended warranties and insurance.
Your customers will thank you for it!
The golden rule of upselling is to help your customers to help themselves, making them happier when their shopping is done and delivered.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't think of cross-selling techniques too. For example:
• Digital cameras might be an opportunity to sell camera bags, extra storage cards, batteries, chargers, and lenses.
• Laptops and computers might suggest laptop stands, mouse, keyboards, cases, and software.
• Record players might need speakers and cables.You get the idea, right?
More value, fewer headaches.
How to Upsell Food Items
One word to remember when you're upselling food items: McDonald's.
(Actually, write that down even if your ecommerce site doesn't sell any food.)
The fast-food chain's strategy is basically a beginner's class on upselling and cross-selling, and it's been used across industries for decades now.
(Actually, write that down even if your ecommerce site doesn't sell any food.)
The fast-food chain's strategy is basically a beginner's class on upselling and cross-selling, and it's been used across industries for decades now.
If you're selling food items online, think: What would McDonald's do?
1. They would offer bigger portions or add-on items for an almost symbolic price. More value for money!
2. They would offer dessert alternatives (with or without a discount).
3. They would give you a free toy!
That's not to say you need to give free plastic figurines to all your customers who spend a certain amount on food items with you, by the way.
1. They would offer bigger portions or add-on items for an almost symbolic price. More value for money!
2. They would offer dessert alternatives (with or without a discount).
3. They would give you a free toy!
That's not to say you need to give free plastic figurines to all your customers who spend a certain amount on food items with you, by the way.
How to Upsell Furniture
What needs does your customer have after they've purchased a piece of furniture?
Usually, it comes down to assembling it. Not everyone has the tools, the patience, or the time to put furniture together!
Services are a great bet here. Can you offer a furniture assembly service for an extra fee?
A lot of furniture ecommerce sites are already offering that service, which is a great added value to make a customer choose your shop over the competition.
It's also possible to offer lots of cross-selling opportunities here, especially if your shop also sells decorative items or utensils.
Usually, it comes down to assembling it. Not everyone has the tools, the patience, or the time to put furniture together!
Services are a great bet here. Can you offer a furniture assembly service for an extra fee?
A lot of furniture ecommerce sites are already offering that service, which is a great added value to make a customer choose your shop over the competition.
It's also possible to offer lots of cross-selling opportunities here, especially if your shop also sells decorative items or utensils.
Your customer bought a bed? Maybe they need new sheets and pillows, too.
A new wooden kitchen table? Offer some products to make sure that wood is well-taken care for. Do they need chairs? New cutlery?
Put your customer's needs first and make sure they're covered from start to finish.
A new wooden kitchen table? Offer some products to make sure that wood is well-taken care for. Do they need chairs? New cutlery?
Put your customer's needs first and make sure they're covered from start to finish.
How to Upsell Makeup & Perfume
Makeup can give ecommerce site owners a wide range of upselling options since there are similar products at different price entry levels.
Once your customer is ready for checkout, you can offer them a slightly upgraded version of their product. That doesn't work for every makeup product, though! Lipsticks, bronzers, and eyeshadows might have exclusive hues that you won't be able to upgrade.
Once your customer is ready for checkout, you can offer them a slightly upgraded version of their product. That doesn't work for every makeup product, though! Lipsticks, bronzers, and eyeshadows might have exclusive hues that you won't be able to upgrade.
But there are other options!
A lesson from beauty giant Sephora: cross-sell with products that go together.
A bronzer needs a brush.
Eyebrow gels? Maybe offer tweezers.
Nail polish? Cotton pads or toe-separators (yes, it is a thing).
You can also think of cross-selling examples with skincare products such as hand creams and makeup removers.
And since we're here, let's not forget about perfume: as perfume brands extend their product lines to include shower gels and body lotions, don't forget to suggest those to your customer too.
A lesson from beauty giant Sephora: cross-sell with products that go together.
A bronzer needs a brush.
Eyebrow gels? Maybe offer tweezers.
