The Psychology Behind Product Bundling (Shopify)

Learn How Product Bundling (Shopify) Works and Use it the Way The Top Shopify Stores Do

product bundling shopify

Why Customers Leave Money on the Table

Most Shopify store owners assume that customers will buy everything they need in one order. But in reality, customers don’t always realize what’s missing until it’s too late.

They buy a coffee maker but forget the filters. They purchase a laptop but don’t think about a wireless mouse. They order a gaming console but forget the extra controllers.

And when they finally realize they need those extra items? They don’t always come back to your store. Instead, they buy from a competitor, and you lose an easy upsell.

That’s why frequently bought together recommendations work so well. If your store shows the right product pairings at the right moment, customers are far more likely to add more to their cart before they check out.

Shopify’s Frequently Bought Together Report helps store owners identify which products are most commonly purchased together—taking the guesswork out of bundling and maximizing sales.

How Buying Psychology Drives Bigger Orders

Shoppers don’t just add extra items for no reason. There’s a clear psychological pattern behind why they choose to buy more when given the right recommendations.

The most effective product pairings work because they:

  • Enhance the main purchase – A tripod makes a camera more functional, a wireless charger improves a smartphone experience
  • Prevent frustration – A printer without ink is useless, a razor without extra blades won’t last
  • Create an easy decision – Instead of making customers search for what they need, the store recommends the right items for them

When an add-on feels essential rather than optional, customers don’t feel like they’re spending more—they feel like they’re making a smarter purchase.

How to Get Customers to Buy More Without Feeling Pressured

No one likes pushy sales tactics, but customers appreciate helpful recommendations—as long as they feel natural and useful.

Here’s how to increase order value without turning customers away:

  • Show relevant add-ons before checkout – Customers are more likely to buy while they’re still engaged in the purchase
  • Use small incentives – Offering 10% off a bundle or free shipping for a higher order total can nudge customers to add more
  • Highlight social proof – When customers see that most buyers add an accessory, they feel more confident doing the same

This is why Amazon’s “Customers also bought…” feature is so effective—it makes buying more feel like the right decision, not an upsell.

Where to Place Frequently Bought Together Suggestions for Maximum Conversions

Even the best product recommendations won’t work if customers don’t see them.

The highest-converting placements for frequently bought together recommendations are:

  1. Right below the add-to-cart button – Customers are already committed to buying, so this is a high-engagement spot
  2. Pop-ups after adding to cart – A quick “You might also need…” reminder before they leave the page
  3. Checkout page upsells – Customers making last-minute decisions often add low-cost extras

If you’re unsure which product pairings will work best, Shopify’s Frequently Bought Together Report reveals exactly which products customers already buy together, so you can place them where they drive the most sales.

Logo By the Numbers

By the Numbers

Empower your business with our Shopify Data Driven App

Shopify App Store
★★★★★ 5/5
  • ✔ Know Your Audience Behavior
  • ✔ Deep Customer Segmentation
  • ✔ Retarget With Integrations
  • ✔ All The KPIs & Reports You Need

Why Shopify’s Built-in Tools Fall Short

Shopify allows for basic product recommendations, but the system doesn’t analyze real buying patterns. The default upsell tool makes generic suggestions that don’t always match what customers actually buy together.

That’s where most store owners lose conversions—they rely on random product pairings instead of using real data.

With By the Numbers, Shopify stores can see precise buying behavior, making product pairings accurate and high-converting.

How to Build Better Product Bundles in Shopify

1. Use Data to Pick the Right Pairings

Most Shopify stores guess which products to bundle together, leading to low conversions. Instead of assuming, use real sales data to identify the best-selling product combinations.

Shopify’s Frequently Bought Together Report shows exactly which items customers buy together, so you can place the highest-converting pairings in front of shoppers.

2. Keep Product Pairings Relevant

A good upsell shouldn’t feel random—it should feel like it belongs with the main purchase. The best product pairings are:

  • Closely related – A phone case with a screen protector, a gaming keyboard with a mouse
  • Reasonably priced – A $20 add-on is an easy decision compared to a $200 upsell
  • Convenient – If customers don’t buy it now, they’ll need it later

When the pairing makes the main purchase better, customers add it to their order without hesitation.

3. Offer Small Incentives to Encourage Bigger Orders

Even when a customer wants an add-on, they might hesitate. A small discount or bonus can make the decision easier.

Ways to increase conversions:

  • Bundle and save 10% – A small discount encourages customers to buy both
  • Free shipping when you add this item – Eliminates friction in the buying decision
  • Limited-time discount – Creates urgency without being pushy

When customers feel like they’re getting more value, they’re far more likely to increase their order size.

Logo By the Numbers

By the Numbers

Empower your business with our Shopify Data Driven App

Shopify App Store
★★★★★ 5/5
  • ✔ Know Your Audience Behavior
  • ✔ Deep Customer Segmentation
  • ✔ Retarget With Integrations
  • ✔ All The KPIs & Reports You Need