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31 Tactics to Improve AOV in Shopify

Sometimes you just need a 31 point mega list to get inspiration on how you can improve AOV in Shopify - we get it! Having helped thousands of customers make more upsells with our Kaching apps to increase AOV, which means average order value, we know a thing or two about what works!

Out of the 31 tactics, we picked top 5 that will work for most stores to improve AOV:

  1. Product bundles
  2. Upsell pop-ups
  3. Cart-drawer upsells
  4. Buy X, Get Y Free (BOGO) deals
  5. Volume discounts (Quantity breaks)

These tactics are should work well in most industries. All the Kaching upsell appz are free to get started so feel free to test which tactic works best for you and keep improving your AOV.

Let's get right to the mega list!

1. Product bundles

Grouping complimentary products into a single offer makes it easy for customers to say yes to more items. Bundles simplify decision-making and create a sense of added value, especially when priced slightly below the combined total. Bundles also enable customers to discover more complimentary products without leaving the page, which greatly shortens the amont of time and effort needed to shop.

Shopify’s Kaching Bundles Quantity Break (for transparency - you should know that the app is created by us) allows you to create product bundles easily, like so:

This tactic works great when you have more products to offer or if you have few products but complementary to each other.

💡 Pro Tip: Product bundles are super effective at boosting AOV in fashion (shirts + pants), beauty (moisturizer + cream) & home goods (duvet + pillow).

2. Cart-drawer upsells

Cart-drawer upsells show additional products in the slide-out cart, letting customers add items with one click - no page reload needed. You can also add a free shipping progress bar or offer small upsells like shipping protection to boost AOV effortlessly.

This tactic works great if your store has accessories, add-ons, or cheaper items that pair well with main products. It also works well on mobile, where users prefer not to click away from the cart.

To boost conversions (not just AOV), add trust badges or urgency timers. Tools like Kaching Cart Drawer AI Upsell make this easy to implement.

💡 Pro Tip: Cart-drawer upsells are especially effective in beauty (add a brush to a skincare kit), fashion (add a belt or socks), and tech (add a cable to a device).

3. Cart page upsells

Cart page upsells appear just before checkout, giving customers a chance to add complementary products to their order while they review their cart. Unlike drawer upsells, these appear on a full page, which allows more room for larger product suggestions or bundles.

This tactic works best if your store has higher-ticket add-ons or curated product pairings that need more space to explain. It's also ideal if you don’t use a cart drawer experience or want to promote bundles before checkout.

To boost visibility and clicks, include product images, customer reviews, or limited-time badges near the upsell suggestions.

💡 Pro Tip: Cart page upsells work well in home goods (add matching cushion to a sofa), pet stores (add treats to a toy order), and wellness (add protein bars to a supplement).

4. Checkout upsells

Checkout upsells appear during the final step of the purchase, often below or beside the payment fields. They let customers quickly add a related product before completing the order - without needing to restart or navigate away.

This tactic works best for low friction, low value, impulse-friendly add-ons like small accessories, extended warranties, shipping upgrades, shipping insurance or limited-time offers. Because buyers are already committed, these suggestions often convert at a high rate.

If you're using Shopify Plus, you can customize the checkout with scripts or apps to embed upsells natively.

💡 Pro Tip: Checkout upsells work great for fashion (add express shipping or add extended refund guarantee), supplements (add sample pack), and tech (add extended warranty).

5. Post-purchase upsells

Post-purchase upsells appear right after a customer completes their order—on the thank-you page or in a follow-up email. Since the payment is already processed, customers can accept the offer with a single click, without re-entering details.

This tactic works best for impulse-friendly, relevant products or time-sensitive deals. It’s a low-risk opportunity to increase AOV without jeopardizing the original sale or impacting conversion rate of the product page.

Use this space to offer limited-time discounts, bundle upgrades, or exclusive add-ons the customer didn’t pick during checkout.

Kaching Post Purchase Upsell can help you easily integrate this. If you have any issues while setting up, live chat support will help you out.

💡 Pro Tip: Post-purchase upsells shine in skincare (add travel-size product), fashion (add matching item), and wellness (add refill or trial pack).

