HOW TO INCREASE AVERAGE ORDER VALUE ON SHOPIFY: 10 TACTICS THAT WORK
Introduction
Increasing store revenue doesn’t always mean attracting more visitors.
Sometimes, the biggest opportunity is encouraging existing customers to purchase more relevant products in a single order.
This is where Average Order Value (AOV) becomes important.
By improving product recommendations, bundle offers, cart experiences, and purchase incentives, Shopify merchants can encourage larger orders without necessarily increasing advertising spending.
What Is Average Order Value?
Average Order Value measures how much customers spend per order.
\[ \text{AOV}=\frac{\text{Total Revenue}}{\text{Number of Orders}} \]
For example, if your Shopify store generates $5,000 from 100 orders, its average order value is $50.
Increasing AOV from $50 to $60 across the same number of orders would increase revenue from $5,000 to $6,000.
However, higher AOV doesn’t automatically mean higher profit. Merchants must also consider discounts, shipping costs, product margins, and returns.
10 Ways to Increase Shopify Average Order Value
1. Create Product Bundles
Combine complementary products into a convenient offer.
For example, a skincare store could offer a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen bundle.
The products should work naturally together rather than being grouped simply to increase the order total.
2. Offer Quantity Discounts
Encourage customers to buy additional units with transparent discounts.
An example might be buying three units at a lower per-unit price.
Quantity discounts are particularly useful for products that customers regularly replenish.
3. Introduce Buy One, Get One Promotions
BOGO offers can encourage larger purchases when the deal provides genuine value.
Clearly explain eligible products, conditions, and discount amounts.
4. Recommend Complementary Products
A shopper purchasing a camera might also need a protective case or memory card.
Relevant recommendations are more useful than displaying unrelated products.
5. Use a Free Shipping Threshold
Consider offering free shipping above a defined cart value when your margins allow it.
For example, a customer with a $42 cart might add an appropriate $10 accessory to qualify for free shipping at $50.
6. Improve Your Cart Drawer
A side cart allows customers to review selected items without leaving their current page.
It can also display genuinely relevant recommendations or progress toward a shipping offer.
7. Offer Premium Product Options
Customers may prefer a higher-priced version when it provides meaningful additional benefits.
Clearly communicate differences between basic and premium options.
8. Use Product Comparison Sections
Comparison tables help shoppers evaluate features, sizes, and product variations.
They can also make premium options easier to understand.
9. Create Seasonal Product Packages
Holiday gifts, summer essentials, and back-to-school packages can simplify purchasing decisions.
Keep seasonal offers relevant and update them when the promotion ends.
10. Measure AOV Alongside Profitability
Track AOV, conversion rate, gross margin, and revenue per visitor.
A discount that increases cart size but substantially reduces profit may not be a successful strategy.
Common AOV Mistakes
Avoid recommending expensive unrelated products, offering discounts without checking margins, and overwhelming customers with repeated upsell prompts.
Your goal is to help customers find additional value, not force unnecessary purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase Shopify AOV without raising prices?
Use bundles, relevant recommendations, quantity offers, and appropriate shipping incentives.
Are bundles effective for every Shopify store?
Not necessarily. They work best when products have a logical relationship and provide genuine customer value.
Should I prioritize AOV or conversion rate?
Monitor both. A higher AOV is less useful if too many customers abandon their purchases.
Conclusion
Increasing Shopify average order value requires understanding what customers need beyond their initial product selection.
Product bundles, useful recommendations, and convenient cart experiences can encourage larger orders while improving the overall shopping journey.
Focus on relevant offers, transparent pricing, and sustainable profit.
Recommended Shopify Apps to Increase AOV
Section Kit Bundles Shopify listing
Section Kit Bundles
Create product bundles, BOGO promotions, and quantity discounts that encourage customers to purchase complementary items.Explore Section Kit Bundles
SA Sticky Add to Cart Drawer
Present relevant recommendations and shopping cart progress information without redirecting customers away from product browsing.Explore Sticky Add to Cart
Section Kit: Theme Sections
Showcase bundle benefits, product comparisons, and promotional sections through customizable Shopify layouts.Explore SectionKit
Additional Shopify apps to explore:
| App | Relevant capability |
|---|---|
| AB Sales Popup | Sales activity and genuine urgency |
| SA Trust Badges | Trust and payment messaging |
| SA Product Reviews & UGC | Customer feedback |
| PA AI Image Generator | Product photography |
| AI Theme Code Editor | Theme enhancements |
| PA Claude Connector | Store analysis and content assistance |
| PA Cart Icons Library | Cart icon customization |
| PA Powered By Remover | Footer customization |
| Custom Cursor | Desktop storefront personalization |
