Boost Print on Demand Profits: Upsell and Cross-Sell Tips to Raise Average Order Value

 

Using Upsells and Cross-Sells to Boost Average Order Value in Print on Demand Stores

Every print on demand store owner wants to see higher profits without doubling their workload. Boosting your average order value (AOV) is one of the simplest ways to make that happen. AOV shows the average amount your customers spend each time they check out—a number that directly impacts your bottom line.

The good news? You don't have to overhaul your entire shop to see results. Upsells and cross sells are two proven strategies that encourage shoppers to add just a little more to their carts. By slipping in the right offer at the right time, you can boost revenue and help customers discover products they’ll love all in a single transaction. 

Ready to see those order totals tick up and your print on demand business grow? Here’s where it starts.

Understanding Upsells and Cross-Sells in Print on Demand

Before you can boost your print on demand store’s average order value you need to know the difference between upsells and cross sells and exactly how they fit into your customer’s journey. 

These aren’t just marketing buzzwords; they’re practical strategies with real results especially for busy store owners looking to get more out of every transaction. 

Let’s break down what makes each approach unique and see how you can put them to work in your business.

What is an Upsell?

An upsell is when you encourage the customer to buy a more expensive version of the item they’re looking at or to add premium features to their current purchase. In print on demand upsells are seen everywhere. Think about these examples:

• Offering a premium t-shirt fabric (like organic cotton) instead of the basic tee the shopper just added to their cart.
• Suggesting a hoodie or sweatshirt with extra features (like better stitching, limited-edition colors or a premium print finish) after the customer picks a regular pullover.
• Inviting customers to add personalization, high quality gift packaging or fine art prints instead of posters.

With upsells your store isn’t just selling the customer more it’s convincing them to say yes to a better version of what they already want. This feels natural and gives shoppers a reason to spend a bit extra since they get more value for their money. 

a customer starts to hesitate remember: plenty of sales are actually lost not because you asked for more but because you didn’t offer a stronger option.

What is a Cross Sell?

A cross sell is when you suggest an additional related product that fits with what the customer is already buying. In print on demand cross sells work best when you know your shoppers’ tastes and show them items that make sense together. For example:

• If someone adds a t-shirt to their cart, suggesting a matching mug or tote bag with the same design.
• Pairing a custom throw pillow with an art print from the same collection.
• Encouraging buyers of a phone case to add a matching sticker set or notebook while they’re checking out.

Picture walking into your favorite store and after picking out a hat the staff shows you a scarf that completes the look. That’s cross selling been helpful not pushy and designed to improve the customer’s experience. 

The biggest win? It helps customers discover products they might have missed and it increases your revenue without extra marketing costs.

Why Average Order Value Matters for Print on Demand Stores

Your average order value (AOV) isn’t just a pretty metric on a dashboard. It’s the number that can tell you if your marketing and store design are actually making a difference where it counts—in your bank account. 

For print on demand businesses AOV is a key performance indicator for a simple reason: it lets you make more profit from the exact same number of orders.

• Why focus on AOV? When you raise your average order value, every dollar you spend on advertising, packaging or customer support goes further.
• Less stress, higher profit: You don’t have to chase endless new visitors. Instead you serve your current shoppers better.
• Smart growth: Growing revenue per order directly boosts your margins and can even offset any hiccups with print fulfillment or order issues (there are always a few—if you need help the Print on Demand Order Issues Guide has tips for troubleshooting).

Many new store owners wonder, Is Print on Demand Profitable? It certainly can be especially if you use strategies like upselling and cross selling to get more from every sale. 

Raising AOV can mean the difference between scraping by and hitting those income goals. And the best part? You’re giving shoppers a better experience not just squeezing them for more cash.

Proven Upsell and Cross Sell Strategies for Maximizing AOV

Ready to turn every order into a bigger win for your print on demand business? A few well placed upsells and cross sells can do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. The right offer doesn’t just pump up your average order value; it makes shoppers feel like they’re getting more out of every visit. 

Below are hands-on strategies you can start testing today—aimed straight at driving more dollars per order and making your customers’ experience feel tailored just for them.

