What are order bumps and upsells, and why should I use them?

An order bump is an offer presented before checkout—‘Would you like to add this item to your cart?’—typically for a lower-priced product related to what the customer is already buying. An upsell happens after the transaction is complete. These tactics are standard in retail (think of impulse-buy items near the checkout lane) because they significantly increase average order value. By offering a complementary, lower-priced item when someone is already purchasing, you increase revenue per transaction. This isn’t manipulative; it’s offering convenient, relevant options customers often appreciate.

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Asked by general audience · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2024-03-08