Shopify Post-Purchase Upsell: A Comprehensive Guide For More Sales (2025)

You made the sale. That’s awesome. But now what?

Most Shopify sellers stop there, thinking the hard part is over. But the truth is, the moment after checkout is one of your biggest missed opportunities. In fact, selling to an existing customer has a 60–70% success rate, while selling to a new customer is just 5–20%.

With the right Shopify post-purchase upsell strategy, you can increase order value, build customer loyalty, and grow your revenue, without spending a cent more on ads.

This guide will show you exactly how to tap into that hidden potential. You’ll learn what post-purchase upsells are, why they outperform pre-purchase ones, and how to set up two proven channels: thank you page offers and post-purchase email campaigns. Plus, we’ll walk you through real examples, tools, and common mistakes to avoid.

1. Overview of Shopify Post Purchase Upsells

Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is a Shopify post-purchase upsell?

It’s a targeted offer shown to customers after they’ve completed their purchase, usually on the thank-you page or the order confirmation screen. This is very different from pre-purchase upsells, which appear while the customer is still shopping, often on product pages or in the cart. At that stage, they can still hesitate or abandon their order.

What makes a Shopify upsell after checkout so effective is its perfect timing. The customer has already made a decision and followed through — their wallet is out, their trust is earned. That’s what makes it such a low-friction, high-opportunity moment. Instead of disrupting the purchase process, you’re enhancing it with something relevant, helpful, and easy to add with just one click.

So why are Shopify post-purchase upsells worth your attention?

First, they’re frictionless — the buying decision is already made, so adding one more item feels easy and low-pressure. That’s exactly why these offers tend to convert better than pre-purchase upsell offers. You’re simply riding the momentum.

Second, they boost both your order value and long-term revenue. One smart offer after checkout can increase the total cart size, while also giving customers a reason to come back. And because you’re upselling to someone who’s already bought, you’re not spending extra on ads — you’re just making the most of the traffic you already paid for.

All of this makes post-purchase upsells one of the most efficient and effective ways to grow your store. And in the next section, we’ll walk you through two proven channels you can use to start seeing results right away.

2. Two ways to create post-purchase upsell offers on Shopify

Among the different ways to implement post-purchase strategies, two channels consistently deliver the best results: 

• Showcase the post-purchase upsell offer on Shopify’s thank you page.
• Post-purchase Email Follow-ups

We’re about to break down both options so you can see which one (or both) fits best for your store.

2.1 Thank You Page Upsell 

The Thank You Page (or order confirmation page) is what your customer sees right after they’ve completed a purchase. Typically, it’s a simple page summarizing the order details — but with the right setup, it can become a highly effective upsell spot. 

By adding a relevant offer directly on this page, you can encourage the customer to add one more item to their order, right when they’re most open to it. Best of all, many offers on this page can be accepted with just one click — no need to re-enter payment info.

When it comes to Shopify upsell apps, BOGOS stands out for its ease of use and flexibility. With 2,000+ glowing reviews, it’s a go-to tool for setting up Shopify post purchase upsell campaigns that actually convert. BOGOS lets you build custom upsell widgets right on the Thank You Page, complete with real-time product previews, variant selection, and one-click purchase functionality — all without disrupting the customer experience.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step walkthrough:

Step 1: Install the BOGOS app from the Shopify App Store and open its dashboard.

Step 2: Go to “All Offers” → click “Create Offers” → choose “Upsell Offer” → select “Thank You Page Upsell.”

Step 3: Configure the upsell basics:

• Name your upsell for internal tracking.
• Set a start and end date if you want to schedule it in advance.
• Choose an upsell trigger:
  • Always Display: show the upsell on all Thank You Pages.
  • Cart Trigger: only show the upsell if the order meets certain conditions (e.g., minimum value, number of items).
  • Specific Product Trigger: Show the upsell only if the order includes certain products or items from selected collections, based on the quantity you specify.
  • Customer Trigger: target based on customer tags, location, or recent purchase activity (e.g., exclude customers who have already used a previous offer).

Step 4: Select your upsell method:

• Manual: hand-pick specific upsell products.
• Auto: sync with the Shopify Search & Discovery app to automatically suggest related products.
• Random: show random products from selected collections, vendors, or product types to keep offers fresh.

Choose how many products to display, typically 2–3 for better focus and conversion.

Step 6: (Optional but recommended) — Enable exclude products in cart to avoid showing upsell offers for items already purchased, including other variants. Then turn on variant matching so the upsell automatically matches the customer’s selected variant. This feature works with the manual method and helps increase relevance and conversions.

