The Art of Upselling: Creative Ways to Increase Average Order Value for DIY Sellers
Published
03 Mar, 2025
4 min read
As a DIY seller, increasing your average order value (AOV) is a smart way to boost your revenue without needing to acquire more customers. Upselling is an art that, when done right, not only increases sales but also enhances the customer experience. Here, we explore creative upselling techniques to encourage your customers to buy more and make each transaction more profitable.
One of the simplest ways to increase AOV is by bundling related products together. If you sell handmade candles, consider offering a bundle with a decorative holder and a wick trimmer. For jewelry makers, a set that includes matching earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet can encourage customers to purchase more than one item.
Tip: Offer a slight discount for bundled purchases to make the offer more attractive. Phrases like "Buy More, Save More!" or "Complete Your Set for 10% Off" can entice buyers.
Creating a sense of urgency can drive higher-value purchases. Offer limited-time discounts on add-ons or upgrades at checkout. For instance, if you sell custom wooden signs, you could offer a special deal on engraving for a limited time.
Tip: Use countdown timers or flash sale banners on your website to emphasize the urgency of the offer.
People love personalized products, and offering customization as an upsell can significantly increase order value. If you sell handmade tote bags, offer monogramming or custom color choices at an additional cost.
Tip: Showcase examples of past custom work to inspire customers and justify the price increase.
Displaying relevant recommendations based on customer behavior or popular purchases can lead to additional sales. If a customer is buying a handmade ceramic mug, suggest a matching coaster or a tea sampler.
Tip: Use phrases like “Customers who bought this also loved…” or “Complete the Look” to encourage additional purchases.
Encourage customers to spend more by offering incentives for higher cart values. A tiered discount system rewards shoppers with greater savings as they add more items to their cart.
Example:
Tip: Display the next discount tier prominently on the checkout page to encourage customers to add more items.
After a customer completes a purchase, offer an exclusive discount on a related product. This could be a pop-up offer on the confirmation page or a follow-up email with a special deal.
Example: If someone buys a DIY candle-making kit, offer a discount on fragrance oils or additional wax supplies.
Encourage repeat purchases by offering a subscription service or a loyalty rewards program. If you sell handmade skincare products, a monthly subscription box with seasonal scents or exclusive new releases can be an attractive upsell.
Tip: Offer extra loyalty points or exclusive discounts for customers who sign up for a subscription.
If you offer products at different price points, highlight the benefits of the premium version. For example, if you sell handcrafted notebooks, show the added value of a leather-bound edition versus a standard paper cover.
Tip: Use side-by-side comparisons to showcase the superior features of the premium option.
Customers are often willing to add more items to their cart to qualify for free shipping. If your free shipping threshold is $75, a customer with $65 in their cart may be inclined to add an extra item to avoid the shipping fee.
Tip: Display a progress bar on the checkout page to show how close they are to getting free shipping.
Showcase customer reviews and testimonials for your upsell items. If someone is hesitant to buy a bundle or upgrade, positive reviews can help validate their decision.
Tip: Highlight bestsellers and customer favorites with labels like “Most Popular” or “Highly Rated by Customers.”
Upselling is a powerful strategy that helps DIY sellers maximize their sales while enhancing the customer experience. By implementing these creative techniques—bundling products, offering limited-time deals, leveraging product recommendations, and using social proof—you can increase your AOV without making your customers feel pressured. The key is to provide value and convenience, making it easy and rewarding for customers to spend more while loving what they buy.
