11 BOGO Deals That Work: Proven Buy-One-Get-One Strategies [2025]

A few years back, I ran a campaign for an online clothing store that had too much unsold stock. We tried a simple “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” offer, and within four days, over 70% of that inventory was gone.

Even better, many of those customers came back to buy again the next month.

Since then, I’ve used BOGO deals across different businesses to increase cart value, repeat purchases, and even launch new products.

And it’s no surprise, 93% of shoppers say they’ve taken advantage of a BOGO offer at least once.

But here’s what most people get wrong: they throw a BOGO deal out there without a plan. That’s when things backfire, low profits, no real growth.

So in this guide, I’ll walk you through 11 BOGO strategies I’ve seen actually work. Whether you want to clear stock, build loyalty, or grow faster, you’ll find ideas you can use right away.

So, let’s get started.

What are BOGO Deals?

A BOGO deal is exactly what it sounds like: “Buy One, Get One”, where a customer purchases one product and receives a second product either for free or at a discount

Let’s say you’re running a shoe store. You could offer a “Buy one pair of shoes, get the second one free” deal.

Pretty appealing, right?

BOGO marketing is a popular deal because it creates a win-win situation for both you and your customers.

For example, if a customer buys a shirt, they might hesitate to buy a second one. But when you throw in a “Buy one, get one 50% off” offer, it gives them an extra reason to grab that second shirt.

The great thing about BOGO deals is that they can be customized to meet different business needs. You could offer a free gift with a purchase to introduce customers to a new product.

Or maybe you want to boost your sales, so you could give a discount on the second item to increase the order total. It all depends on what you’re trying to achieve.

Now I’ll explain why BOGO deals work wonders for your business.

Why are BOGO Deals Effective?

BOGO deals work because they tap into how you think about value. When you see an offer that gives you something extra, like a free item or a discount on the next one, it feels like you’re getting more than what you paid for.

That sense of getting a good deal makes it hard to resist, especially when there’s a time limit.

But it’s not just about getting a quick sale. These deals give your customers a reason to shop with you again and again.

Here’s how BOGO deals can make a real difference:

i. Encourages impulse purchases

Think back to the last time you saw a “Buy One, Get One Free” offer. Maybe you weren’t planning to shop, but the deal made you stop and grab it anyway.

For example, you might have been walking through the store with no intention to buy, but when you saw “Buy one, get one free” on your favorite snacks, even if you didn’t plan to buy snacks, the deal made you grab them.

That’s how BOGO deals work by making you act on impulse.

ii. Increases average order value

BOGO deals often push your customers to spend a little more to qualify for the offer. It’s a simple way to raise your store’s average order value.

For example, if your deal is “Buy two, get one free” on shampoo, customers are more likely to add that extra bottle just to get the free one.

This not only gives them more value but also increases your total revenue with every sale. It’s a win-win for both you and your buyers.

• You can learn more about how to increase average order value from here
• and can also check out AOV marketing strategies
• Here are more product bundling examples to increase AOV

iii. Clears out old inventory

BOGO is a smart strategy for clearing out old or slow-moving inventory. It helps you move products without slashing prices too deeply.

For example, if your new chips are selling fast, you can offer a free bag of an older flavor with every purchase. This pairs a slow mover with a popular item to drive more sales.

Your customers feel like they’re getting extra value, and you get to free up space while boosting overall product turnover.

iv. Builds customer loyalty

Buy one get one deals can do more than increasing sales; they help build real customer loyalty. When your offer feels like a gift, it leaves a lasting impression.

For example, if you sell skincare, offering a “Buy one moisturizer, get a serum free” deal just for loyal customers shows you value them. That small gesture can turn one-time buyers into regulars.

It’s not just about discounts, it’s about creating moments that make customers feel special. Now that you know why BOGO works, let’s explore strategies you can use to boost sales.

• If you have an eCommerce business, you can also check out some customer retention strategies to increase loyalty

11 Proven BOGO Strategies to Grow Your Business

These tried-and-true approaches are effective & flexible enough to suit various types of businesses.

1. Buy One, Get One Free (Classic BOGO)

This is the original BOGO deal buy one product, and the second one is completely free. You’ve likely seen this offer everywhere because it’s simple and effective. It works best for products with high margins, where the “free” item doesn’t eat into your profits.