Step 7: Preview and publish your upsell. Make sure all details look good, then activate the widget.

Step 8: Customize your widget appearance:

• Choose between a carousel or a stacked layout.

• Adjust widget position via the Shopify theme editor (drag and drop to fit your design).

• Edit colors, content, and copy using the checkout editor so it matches your store’s branding perfectly.

Best Practices for Thank You Page Upsells 

• Use urgency and exclusivity: Add clear messages like “Only available on this page” or “24-hour exclusive offer” to create a sense of immediacy.
• Keep it simple: Limit the upsell to 1–3 items, focus on relevance, and use a clean layout. BOGOS supports both carousel and stacked views for flexibility.
• Enable one-click checkout: BOGOS makes the upsell claim process instant, with no payment info re-entry required.
• Match customer behavior: Use product, cart, or customer triggers to show offers based on what was bought or who the buyer is.
• Personalize smartly: Turn on automatic variant matching and location filters to make the offer feel custom-made.
• Rotate and refresh offers: Use the random product feature or switch between gifts, bundles, and discounts to avoid banner fatigue and keep the upsell fresh.

With BOGOS, your Thank You Page isn’t just a polite “thanks” — it’s a smart way to drive more sales without annoying your customers. Simple, effective, and honestly kind of underrated.

2.2 Post Purchase Email Upsell 

Not every customer takes your upsell right on the Thank You Page, and that’s totally fine. Some just need a little time. That’s where post-purchase email comes in. 

A post-purchase email upsell is a follow-up email sent after someone buys from your store. It suggests related items, upgrades, or bundles that go well with their purchase. The goal? Add value and maybe boost order size — without disrupting the original buying decision. This works because the customer already trusts you. They’ve made a purchase, they’re feeling good, and they’re still thinking about your brand. 

Timing and Segmentation: When to Send and Who Gets What

Now, let’s talk timing because when you send these emails matters. Here’s how timing typically plays out, depending on what you’re selling:

• Within 2 hours post-purchase: Great for accessories, small add-ons, or limited-time bundles. It rides the post-checkout excitement.
• 24–48 hours after delivery: Works well for upgrades, care kits, or product enhancers — when customers are starting to use their purchase.
• 7–14 days later: Best for consumables or subscription nudges, when the customer may be running low or starting to think about reordering.

Segmentation goes hand-in-hand with timing. You don’t want to blast the same message to every buyer. So, try grouping your customers by what they bought, how much they spent, or whether they’re new or returning.

For example:

• Target new customers with a “starter bundle” that adds value without feeling pushy.
• Recommend premium upgrades to high spenders.
• Exclude people already in a welcome series to avoid email fatigue.

Smart segmentation helps your post-purchase email feel like a thoughtful recommendation, not just another promotion.

Personalization and Offer Types: Make It Feel Made for Them

Once your timing and targeting are on point, the offer itself needs to feel personal. This goes beyond using their name. Mention what they bought. Suggest something that fits naturally with it. Help them get even more value out of their purchase.

For example: “Thanks for grabbing the Cold Brew Kit! Most of our customers also add a bag of our signature beans to complete the setup — want to give it a try?”

As for the types of offers that work? You’ve got options. Try product bundles to raise order value, premium upgrades to boost their experience, or limited-time discounts to create a little urgency. Just make sure whatever you offer actually makes sense for what they bought. The key is relevance, not just throwing random items at them.

Strategic Email Sequence: Don’t Just Send One and Done

Instead of one generic email, build a short 2–3 part sequence that guides the customer naturally toward your upsell, without overwhelming them.

Here’s a basic structure:

• Email 1: Thank You + Soft Suggestion (0–24h after purchase)

Start with a warm thank-you and confirm the order. Then subtly introduce a related item. Use language like “This pairs well with your order” or “Complete your setup with this.”

• Email 2: Add Value + Nurture (2–5 days later)

Share useful content — tips, tutorials, customer photos — related to what they bought. Then position the upsell as something that enhances their experience.

• Email 3: Urgency + Final Reminder (7–10 days later)

Reintroduce the offer with a small incentive. A time-limited discount, low stock alert, or “Only available this week” message can help nudge action without sounding aggressive.

This sequence gives customers space while keeping the offer visible and valuable.

To make all of this work smoothly, you’ll need an email marketing tool that integrates well with your store. Here are some of the top picks for running Shopify upsell after checkout email flows:

• Klaviyo (4.7★ with 2,300+ reviews) – Advanced segmentation, powerful automations, and AI insights. Ideal for brands that want to scale personalized campaigns.
• Omnisend (4.7★ with 2,800+ reviews) – Easy to set up with Shopify, supports multi-channel (email, SMS, popups), and has detailed analytics.
• Shopify Email (4.7★ with 1,700+ reviews) – Native, straightforward, and free for the first 10,000 emails/month. Great if you want simplicity and fast setup.

