11 Best Upselling and Cross-Selling Strategies in 2025

In 2025, did you know upselling and cross-selling do more than boost revenue? They help build stronger customer relationships, improve satisfaction, and increase order value—all without finding new customers.

When someone buys, it’s the perfect time to suggest helpful upgrades or complementary products. These strategies enhance the customer’s experience and show real value.

The key is using simple, proven tactics that fit naturally into the sales process without overwhelming your customers.

This guide has easy tips and real examples to help you increase sales, build loyalty, and keep customers coming back.

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Statistics Of Upselling and Cross-selling

37% of salespeople avoid upselling and cross-selling.

Upselling can boost a customer’s lifetime value by 20%-40%.

Research shows that upselling and cross-selling to existing and new customers can result in 42% more revenue.

Upselling vs Cross Selling 

Understanding upselling and cross-selling is crucial for boosting sales and customer satisfaction. While both aim to drive revenue, they focus on different stages of the sales process. Let’s explore.

◈ Upselling

• Focuses on encouraging customers to upgrade to a higher-value version of the product they are already considering.
• It seeks to boost average order value by providing premium features or sophisticated alternatives.
• Aligns with the customer’s current purchase intent, enhancing their experience while increasing sales revenue.
• It is often used during the sales process, like at checkout or on the product page.

◈ Cross-Selling

• Focuses on recommending complementary products or services that go well with the customer’s initial purchase.
• It aims to increase the total items in the cart and boost customer lifetime value.
• Helps enhance the customer journey by addressing additional needs and improving customer satisfaction.
• Often used before checkout, on product pages, or in follow-up emails.

Why is Upselling And Cross-selling Important?

Upselling and cross-selling are clever ways to grow your business without spending extra time or money trying to find new customers. They focus on getting the most out of your existing customers, making every sale more valuable while keeping customers happy. Here’s why they matter:

➲ Increase Revenue Without Extra Effort

Getting new customers takes time and money. Upselling and cross-selling allow you to grow your revenue by encouraging your current customers to buy more.

➲ Build Stronger Customer Relationships

You show customers that you care about their needs when recommending relevant products or upgrades. This builds trust and strengthens your connection with them. People are more likely to return to a business that makes them feel understood.

➲ Increase Customer Loyalty and Lifetime Value

Happy customers come back. By offering value through helpful recommendations, you encourage repeat purchases and increase the customer’s lifetime value. Over time, loyal customers spend more and drive consistent growth for your business.

➲ Use What You Already Know

With insights from past purchases or buying patterns, you can make personalized suggestions that feel natural. Customers appreciate when businesses recommend products that make sense for them, which can lead to more sales and stronger relationships.

➲ Support Long-Term Business Growth

Upselling and cross-selling help your business grow in a steady, sustainable way. They improve profit margins, boost customer loyalty, and keep people coming back—all without needing major changes to your operations.

➲ Making It Work

For example, if a customer buys a smartphone, offering a case or screen protector feels helpful, not pushy. It’s a small step that adds value for them and increases your revenue at the same time.

The Newest and Most Impactful Upsell Strategies

1. Customer Reviews for Premium Options

One of the most effective ways to encourage customers to upgrade is by using real customer reviews. When people see others benefiting from a premium option, it creates trust and makes the decision easier.

This approach works because customers want proof that they’re making the right choice, and nothing is more convincing than positive feedback from someone who’s been in their shoes.

People naturally trust other customers more than marketing pitches. Seeing real experiences makes the upgrade feel more worthwhile. Reviews offer reassurance by answering common questions like, “Is this worth the extra cost?” or “Will it solve my problem?”

How to Use Reviews for Upselling:

Put Reviews Where They Matter

Place reviews in spots where customers are deciding, like:

• The pricing page: Help them compare and choose.
• During checkout: Give them one last nudge.
• Follow-up emails: Remind them what they’re missing.

Use a Mix of Formats

Combine written reviews, star ratings, and even short videos. A quick clip of someone sharing their experience adds a personal touch that builds confidence.

2. Use Bundled Discounts Of Products

Bundled discounts are a tried-and-true upsell strategy that benefits both businesses and customers. The idea is simple: combine related products or services into a package and offer a discount on the total price.

It’s a win-win—customers feel like they’re getting a deal, and you increase your average order value.

Bundled offers appeal to a customer’s sense of value. Instead of deciding whether to purchase individual items, they see a single, more attractive deal.

This strategy also encourages customers to buy items they might not have considered otherwise, increasing your overall sales revenue.

How to Create Effective Bundles:

Pair Complementary Products

Offer items that naturally complement each other, such as a smartphone with a case and screen protector or a camera with a lens and tripod. Bundling relevant products simplifies the customer’s purchase decision.