Personalized Product Recommendations

Personalized recommendations are like a digital shop assistant who actually knows what your customers want. Instead of tossing out generic suggestions, use data from browsing and purchase history. 

Many print on demand platforms let you track which designs your shoppers look at, what they buy and even what they leave in their cart.

Picture this: a returning shopper lands on your store and sees a carousel of t-shirts in styles and colors they previously browsed. Maybe they’re shown mugs or phone cases with the same print they bought last month. 

These targeted upsells and cross sells feel helpful not random and customers are much more likely to take action.

How to implement personalized recommendations:

• Analyze previous orders to spot top combos (like customers who buy t-shirts and mugs together).
• Use browsing data to show customers similar or matching products once they add something to the cart.
• Offer design variants based on what’s already in the shopper’s basket (e.g., same art on different products).

Studies have shown that personalized product recommendations can lead to higher cart values and improve customer satisfaction by reducing choice overload. It’s the digital version of a friend saying, “I saw this and thought of you.”

Bundle and Kit Offers

Bundling is one of the simplest ways to lift your AOV. Shoppers love a deal especially when it means more of what they already like. 

Instead of selling products one by one create bundles that combine popular items like a matching t-shirt, mug and tote bag set.

Let’s say you have a best selling floral print. Make a limited bundle including a tee, a mug and a sticker pack all with that print. 

Price the bundle so it costs a little less than buying each product alone but still boosts your profit overall.

Smart steps for bundles and kits:

• Group items around a theme: designs, holidays or target audiences (like a back to school set).
• Use clear, bold product photos to show everything included in the bundle.
• Make the savings obvious. If shoppers save $10 by buying the set, call that out right in your description.
• Display bundles prominently on your home page or product page as a featured offer.

Want more info on making custom items irresistible? Check out this guide to creating custom tote bags and art prints for ideas that pair well in kits.

Limited-Time and Volume Discounts

Nothing moves a customer to buy quite like the ticking clock or the chance to stock up and save. Limited time offers and volume based discounts play on the urge to get a deal before it’s gone.

Try these proven tactics in your print on demand store:

• Offer 10% off if shoppers add any two mugs or a buy three shirts, get one free”
•  offer.
• Add an eye catching countdown timer during your busy season or holiday rush, showing how long a special deal is available.
• Run flash sales on newly released designs to drive quick action.

Limited time upsells can turn a shopper’s maybe into a definite yes. Volume discounts are perfect for products people like to mix and match—think notebooks, mugs or stickers. 

For more on maximizing speed and urgency without annoying your customers see classic upsell techniques from successful e-commerce brands.

Post Purchase Upsell Opportunities

Don’t shut down your sales when a customer reaches checkout—post purchase offers are a secret weapon. 

As soon as a shopper completes an order show them a targeted upsell: think expedited shipping, a matching accessory or a discount on their next purchase.

Here’s what works well for print on demand:

• After checkout, prompt the buyer with “want to add a matching tote for 15% off?” Don’t make them re-enter payment info just a one click add-on.
• Offer order upgrades (like rush print or priority shipping) for a small fee—many folks will gladly pay for faster delivery especially around holidays.
• Suggest a care kit for specialty items like a premium cleaning cloth for art prints or a protective sleeve for custom notebooks.

Many ecommerce platforms now let you automate these post-purchase offers. They boost your order value after the sale and give customers one last (gentle) nudge to buy more while they still have those happy shopping vibes. 

For insights on handling order issues and making the post-purchase experience shine, visit the Print on Demand Order Issues Guide.

By mixing these strategies throughout your store you create extra chances for customers to buy not just once but over and over again. Every suggestion feels like a genuine tip not a pushy sales trick. 

Try them, tweak them and watch your print on demand store’s average order value head in the right direction.

Best Practices for Implementing Upsells and Cross Sells in Print on Demand Stores

Done right upsells and cross sells feel like a service not a sales pitch. The goal isn’t just to squeeze extra dollars out of every shopper. 

It’s to create an experience where customers discover new print on demand favorites, bundles and upgrades that actually make sense for them. 

