How to Increase Average Order Value in WooCommerce: Proven Strategies

One of the key ways to boost the profitability of an online business is by increasing the average order value. In practice, this is more profitable than handling many small orders that add up to the same amount for several reasons:

• Lower operational costs for order processing. Orders don’t magically reach customers with the press of a button. They need to be packed, shipped to a logistics company’s warehouse, and supported throughout the checkout process or in case of returns. For service-based businesses, employees must handle the details of each transaction. The more transactions there are, the more time is spent for the same financial outcome.
• Savings on logistics. The larger the order volume, the lower the per-unit shipping cost. This is especially important for companies with fixed or minimum delivery fees. The same principle applies when working with logistics and postal service providers.
• Increased profit margins. When the average order value rises due to higher-priced items or additional sales (upselling and cross-selling), the proportion of fixed costs (such as logistics and payment processing fees) decreases, leading to greater profitability.
• Warehouse optimization. Processing a large number of small orders increases warehouse workload—more movements are required for picking, packing, and shipping. A single large order simplifies logistics operations.
• Lower payment processing fees. Payment systems often charge a flat fee per transaction. If the total order value remains the same but is split into multiple smaller purchases, the absolute commission cost will be higher.
• Higher customer satisfaction. Customers who place larger orders tend to be more loyal. They understand the value of the products better and are willing to spend more. Additionally, they are less likely to request returns or file complaints.
• Increased Customer Lifetime Value (LTV). Customers who place larger orders have a higher potential for repeat purchases, especially if they buy complementary products that enhance their satisfaction.

Focusing on increasing the average order value makes a business more profitable, reduces operating costs, and improves marketing and logistics efficiency. Instead of chasing a higher volume of small orders, it’s more effective to encourage customers to increase the value of each purchase.

In this article, we’ll explore how online store owners using the WordPress platform can achieve this and what effective tools are available.

What Tools Can Help Increase Average Order Value in WordPress-Based eCommerce?

The following strategies have proven effective in increasing average order value in WordPress-powered eCommerce stores:

• Upselling and Cross-selling
• Bundle offers and bundle discounts
• Minimum order amount for free shipping
• Loyalty programs and reward points
• Personalized recommendations

All of these tools help motivate customers to spend more in a single transaction. Let’s take a closer look at how each one works.

Upsell and Cross-sell in eCommerce: High Efficiency with Low Costs for Attracting New Customers

Upsell is when a customer is offered a more expensive or enhanced version of the product they’re already planning to buy. For example, if a customer intends to buy a smartphone with 128 GB of memory, the store might suggest upgrading to a 256 GB version for just a little more than the original price.

Cross-sell involves offering additional products that complement the main purchase, enhancing its functionality or usability. For instance, if a customer adds a laptop to their cart, the store could recommend accessories like a mouse, portable printer, extra battery, bag, or extended warranty.

How These Methods Work:

• Increase order value: The customer either upgrades to a more expensive model (Upsell) or buys additional products (Cross-sell).
• Cost-effective customer acquisition: It's cheaper to sell more to an existing customer than to attract a new one.
• Customer satisfaction: Pre-sale suggestions make the shopping experience more convenient (e.g., offered accessories save customers the time and cost of searching for them separately).

Research shows that Upselling and Cross-selling can increase the average order value by 10-30%, depending on the niche. Here are the top 5 categories where these methods work best:

• Electronics: phones, laptops, game consoles (suggest accessories, extended warranties).
• Cosmetics and perfumes: higher-end products, sets instead of single items.
• Clothing and footwear: premium materials, related accessories (belts, scarves, etc.).
• Home appliances: models with advanced features, service packages.
• Automotive products: oils, accessories, extended warranties.

Recommendations for Implementing Upsell and Cross-sell:

• Use cart suggestions before checkout (e.g., "Frequently bought together").
• Offer relevant products: Don’t generate random recommendation lists. Analyze what items are most commonly purchased together, which brands and models are in demand, and expand your product range based on this data.
• Offer bundle discounts: Provide savings on bundled items to encourage customers to buy more at once.
• Automation: Use plugins and AI algorithms to provide personalized recommendations.

When implemented correctly, Upsell and Cross-sell are highly effective strategies for increasing the average order value without the need for additional customer acquisition efforts.

