Shopify Post Purchase Upsell: What It Is, Why It Works, and How to Do It Right

| Last Updated: August 05, 2025

Post Purchase Upsell

Introduction

You’ve done the hard part: convinced someone to buy. But here’s the question: Are you leaving money on the table after the checkout button is clicked?

That’s where post-purchase upsells come in.

For Shopify store owners looking to increase average order value (AOV) without messing with front-end conversions, this is hands down one of the highest-ROI tactics available.

Let’s walk through what post-purchase upsells are, why they matter, and how you can start using them right now inside your Shopify store, with zero friction for the customer and massive potential for revenue growth.

What Is a Post-Purchase Upsell?

A post-purchase upsell is a follow-up offer presented to customers after they have checked out. Unlike a traditional upsell, it doesn’t interrupt the shopping process—it appears after the order is placed.

This moment is psychologically powerful. The customer has already said yes, their card is charged, and they’re in a trusting mindset. You’re not pushing; you’re suggesting something relevant. And with payment info already saved, accepting is frictionless—just one click.

Why Post-Purchase Upsells Outperform Pre-Sale Offers?

Shoppers hate interruptions. Pre-checkout upsells can be annoying, causing cart abandonment. Post-purchase offers avoid that entirely by:

  • Preserving conversions (checkout is complete)
  • Offering one-click add-ons (no re-entering payment info)
  • Using purchase data for relevant, contextual offers

This isn’t aggressive selling—it’s smart timing with the right data.

Real Example: The Water Bottle That Sold a Straw

Custom Registration Form

Someone buys a $40 insulated bottle. Right after purchase, they’re shown a $9 straw lid. No hard sell—just “Hey, you might need this too.”

One click, it’s added. No checkout hassle.

Multiply that by 500 orders/month = $4,000+ in extra revenue with no extra traffic, ads, or funneling. That’s the power of post-purchase upsells.

What Makes a Great Post-Purchase Offer?

The offer must be:

  • Relevant to the original purchase
  • Simple—no long sales page
  • Quick to accept—just one click

Examples include:

  • Accessories (case, lid, strap)
  • Bundles (3-pack at discount)
  • Digital add-ons (PDF guide, warranty)
  • Subscription upgrades

When Should You Use a Post-Purchase Upsell?

Almost always. Key placements include:

  • Immediately after checkout: Most effective spot
  • Thank-you page: Ideal for upgrades/bundles
  • Email receipt: Less effective but still helpful

How Custlo Simplifies Shopify Post-Purchase Upsells

Think it’s too technical? Not with Custlo. Our app works natively inside Shopify and doesn’t require coding.

  • Pre-built offer templates
  • Triggers based on order/product/tag
  • A/B testing tools

Whether you’re a solo founder or scaling brand, Custlo helps you launch upsells in minutes without dev time.

Tips for Crafting Offers That Convert

  • Make it time-sensitive: Limit to that session or a few minutes
  • Use a single CTA: One product, one offer
  • Bundle with purpose: Help users “complete the set”
  • Keep copy short: Lead with value and support with price

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Offering what they just bought
  • Irrelevant items
  • Overpriced products with no clear value
  • Too many offers in a row

Respect the post-checkout moment. Don’t feel spammy.

Measuring Success

Track these metrics:

  • Conversion rate on the upsell
  • Average order value (AOV)
  • Incremental revenue
  • Decline rate

Custlo gives you built-in analytics to monitor and optimize your strategy.

Final Thoughts: This Is Revenue You Already Earned

You’ve already paid to get the customer. Don’t let them walk away when they’re most engaged.

Post-purchase upsells are your highest-ROI move for increasing revenue without new traffic.

Custlo makes it easy to implement, test, and grow—without code, stress, or delay.

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