With the right approach you’ll boost average order value (AOV) without annoying your fans or cluttering your checkout. Let’s talk about how to roll out these powerful tactics in a way that feels natural and effective.

Timing and Placement of Offers

Getting your timing and placement right is half the battle. If you hit someone with an upsell before they even know what they want it’s off putting. But offer that perfect cross sell after they’ve made a choice? Now you’re helping not hassling.

Here’s where upsells and cross sells fit best in the customer journey:

• Product Pages: Show related products or premium upgrades just beneath the main item. If someone is checking out a cat themed tote, highlight the matching mug or a premium tote option nearby.
• Cart Page: Suggest add-ons right in the shopping cart. “Customers who bought this also liked…” is a classic for a reason.
• Checkout Flow: Keep it simple here—no endless pop-ups. Instead offer a quick bundle or a one click upgrade for faster shipping or gift wrapping.
• Post Purchase: After payment show a thank you message with a discount on a related item or encourage a follow up buy for a limited time.

The sweet spot? Place add-on offers where they add value, don’t distract and never slow down checkout. Most print on demand platforms make it easy to integrate these moments. 

For a more detailed walkthrough on step by step setups, check out this guide to upsell and cross sell strategies for print on demand.

Using Clear and Compelling Messaging

Your copy is the difference between a yes and no thanks. Aim for messages that build excitement but never pressure the shopper. The tone should feel like you’re making a personal recommendation not reading from a script.

Here are some actionable tips for writing irresistible, non-pushy upsell and cross sell copy:

• Be direct and brief: Get to the point. “Complete the look with a matching mug” works better than a long explanation.
• Make the value obvious: “Upgrade for just $5 more” or “Save 15% when you buy this set.”
• Highlight benefits: Instead of listing product features talk about outcomes. “Make every morning brighter” sells a mug better than “Ceramic, dishwasher safe.”
• Personalize when possible: Reference what the customer is already buying. “Since you picked our floral tote how about a matching phone case?”
• Use inviting action words: “Add to order,” “Yes I want this!“ or “Show me the set.”

Drop the hard sell. Upsells and cross sells that work sound like friendly tips from someone who knows their taste. 

For even more tips on conversational selling, swing by Printful’s Upselling and Cross Selling Strategies—it’s got tons of examples that work in real stores.

Monitoring and Measuring Success

No strategy is set it and forget it. Once you’ve got your upsells and cross sells in place you need to watch what’s working and tweak the rest. 

A few key metrics tell you if your approach is boosting AOV or just clogging up the path to checkout.

Start by checking these numbers:

• Average Order Value (AOV): Track this before and after you add upsell or cross sell options.
• Take Rate/Acceptance Rate: See what percentage of customers accept an upsell or cross sell offer.
• Conversion Rate: Watch if too many offers start hurting your overall sales (maybe your suggestions need to feel more relevant.)
• Cart Abandonment Rate: A spike here may mean your offers are annoying or distracting versus helpful.
• Units per Transaction: More add-ons mean more successful cross sells.

Set up regular reviews like weekly or monthly so you spot good trends or issues fast. 

Most major print on demand platforms come with built-in sales analytics but you can always track with tools like Google Analytics, too. 

Want extra insight? Read through 10 tips for more effective upselling and cross-selling for granular advice about testing and optimizing your upsell flow.

The best stores test, tweak and keep a close eye on the numbers. By focusing on helping not hustling—you’ll build buyer trust and see those order values climb.

Upsell and Cross-Sell Examples from Successful Print on Demand Stores

If you're running a print on demand store and want to grow profits without driving more traffic pay close attention to what top stores are doing with upsells and cross sells. 

These techniques aren’t complicated—think simple nudges and well matched add-ons but they can put serious cash in your pocket for every sale. 

Below you’ll find two real world approaches that smart print on demand brands use to boost average order value and keep customers happy.

Example: Bundling Art Prints and Frames

There’s nothing more frustrating for art buyers than receiving a gorgeous print... and realizing they need to hunt down the right frame. 