Nail polish? Cotton pads or toe-separators (yes, it is a thing).
You can also think of cross-selling examples with skincare products such as hand creams and makeup removers.
And since we're here, let's not forget about perfume: as perfume brands extend their product lines to include shower gels and body lotions, don't forget to suggest those to your customer too.
How to Upsell Mobile Phones
The most popular upselling technique for mobile phones is the premium upgrade: showing a more expensive model that, in fact, offers more value for their money.
Another interesting sales strategy here is to use the "Rule of Three". This means showing the customer three different products (including the one they've chosen). One is the baseline item, the second is a moderately priced upgrade, and the third one, the premium version.
This helps the customer to anchor their decision on comparing facts to place where the greatest value is.
Another interesting sales strategy here is to use the "Rule of Three". This means showing the customer three different products (including the one they've chosen). One is the baseline item, the second is a moderately priced upgrade, and the third one, the premium version.
This helps the customer to anchor their decision on comparing facts to place where the greatest value is.
Cross-selling with this product category is also a breeze: try offers of extra batteries, headphones, Bluetooth speakers, extra chargers, phone cases, screen guards, selfie sticks…And watch your average order value increase!
How to Upsell Pet Products
Upselling during checkout can be great to show your customers a few more buying options that they might not have been aware of.
At this point in the customer journey, they're ready to complete their purchase and might even be susceptible to an impulse buy!
At this point in the customer journey, they're ready to complete their purchase and might even be susceptible to an impulse buy!
For the pet product category, you have a few options are available, such as:
• Bulk buying. Offer them bigger amounts of pet treats, food, or even hygiene items (litter box sand for cats, for example, or hay for rabbits and hamsters) with a discount.
• Premium upgrades. Show better versions of pet toys, bowls, and beds. (This can be used as a cross-selling strategy, too.)
• Seasonal add-ons. Special pet apparel for winter or rainy days.Local service offers. Your customers might need dog walking, pet sitting services or even pet grooming, right?
Customers are happy when their pets are happy!
• Bulk buying. Offer them bigger amounts of pet treats, food, or even hygiene items (litter box sand for cats, for example, or hay for rabbits and hamsters) with a discount.
• Premium upgrades. Show better versions of pet toys, bowls, and beds. (This can be used as a cross-selling strategy, too.)
• Seasonal add-ons. Special pet apparel for winter or rainy days.Local service offers. Your customers might need dog walking, pet sitting services or even pet grooming, right?
Customers are happy when their pets are happy!
How to Upsell Plants
The reach of ecommerce sites and product categories have gone to an incredible extent, and customers look for online solutions even to buy plants.
It's convenient and it offers so many more options for them.
And for you! Upselling plants can include:
• Premium upgrades to a more rare plant variety or different pots;
• Personalized suggestions based on the customer's shopping history;
• Complementary products with a discount, such as soil, fertilizers, cutting scissors, and watering cans.
It's convenient and it offers so many more options for them.
And for you! Upselling plants can include:
• Premium upgrades to a more rare plant variety or different pots;
• Personalized suggestions based on the customer's shopping history;
• Complementary products with a discount, such as soil, fertilizers, cutting scissors, and watering cans.
And as a post-purchase upsell, you can offer limited-time discounts so customers can expand their plant collection.
Indoor jungle, anyone?
Indoor jungle, anyone?
How to Upsell Shoes
If your ecommerce site focuses on shoes, follow a similar approach to accessories.
That means not only offering them personalized offers based on their previous purchases (or betting on classics if they are new ones), adding free shipping on minimum orders (and possibly free returns), and product comparisons.
That means not only offering them personalized offers based on their previous purchases (or betting on classics if they are new ones), adding free shipping on minimum orders (and possibly free returns), and product comparisons.
But there's much more you can do here!
Offer a free shoehorn (or even new shoe helpers, specific for trainers!) as a gift on order with a minimum spend, for example.
