Master Shopify Free Gift With Purchase: 2024 Success Guide

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Brand owners on Shopify are familiar with various types of promotions, and Shopify free gift with purchase is a beneficial approach for business growth.

To implement this offer, merchants can use Shopify’s internal functionality or try third-party apps. Each method has its advantages and flaws, which will be explained in detail in this article.

Keep in mind that your ultimate goal with this promotion is to boost sales and increase customer satisfaction. Thus, you should opt for an effective strategy that benefits your Shopify store in the long run.

Continue reading to learn how to add a free gift on Shopify and optimize the process.

1. What is Shopify Free Gift With Purchase?

The free gift with purchase on Shopify is a promotion to reward customers with freebies when they meet certain requirements. These conditions can be the minimum cart value (e.g., $50) or minimum item quantity (e.g., 3 shirts).

When the system detects eligible purchases, it will automatically add the free gift to the cart or let customers choose from their gift from a list of products via the gift slider. You can configure this offer using Shopify’s default settings or third-party apps.

Shopify native discount is free to use but comes with some limitations, while a Shopify app has more advanced features but will cost an additional fee.

2. What Types of Free Gift With Purchase Can You Create On Shopify?

Here are common types of free gifts with purchases you can create on Shopify:

2.1 Buy one, get one free (BOGO)

Buy One Get One (BOGO) is a special type of Free Gift With Purchase where customers receive a similar free gift with the product they are buying in the qualifying collection. A BOGO promotion is simple but highly effective for boosting your store’s revenue. On Shopify, you can combine BOGO promotions with customer group targeting to maximize your conversion rate.

2.2 Buy X, get Y

This is similar to BOGO but differentiates in the number of items. In the “Buy X, Get Y” gifting method; Customers receive a free gift(s) (Y) when they purchase a specific quantity of products (X).

Here is an example of adding a free gift to a customer’s cart when they buy a specific product:

Here is an example of upselling another product at a discounted price when customers buy a specific product. You can also offer these products for free and let customers choose a gift.

2.3 Spend an amount to get a gift

In this Shopify free gift-with-purchase model, customers must reach a specific total cart value to receive a free gift. Shopify merchants can apply this discount to specific products, categories, or store-wide. Once the customer’s cart reaches the required total amount of spending, the system automatically offers a free gift or suggests an upsell of a relevant product at a discounted price.

Example: Spend $200 and get a free gift:

2.4 Buy a number of products to get a gift

Similar to the “Spend X amount to get Y,” in this Shopify free gift with purchase model, customers are required to purchase a number of products to get a free gift. Depending on your promotion strategy, this can be a specific product, a list of products, or a specific category.

There are several ways Shopify merchants can customize this type of offer. Here are some common methods you might consider for your Shopify store:

• Require customers to purchase a certain number of toothbrushes to receive free toothpaste.
• Offer a free towel when customers purchase two toothbrushes and one toothpaste.
• Provide a gift when customers purchase each product from a specific list.

2.5 Buy a product bundle to get a gift

Customers receive a free gift when they purchase a product bundle of the same items or a group of listed products. Different from the ‘Buy X, Get Y’ method, Shopify merchants can still offer this bundle at a discounted price while also providing a free gift as an extra incentive for customers.

Example: Buy a pack of hair care products and get 2 razors.

2.6 Tiered gift with purchase

A tiered gift with purchase is a promotional strategy where customers receive different gifts based on the amount they spend or the quantity of items they purchase. This type of offer is often displayed as tiers. When customers move up to different tiers, they will receive bigger discounts or more valuable gifts. Here are two examples of tiered gifts with purchase offers on Shopify:

Based on cart quantity:

• Buy 2 toothbrushes to get a towel.
• Buy 3 toothbrushes to get a toothpaste.
• Buy 4 toothbrushes to get a towel and a toothpaste.

Based on total cart value:

• Spend 100$ to get a towel.
• Spend 200$ to get a toothpaste.
• Spend 300$ to get a towel and a toothpaste.

This method requires merchants to use a third-party extension from the Shopify App Store. However, there is an alternative way to create a tiered gift-with-purchase offer using Shopify’s discount code feature. This option doesn’t require an app but does require customers to manually enter a discount code during checkout to receive the gift. Also, clear communication is crucial to ensure customers fully understand the benefits.

Read more: How to Get First Sale on Shopify? 14 Best Tips

3. Two Simple Methods To Create Free Gifts With Purchase On Shopify

There are 2 common ways to create a Shopify free gift with purchase promotion for your store. Merchants can choose between using Shopify’s automatic discounts and third-party apps.

3.1 Shopify’s native functionality

This approach is accessible to all brand owners on Shopify, as you can build the campaign directly on this platform.

