If you want to grow ecommerce revenue without constantly chasing new customers, increasing your average order value (AOV) is one of the highest-ROI strategies you can implement. AOV measures how much customers spend per transaction. Even a small increase can compound into significant revenue growth over time without increasing your ad budget.
Below are 10 proven, battle-tested ways to increase ecommerce AOV across Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and other platforms.
1. Use Smart Upsells and Cross-Sells
Upselling and cross-selling remain some of the most powerful AOV strategies when done strategically. Upselling encourages customers to upgrade to a premium version, while cross-selling recommends complementary products. The key is relevance, not aggression. Add “Frequently Bought Together” or “You May Also Like” sections on product and cart pages. Offer post-purchase upsells on the thank-you page or via email. For example, if someone buys a serum, suggest a larger size or pair it with sunscreen and moisturizer. When recommendations feel helpful and personalized, customers naturally increase their basket size without feeling pressured.
2. Set Strategic Free Shipping Thresholds
Free shipping thresholds are simple yet extremely effective for increasing AOV. Set your threshold slightly above your current average order value, typically 10–30% higher. If your AOV is $40, try offering free shipping at $49 or $50. Add a dynamic cart progress bar saying, “You’re $8 away from free shipping!” to motivate customers. This small psychological nudge often encourages adding low-cost items like accessories or refills. A/B test different thresholds to find the sweet spot where AOV rises without hurting conversions. Done right, free shipping feels like a reward rather than an incentive.
3. Create High-Value Product Bundles
Product bundles increase perceived value while boosting order totals. Combine complementary items into starter kits, routines, or themed collections. Offer a small discount (5–15%) compared to purchasing items individually. Position bundles as “Best Value” or “Editor’s Choice” to guide customers toward higher-priced options. Bundles work particularly well for skincare routines, fitness products, food subscriptions, and tech accessories. They simplify buying decisions and remove guesswork for customers. Instead of purchasing one item, shoppers are encouraged to invest in a complete solution, naturally increasing AOV while improving customer satisfaction.
4. Offer Volume Discounts (“Buy More, Save More”)
Volume discounts encourage customers to purchase higher quantities to unlock better pricing. Structures like “Buy 2, get 10% off; Buy 3, get 15% off” work especially well for consumables such as supplements, skincare, coffee, and pet products. Tiered pricing creates a sense of smart savings while moving more inventory per order. Customers justify spending more because the per-unit cost decreases. Mix-and-match category offers also increase flexibility and cart size. Just ensure your margins remain healthy at each tier. When implemented correctly, volume incentives boost both AOV and repeat purchase potential.
5. Use Time-Sensitive Cart Threshold Deals
Urgency combined with cart thresholds can significantly increase order value. Offers like “Spend $60 today and get 10% off” or “Free gift on orders over $75 ends tonight” motivate customers to reach the next spending tier. Countdown timers and limited-time banners add urgency without being overly aggressive. Flash sales that unlock higher discounts at higher cart totals also encourage larger baskets. However, avoid constant urgency, as it can lose impact. Use this tactic strategically during launches, seasonal promotions, or major sales events to maximize AOV spikes.
6. Introduce Gifts With Purchase (GWP)
Gifts with purchase are powerful because they feel like a bonus rather than a discount. Set a minimum spend slightly above your current AOV and offer a desirable free item such as a mini version of a best-seller or an exclusive product. Customers often add extra items to qualify for the gift. Rotating gifts seasonally keeps excitement high and encourages repeat purchases. This strategy enhances brand perception while increasing cart totals. Compared to heavy discounts, GWPs preserve margins while still providing a strong incentive for customers to spend more per order.
7. Launch a Tiered Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs are not just for retention; they can actively increase AOV. Reward higher spending with bonus points, tier upgrades, or exclusive perks. For example, offer double points on orders over a certain amount or unlock VIP tiers based on annual spend. Customers shift their mindset from minimizing cost to maximizing rewards. Tiered systems (Silver, Gold, VIP) create aspirational goals that encourage larger purchases. Exclusive access, early product drops, and members-only promotions further motivate higher spend per order. Over time, loyalty programs turn occasional buyers into high-value customers.
8. Improve Personalization and Product Recommendations
Personalized recommendations significantly impact basket size. Use browsing history, past purchases, and category preferences to show relevant add-ons. On product pages, display “Pair it with…” items. On cart pages, show essential accessories or low-cost add-ons. Post-purchase emails can suggest complementary products to complete a routine. Even simple rules-based systems outperform generic product carousels. When shoppers see items that align with their needs, they are more likely to add them. Effective personalization makes the shopping experience smoother and increases AOV organically.
9. Add High-Margin Add-Ons at Checkout
Impulse add-ons near checkout can quietly lift AOV. Offer small, relevant, high-margin products just before payment, such as travel sizes, accessories, gift wrapping, or digital guides. Keep checkout friction minimal by enabling express payments like Shop Pay or Apple Pay. The smoother the checkout process, the easier it is for customers to accept last-minute add-ons. Clearly display pricing and shipping details to reduce abandonment. Even small $5–$15 add-ons can significantly impact revenue when multiplied across thousands of orders.
10. Offer Subscriptions and Reorder Programs
Subscriptions increase both purchase frequency and order size. Offer subscribe-and-save discounts on bundles or multi-packs instead of single items only. Set default quantities that reflect realistic usage patterns. Allow subscribers to easily add one-time products to upcoming shipments. Replenishment emails sent at the right time can also include curated add-ons to boost reorder value. Customers committed to recurring purchases are often more engaged and willing to expand their orders. Over time, subscriptions create predictable revenue and consistently higher AOV.
Conclusion
You don’t need to implement all 10 strategies at once. Start with foundational tactics like upsells, bundles, free shipping thresholds, and volume discounts. Then layer in urgency campaigns, gifts with purchase, and loyalty programs. Finally, build long-term growth through personalization and subscriptions.
Track AOV alongside conversion rate and profit margins. Sustainable growth comes from balancing higher order values with strong customer experience.