Bundle Offers and Discounts: A Win-Win Strategy that Builds Trust with Customers

Bundling is the practice of selling several products together as a package at a favorable price. For example, when a customer buys a smartphone, the store offers a bundle with a protective screen and a case at a discounted rate.

Bundle Discounts involve offering a price reduction when customers buy multiple products at once. Examples include “Buy 3 t-shirts and get 15% off” or “Buy 3 items for the price of 2.”

How They Help Increase the Average Order Value:

• Encourage more purchases: Customers spend more but feel they’re getting a great deal.
• Reduce purchase resistance: When the bundle discount is substantial, it’s harder for customers to say no.
• Increase perceived value: Customers feel like they’re getting more for their money.
• Save time: Customers quickly find a valuable offer without needing to search for alternatives from competitors.

According to long-term market research, bundle offers can increase the average order value by 20-40%, especially in the following categories:

• Electronics: smartphones + accessories, laptops + mouse, printers + cartridges.
• Clothing and footwear: sets (jacket + scarf + gloves), discounts on multiple pairs of shoes.
• Cosmetics: care kits, “buy shampoo and conditioner—get a discount.”
• Home appliances: vacuum cleaners + filters, coffee machines + capsules.
• Fitness and healthy lifestyle: protein + shaker, yoga mats + resistance bands.
• Home goods: furniture + complementary accessories.

Recommendations for Implementing Bundle Offers and Discounts:

• Create logical bundles: They should complement each other, not just be random assortments.
• Use dynamic bundling: Offer bundles based on the customer's choices.
• Show the savings: Customers are more likely to buy when they see how much they’re saving (“You save 20%”).
• Promote at checkout: Suggesting a bundle at checkout increases the likelihood of purchase.

Bundle offers are a “win-win” strategy for both customers and retailers, boosting average order value and increasing customer loyalty.

Minimum Order Amount for Free Shipping: A Simple Way to Optimize Customer Experience Without Directly Pressuring Them

A minimum order amount for free shipping is a strategy where customers receive free delivery if their order exceeds a specific amount. This threshold should be set in such a way that it covers shipping costs and still allows the business to make a profit.

How the Minimum Order Amount for Free Shipping Increases the Average Order Value:

• Encourages customers to add more items: When a customer is just a small amount short of the free shipping threshold, they are more likely to add something else to their cart instead of paying for shipping.
• Boosts overall profit: The added value of the order helps offset logistics costs.
• Creates a sense of value: Customers feel like they’re getting a better deal by qualifying for free shipping.
• Reduces cart abandonment: High shipping costs may cause customers to abandon their cart, but when they see that they’re close to the free shipping threshold, they’re more likely to complete the purchase.

Studies show that offering free shipping can increase the average order value by 10-30%, especially in categories where customers are more likely to make impulse purchases or easily add low-cost items:

• Cosmetics and perfumes: Customers often add small items like balms, masks, or travel-sized products.
• Clothing and footwear: Accessories like socks, belts, or hats are easy add-ons.
• Children’s products: Toys, books, and stationery are frequently purchased with other items.
• Electronics: Often, small accessories like cables, adapters, or screen protectors are needed.
• Pet supplies: Items like food, toys, and vitamins are commonly added.
• Household goods: Cleaning products, sponges, and air fresheners are easy to include.

Recommendations for Implementation:

• Calculate the threshold carefully: Ensure that the free shipping threshold covers logistics costs and contributes to profit.
• Remind customers in the cart: For example, "Add $5 to your cart to qualify for free shipping!".
• Promote via email and ads: Remind customers of the free shipping offer to encourage visits to your store.
• Offer personalized deals: Consider giving loyal customers free shipping at a lower threshold.

Setting a minimum order amount for free shipping is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase the average order value without pressuring the customer.

Loyalty Programs and Bonus Points: A Classic eCommerce Strategy That Has Evolved

A loyalty program is a system where customers receive fixed or progressive discounts and bonuses for purchases, which they can use on future orders. Bonus points are virtual currency earned through purchases or actions like writing reviews, subscribing to newsletters, or referring friends. These points can be redeemed for discounts or gifts.