Think about this: You walk into a clothing store and see a sign that says, “Buy one t-shirt, get another free.” Even if you weren’t planning to shop, it’s tempting, right?

Brands like Poundfun use this tactic to clear inventory while encouraging customers to buy more. You can use this same approach to create buzz and boost sales without complicating your offer.

2. Buy One, Get One 50% Off

If giving something away for free feels like too much, this is a smart alternative. Instead of a second free item, you offer it at a discount, usually 50% off. It’s just enough to feel like a deal, but it still helps you recover costs on the second product.

Imagine you’re shopping for shoes, and the store advertises, “Buy one pair, get the second 50% off.” That deal makes it easier to justify grabbing that second pair.

Famous Footwear has perfected this strategy, making it a go-to for shoppers looking to save while splurging a little.

Another example is that if you sell clothes online, you could run a BOGO deal like “Buy one jacket, get one 50% off” just for students using the Unidays discount. It helps you attract more student buyers and gives them a good reason to shop from you again.

3. Buy X, Get Y (BXGY)

Sometimes it makes sense to mix things up by offering a different item as the freebie. This works particularly well for products that complement each other. By bundling items this way, you can cross-promote categories and introduce customers to something new.

For example, let’s say you run a coffee shop. You could try “Buy a bag of coffee beans, get a free mug.” Your customers walk away with a complete experience, and you get a chance to show off products they might not have noticed otherwise.

Stores like Bath & Body Works often run mix-and-match bogo deals like “Buy 3, get 3 free” to drive up sales across their collections.

4. Buy One, Get a Free Gift

Everyone loves getting something extra, and free gifts are an excellent way to surprise and delight your customers. This strategy is especially useful if you want to introduce new products without risking inventory.

Picture this: A skincare brand offers a free travel-sized serum with every moisturizer. Not only are you more likely to try the serum, but you might fall in love with it and come back to buy the full size.

Estee Lauder often offers this by setting the minimum spent and offering free samples.

5. Buy One, Get Free Samples

Adding free samples to a purchase is a practical way to build trust while introducing your customers to new products. This strategy works especially well if you’re launching something new or want to encourage repeat purchases.

For example, if you sell skincare products, you might offer a free sample of a new serum with the purchase of a moisturizer. It gives customers a chance to try something new without any extra cost.

Farm 2 Flour is a good example of this.

6. Buy Three, Get One Free

This strategy focuses on encouraging customers to buy in bulk. It’s particularly effective for consumable or frequently used items like food, beverages, or household supplies. Customers feel like they’re saving money in the long run, while you benefit from higher sales volume upfront.

For instance, a pet supply store can offer a deal like “Buy three bags of dog treats, get one free.” This incentivizes customers to stock up, ensuring they have enough on hand while feeling rewarded for buying more.

ETSY has used this approach effectively, targeting families who shop in larger quantities for home decoration.

7. BOGO for Limited Categories

Limiting BOGO deals to specific categories can help you clear out inventory or draw attention to seasonal items. This approach allows you to strategically boost sales for products that need extra promotion without impacting your entire catalog.

For example, a clothing store might run a promotion like, “Buy one sweater, get another sweater free,” as part of an end-of-season sale.

It’s a win-win: customers enjoy discounted items, and you free up space for next season’s collection.

8. BOGO with a Minimum Purchase Requirement

Setting a minimum purchase requirement for a BOGO market is a smart way to increase the average order value. This ensures that while customers get a deal, they also spend more overall, boosting your revenue.

For instance, an online electronics store could offer, “Spend $100 and get a free phone charger.” Customers are motivated to add more to their cart to unlock the reward, which benefits your business by increasing the total purchase amount.

Neiman Marcus frequently uses this strategy. They set up a minimum spend and offer a free gift if a customer spends the amount.

9. Buy One, Get a Discount on the Next Purchase

Getting your customers to come back is easier when they know there’s something valuable waiting. Offering a discount on the next purchase gives them a reason to return to you.

For example, if you run a bookstore, you could say, “Buy any hardcover novel and get 20% off your next purchase.” Your customer walks away feeling rewarded and excited to shop again.

It’s a great way for you to build loyalty and boost repeat sales. That future saving keeps your brand top of mind.