6. Fixed product sets

Product sets group multiple individual items into a coordinated package most often seen in wellness, health & beauty industries. Unlike bundles, sets are fixed and not customizable.

This tactic works best when you want to simplify shopping, drive discovery of lesser-known products, or create gifting options. Sets also allow you to introduce more SKUs without requiring the customer to choose each one, eliminating the need to pick and choose different options compared to product bundle upsell.

They’re perfect for storytelling and perceived value, especially when presented in branded packaging. Additionally, brand can display the amount of money saved by buying the bundle versus buying each product individually.

💡 Pro Tip: Product sets work especially well in beauty (full skincare set), wellness (immunity booster kit), and food (tasting box or tea sampler).

7. Stackable offers

Stackable offers allow customers to apply multiple discounts or perks in a single order - like combining a percentage-off promo with free shipping or a gift with purchase. This layered approach increases perceived value and encourages shoppers to add more to their cart.

This tactic works well during promotional events or when targeting price-sensitive shoppers. It can also help clear inventory without devaluing your brand with one big discount. Additionally, stackable offers add an element of gamification by “unlocking” different discounts and stacking them together for greater perceived discount.

Be sure to clearly communicate the stacking logic and apply it automatically at checkout when possible to reduce friction.

💡 Pro Tip: Stackable offers are great in apparel (free shipping at $50 basket + 10% off at $100 basket + free scarf at $200), skincare (free cleanser sample when buying cream + free shipping ar $100 basket size), and accessories (Burga’s famous buy 2, get 2 free deal + free shipping).

8. Free shipping thresholds

One of the oldest tricks in the conversion rate optimization world, setting a minimum spend for free shipping encourages customers to add more items to their cart to qualify. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase AOV without offering product discounts.

This tactic works best when your average order is close to your profitability threshold and when your shipping costs are predictable. Use a progress bar in the cart to show how close shoppers are to unlocking free shipping.

Keep the threshold just above your current average order value to nudge customers toward larger purchases. You can simply implement this function Shopify’s discount settings.

💡 Pro Tip: Free shipping thresholds are especially effective in industries with cheaper products, in the <$50 range, where buying more items would not be such a big issue.

💡 Pro Tip: Furniture brands may offer free shipping and handling past a certain amount, these are usually more expensive and a great friction remover, improving the shopping experience.

9. Buy X, Get Y Free (BOGO) deal

BOGO deals reward customers with a free or discounted item when they buy a certain quantity - like “Buy 2, Get 1 Free.” These promotions create a sense of urgency and value, often pushing shoppers to buy more than they originally intended.

This tactic works especially well for consumables, repeat-use products, or seasonal inventory you want to move fast. It’s also great for driving volume while protecting perceived price integrity.

Make sure to clearly highlight the deal in the website and cart pages to boost participation. Top brands often lead their paid advertising offer with this deal as the perceived value and discount are larger than X% off offers

💡 Pro Tip: BOGO deals work well in skincare (buy 2 serums, get 1 free), food (buy 2 packs, get one free), and fashion basics (buy 2 t-shirts, get 1 free).

💡 Rule of Thumb: If your product margins are high, and the product costs are low, BOGO deals can work very well. This type of deal really needs great margins to make it work.

10. Volume discounts (Quantity breaks)

Volume discounts offer lower prices when customers buy more units of the same product - like “Buy 3, save 10%.” It’s a simple yet powerful way to incentivize bulk purchasing and drive up AOV without needing flashy promotions.

This tactic works best for everyday essentials, refills, or products people already tend to buy in multiples. It also builds loyalty by rewarding higher spending with better value.

Display tiered pricing directly on the product page to nudge shoppers toward the higher quantity option.

💡 Pro Tip: Volume discounts are great for supplements (buy 6 months’ supply), fashion (buy 3 pairs of socks), long expiry date consumable goods (buy 3 boxes of snacks, get 20% off), cheaper home goods & bulk purchasable home goods (buy 4 candles, get 15% off ).

11. Tiered volume discounts

Tiered pricing offers increasing discounts based on the total cart value or quantity, for example, “Spend $50, get 10% off; spend $100, get 20% off.” This motivates customers to spend more to unlock better deals.