If you're selling premium shoes, you might want to swap shoe horns for shoe trees. Or an extra polishing service. Then, you're helping your customers to keep their shoes in better shape for longer!
Cross-selling is also a piece of cake. Why not offer:
• Different types of socks,
• Water-repellent sprays,
• Different types of shoe grease,
• Foot-odor powders,
• Blister tapes.
Think ahead of what products and services are related to the shoes you're selling, and offer them to your customer.
Offer a free shoehorn (or even new shoe helpers, specific for trainers!) as a gift on order with a minimum spend, for example.
If you're selling premium shoes, you might want to swap shoe horns for shoe trees. Or an extra polishing service. Then, you're helping your customers to keep their shoes in better shape for longer!
Cross-selling is also a piece of cake. Why not offer:
• Different types of socks,
• Water-repellent sprays,
• Different types of shoe grease,
• Foot-odor powders,
• Blister tapes.
Think ahead of what products and services are related to the shoes you're selling, and offer them to your customer.
Bonus tip for sports shoes: send your customers a reminder when it's time to replace their running (or cycling, or dancing) shoes.
Their joints will thank you.
Their joints will thank you.
How to Upsell Skincare
If you want lessons from giants, take a look at beauty retailer Sephora.And follow their upselling steps, too!
When it comes to skincare, we often talk about a routine. Can that routine be upgraded to a slightly more expensive brand, backed by amazing user reviews?
Or could you offer a skincare subscription, to help your customer replace their skin products without a hassle?
This product category can also be personalized: what are your customer's skincare needs? Are they worried about fine lines, dry skin, or acne?
Find out and offer the help they need.
When it comes to skincare, we often talk about a routine. Can that routine be upgraded to a slightly more expensive brand, backed by amazing user reviews?
Or could you offer a skincare subscription, to help your customer replace their skin products without a hassle?
This product category can also be personalized: what are your customer's skincare needs? Are they worried about fine lines, dry skin, or acne?
Find out and offer the help they need.
With skincare, cross-selling is also easy to implement as there's usually a few products used together. Start your copy with "use with"... and add the options!
Bundles are meant for this category – especially for new customers to give your products a try (and come back for more)!
Free gifts on a certain minimum cart are also popular. Not only it offers something new for the customer to try, as it creates a sense of urgency.
No one likes to miss out on a good deal, right?
Bundles are meant for this category – especially for new customers to give your products a try (and come back for more)!
Free gifts on a certain minimum cart are also popular. Not only it offers something new for the customer to try, as it creates a sense of urgency.
No one likes to miss out on a good deal, right?
And finally, don't forget to stay in touch with post-purchase offers. Your customers might need to top up their shelves very soon!
Key Takeaways: Upselling in Different Product Categories
By now, we hope you've already got some ideas of how to upsell your ecommerce site's portfolio.
Upselling is a versatile strategy that will:
• Up your conversion rates,
• Boost your average order value,
• Add value to your customers,
• And improve their satisfaction and experience.
Upselling is a versatile strategy that will:
• Up your conversion rates,
• Boost your average order value,
• Add value to your customers,
• And improve their satisfaction and experience.
When you are planning your upselling strategy, remember to:
• Think of your customer's needs ahead of them,
• Relate your offer to the customer's original purchase,
• Personalize it according to their spending habits,
• Add more value with each relevant offer,
• Play with their sense of urgency (aka discounts and limited-time offers),
• Be subtle and never pushy!
Upselling is a life-long strategy that can boost your sales – both in the short and long-term.
It's about time you give them a try.
Do you need even more ideas to upsell different product categories? Get them here.
• Think of your customer's needs ahead of them,
• Relate your offer to the customer's original purchase,
• Personalize it according to their spending habits,
• Add more value with each relevant offer,
• Play with their sense of urgency (aka discounts and limited-time offers),
• Be subtle and never pushy!
Upselling is a life-long strategy that can boost your sales – both in the short and long-term.
It's about time you give them a try.
Do you need even more ideas to upsell different product categories? Get them here.