Show the Savings

• Clearly highlight the discount customers are getting. For example:
• “Buy all three and save 15%!”
• “Bundle deal: Get a $50 value for just $40.”

Use Seasonal or Themed Bundles

Create bundles around holidays, special occasions, or specific customer needs. For instance, a “Back-to-School Kit” for students or a “Winter Essentials Bundle” for outdoor enthusiasts.

3. Highlight Your Product’s Value

Upselling isn’t about pushing customers to spend more—it’s about showing them why the upgrade is worth it. When you clearly highlight the value of your product, you make it easier for customers to see how it can solve their problems or improve their experience.

Customers don’t just want to know what an upgraded product can do—they want to know how it benefits them. By focusing on the features that matter most and connecting them to real-world benefits, you can help them understand why the premium option is the better choice.

How to Highlight Your Product’s Value:

Focus on Benefits, Not Just Features

• Instead of listing technical specs, explain how the upgrade will make their life easier or better.
• Example: “Our Pro plan lets you save time with automation tools, so you can focus on what really matters.”
• “Upgrade to Premium for faster delivery and exclusive member perks.”
• “The extra features in the Pro plan helped me achieve my goals faster.”

Solve Specific Pain Points

• Identify common challenges your customers face and explain how the upgraded product addresses them.
• Example: “With our Premium laptop, you’ll enjoy double the battery life—perfect for long workdays.”

Use Real Examples

Show how other customers have benefited from the upgrade. A case study, testimonial, or statistic can make the value more relatable and convincing.

4. Use Visual Comparisons

Visual comparisons are a powerful upselling strategy to help customers understand the value of upgrading to a higher-tier product or service. By presenting options side by side, you make it clear why the upsell is worth the extra cost.

How to Use Visual Comparisons in Upselling:

Feature Comparison Tables

• Create tables that compare basic and premium options, highlighting key differences.
• Example:

Visual Price Comparisons

• Show how a slightly higher price can save money or provide more value over time.
• Example: “Pay $30 more upfront and get double the features!”

Side-by-Side Product Images

• Display images of both options for physical goods, emphasizing what the upgrade offers.
• Example: A basic phone with standard features versus a premium phone with an enhanced camera and extra battery life.

Why Visual Comparisons Work for Upselling

Visual tools make decision-making faster and more intuitive. Customers can immediately see what they’re missing by not upgrading, making the upsell offer more compelling.

By focusing on benefits and clarity, you reduce hesitation and increase conversions.

Pro Tips for Using Visual Comparisons in Upselling

Place your comparison charts or visuals near critical decision points, such as the product page or checkout.

Keep the design simple and intuitive—too much information can overwhelm customers.

Continuously test your visuals to optimize performance and maximize your upselling success.

5. Improve Your Timing 

The timing of your upselling offer is critical to its success. When done right, upselling enhances the customer experience and increases revenue. A poorly timed upsell, however, can feel pushy and lead to lost sales. Here’s how to make timing work for your upselling strategy.

Introduce Upsells During Checkout

• Offer customers an enhanced version of their chosen product or a premium upgrade while they finalize their purchase.

Use targeted language, such as “Complete your order with our exclusive premium plan upgrade—only $10 more!”

Present Post-Purchase Upselling Offers

• Suggest related products or services after completing the transaction.

Send an email with a personalized message: “Enhance your recent purchase with a matching accessory—offer valid for 48 hours.”

6. Checkout-Specific Offers

The checkout is a perfect opportunity to upsell because customers are already in buying mode. Offering an upsell at checkout, you catch them at the moment of commitment.

Example, if a customer is buying a mid-tier plan, suggest to upgrade to a higher tier plan with more features at a discounted rate for immediate upgrade.

These offers can be presented as limited time offers to create urgency. Add phrases like “Exclusive deal—upgrade now and save 20%!” to make customers act fast.

Visual elements like a comparison chart showing the added value of the upsell product or service will make the decision easier for the customer.

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Best Cross-Selling Strategies

7. Recommend Items After the Purchase

Recommending items after someone has made a purchase is a great way to keep the shopping experience going and offer extra value.

After buying something, customers are often still thinking about how to make the most of their purchase, so this is the perfect time to suggest related items they might find useful.

For instance, if someone buys a camera, you could recommend accessories like a protective case, extra memory cards, or a tripod. These are things they might need anyway, and suggesting them saves them time searching.

Make the recommendations feel personal by tying them to what the customer already bought, like saying, “Protect your new camera with this highly-rated carrying case.”

8. Create Themes or Sets

One of the most effective ways to implement cross-selling is by curating themes or sets that combine products or services into cohesive packages. This approach makes it easier for customers to see the value in purchasing complementary items together.