This tactic works best for stores with a broad catalog or higher average price points, where encouraging incremental spending makes a noticeable difference in AOV.

Clearly communicate the tiers with a progress bar or pricing table to guide customer behavior during shopping.

💡 Pro Tip: Tiered pricing works well in beauty (build-your-own bundle savings), fashion (save more with larger orders), and wellness (multi-product routines or kits).

12. Test a price increase or a decrease

Adjusting your pricing - even slightly - can have a significant impact on AOV and overall revenue. Raising prices on high-demand or luxury products may increase average spend, while lowering prices on entry-level items can drive higher volume per order, giving you more opportunities for extra in-cart upsells (credit to AbProfit for the nice graphic).

Try lowering the nearest digit - if you offer a product for $20, try selling it for $19.95.

This tactic works best when you have pricing flexibility, strong brand perception, or data indicating that customers are price-sensitive (or not). Always test price changes in small increments and track results closely.

Use A/B testing or launch prices on select products before rolling changes storewide.

💡 Pro Tip: Price testing is effective in fashion & accessories (because of impulse based buying, increase of price may increase perceived value of design & material), skincare (great for brands with a loyal audience and many repeat purchases).

13. Gift wrapping

Offering gift wrapping as a paid add-on gives customers a convenient, thoughtful upgrade while boosting AOV with minimal cost to you. It adds perceived value - especially during holidays or special occasions - and can make your brand feel more premium.

This tactic works best for giftable products and when paired with messaging like “Perfect for birthdays or holidays.” Use product page checkboxes or cart add-ons to make selection easy.

Bonus: beautifully wrapped orders often lead to more social shares and unboxing content.

💡 Pro Tip: Gift wrapping is ideal for jewelry, beauty kits, clothing items, and handmade goods (Etsy sellers, listen up!) - especially around holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

14. Shipping protection

Shipping protection is a small, optional add-on that covers lost, stolen, or damaged orders. While inexpensive, it adds peace of mind for customers - and extra revenue for you with minimal effort.

This tactic works best for higher-value products or when shipping to regions with higher delivery risks. It’s often added in the cart drawer or checkout with a one-click opt-in.

Position it as a low-cost way to protect their purchase and reduce support tickets at the same time.

💡 Pro Tip: Shipping protection works especially well for electronics, fragile goods, handmade items, and international orders.

💡 Pro Tip: Shoppers are more likely to trust an unknown brand with included free shipping protection.

15. Express shipping

Offering express shipping as a paid upgrade lets customers receive their order faster while increasing AOV through added shipping revenue. Many shoppers are willing to pay more for speed - especially during holidays or last-minute gifting. Add a margin on top of your express shipping costs and this will increase average order profit too.

This tactic works best when delivery time is a key decision factor, or when customers are purchasing high-urgency items. Clearly present the express option at checkout alongside estimated delivery dates.

It also enhances your brand’s perception of professionalism and reliability.

💡 Pro Tip: Express shipping upsells work great for fashion (event outfits) & gifts (birthdays or holidays).

16. Progress bar in cart/checkout

A progress bar visually shows how close a customer is to unlocking a reward like free shipping, a discount, or a free gift. It gamifies the shopping experience and nudges users to add more to reach the next tier.

This tactic works best when paired with thresholds (e.g., “Spend $10 more for free shipping”) and when your store has a variety of small add-ons or upsells available.

Keep the design clean and mobile-friendly so it doesn’t interrupt the checkout flow.

💡 Pro Tip: Progress bars work especially well in beauty (free gift with purchase), wellness (bonus item unlocked), and fashion (free shipping threshold).

17. “Frequently Bought Together” suggestions

“Frequently Bought Together” sections recommend complementary products based on what shoppers are viewing or adding to their cart. Displayed on product pages, they make it easy to buy a full set with just a few clicks without the need to search or browse navigation.

This tactic works best when you sell items that naturally go together or are commonly used as a set. It increases cart size while reducing decision fatigue for the customer.

Use apps or Shopify native suggestion tool to dynamically generate high-performing combinations.

💡 Pro Tip: This tactic shines in fashion (shirt + pants + accessory), beauty (cleanser + toner + moisturizer), and tech (camera + SD card + tripod).