For a bit of real-world inspiration, take a page from Dollar Shave Club. They keep their emails casual. Right after confirming your order, they slide in a “TOSS MORE IN?” section with low-cost, related products. It feels like a friendly reminder rather than a pushy pitch.

Harry’s takes a smart, subtle approach to post-purchase email upselling. Right after confirming the customer’s order, they keep the tone positive and reassuring with a line like “You’re in for a great shave.” Then, instead of diving into a hard sell, they offer a helpful tip — “How to make your blades last longer” — and suggest a razor stand as a solution.

What I’ve noticed across these brands is that the best post-purchase emails don’t feel like sales emails. They’re clear, relevant, and always come from a place of adding value — whether it’s finishing a set, upgrading your experience, or just saying thanks.

If I had to break it down into a formula, it’d be something like:

• Start with a warm tone — thank the customer or remind them what they bought
• Add a relevant suggestion that makes sense (not just another product, but a natural next step)
• Keep the design clean and the CTA simple
• Optional: throw in a light incentive or soft urgency (but don’t overdo it)

At the end of the day, the best upsell emails are about timing, context, and making the customer feel like you genuinely get what they need next.

3. Common Mistakes in Post-Purchase Upsells & How to Fix Them

4. Best Practices For Post-Purchase Upsell on Shopify

So, what should new merchants keep in mind to optimize their activities and create appealing Shopify post-purchase upsell deals?

Here is our guide to succeed with this strategy and make more sales:

Utilize one-click upsell

Make the purchasing process as seamless as possible by implementing one-click upsell functionality. This allows customers to add recommended products to their order with a single click, without having to re-enter payment information.

One-click upsells work particularly well because they eliminate friction from the buying process. When customers can instantly add complementary products without additional checkout steps, conversion rates typically increase significantly.

Timing is key

The very first thing to focus on is the timing setup for this offer.

You need to present the upsell immediately after the checkout is completed. This is when the buyer is still highly engaged, has a shopping mindset, and is ready to spend.

If they decline your first Shopify upsell after checkout, consider sending follow-up offers.

The offer should be sent via email or SMS after a short period, such as within 24 hours. An email marketing service can help you automate this process and deliver personalized emails in bulk.

Focus on relevance and personalization.

Always recommend additional items that go well and add genuine value to the buyer’s original purchase. For instance, if they bought a smartphone, offer accessories like earphones or phone cases.

Besides relevance, you should focus on personalization. Use customer data, including their browsing behavior and purchase history, to personalize upsells that are more likely to be accepted.

Clear value proposition

When you propose an upsell deal, clearly explain how the recommended products can enhance the value of their initial order. Emphasize the benefits rather than just the features to motivate their shopping decision.

If you want to make the offers more attractive, attach them with exclusive discounts, limited-time promotions, or bundles. Buyers are more likely to purchase upsell products if they come with extra benefits.

Leverage customer experience

As you present Shopify post-checkout upsell deals, ensure they do not interrupt the customer’s shopping experience. Pushy or aggressive tactics will likely backfire and cause them discomfort while browsing your store.

Another note is to use clear and concise messaging on your offers to avoid confusion. Make it simple for customers to understand what they are being suggested and why they should have it. 

Regarding compliance and transparency, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, your upsell items should have clear prices and avoid hidden costs. Second, buyers should be able to opt out of these offers if they are not interested, maintaining a positive experience.

Monitor and optimize

To gauge the success of your strategy, you need to monitor crucial metrics, such as AOV, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction. Then, use the collected insights to refine your upsell strategies and continually improve conversion rates.

Many merchants integrate their Shopify stores with Google Analytics to get a detailed overview of their promotions’ performance.

Third-party apps like BOGOS, Selleasy, or ReConvert are also helpful solutions for creating upsell offers and monitoring their performance. This software has built-in tracking and analytics systems to ensure your campaigns are continually optimized.

5. Conclusion

Considering the various stages of a customer journey, you will find that Shopify post-purchase upsell is one of the most effective methods. Since customers have just purchased from your store, they will likely grab relevant upsell deals for a complete solution.

In general, this type of upselling adds more value to customers’ orders while making more sales and enhancing their satisfaction. There are multiple benefits that come with this strategy, but at the same time, it is still cost-effective even for newbies.

Would you try activating post-purchase upsell on Shopify in your next campaign? Use third-party software to yield the best results!

6. FAQs