Post purchase upsells are one of the simplest, highest-ROI tactics in ecommerce — yet many stores still overlook them. Unlike traditional upsells shown before checkout, post purchase upsells appear after a customer has completed their payment. That timing makes a huge difference: there’s zero risk of disrupting the purchase flow, and customers are often more receptive to additional offers once they’ve already committed. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how post purchase upsells work, why they’re so effective for increasing your store’s average order value (AOV), and how you can start using them today — with real examples and best practices to guide you.

What Is a Post Purchase Upsell?

A post purchase upsell is a special offer shown to a customer immediately after checkout. It’s usually a one-click offer that lets customers add another product to their order without re-entering payment information.

This is different from:

Pre-purchase upsells, shown before checkout

Cross-sells, shown on product pages or in carts

Because the sale is already secured, post purchase upsells create a risk-free window to suggest relevant add-ons or higher-value products.

Why Post Purchase Upsells Work So Well

Here are the main reasons post purchase upsells are so effective:

1. No Checkout Interruption. They’re shown after the sale is complete, so there’s no risk of distracting or losing a customer during the payment process.
2. High Buyer Intent. Customers who’ve just bought are in a buying mindset. It’s the perfect moment to present a complementary offer.
3. One-Click Simplicity. Most apps allow for one-click upsells, meaning customers don’t need to fill out their details again — which massively boosts conversion rates.
4. Increased Average Order Value (AOV). Even a small percentage of customers accepting a post purchase offer can significantly raise your AOV.

Examples of Post Purchase Upsells

Let’s look at some real-world examples that work: Skincare brand: Offers a travel-size product at 25% off right after checkout.

Electronics store: Suggests an extended warranty or a bundle upgrade after purchase.

Fitness brand: Adds a discounted protein shaker or training guide as an upsell.

The key is relevance — the upsell should feel like a natural next step, not a random pitch. Another key for products with several variants is to offer a repeat of the product with a discount, the variants are already top of mind after the initial sale.

Best Practices for Post Purchase Upsells

To make post purchase upsells effective, follow these tips:

✅ Make it relevant The upsell should complement the original product (e.g., batteries for a gadget, belt for pants, repeat offer with variant).

✅ Limit the choices Offer one product (or two at most). Too many options can lower conversions.

✅ Add urgency or a discount Include a time-limited discount or “only available now” message to boost acceptance rates.

✅ Keep it one-click Ensure customers can accept the offer with one click, without re-entering info.

✅ Iterate and test Run different upsells in parallel. Try different products, price points, and messaging to see what works best.

How to Set Up Post Purchase Upsells in Your Store

Here’s how to implement them with minimal hassle:

Choose an Upsell App

Use apps like Sweet Upsell, Zipify, or ReConvert (on Shopify) to create post purchase flows.

Pick the Right Products

Start with your most frequently purchased items and think about what goes well with them.

Write a Clear Offer

Use persuasive, benefit-driven copy. “Get 30% off this add-on now — no extra shipping!”

Consider Positioning

Make sure your app supports immediate post-checkout display as well as on the Order Status pages.

Conclusion: Small Tweak, Big Results

Post purchase upsells are low-effort, high-impact tools that can increase revenue without increasing traffic. They work because they tap into a moment of peak buyer intent — when a customer has already committed and is open to more. Whether you’re selling physical products, digital goods, or subscriptions, adding a post purchase offer to your flow is one of the smartest ways to boost AOV and grow your store’s bottom line.