18. Upsell pop-ups

Upsell pop-ups appear during key moments like adding an item to the cart or before checkout to suggest a higher-value product or complementary add-on. They're attention-grabbing and designed to drive quick decisions. Kaching Popup Discount Upsell allows you to integrate and test this in a matter of minutes.

This tactic works best when used sparingly and with strong relevance to what the customer just interacted with. It’s effective for promoting upgrades, limited-time offers, bundle opportunities or stock clearances.

Make sure your pop-ups are mobile-friendly and easy to close to avoid hurting user experience, which has a negative impact on conversion rate.

💡 Pro Tip: Upsell pop-ups work well in skincare (upgrade to bigger size), fashion (add a matching piece), and food (add a premium ingredient or side).

19. Provide fast live chat support

Live chat support gives customers instant answers to product or shipping questions, helping remove hesitation and encouraging larger purchases. It adds trust, reduces cart abandonment, and often leads to higher AOV through guided selling.

This tactic works best for higher-ticket items, customizable products, or when shoppers may need help choosing between options. Well trained customer support reps can also upsell customers by offering matching sets.

Use chat prompts like “Need help choosing the right size?” to proactively engage and upsell.

💡 Pro Tip: Live chat support is especially effective in fashion (fit or styling advice), home decor (product pairing suggestions), and home goods (explain shipping and handling).

20. Quantity-based gifts (e.g., free samples)

Offering a free gift when customers buy a certain number of items encourages larger purchases without discounting your main products. Whether it’s a sample, bonus item, or mini version, this creates excitement and perceived value.

This tactic works best for consumables or stores with small, low-cost items that are easy to give away. It also introduces customers to new products they might buy next time.

Clearly show the gift offer on product and cart pages to increase uptake.

💡 Pro Tip: Quantity-based gifts are great in skincare (free sample with 3 items), food (free snack pack), and stationery (free notebook with 4 pens).

21. Limited edition products

Limited edition products create urgency and exclusivity, encouraging customers to buy more while they still can. These time-sensitive or low-stock items often drive impulse purchases and higher AOV, especially when paired with core products.

This tactic works best for seasonal items, collaborations, or unique designs that won’t be restocked. Promote them with countdowns, “last chance” labels, or exclusivity messaging.

They also help test new product ideas without full inventory commitment.

💡 Pro Tip: Limited editions work especially well in fashion (seasonal colorways), beauty (holiday kits), and home decor (artist collabs or one-off prints).

22. Limited time offers

Limited time offers create urgency by giving shoppers a short window to access a deal, driving quicker decisions and often larger orders. The fear of missing out (FOMO) can be a powerful motivator to increase AOV.

This tactic works best during sales events, product launches, or slow periods when you want to drive action. Use countdown timers or “ends soon” banners to make the deadline clear.

Keep the offer simple and time-sensitive to reduce hesitation.

💡 Pro Tip: Limited time offers are highly effective in fashion (48-hour flash sale), skincare (24h free gift with purchase), and supplements (weekend-only bundles).

23. Enable Buy Now, Pay Later (e.g., Klarna, Afterpay)

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options let customers split payments into installments—making it easier to commit to higher-value orders without upfront strain. It increases affordability and reduces friction for budget-conscious buyers.

This tactic works best for mid- to high-ticket items, and in regions where BNPL services are popular. It can also lower cart abandonment and boost conversion rates alongside AOV.

Display BNPL messaging clearly on product pages and at checkout to maximize impact.

💡 Pro Tip: BNPL is highly effective in fashion (multi-piece outfits), electronics (big purchases like TVs, fridges), and wellness (subscription boxes or full treatment kits).

24. Product personalization

Product personalization lets customers add names, initials, colors, or custom messages for free or for a premium, creating a unique item that feels more valuable. This added emotional appeal often justifies a higher price and increases AOV.

This tactic works best for gifts, special occasions, or premium products where buyers are willing to pay more for a personal touch. It also enhances brand connection and repeat purchase potential.

Make the personalization option easy to select and preview during the buying process.

💡 Pro Tip: Personalization is perfect for jewelry (engraving), fashion (monogramming), and home goods (custom text on towels or pillows).