• Customers are drawn to ready-made solutions that eliminate the guesswork of finding complementary items.
• Bundles give the impression of a better deal, even if there’s no discount applied.
• Themed sets evoke emotions, making purchases feel purposeful and exciting.

9. Make It Easy to Add Items

When cross-selling, the simpler the process, the more likely customers will accept your offer. Complicated steps or unclear navigation can deter even the most interested buyers. Here’s how to streamline the process:

Use One-Click Additions

Quick actions reduce friction and keep customers focused on completing their purchases.

How to Implement:

• Add a “+ Add to Cart” button next to cross-sell suggestions.
• Use drop-down menus or checkboxes for easy selection.
• Example: “Add a matching charger for $10—just one click away!”

10. Use Location-Based Cross-Selling

Location-based cross-selling is a smart way to connect with your customers by offering suggestions that make sense for where they are.

It’s about understanding what people in a specific area might need or want and tailoring your recommendations to match. This approach feels personal and helpful, which makes customers more likely to say yes.

Use Location Data to Personalize Offers

• Use simple tools like GPS or zip codes to make your suggestions feel more relevant.
• Example: If someone orders takeout in a beach town, suggest popular seafood dishes or local drinks that go well with their meal.

Use Location-Based Notifications

• Send suggestions to customers based on where they are.
• Example: If a customer is near your store, notify them of a discount on an accessory that pairs with something they’ve already purchased.

11. Show “Others Are Buying This”

One of the most valuable strategies is letting customers know what others are purchasing can help them feel more confident in their choices.

By using this strategy, you’re not just suggesting products – you’re showing that other shoppers found these items valuable, too. Here’s how to use this approach effectively:

Tools to use: like WiserNotify showcase real-time purchase activity and product updates to engage visitors and build trust.

Add Live Updates

• Display notifications about what others are adding to their carts right now.
• Real-time updates create excitement and make customers feel part of a larger shopping experience.
• Example: “Just now: Someone purchased this fitness tracker and matching wristbands.”

Show What’s Trending

• Highlight products that are popular among other shoppers.
• Customers are naturally drawn to products that are loved by others, especially when they see they’re in demand.
• Example: “This cozy sweater is trending this week—add it to your wardrobe!”

Best Practices for Implementing Upselling and Cross-Selling Tactics

Upselling and cross-selling can be amazing for your business if done right. But it’s not just about suggesting higher value or additional products—it’s about doing so in a way that adds to the customer’s experience.

Let’s explore the best practices to help you make the most of these strategies while keeping trust and loyalty intact

Keep the Process Simple

When you add upselling and cross-selling to your business, it’s important to make things easy for your customers. A clear and simple process helps them feel confident and makes it more likely they’ll say yes to your offers.

• Keep your messages clear and easy to understand. Focus on what the customer will gain.
• Example: Instead of “Unlock premium access for enhanced efficiency and added functionality,” say “Get more features with Premium.”
• Place your offers where they naturally fit into the shopping experience.
• Example: Add a button next to the main product in the cart that says “Add Warranty” or “Upgrade Now.”
• Use tools that can suggest the best offers for each customer based on what they’re looking at or have purchased before.
• Example: “You might also like…” suggestions powered by your website’s software.
• Overloading the customer with lengthy explanations or too many benefits can confuse and frustrate them.
• Use short, clear phrases like “Upgrade to Pro for more features” or “Add a matching case for just $10.”

Focus on Customer Needs

Upselling and cross-selling work best when they align with what the customer truly wants or needs. Instead of pushing random products or upgrades, tailor your approach to solve their specific problems or enhance their experience. Here’s how to focus on customer needs effectively:

Listen to What Customers Want

Listening to what your customers want is the key to offering the right products or services. Pay attention to their needs, preferences, and feedback to understand what truly matters to them.

Ask questions, read reviews, or analyze their shopping habits to gather insights. When you know what they’re looking for, you can suggest options that feel thoughtful and relevant. This simple act of listening builds trust and leads to better customer satisfaction.

Follow Up After Purchase of Product

Following up after someone buys a product is a simple yet powerful way to build trust and encourage future purchases. A quick thank-you email or message lets customers know you appreciate their business.

You can also use this opportunity to suggest items that go well with what they bought or share tips to help them get the most out of their purchase. Keep it friendly and personal by mentioning the product they chose, so it feels like you’re talking directly to them.

Asking for feedback is another great way to show you care about their experience. A thoughtful follow-up can turn a happy customer into a loyal one.

Automate Follow-Up Campaigns

• Use automation tools to send timely follow-ups based on purchase history, ensuring the communication feels relevant and personalized.

Example:

• Week 1: “How’s your [Product Name]? Here are some tips to maximize its benefits.”
• Week 2: “Complete your experience with these hand-picked recommendations.”

