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Increase AOV with Subscription Upsells and Cross-Sells—Now Built Into Easy Subscriptions

Published On: July 22, 2025 - 5 min read

The Untapped Goldmine in Your Checkout Flow

What if you could grow your revenue without spending more on ads, adding new products, or chasing down more customers?

Here’s the secret: your existing customers are already telling you what they want. You just need to give them more of it—strategically.

That’s where upselling and cross-selling come in. And now, you can do both effortlessly, directly inside Easy Subscriptions, thanks to our latest update.

This isn’t just another plugin. It’s fully integrated functionality built for anyone using a Shopify Subscriptions app, which means smoother management, smarter offers, and higher Average Order Value (AOV) with minimal effort.

Let’s explore how it works and why it’s such a game-changer.

What Is AOV, and Why It’s the Metric to Watch

Understanding Average Order Value (AOV)

AOV (average order value) is the average amount each customer spends per order. If you had 200 orders totaling $10,000 last month, your AOV is $50.

Increasing that AOV by just 10%—to $55—means $1,000 more in revenue. Multiply that over a year, and the impact is massive.

AOV is one of the most overlooked levers in e-commerce. Why? Because it doesn’t rely on more traffic. It’s about getting more value from the traffic you already have.

Why Merchants Should Prioritize AOV

Here’s what happens when you increase AOV:

  • You make more profit per transaction.
  • Your ad spend becomes more efficient.
  • You create more room for retention and loyalty investments.
  • Your margins improve without increasing operational load.

Improving AOV is one of the smartest, leanest ways to grow sustainably, and subscriptions offer the perfect opportunity to do it.

The Power of Upselling and Cross-Selling in E-Commerce

What’s the Difference?

Let’s clarify two essential tactics:

  • Upselling means offering an upgrade or premium version of the item the customer is already considering.
    Example: Switching from a monthly to a quarterly subscription for a discount.
  • Cross-selling is when you recommend complementary or related products.
    Example: Adding a beard oil to a shaving kit subscription.

These strategies work especially well with subscribers because

  • They’ve already made a purchase decision.
  • They’re engaged and familiar with your brand.
  • They’re more likely to add value if the offer feels personalized and timely.

Why These Tactics Boost AOV So Effectively

Upselling and cross selling reduce friction. Instead of cold-selling to a new visitor, you’re suggesting value to someone already convinced.

It’s like offering a drink to someone who just ordered a burger. They’re in the buying mindset, and a well-placed offer increases both satisfaction and spending.

Easy Subscriptions Now Includes Built-In Upsells & Cross-Sells

Say Goodbye to Clunky Workarounds

Before this update, most merchants had to stitch together apps or rely on third-party tools to offer upsells and cross-sells for subscriptions. That usually meant

  • Complex setup
  • Extra monthly fees
  • Poor user experience

Not anymore.

With this update, Easy Subscriptions now supports native upselling and cross-selling features, so you can:

  • Set up strategic offers in minutes.
  • Trigger them at different stages of the purchase journey.
  • Keep the entire experience within your existing dashboard.

Tailored for the Shopify Subscriptions App Ecosystem

If you’re using a Shopify Subscriptions app, these new features are fully compatible.

Whether you sell snacks, supplements, beauty boxes, pet supplies, or digital memberships, you can now

  • Add upgrade options at checkout.
  • Cross-sell matching items post-purchase.
  • Allow subscribers to edit their plan with recommended extras.

And all of this is built directly into Easy Subscriptions—no extra code or apps needed.

Ways to Use Subscription Upsells & Cross-Sells to Increase AOV

1. Before Checkout: Pre-Purchase Upsells

Catch customers at the decision-making moment.

Examples:

  • Upgrade from a one-month plan to a three-month plan and save 15%.
  • Add a deluxe version for a small upcharge.
  • Suggest switching from a standard to a premium product tier.

These early offers work well when they emphasize value and convenience.

2. At Checkout and Post-Purchase: Smart Cross-Sells

Once the customer commits to a subscription, they’re most open to adding just a bit more.

Examples:

  • Add this complementary item for just $5.
  • Customers who bought this also loved it.

Timing is everything. Offers right after purchase feel like bonuses, not hard sells.

3. Mid-Subscription: Lifecycle Engagement

This is where subscription businesses shine.

You have the customer’s attention month after month, which means more chances to:

  • Suggest upgrades before the next billing cycle.
  • Offer personalized one-time add-ons.
  • Encourage bundling or longer-term commitment (e.g., 6-month plan).

If you’re using a subscription app like Easy Subscriptions, these lifecycle touches are automated and easy to manage.

Real-World Results: Boosting AOV Without Extra Work

A Quick Merchant Story

One small business selling coffee subscriptions implemented cross-sells after enabling the new Easy Subscriptions features. They offered a branded mug post-checkout for $9.

Over two weeks:

  • 28% of new subscribers added the mug.
  • AOV increased by 22%.
  • The entire setup took under 10 minutes.

Why It Works (Even for New Merchants)

You don’t need a huge store or marketing team to make this work. Here’s why:

  • The logic is simple and built-in.
  • Offers feel helpful, not pushy.
  • Even small increases (like $5-$10 per order) make a huge difference at scale.

How to Activate Upsells and Cross-Sells in Easy Subscriptions

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

  1. Open the Easy Subscriptions dashboard in your Shopify admin.
  2. Choose the product or subscription plan you want to enhance.
  3. Define your upsell or cross-sell item(s).

Best Practices for Maximum Results

  • Keep it relevant: Don’t recommend random items. Focus on what complements the original purchase.
  • Use urgency and value: Limited-time offers or bundle discounts convert better.
  • Test variations: Try different copy, price points, and placements to see what performs best.
  • Use customer data: Offer products that match buying behavior or previous purchases.

Final Thoughts: Why Subscription-Based Upsells Are the Future of E-Commerce

We’re entering a smarter era of online shopping.

The brands that succeed in 2025 and beyond won’t be the ones chasing more traffic. They’ll be the ones who:

  • Maximize every transaction.
  • Deliver personalized value
  • Use data to serve, not just sell.

That’s exactly what Easy Subscriptions helps you do.

So, whether you’re a seasoned Shopify pro or just getting started, remember this: your next revenue jump could be one upsell away.

Ready to Turn on More Revenue?

With Easy Subscriptions, you now have the tools to:

  • Increase AOV
  • Enhance the customer experience
  • Run smarter, not harder.

All from the same dashboard you already use.

Start using upsells and cross-sells with Easy Subscriptions today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is Average Order Value (AOV), and why does it matter?
    AOV is how much a customer spends per order. Higher AOV = more revenue without more customers.
  2. How do upselling and cross-selling boost AOV?
    They suggest better or related products (e.g., bigger plans or add-ons), encouraging customers to spend more.
  3. Can I upsell or cross-sell with subscriptions?
    Yes! Easy Subscriptions lets you do both—no extra tools needed. Upsell plans or add one-time products easily.
  4. I’m a small store. Will this still help me?
    Definitely! Even small AOV increases can drive big growth. Our tools are beginner-friendly and quick to set up.

Written by

Lara Joe

Lara Joe

Lara Joe leads Easy’s marketing strategy, blending creativity with data-driven insights to support Shopify-powered businesses. Her work—from innovative campaigns to targeted growth strategies—helps shape Easy’s brand and drive success in the DTC subscription commerce space.

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