The promotion integrates seamlessly with your product collections and checkout process. Since it is a built-in feature, there is less chance of incompatibility.

Overall, Shopify offers this functionality to support stores in activating basic free gift promotions. Any business that needs a simple and cost-effective sales solution should opt for this strategy.

3.2 Third-party discount apps

At the same time, there are specialized Shopify free gift software that enable advanced and more customizable discount options. Those wanting to leverage their campaigns with tiered gifts or product bundles will be interested here.

Such an app automates the process of Shopify add free gift to cart. It enhances customer experience, which helps increase their satisfaction and boost sales.

Promotion displays powered by this app are intuitive and visually attractive to intrigue buyers. The app often includes features like banners and pop-ups to promote the discount message.

Additionally, a third-party platform comes with detailed analytics and reports for better insights into your performance.

Of course, merchants need to plan a budget to pursue this method. Nonetheless, it will be worth the investment.

4. How To Set Up Free Gift With Purchase With Shopify Native Discount

Below is a comprehensive guide on how to add free gifts with purchases with Shopify automatic discount from the admin panel.

4.1 Step-by-step guide to creating automatic Free Gift With Purchase

Step 1:

Visit your Shopify store dashboard > Click Discounts and choose Buy X get Y.

The buy X get Y promotion lets customers receive a free gift(s) (Y) when they purchase a specific quantity of products (X).

Choose the Automatic discount method and name the free gift.

Step 2:

Choose the minimum quantity of items if you want customers to buy a specific number of products. Choose the minimum purchase amount if you want them to spend a particular amount of money.

Then, select specific products or collections. Repeat these steps for the Customer gets section and click Free.

Decide whether to combine this offer with other available discounts. You can also set a maximum number of promotions used per order, e.g., only once or multiple times.

Lastly, set the start and end times for the promotion.

After meeting the conditions, the customer will be automatically entitled to a free gift at checkout.

4.2 Common challenges and solutions with the Shopify native discount

Despite the simplicity and convenience of using Shopify’s default settings, this method has some drawbacks.

One active discount at a time

Although the Shopify free gift-with-purchase setup process is simple, you can only run one discount at a time. This means customers cannot combine the free gift deal with other offers, limiting promotional flexibility.

Solution: Use Shopify apps that allow multiple discounts to be stacked without overlap. Such software can enable various discounts in one transaction.

Free gift not automatically added to cart

One of the most noticeable disadvantages is that Shopify does not support adding the gift automatically to the cart. Customers must claim the freebie manually, which may cause confusion or missed opportunities.

Solution: Your potential solution is using third-party services, which automatically add the free gift to the cart once the requirements are met.

5. Recommended Shopify Free Gift With Purchase app

Other than setting up the promotion with Shopify, you can try external software for a more sophisticated experience. Find out more below:

5.1 Overview of popular apps

BOGOS is a widely trusted Shopify free gift with purchase app that allows you to create discount deals and free gifts.

It is designed to help merchants set up enticing promotions that increase their store revenue and enhance customer experience.

If you are not yet satisfied with Shopify’s native features, BOGOS is the ideal choice for generating and managing Shopify’s free gift-with-purchase offers. The platform allows you to customize complex gift conditions for more powerful campaigns.

BOGOS has some highlight features that can do merchants a great favor:

• Create and run multiple offers simultaneously: buy one, get one, tiered value offers, gift with purchase, and free or discounted gifts.
• Reward unique gifts for specific customer segments to gain better retention and satisfaction.
• Built-in integrations for cart drawers, translate apps, themes, subscriptions, and more.

Shopify rating: 4.9/5

Customer support: Documentation, FAQs, live chat, email, video call

Pricing: $23.99 – $79.99 per month

5.2 Detailed setup guides

5.3 Pros and cons of using apps vs. shopify native discount

Let’s compare the benefits and shortcomings of activating Shopify free gifts with purchases with 2 different methods.

Shopify native discount

Pros:

• Simplicity: Easy to configure directly within Shopify with a simple process for creating promotions and discounts.
• Budget-friendly: No extra costs since it is Shopify’s built-in settings; suitable for small brands with a humble budget.
• Integration: Integrates seamlessly with your product collections and checkout process; less chance of compatibility problems.
• Control: Direct control over the promotion details to adjust or remove them as needed.

Cons:

• Limited functionality: Basic tools may not cover complex promotion needs; lack advanced customization and flexibility.
• Manual work and management: Each offer requires manual setup, which can be time-consuming if you manage multiple promotions.
• Visibility and reporting: Low visibility into the promotion’s performance and impact; limited tracking and reporting.