How Loyalty Programs and Bonus Points Increase the Average Order Value:

• Encourage more spending: Customers are motivated to add more to their cart to earn more points.
• Increase repeat sales: A points system incentivizes customers to return for more purchases.
• Create buying habits: Customers don’t want to lose the points they’ve accumulated, making them more likely to continue buying from the same store.
• Serve as a psychological trigger: Customers might complete an order simply to earn more points.

Research shows that loyalty programs can increase the average order value by 15-40% and the frequency of purchases by 30-50%, particularly in the following categories:

• Cosmetics and perfumes: Customers enjoy returning to buy their favorite products and use points.
• Clothing and footwear: Points are valuable for updating seasonal wardrobes.
• Home appliances and electronics: Points help cover some of the costs of accessories.
• Pet products: Frequent purchases of pet food and supplies make points very appealing.
• Fitness and health: Discounts on supplements, nutrition, and gym memberships can drive repeat purchases.
• Groceries: Regular grocery shoppers find accumulating points especially valuable.

Recommendations for Implementation:

• Offer tangible rewards: For example, customers can earn 5-10% of their order value back in points.
• Keep the system simple: Avoid complex calculations; customers appreciate an easy-to-understand accrual process.
• Set an expiration date for points: This encourages more frequent shopping.
• Reward engagement: Award points for writing reviews, subscribing, or participating in promotions.
• Use VIP levels: Loyal customers with higher activity levels could earn more points per purchase.

Loyalty programs are a powerful tool that not only boosts the average order value but also fosters customer loyalty, reducing the likelihood of customers switching to competitors.

Personalized Recommendations: Convenient Shopping for Customers, Increasing the Average Order Value for You

Personalized recommendations are product suggestions tailored to a specific user based on their behavior, preferences, and purchase history. These can include:

• Items that are frequently bought together (similar to cross-selling).
• Accessories or upgraded versions of products (similar to upselling).
• Personalized selections based on customer interests (AI algorithms analyze their preferences).

For example, if a customer is interested in running shoes, the system may suggest sportswear or fitness trackers.

How Personalized Recommendations Increase the Average Order Value:

• Increase the likelihood of additional purchases: Customers are more likely to buy relevant products when they are suggested at the right time.
• Reduce search time: When customers see items that match their needs, they make decisions faster.
• Create a personalized experience: Customers feel understood when the store suggests products aligned with their preferences.
• Stimulate impulse purchases: Attractive offers encourage customers to add more items to their cart.

Studies show that effective personalized recommendations can increase the average order value by 20-35%, particularly in these categories:

• Electronics: Accessories, gadgets, or upgrades (e.g., SSDs for laptops, phone cases).
• Clothing and footwear: Ready-to-wear outfit suggestions.
• Cosmetics: Complementary products for a complete skincare routine (e.g., cream + tonic + serum).
• Pet products: Food, treats, and toys.
• Home appliances: Pairing appliances with consumables (e.g., coffee machines with capsules, vacuum cleaners with filters).
• Books, movies, music, and courses: Recommendations based on individual preferences.

Recommendations for Implementation:

• Use AI and machine learning: These technologies can analyze purchase history and preferences to generate accurate recommendations.
• Suggest items in the cart and on the product page: Display relevant suggestions at the moment when the customer is most likely to purchase.
• Include a "People also buy" section: This can significantly boost conversion rates by showing complementary products.
• Utilize email and push notifications: Personalized selections can catch the customer’s attention through direct communication.
• Experiment with A/B testing: Test different recommendations to see which ones perform best with your audience.

Personalized recommendations are a powerful tool that not only make shopping more convenient for customers but also increase the average order value for your store with minimal effort.

Conclusions

The various strategies for increasing the average order value leverage psychological triggers and customer preferences. Here’s how they work:

• Upselling and cross-selling increase the average order value by 10-30% by offering related or more expensive products.
• Bundle offers boost the average check by 15-40% as customers perceive them as a great deal.
• Minimum order amounts for free shipping encourage additional purchases, increasing the average check by 10-30%.
• Loyalty programs and reward points not only increase the average order value (by 15-40%) but also boost repeat sales.
• Personalized recommendations can increase the average check by 20-35% thanks to precisely tailored product suggestions.

Instead of using multiple separate plugins that might overload your site, consider a unified tool like Salesmax from 8Theme. It integrates all these features into one seamless system for your eCommerce project, improving your conversion rate and average order value without compromising your site’s performance. Visit the product page to explore its full potential.