How to Choose the Right Product Bundling Strategy
Who could resist a deal where you receive more for less? If you’ve ever indulged in a combo offer at a
Product bundling can offer numerous benefits to your business, aiding in various objectives, such as boosting your average order value (AOV) and introducing new products.
In this article, we will explore different product bundling strategies and what you can achieve with each. Since each business has its own flair, think of it as a spark of inspiration rather than a strict rulebook.
Product Bundling Strategies: Examples and Benefits
There are plenty of different product bundling strategies that you can implement in your store. These strategies can cater to various customer preferences and enhance your marketing efforts.
By the way, Ecwid sellers can simplify the process of product bundling using the Product Bundles: Combine Items and Sell More app to create bundles effortlessly. Simply select the products for a bundle and specify the discount amount.
Here are some of the most common product bundle strategies:
Pure Bundles
Pure bundles are a set of products that cannot be sold separately. They are only available as a package.
This bundling strategy works best for products designed to be used together, such as a DIY box or a meal kit delivery.
It may not be a good idea to create a pure bundle out of products that are not directly connected to one another.
Benefits for a business: Offering pure bundles is a quick method to boost average order value, as customers are compelled to buy the complete package even if they need only a few items.
Pure bundles (when created thoughtfully) also help you get the most out of seasonal events, such as Christmas or Halloween. At these times, customers might be looking for a package of products tailored for a specific occasion.
Examples of pure bundles: Blue Apron is a
Another example is the Dyson Airwrap which comes with attachments:
Also, these kids’ sewing kits include fabrics, filling, and threads:
Same Product Bundles
This bundling strategy works best for products that can be used in large quantities or have a long
Think of products that are used permanently or repetitively. Oral care products, which are used every day, can make a great
Pro tip: use order history to identify what products your customers buy more than once.
Benefits for a business:
They also decrease marketing and distribution costs, as it is more
Examples of same product bundles: This 12 Pack of Lemonade from Sprecher Brewery:
Or,
Mixed Products Bundles
Mixed product bundles are packages that contain two or more different products sold together at a lower price. Unlike products in pure bundles, mixed product bundles can be purchased separately.
This bundling strategy works best for products that can be used together, such as a
Benefits for a business: This type of bundle is a great help when it comes to
Mixed product bundles make it easier to launch new products and stand out from competitors. For instance, you can create a bundle from your bestseller and a new product.
Mixed product bundles also help increase AOV by encouraging customers to purchase more items than initially planned.
Examples of mixed product bundles: A classic one is Big Mac McDonald’s Combo Meal, a burger served with fries and a drink.
Colourpop value makeup sets are another great example:
Or, this car cleaning kit from ArmorAll, which includes cleaning wipes, a car wash, glass cleaner, and other cleaning tools:
Mix-and-Match Bundles
This bundling strategy works best for products with multiple variations, such as clothing or accessories.
It is safer to give a customer the chance to choose from different items at the same cost. For example, you let your customers choose from various flavors of the same drinks.
Benefits for a business:
They also decrease marketing and distribution costs by allowing customers to select items already in inventory.
Another positive side effect is that you can see the most and the least popular product variations after some time and consider this information when restocking.
Examples of
Lane’s BBQ offers its customers the option to choose four out of eleven seasonings and the size of the bags.
Cross-Sell Bundles
This bundling strategy can be used for items with complementary products, such as fragrances and scented lotions.
When creating
Benefits for a business:
They also can be helpful during the holiday season when people tend to buy more than they planned.
Examples of
The A little something extra section at the checkout on Asos is an excellent example of
Forever 21 uses a similar approach with its Complete the look suggestion.
Upsell Bundles
Upsell bundles offer a product upgrade to the initial choice. The idea behind this strategy is to offer a customer a better version of a product for a reasonable price.
This bundling strategy is a perfect choice for products with premium options or
Benefits for a business: Upsell bundles increase AOV and customer satisfaction by offering premium options that improve the overall customer experience.
Examples of upsell bundles: Bands and loops for Apple Watch are offered when customers add watches to their carts.
Crocs allows their customers to add surprise accessories to their shoes.
Eyeglasses stores often offer additional lens protection, cases, and other ways to upgrade the initial purchase.
How to Choose a Product Bundling Strategy?
While each bundling strategy has advantages, it is important to choose those that best suit your business goals and your customers’ needs.
Here are some steps you can take to choose which bundling strategy you should try first:
Ensure the Bundle Offers Better Value Than Buying Items Separately
Before deciding on a bundle strategy, make sure that the bundled items offer a better value to customers than if they purchased the items separately.
If the bundle doesn’t provide a significant discount or doesn’t address a certain pain point, customers may not be inclined to purchase it, and it could negatively impact your sales.
Bundling a
Define Your Goals and How the Bundle Strategy Can Help Achieve Them
It is possible to have many business goals, but when choosing a product bundling strategy, focus on one or two.
Are you looking to increase AOV, reduce inventory costs, or launch new products?
Pure bundles will be perfect for an intense holiday season, but they won’t be as great at representing your customers’ preferences as
If some of your products take too long to sell, it might not be a good idea to sell them in the same product bundles. Consider including
Once you’ve identified your goals, you can review the list above and determine which bundle strategy is best for them.
Address Customer Pain Points and Solve Them with Your Bundles
Consider your customers’ pain points and how your bundles can address them. For example, if your customers often buy the same product, it can be convenient for them to buy in bulk.
Or you can put together a set where each product solves a different part of a complicated issue. Think of items like baby boxes or skincare beauty sets.
Test Different Combinations to Find the Best Fit for Your Store
Try different bundling combinations to see which ones work best for your store. You can experiment with different products, pricing, and discounts to determine what resonates with your customers.
For instance, you may find pure bundles not working for your business but notice a significant increase in sales with
Get Inspired by Effective Bundles of Other Businesses
Research big businesses that have implemented successful bundle strategies and see if you can adapt their strategy to your store.
Look at your competitors’ bundle offerings and see how you can differentiate yourself. Examples provided in this article can be a source of inspiration, too.
Implementing a successful bundle strategy can take your business to the next level and open new growth opportunities. Any of the six bundling strategies mentioned in this article can boost sales or introduce a new product.
The Product Bundles: Combine Items and Sell More app is a great help to any business owner adding bundles to their store. Feel free to experiment with different strategies, and always keep in mind both your goals and your customers’ needs.