Order Bumps and Upsells: How to Raise Your Average Order Value
Getting a customer is the expensive part. Selling them a little more at checkout is almost free. How order bumps, upsells and bundles work, with examples for Ghanaian shops.
You've paid for the advert, the content and the reply. The customer is at checkout, wallet out. This is the cheapest moment you'll ever have to sell them something else.
Order bumps and upsells use that moment. Done well, they raise your average order without annoying anyone, and they make your adverts more profitable overnight.
Three ways to sell more per order
Order bumps
A small tick-box offer on the checkout page, before payment. "Add a sneaker cleaning kit for GH₵ 45." One tap, no extra page.
Works best for: cheap, related add-ons that make the main purchase better.
Upsells
An offer shown straight after payment. "Thanks for your order. Add a second pair at 20% off, delivered together?" The customer accepts with one tap, without re-entering details.
Works best for: a bigger or premium version, a second unit, or a complementary product.
Bundles
Products grouped together at one price, chosen before checkout. "Hair care set: shampoo, conditioner and oil, GH₵ 280 instead of GH₵ 330."
Works best for: products people often buy together, and gifts.
Examples for Ghanaian shops
| Business | Order bump | Upsell | Bundle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sneaker shop | Cleaning kit, socks | Second pair at a discount | Sneaker and cap set |
| Skincare | Travel-size version | 3-month supply | Morning and night routine |
| Fashion | Matching accessory | Second colour | Complete outfit |
| Electronics | Screen protector, case | Extended warranty | Phone, charger and earbuds |
| Food | Extra sauce or drink | Family size | Party pack |
| Courses | Templates or workbook | Coaching call | Full course library |
Rules that keep it working
- Make it relevant. A bump that improves the main purchase feels like help. A random product feels like a trick.
- Keep bumps small. A good rule is a modest share of the main order's price.
- Make it one tap. No new forms.
- Be honest about the price. Show it clearly.
- Don't stack too many. One bump and one upsell is plenty.
- Never pre-tick boxes. Let the customer choose.
Why this matters for adverts
Your adverts cost the same whether a customer spends GH₵ 200 or GH₵ 260. A higher average order means a higher return on ad spend from the same campaigns. That can turn a break-even campaign into a profitable one, and lets you outbid competitors for attention. See ROAS explained.
How to set it up
Many e-commerce platforms support bumps and upsells through built-in features or apps. PayLead includes order bumps and post-payment upsells in its checkout. Whatever you use, test with a real order to make sure the extra item is added to the order and the payment is right.
Measure it
Track:
- Take rate: how many buyers accept the bump or upsell.
- Average order value before and after.
- Checkout completion rate. If it drops, your offers are getting in the way.
Test different offers and prices. The best bump is often one you'd never have guessed.
Common questions
Will upsells annoy my customers?
Not if they're relevant, optional and honest. Many customers appreciate a useful suggestion.
What if the customer wants to remove it later?
Make it easy to remove or refund. Good will is worth more than one add-on.
If you'd like a checkout with bumps and upsells built for you, see our sales funnels and checkout on PayLead.