Implementing smart upsell and cross sell tactics in your Shopify store can be a game-changer. From increasing average order value (AOV) to improving customer satisfaction and boosting repeat purchases, these strategies are a must for any serious eCommerce business.
And yet, many merchants hold back because of common myths and misconceptions that simply aren’t true anymore.
In this guide, we’re diving into the most widespread upsell and cross sell myths—and busting them once and for all with examples, data, and Shopify-specific tips.
Myth #1: Upselling is too pushy and annoys customers
We get it. Nobody wants to feel like a pushy car salesperson. But modern upselling—when done right—isn’t about pressure. It’s about helping .
In fact, 49% of shoppers say they’ve purchased a product they didn’t originally intend to because of a relevant suggestion.
Real-life Shopify store example: If a customer adds a $40 backpack to their cart, showing them a $15 rain cover or a $10 organizer isn’t intrusive—it’s helpful. You’re improving their experience, not pushing unnecessary products.
Shopify Tip: Use subtle cart drawer or in-cart messages to show upsell items that solve a real need (e.g., “Want to keep your gear dry?”).
Myth #2: Cross selling and upselling are only for big or luxury stores
🧨 BUSTED: Upsells are essential even for small and mid-size Shopify stores.
Whether you’re selling handmade soap or phone chargers, there’s room for an upsell or a cross sell. In fact, small Shopify stores benefit even more, since they often have fewer customers and need to maximize revenue per order.
Use cases for smaller stores: A coffee shop upsells customers to a premium roast or a 3-pack bundle A pet supply store cross sells treats with every toy A skincare store offers a discounted face mask when customers buy moisturizer These aren’t hard sells—they’re easy wins. A simple tweak to your product page or cart can start bringing in more revenue today.
Myth #3: You should only show upsells on the product page
🧨 BUSTED: Upsells belong everywhere customers are making decisions.
Limiting your upsell offers to product pages is a huge missed opportunity. The truth is, there are multiple high-performing locations throughout the customer journey where an upsell or cross sell makes a big impact. Here’s a breakdown:
Location Why it Works Cart Page Buyers are reviewing and still open to changes Checkout Page A perfect place for last-minute upgrades Thank You Page Customers are most trusting after purchase Post-purchase Emails Great for cross selling complementary products Popups or Slide-ins Use exit intent or time delay triggers
Myth #4: One upsell tactic works for everyone
🧨 BUSTED: Personalization is everything in upselling.
If you’re showing the same upsell to every visitor, you’re leaving money on the table. Customers behave differently based on what they’re buying, when they’re shopping, and how engaged they are with your brand.
That’s where segmentation and personalization shine.
Personalization ideas for Shopify: Recommend premium options for repeat buyers Show discounted bundles for first-time shoppers Use AI or rule-based logic to suggest items based on cart content “The right upsell for the right customer at the right time” is your new motto.
Myth #5: Upsells are only about making more money
🧨 BUSTED: The best upsells increase customer satisfaction.
Yes, upselling increases revenue—but that’s not the whole story. A well-designed upsell strategy actually improves the customer journey by offering better solutions.
For example:
Suggesting an all-in-one makeup kit instead of 5 separate items saves the customer time and money Offering a faster delivery option gives convenience Recommending product care items helps buyers protect their purchase These are win-win moments. Customers get more value. You earn more trust—and more revenue.
Myth #6: It's too hard or technical to set up upsells in a Shopify store
🧨 BUSTED: Apps make upselling easy—no code required.
If you’re still manually creating upsell offers or relying on static product suggestions, you’re working too hard. With the right Shopify upsell app , you can:
Enable cross sells and upsells in 1 click Use drag-and-drop offer builders Show offers based on rules, customer behavior, or product tags Track performance and ROI over time Whether you're a solo founder or managing a large team, implementing upsell and cross sell tactics doesn’t have to be complicated.
Bonus Myth: Upselling is a one-time setup
🧨 BUSTED: Ongoing optimization = ongoing growth.
Your store changes. Customer trends shift. New products get launched. That’s why the most successful Shopify stores treat upsell strategy as an ongoing part of growth—not a one-and-done task.
Boost your Shopify store’s success by enhancing customer satisfaction through effective upsell and cross sell strategies.
Ongoing Optimization Tips: Keep Growing Your Upsell Strategy
Your upsell and cross sell setup shouldn’t be a one-and-done task. The most successful Shopify stores revisit and refine their strategy regularly—because what works today might not work tomorrow.
Here are five proven ways to optimize and grow your upselling success:
1. A/B Test Different Upsell Placements Where you place your upsell offers matters more than you think.
Some customers convert better when shown recommendations in the cart. Others are more receptive on the product page or the thank you page. The only way to know for sure? Test it.
Run A/B tests to compare upsell performance across different pages Try popups vs inline offers vs post-purchase flows Analyze which placements lead to the highest conversions and AOV Shopify tip: Use an upsell app that supports multiple locations and offers built-in testing tools, so you can run smart experiments without needing a developer.
2. Update Cross Sell Pairings Based on Season or Inventory Your cross sell strategy should adapt to what's in stock—and what’s in demand.
For example:
Cross sell cozy socks with boots in winter, and no-show socks in summer Suggest beach accessories in July and indoor gear in December Avoid promoting items that are out of stock or on clearance unless part of a bundle This keeps your cross sells relevant, timely, and more likely to convert. Seasonal shopping behavior is real—aligning your offers with it gives your Shopify store a serious edge.
3. Monitor Analytics to Double Down on High-Converting Offers Data is your best upsell coach.
Every Shopify store should regularly track metrics like:
Click-through rate on upsell offers Conversion rate from upsell to checkout Added revenue from each cross sell combo Bundle completion rate Identify your top-performing offers and replicate what’s working. Retire or adjust underperforming ones. Even small tweaks—like changing a headline or image—can boost performance significantly.
4. Use Customer Feedback to Refine Your Bundles Don’t rely only on numbers—listen to your customers.
Look for feedback in:
Post-purchase surveys Product reviews Live chat questions (“Do I need X if I buy Y?”) If multiple buyers ask, “Should I get this add-on?”—that’s a signal for a high-potential upsell. Similarly, if customers seem confused about why two products are bundled, it might be time to split or reframe the offer.
The best upsells solve a need customers already have. You just need to surface the right offer at the right time.
5. Think of Upselling Like a Garden Just like a garden needs watering, sunlight, and trimming, your upsell strategy thrives with regular attention.
Revisit your offers monthly or quarterly Keep an eye on emerging products and trends Refresh old cross sells with new visuals or copy Prune what’s no longer relevant or converting This ongoing effort helps you stay ahead of customer expectations, maximize AOV, and keep your Shopify store’s upsell engine growing strong—season after season.
Final Takeaway: Stop letting myths hold your Shopify store back!
It’s 2025. Shoppers are smart, and they’re open to smarter buying experiences. By implementing upsells and cross sells the right way—relevant, personalized, and well-timed—you’re doing more than increasing sales. You’re building a better store.
And with tools that make it easier than ever, there’s no reason to let these myths hold you back any longer.
💬 Want to see how smart upsells can grow your store?
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