Third-party discount apps

Pros:

• Automation: Enables the auto add-to-cart function after setup, reducing manual work for both merchants and customers.
• Advanced features: Offers more customizable and complex discount conditions, including buy X get Y, tiered gifts, etc.
• Enhanced customer experience: Provides a better user experience with intuitive and visually attractive promotion displays, often including promotion messages, pop-ups, banners, etc.
• Analytics and reporting: Tracking and reports on promotion performance to analyze its effectiveness.

Cons:

• Cost: Additional monthly subscription costs may add up for small businesses with a tight budget.
• Complexity: Includes more complicated features, requiring a learning curve to fully understand.

6. Customizing Your Free Gift Offer With BOGOS

We have some customization tips for your free gift promotions with the BOGOS app to make them clearer and more appealing to customers.

6.1 Defining Gift Rules

When defining gift rules in the BOGOS app, you need to outline specific conditions for when gifts are awarded. Below are detailed guides for creating these rules based on cart value, specific products, and product bundles.

Gift based on cart value

Set a minimum purchase amount condition for the customer to qualify for a free gift.

Decide which item the customer receives once their cart value is eligible: a specific item, a product selection, or a discount for future purchases.

Example: Spend $100 and get a free mug. BOGOS checks the total cart value and automatically adds a mug once the threshold is met.

Gift for specific products

Identify specific items that, when the customer purchases, they will be eligible for a free gift.

Here, you must specify the gift associated with each qualified product. Make sure the freebie is appealing and related to the purchased product.

Example: Buy any 2 skincare products and get a free sample. BOGOS monitors the cart with 2 items and automatically adds the sample.

Buy a bundle to get a gift.

Create bundles of items that, when purchased together, the customer will be eligible for a free gift.

These products are not necessarily the same items; it depends on your configuration for this promotion. Each bundle should have a different gift: a sample, an accessory, or a complementary product.

Example: Buy a laptop and a mouse, get a free mouse pad. BOGOS detects both items in the cart and automatically adds the mouse pad.

A few other advanced settings that increase customer engagement and boost conversion rates:

Customer segments targeting

• Identification:

Define your customer segments according to demographics, behavior, purchase history, loyalty status, etc. For instance, new customers, referred buyers, VIP customers, etc.

• Segment-specific offers:

Tailor gift rules for different segments. New customers may receive a welcome gift on their first buy, while loyal ones get a freebie for every third purchase.

• Personalization:

Add personalized messages and offers for each segment. For example, “Welcome back, [customer name]. Enjoy a gift for your next purchase.”

Example: The VIP list gets a premium gift with every purchase over $150. Merchants need to assign the premium gift rule to the VIP segment, and BOGOS will check the customer status and cart value to activate the offer.

Offer priority

• Priority levels:

Build a hierarchy of promotions to ensure that the most beneficial deal is applied when a customer meets multiple conditions. For example, a high-value gift for VIP buyers may take precedence over a general offer.

• Conflict resolution:

Define specific rules to handle conflicting offers. Determine whether the customer can combine these promotions or if only the highest priority deal applies.

Example: If a buyer qualifies for both a general discount gift and a VIP gift, the latter takes precedence. BOGOS automatically applies the highest priority offer based on your chosen priority levels.

Magic link

• Create links:

Generate unique Shopify discount URLs that, when the customer clicks on them, the system automatically applies specific gifts or offers. The URLs can be distributed via SMS, email, or social media.

• Tracking:

Track the links’ performance to analyze the effectiveness of each campaign and customer engagement.

• Expiry and security:

Create a sense of urgency by setting expiration dates for magic links. Also, ensure they are secure to prevent misuse.

Example: Customers clicking a promotional link on Facebook get a free gift for their next purchase. BOGOS recognizes the link in the social media campaign and automatically adds a gift.

Location targeting

• Geofencing:

Use geofencing to create location-based offers that target buyers in specific locations. For instance, customers visiting a physical shop or a particular region will get a free gift.

• Regional promotions:

Set up promotions tailored to regional events and preferences. Consider offering a gift related to a holiday or local festival.

• Location detection: 

Utilize IP address and GPS information to track customer locations and apply suitable promotions.

Example: Customers purchasing within a specific town receive a city-themed gift. BOGOS uses geofencing to detect their locations and apply the relevant gift rule based on that.

6.2 Customizing the Presentation

Learn how to use BOGOS to customize Shopify free gifts with purchases that you like.

Today offer

Define a clear offer for the day (BOGO, buy X get Y, tiered gift, etc.). Add a banner on your home page to highlight the promotion.

Make sure that this offer is prominently displayed on relevant product pages to capture attention.

Cart message

When a customer adds a qualified product to their cart, show a message notifying them of the free gift. Give clear instructions on how to claim the freebie, such as “Redeem your gift here.”