Successful print on demand stores solve this with the classic art print and frame bundle. 

This isn’t just a nice to have. It’s a chance to make your shop more convenient, more profitable and instantly more appealing.

How does this upsell work?

• When a shopper adds an art print to their cart, they’re shown a selection of frames (styles, colors, sizes) that fit their chosen print.
• The framed option is available as a bundle often at a slight discount compared to buying both separately.
• Some stores highlight benefits like “ready to hang,” “save on shipping,” or “get the gallery look at home,” which add perceived value.

Why is this so effective?
Customers appreciate the ease and the finished look. Instead of a one off art print sold for $25 you’re moving them closer to a $50 or $60 order by including the frame. 

Shoppers don’t have to visit a separate website, and you keep more of their business.

Real world example: Many Etsy print on demand sellers offer a framed option as a one click upgrade at checkout. 

Shoppers are thrilled to get artwork that’s display ready and sellers report higher margins since framing materials are often sourced and shipped efficiently alongside the print.

What makes it work:

• Saves time for the buyer
• Increases perceived value of the purchase
• Reduces friction—no hunting for compatible frames
• They’re happier and more likely to leave a good review

When you streamline the shopping experience like this, customers spend more without feeling upsold. Give it a try with your own bestsellers—just have clear product images showing the print both framed and unframed, so buyers can see exactly what they'll get.

Example: Matching Apparel Accessories

Shoppers who love a t-shirt design almost always want more ways to show it off. That’s why cross-selling matching accessories is such a no-brainer for print on demand stores. 

Think about all the people who buy a cat tee and wish there was a matching tote or hat—now imagine if your store made that discovery easy.

How do stores put this into action?

• Whenever a customer adds apparel to their cart (shirts, hoodies), the store suggests matching accessories like hats, beanies, tote bags or socks with the same design.
• Many brands show these items on the product page (“Pairs well with...”) or as a pop up on the cart page.
• New stores often use app integrations (Shopify, WooCommerce) to automate recommendations so every shopper sees well coordinated options.

Case in point: A women’s empowerment print on demand shop noticed customers buying their “Girl Power” t-shirts then coming back for totes and hats later. 

By adding prominent cross sell recommendations they boosted average order value by over 20%—just by serving up those matching extras at the right time.

Why does this boost AOV so consistently?

• It’s super convenient for customers—they don’t have to search around for coordinating products.
• Brand fans love full looks especially in niches like fandom, pets or fitness inspiration.
• People spend more when they feel understood—showing matching accessories suggests you know their style.

If you’re just starting out with print on demand, check out this step by step guide on How to Start Print on Demand Business for more insights on setting up product tags, categories and cross sell placements that actually work.

Quick strategies that help:

• Use lifestyle photos that feature the t-shirt and tote in one shot so buyers instantly get the match.
• Offer a bundle discount for buying the whole set.
• Run special promotions (“Buy a tee get a matching hat 20% off”) around holidays or new collection launches.

This approach goes beyond making a few extra bucks—it helps build a community around your designs. Fans who buy the whole collection become your best word of mouth marketers, showing off your products everywhere they go. 

That’s the type of momentum that can turn a small print on demand store into a brand people recognize.

By following the example of shops that bundle products with clear logic, style and plenty of visual cues you’re setting up your own print on demand store for bigger checkouts without making customers feel pressured or upsold.

Conclusion

Upsells and cross sells aren't just nice extras—they're reliable moves for anyone serious about growing a print on demand business. 

By showing your buyers the right add-ons and upgrades at the right moment you turn small orders into bigger wins and give customers a better shopping experience.

The key takeaways? Smart offers, personal touches and bundles that actually make sense boost average order value without making your store feel pushy. Test new ideas, watch your numbers and be ready to adjust. Results come from action not theory.

If you’re ready to scale up don’t shy away from trying these strategies in your own shop. Explore more tips like Print on Demand Social Media Strategies to keep the momentum going.

Thanks for reading—take what you’ve learned, put it to work and see just how much further your print on demand journey can go. 

If you hit a wall or find something that works, drop a comment! Your story could help someone else on the path.