Upselling in the Shopify checkout is one of the simplest ways to increase your average order value (AOV) without spending more money on ads. As Shopify continues improving its checkout extensibility in 2025–2026, merchants now have more powerful, native, and high-converting tools to display personalized offers exactly where customers are most ready to buy.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:

• What Shopify checkout upsell is

• Why checkout upsells outperform traditional upsells

• How to set up checkout upsells using Shopify’s native features or apps

• Best practices to maximize conversions

• Top 5 real-world checkout upsell examples you can copy today

Let’s dive in!

How to Upsell in Shopify Checkout (Two Methods)

You have two main options:

Method 1: Using Shopify’s Native Checkout Extensibility (No App)

Shopify Plus merchants can create custom checkout blocks without using apps.

Requirements:

• Shopify Plus

• Checkout editor enabled

• A developer or basic Liquid/React knowledge (for custom UI blocks)

Steps:

1. Go to Shopify Admin → Checkout

2. Select Checkout Editor

3. Add a Checkout UI Extension Block

4. Insert your upsell offer:

   • Product card

   • Checkbox or quick “Add to Cart”

   • Dynamic recommendation API

5. Customize layout, position, and logic rules

6. Save & publish

Pros:

• No monthly fees

• Fully customizable

• Fast loading (native)

Cons:

• Only available for Shopify Plus

• Requires coding skills

• No analytics unless you build them

Method 2: Using a Shopify Checkout Upsell App (Recommended)

Apps are the easiest way for non-Plus merchants—or Plus merchants wanting rich AI recommendations, analytics, and 1-click setup.

Popular app features include:

• AI product suggestions

• Pre-built checkout blocks

• Buy-one-get-one (BOGO) logic

• Add-ons like gift wrap or warranties

• Rule-based targeting

• Conversion tracking

Installation usually takes 2–5 minutes.

Top 5 Real-World Shopify Checkout Upsell Examples

Here are high-converting examples used by successful stores. You can replicate them easily.

**Example #1: “Complete the Bundle” Upsell

Great for: Beauty, skincare, supplements, home products**

How it works:
When a customer checks out with one item from a collection, Shopify recommends the remaining items to complete the bundle.

Why it works:
Customers feel they’re missing a piece of a full routine or kit.

Example copywriting:
“Complete your skincare routine — Add Toner for only $12!”

Conversion rate: 15–22%

**Example #2: Gift Wrapping Upsell

Great for: Jewelry, cosmetics, handmade, gifts**

A simple add-on: gift wrap, custom message, or a gift box.

Why it works:
Low price, universally relevant, zero friction.

Example copywriting:
“Add gift wrap + message for only $4.95”

Conversion rate: 20–40%

**Example #3: Warranty or Protection Plan

Great for: Electronics, gadgets, accessories**

Customers buying higher-value items feel safer when offered protection.

Example copywriting:
“Protect your purchase for 12 months — only $6.99”

Conversion rate: 10–18%

**Example #4: Accessory Add-On

Great for: Fashion, gadgets, sports, home improvement**

When customers buy a main item, offer a small accessory at checkout.

Examples:

• Shoe cleaner with shoes

• Phone case with phone

• Water bottle with gym backpack

Example copywriting:
“Add matching protective case — 15% OFF today only”

Conversion rate: 12–25%

**Example #5: Discounted Upsell for Increasing AOV

Great for: Any niche**

This uses psychological pricing—offering a discount only at checkout.

Example copywriting:
“Add a second one for 30% OFF — Checkout only price”

This encourages multi-unit purchases.

Conversion rate: 18–28%

Types of Checkout Upsells You Can Offer

Product Recommendation Upsell

AI-recommended or manually selected SKUs.

Service Add-Ons

• Priority processing

• Extended warranty

• Insurance

Digital Products

• eBooks

• Training videos

• Downloadable templates

Free Gift With Purchase Upsell

Trigger offers when cart reaches X amount.

Subscription Upgrade

Turn a one-time purchase into recurring revenue.

When you combine:

• Smart product selection

• 1-click add-on design

• Well-placed checkout blocks

• Clear, simple copywriting

…you can instantly increase your AOV and add pure profit to every order.

If you haven’t implemented checkout upsells yet, now is the perfect time.