Online shoppers often start with a specific purchase in mind, but their final order can look quite different by the time they check out. Sometimes, they add a higher-end version of what they initially wanted. This shift isn’t by accident—it’s the result of upselling.
This sales technique encourages customers to explore better options or complementary products during their shopping journey. When used effectively, upselling not only increases revenue but also helps customers discover products that genuinely add value to their purchase. Incorporating upselling into your e-commerce business’s strategy, however, can be challenging. If done incorrectly, it may come across as intrusive or overwhelming for your customers. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can implement to make upselling feel natural and beneficial. Here are some best practices to consider.
Provide Multiple Payment Methods to Facilitate Upselling
Customers have varying payment preferences. Some may prefer credit or debit cards. Others rely on digital wallets, bank transfers, or even QR code payments. The ability to accommodate these options ensures that you’re eliminating the barriers that could prevent customers from accepting an upsell. With a seamless and diverse payment gateway, your customers can confidently proceed with their transactions, making upselling more effective.
To optimize your upselling strategy, consider getting a payment gateway that integrates easily into your existing e-commerce platform. Maya Checkout is an online solution that enables e-commerce business owners in the Philippines to cater to customers who want to pay using their credit or debit cards, via e-wallets, or through QR Ph. This Maya Business product is also designed to be compatible with e-commerce stores built on platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, allowing for a hassle-free setup and a smoother checkout experience. With Maya Checkout’s seamless integration and wide range of accepted payment options, it’s no surprise that many businesses consider it to be the best payment gateway in the Philippines.
Reduce the Number of Clicks in the Buyer Journey
The more steps a customer has to take before completing a purchase, the higher the chances they’ll abandon their order, including any upsell opportunities. A complicated buying journey can discourage shoppers because navigating through multiple pages just to browse your products, add an item to their cart, or compare different options is frustrating.
Minimizing the number of clicks across different touchpoints can create a smoother experience that keeps customers engaged and makes upselling more effective. For example, if a customer were browsing a product page and sees an upgraded version of an item, they should be able to view its key features and add it to their cart with minimal effort. The same applies to special promotions. Whether you’re offering bundled deals or limited-time upgrades, ensuring that customers can accept the upsell in as few clicks as possible can reduce hesitation and improve conversion rates. Streamlining these interactions not only makes the process more convenient but also increases the likelihood of customers accepting higher-value purchases.
Highlight Your Best-Selling Products
Customers often look for social proof and reassurance before making a purchase. Seeing that other shoppers have chosen and trusted a product makes them feel more certain about their own buying decisions. A great way to build this confidence in potential customers is by showcasing your best-selling products on category pages, product recommendations, and even pop-ups during checkout. When shoppers see that a particular item is popular, they may be more inclined to choose it over their initial selection. For example, if someone is looking at a basic wireless computer mouse, recommending a best-selling model with improved battery life and customizable buttons can persuade them to choose the upgraded version. Strategically placing these recommendations in your e-commerce site makes it easier for your customers to see the value of upgrading their purchase.
Create Bundled Deals with a Higher-End Version of the Original Product
Bundling related products together is an effective way to increase order value while providing customers with more perceived savings. Instead of selling individual items separately, offering a package deal can make upselling feel more enticing and natural. For example, if a customer is purchasing a smartphone, suggesting a bundle that includes a higher-end version of the smartphone model, a screen protector, and phone case at a discounted rate encourages them to buy all three items instead of just one.
The key to successful bundling is ensuring that the products genuinely complement each other. Customers are more likely to take advantage of an upsell-cross-sell combo when they see the added convenience of buying everything they need in one go. Additionally, clearly displaying the total savings they get from the bundle can further motivate them to complete the purchase. Structuring your bundles well can boost sales while enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Offer Free Shipping to Encourage Buyers to Upgrade
Shipping costs can influence a customer’s decision to complete a purchase. Many shoppers abandon their carts when they see high shipping fees, so offering free shipping as part of an upselling strategy can encourage them to buy more. One common approach is setting a minimum order value for free shipping. For instance, if you offer free shipping on orders above PHP 1,500 and a customer’s cart total is PHP 1,200, a well-placed upsell suggestion can nudge them toward buying a higher-end version of the product instead. Highlighting this benefit during checkout or on product pages makes it clear that they can save on shipping costs by purchasing another product that is only slightly more expensive. This not only increases order value but also enhances customer satisfaction by making them feel like they’re getting a better deal.
Upselling is most effective when it aligns with the customer’s needs and enhances their shopping experience. Rather than being a pushy sales tactic, it should feel like a natural and beneficial addition to their purchase journey. With a well-executed strategy, your e-commerce business can increase order value while making the buying process more rewarding for customers.
Enhance Your Upselling Strategy with Maya Business Solutions
A seamless and flexible checkout process is key to successful upselling. If the payment process is too complicated or restrictive, customers may hesitate to spend more or abandon their purchase altogether. With Maya Checkout, you can provide multiple payment options to your customers, making transactions quick and hassle-free. Sign up for Maya Business and start providing a smoother shopping experience today.
Setting up a Maya Business account lets you open a Maya Business Deposit account and use it as your settlement account. With an industry-leading 2.5% per annum interest rate, you’ll earn PHP 25,000 in interest per year on a PHP 1 million deposit. Furthermore, you’ll be able to send money to your partners and suppliers for free via InstaPay and PESONet, letting you save more.
Signing up also qualifies you for a no-collateral Maya Flexi Loan offer of up to PHP 2 million in just 3 months, allowing you to have another funding source to further develop your business. Just use Maya as your primary processor for all wallet and card payments. The more you use our solutions, the better the loan offer will be.
Sign up for Maya Business today to enjoy the benefits of Maya Business solutions.