25. Localize language

Localizing your store’s language builds trust with international customers and removes friction in the buying process. When shoppers can browse and checkout in their native language, they’re more likely to explore, add more items, and complete their purchase.

This tactic works best for stores with traffic from multiple countries or non-English-speaking regions. It improves user experience and conversion—often lifting AOV and conversion rate simply by making customers more comfortable.

Use auto-detection or language switchers to serve the right version based on location.

💡 Pro Tip: Language localization is especially useful for US shops targeting Spanish speaking audiences.

26. Localize payment methods

Offering familiar, region-specific payment options builds trust and removes barriers at checkout, especially for international customers. When shoppers see a method they recognize, they’re more likely to complete their order and spend more confidently.

This tactic works best for global stores or markets where credit cards aren’t the default. Supporting methods like iDEAL, Sofort, or local wallets can significantly boost both conversion and AOV.

Did you know that in Poland, 58% of shoppers use Blik, according to Statista? Not having Blik as a payment option can have a serious impact on conversion rate and AOV.

Be sure to highlight supported payment methods early in the checkout process.

💡 Pro Tip: Local payment options work especially well in fashion and beauty stores expanding into Europe (iDEAL, Klarna), Asia (Alipay), or Latin America (PIX, Mercado Pago). US stores can often convert better by offering PayPal.

27. Loyalty program

Loyalty programs reward customers for repeat purchases, encouraging them to spend more to unlock perks like discounts, free gifts, or exclusive access. By turning one-time buyers into returning fans, you can steadily increase AOV over time by creating fan-only deals with larger AOV.

This tactic works best for stores with strong brand affinity and products customers buy regularly or seasonally. It also adds gamification and long-term engagement to the shopping experience.

Make it easy to earn and redeem points and highlight rewards right on the product or cart pages.

💡 Pro Tip: Loyalty programs work especially well in skincare (routine refills), fashion (seasonal collections), and wellness (subscriptions or multi-product purchases).

28. Improve your product

Improving your product - whether through quality, design, packaging, or added value - can justify a higher price point and increase AOV without changing your offer structure. Better products also lead to stronger reviews, more word-of-mouth, and higher repeat purchase rates.

This tactic works best when you're hearing consistent feedback or see room to outperform competitors. Even small upgrades can support premium pricing or allow you to create higher-value bundles.

Showcase improvements clearly in your listings to reinforce perceived value.

💡 Pro Tip: Product upgrades boost AOV in fashion (use premium fabrics), skincare (improved formulas), and home goods (eco-friendly or handmade enhancements).

29. Improve your product page

A well-optimized product page builds trust, answers objections, and nudges customers toward larger purchases. Clear photos, compelling descriptions, reviews, and suggested add-ons all work together to increase both conversion and AOV.

This tactic works best when you're getting traffic but not high cart values - or when customers may be hesitating due to lack of information or poor visuals.

Highlight product benefits, add social proof, and make upsell opportunities visible without overwhelming the page.

💡 Pro Tip: Strong product pages are crucial for every ecommerce store.

30. Anchor pricing strategy

Anchor pricing sets a high-priced item next to a mid-tier option to make the latter feel like a better deal. It’s a powerful psychological tactic that increases perceived value and nudges customers toward higher spend without discounting.

This tactic works best when you have 2–3 versions of a product - like basic, premium, and deluxe - or want to showcase a best-seller next to a more expensive alternative.

Highlight savings, value differences, or “most popular” badges to guide decision-making.

💡 Pro Tip: Anchor pricing works great in skincare (starter vs full-size kits), accessories (basic vs premium material), and wellness (single product vs bundle).

31. Merchandising (e.g., “complete the look,” smart product suggestions)

Effective merchandising showcases how products work together, helping customers visualize a full outfit, routine, or setup. Tactics like “Complete the Look” or AI-powered product suggestions guide users toward buying multiple items instead of just one.

This tactic works best when your catalog includes complementary products that can work well when visually pictured together or when shoppers may need inspiration to make decisions. It also keeps customers engaged and reduces bounce rates.

Use lifestyle imagery, carousels, and clear “add all to cart” buttons to increase ease and appeal.

💡 Pro Tip: Merchandising shines in fashion (top + bottom + accessory) and home decor (room styling).

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