Keep the Prices Balanced

When implementing upselling and cross-selling strategies, maintaining a well-balanced pricing approach is key to ensuring your offers feel valuable rather than opportunistic.

Customers are more likely to respond positively to suggestions that fit their budget and offer clear benefits. Here’s how you can keep the pricing balanced while driving conversions:

Leverage Psychological Pricing

Use pricing techniques that feel smaller or more affordable:

• “Upgrade for just $3 per month” instead of “$36 per year.”
• Set prices at $19.99 instead of $20 to make it appear more budget-friendly.

Test and Adjust Pricing

Conduct A/B testing to identify the price points that yield the best results. Experiment with different price ranges for upsells or cross-sells and monitor conversion rates.

Use customer feedback to refine your pricing approach.

Avoid Overloading the Customer

When implementing upselling and cross-selling strategies, it’s essential to strike the right balance between offering valuable recommendations and overwhelming your customers. Here’s how to avoid overloading them while still maximizing your opportunities:

Limit the Number of Suggestions

• Offering too many options at once can lead to choice paralysis, where customers feel overwhelmed and decide to make no purchase at all.
• Stick to 1–2 relevant upsell or cross-sell recommendations during the buying process.

Keep It Relevant

• Ensure that your suggestions align closely with the customer’s current purchase or browsing behavior.
• Example: If a customer buys a laptop, suggest a warranty or laptop bag, not unrelated items like kitchenware.

Top 5 Successful Upselling and Cross-Selling Examples

Here are the Examples of Upselling Strategies

1. Highlight New Arrivals

Upselling is an old-school sales technique for boosting sales and the shopping experience. It’s all about getting customers to look at premium options or new products that add more value to their purchases.

Highlighting new arrivals is one of the easiest ways to introduce upsell opportunities, especially when showing how these products solve customer pain points or enhance their experience.

Example: At MR PORTER, showing fresh stock on your homepage or suggesting an upgrade of a customer’s purchase at checkout can grab attention and get them to take action.

With the right approach, upselling isn’t just about increasing sales revenue. It’s about showing customers options they didn’t know they needed and, ultimately, customer satisfaction and loyalty.

2. Create Daily Offers

Upselling is a clever sales technique that helps you make more sales by getting customers to buy higher-value products or services.

One of the best examples is daily offers that showcase premium products or upgrades in a nice way. These daily deals grab attention and give customers a reason to consider options they might not have thought of.

Whether it’s a premium plan, bundling extras, or discounts on upgraded items, daily offers are a quick way to increase customer interaction and make more sales.

This works particularly well in ecommerce as it keeps customers engaged and brings new opportunities to upsell.

3. Display Products Other Customers Have Viewed

When it comes to upselling, showing products that other customers have viewed is a simple but powerful tactic. Showing these, you tap into the power of social proof and get customers to look at other options they may not have considered.

This works really well in ecommerce, where personalization and real-time customer interaction are key to the shopping experience.

Example: Walmart’s approach to upselling goes beyond selling—it’s about enhancing the customer experience.showing “Customers Also Viewed” or “Similar Products” on your product pages can subtly guide customers toward higher-value items.

This increases the chances of an upsell and enhances the overall customer journey by showing them more options that are relevant to them. It’s a smart sales technique that creates value for the customer and your business.

Here are the Examples of Cross-Selling Strategy

4. Promote What Other Customers Have Also Bought

One of the most effective ways to do this is by showing customers what others have bought. Showing “customers also bought” suggestions not only promotes related products but also builds trust by using social proof.

This works because it feels natural and helpful, showing relevant products based on actual buying behavior.

Example: When a customer buys a laptop, suggesting a mouse, a laptop bag, or an external hard drive makes perfect sense.

By showing these options during or after the purchase process, ecommerce businesses can improve the customer experience, increase sales, and encourage repeat business.

This simple cross-selling is a win-win for both customer and business, creating value and building the relationship with the customer.

5. Offer Related Products

Cross-selling is a smart way to offer customers more value while increasing sales. Suggesting related products that complement their current purchase enhances their shopping experience and shows you understand their needs.

Whether it’s recommending a phone case when someone buys a smartphone or offering a pair of socks alongside running shoes, these simple strategies can make a big impact.

Cross-selling works best when it feels natural and helpful, not pushy. It’s about showing customers how your products work together to improve their experience.

With the right cross-selling techniques, ecommerce businesses can boost sales, strengthen customer relationships, and keep customers coming back for more.

Conclusion

Both upselling and cross-selling strategies are essential tools for ecommerce businesses and sales teams looking to boost revenue, improve customer satisfaction, and build lasting customer relationships.

Using tailored recommendations, leveraging social proof, and focusing on the customer journey, businesses can unlock new cross-selling opportunities and achieve significant revenue growth in 2025.

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