Cart slider customization

The cart slider should highlight the promotion and the free gift. You can update this feature dynamically to showcase the addition of a free gift.

Free gift icon

Design or select an icon that represents the free gift. Display this icon next to the eligible item and in the cart.

7. Free Gift With Purchase Best Practices And Tips

Check out some of the most helpful practices and tips to leverage the promotion and gain recognizable results.

7.1 Ensuring a seamless user experience

The checkout process largely determines the success of your free gift promotion.

Therefore, merchants must simplify this step to make it hassle-free for buyers. That way, you can ensure a seamless user experience and increase sales.

Despite having 2 available ways to set up this deal, remember that Shopify’s built-in tools do not support the auto add to cart feature. Consider using third-party apps like BOGOS to automate the procedure, minimizing manual work for your customers.

They will not need to click on anything or enter a promo code to claim the gift.

Other tips for clear communication and instruction:

Clear communication on product pages

Display banners at the top of your website or on relevant product pages so customers know about the free gift offer. Include details about the gift in product descriptions of eligible items.

Visual confirmation

For customers to see the free gift before checking out, display it prominently in the cart. On the checkout page, you can reiterate the inclusion of this gift.

Inventory management

Make sure you closely track the free gift inventory to avoid overselling. In case a gift runs out of stock, notify customers in advance or provide an alternative.

7.2 Monitoring and optimizing free gift campaigns

If you want to maximize the effectiveness of your Shopify free gift-with-purchase campaign, you must utilize reliable analytics tools. Based on the data insights collected, you will be able to adjust your strategies for improvement.

A few options include:

Shopify Analytics

This approach is suitable for brand owners who want to set up promotions using Shopify’s internal functionality. The platform offers some basic tracking and reports, such as sales, discounts, and customer reports.

As a built-in feature, it is totally cost-free for merchants with a tight budget. However, those wanting to grow their businesses may find these reports not advanced enough to deliver more complex data.

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a popular tracking and reporting platform that integrates with various others, including your Shopify store. After linking your shop with this tool, enable e-commerce tracking to get reports on transactions and revenue.

The UTM parameters on this platform help you track the promotion’s performance. You can also set up goals, track conversions, and measure the campaign’s effectiveness.

Third-party apps

Using a Shopify app like BOGOS is a brilliant move for merchants to boost their store growth. It provides detailed analytics by measuring crucial metrics to let you manage and adjust any drawback in a timely manner.

Key metrics to track:

• Conversion rate: The percentage of visitors who purchase using the free gift promotion.
• Average order value (AOV): Check whether the offer increases the average spend rate per customer.
• Customer acquisition cost (CAC): Identify if this promotion reduces the cost of acquiring new customers.
• Return on investment (ROI): Calculate your promotion’s ROI by comparing the generated revenue to the free gift cost.

7.3 Avoiding common pitfalls

Avoid these common mistakes when implementing a free gift with purchase offer on Shopify:

Lack of clear communication

In some cases, you may not inform your customers clearly about the free gift offer.

To solve this, display the deal prominently through banners, pop-ups, and product page notifications. Ensure its conditions are straightforward and easy to understand.

Lack of free gift highlight in cart

If you fail to show the free gift on the checkout page or in the cart, customers will be uncertain about their chance to receive it.

Thus, you must make the free gift visible in the cart summary and checkout page. This will confirm that they get it and increase their satisfaction.

Complicated redemption process

The Shopify add free gift to cart process should be automated. You will likely lose customers if you require them to follow complex steps or enter a promo code to get the gift.

Configure the codes using Shopify’s native features, or try BOGOS to automatically add the gift to the cart once the discount conditions are met.

Ignore inventory management

Not managing your free gift inventory may lead to stockouts and disappointed buyers. Remember to track this inventory accurately and set up alerts for low stock. Plan in advance for out-of-stock scenarios, such as notifying customers beforehand or offering alternative gifts.

Set unrealistic purchase conditions.

If you set the minimum purchase requirement too high, it will deter customers from qualifying for their gift. You should set realistic purchase conditions based on the average order value and your customer base.

Consider testing different thresholds to find the appropriate level.

8. Conclusion

It is perfectly alright to use Shopify’s default settings if you are new to ecommerce and want to take experimental steps. This method is highly accessible, easy to set up and initiate, and comes with the necessary features to manage your campaigns.

Nonetheless, if you want to leverage your business and enhance customer satisfaction with purchases, consider using apps like BOGOS to create a Shopify free gift with purchases

Moreover, third-party software often comes with various high-end tools to yield better promotional results. It will be worthy of your investment.

9. FAQs