In eCommerce, one of the smartest ways to increase the average order value without driving more traffic is upselling: offering the customer an additional or upgraded product right before they complete their purchase.
The perfect moment to do this is the cart. Our latest article explained how to use the cart to boost perceived value and skyrocket sales.
Why? Because at this point, the customer has already made a decision. The product is in their cart, they’re committed to the purchase, and their attention is focused. In this context, suggesting something extra can feel helpful, not intrusive, if you know what to offer.
In this article, we’ll share 5 types of products that are perfect for cart upsells, with examples by sector and tips to make them truly effective.
1. Practical Add-Ons
What are they?
Products that naturally complement the main item, making it more useful or complete.
Why do they work?
They’re low-cost, make clear sense, and the customer is already mentally inclined to protect or enhance their purchase.
Examples by sector:
- Fashion: garment care kits or waterproof spray with shoes.
- Beauty: brush or sponge with a foundation.
- Electronics: case or screen protector with a phone or tablet.
- Pet supplies: poop bag dispenser with snacks or pet food.
Tip: Keep the price low, the benefit obvious, and the connection with the cart product direct.
2. Upgrade or Bundle
What is it?
Offering an improved version of the product or a larger bundle for a better price.
Why does it work?
It encourages long-term savings and appeals to the desire to “go for the best.”
Examples by sector:
- Supplements: monthly pack instead of a single bottle.
- Cosmetics: XL size plus a gift.
- Home: a set of 3 candles instead of one.
- Gourmet: premium selection box for €10 more.
Tip: The customer is ready to pay. If the value jump is clear, they’ll upgrade willingly.
3. Frequently Bought Together
What is it?
A product that’s often or logically bought alongside the main one.
Why does it work?
It makes immediate sense. You save the customer an extra step and enhance their overall experience.
Examples by sector:
- Sports: water bottle with a gym bag.
- Books: bookmark or reading light with a novel.
- Fashion: socks with sneakers, belt with trousers.
- Kitchen: measuring spoon with a spice set.
Tip: Think like your customer, what might they forget and be glad you reminded them?
4. Refill or Replenishment
What is it?
Offering a second unit or a refill before the customer needs it.
Why does it work?
It saves them a future purchase. The message is: “Take care of future you.”
Examples by sector:
- Shaving: blade refills with a razor.
- Functional drinks: second pack with a discount.
- Cleaning: refill for a spray bottle.
- Beauty: second unit with 20% off.and
Tip: Especially effective for recurring-use products. Use phrases like “save time,” “always have one on hand.”
5. Emotional Accessory or Self-Gift
What is it?
A small, beautiful, or exclusive item that enhances the pleasure of the purchase.
Why does it work?
It taps into the emotional side of buying. It’s a feel-good extra that’s easy to justify.
Examples by sector:
- Wellness: scented candle with a diffuser.
- Stationery: premium notebook with a pen set.
- Art: signed print with a print order.
- Fashion: limited edition tote bag.
Tip: These upsells don’t need logic, just desire. Best if you could offer exclusivity or a limited edition.
How to Show Cart Upsells with Planet
With Planet, you can display product suggestions directly in the cart as automated upsells. You don’t need to write code or create manual rules in Planet, related or complementary products are managed through Shopify’s official app: Search & Discovery.
That’s where you define which products are related or frequently bought together. Shopify uses a recommendation algorithm that you can customize in the app, choosing what to suggest for each product.
Once that’s set up, Planet:
- Detects which products are in the cart.
- Automatically displays the related products defined in Shopify, as a visual block inside the cart.
- Allows the customer to add them with one click, smoothly and naturally.
Practical example: If you define in Shopify that the hydrating gel is related to the exfoliating sponge when a customer adds the sponge, Planet will automatically suggest the gel in the cart.
This system combines Shopify’s recommendation engine with Planet’s ability to show suggestions at the perfect moment in the buying journey, right before checkout.
Cart upselling isn’t about pushing products, it’s about enhancing the customer experience, anticipating needs, and offering real value at the right time.
When you choose the right product to suggest, because it makes sense, improves what’s already in the cart, or simply adds a touch of joy, you don’t just raise your average order value: you also strengthen the customer’s perception of your store’s quality and attention to detail.
And when you can do it automatically, frictionlessly, and at the perfect moment? The impact is even greater.
With Planet, you can do exactly that, leveraging the suggestions you configure in Shopify Search & Discovery and displaying them naturally in the cart, without any technical setup.