10. Conditional BOGO (e.g., Spend $X, Get a Free Product)

Conditional BOGO deals are perfect when you want customers to spend a little more. By setting a minimum amount, you guide them to build a bigger cart.

For example, if you run a beauty brand, you could offer “Spend $75 and get a free makeup bag.” It feels like a reward, and your customer gets excited to reach the target.

This not only boosts your average order value but also makes your offers feel more exclusive. It’s a smart way to give more while earning more.

11. BOGO for Loyalty Program Members

Offering BOGO deals just for your loyalty members is a great way to make them feel special. It shows that you appreciate their continued support.

For example, if you run a coffee shop, you could say, “Buy one latte, get one free” but only for loyalty program members. It gives them a reason to come back and others a reason to join.

This kind of exclusive offer helps you build stronger relationships and grow your loyalty base. You’re rewarding trust while boosting repeat sales.

What are The Best Practices for Running Successful BOGO Deals

After exploring various BOGO strategies, let’s focus on how you can make them work effectively for your business.

A well-executed BOGO deal isn’t just about creating excitement; it’s about aligning the promotion with your goals and ensuring your customers find value in the offer. Here’s how you can do it:

• Choose the right products: Start by selecting products that make financial sense for a BOGO offer. High-margin items work best, as they can offset the cost of the free item. Alternatively, use BOGO examples to move slow-moving inventory, clearing out your stock without compromising profitability.
• Set clear terms: Misunderstandings can cost you sales and frustrate customers. Clearly outline what’s included in the deal, any restrictions, and how to redeem it. For example, if the offer applies to a specific collection or price range, make that obvious from the beginning.
• Create urgency: Time-sensitive deals create a psychological push for customers to act quickly. Phrases like “Offer ends tonight” or “Limited stock available” encourage shoppers to grab the deal before it’s gone.

Now that you’ve structured your deal, it’s time to promote it where your audience is most active. To maximize your reach:

• Email campaigns: Use your email list to target subscribers with engaging subject lines and clear CTAs. Highlight the value of the deal and create excitement.
• Social media: Use eye-catching visuals and concise messaging to share your offer on platforms where your audience spends time. Share countdowns or updates to maintain engagement.
• Paid ads: Consider running targeted ads to reach new customers. Use platforms like Google or Meta to refine your audience based on demographics or shopping behavior.

By following these steps, you’ll not only run a successful BOGO promotion but also build trust with your audience, ensuring they keep coming back for more.

Are BOGO Deals Right for Your Business?

As you refine your promotional strategies, it’s important to assess whether BOGO deals align with your business goals and customer behavior. These offers work best when they match your audience’s shopping habits and support your sales objectives.

For example, if you run a clothing boutique and need to clear out last season’s inventory before launching your spring collection, a BOGO deal can help you move items quickly while creating excitement around your brand.

Similarly, during the holiday season, a “Buy One, Get One Free” on gift sets can encourage bulk buying and attract customers looking for value-packed presents.

BOGO deals are also ideal for businesses with high-margin products, like beauty brands selling skincare bundles, or consumables, such as coffee shops offering a “Buy Two, Get One Free” deal on beans.

However, if you operate in a niche market with low-margin items, like handmade artisan crafts or limited-edition artwork, this approach might not work.

For instance, a jeweler selling custom-designed rings with tight profit margins might find BOGO deals unsustainable, as the production cost for each item is too high to absorb.

In these cases, discounts or loyalty programs might be a better fit.

What are The Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Bogo Deals

Before you launch your BOGO promotion, it’s important to know the common mistakes to avoid. This way, you can maximize your results and keep your customers happy.

• Unclear Rules: Confusing or complicated terms can turn customers away. Clear and simple rules help you build trust and encourage more sales.
• Overusing Deals: Running BOGO offers too often can lower your product’s perceived value. Save them for special occasions to keep the excitement high.
• Poor Promotion: Even the best BOGO deals don’t work if they aren’t promoted well. You need to use emails, social media, and site banners to spread the word.
• Ignoring Margins: Offering steep discounts without checking profit margins can hurt your business. Make sure your deals still leave room for healthy profits.
• Limited Product Choice: Including only slow-selling or low-margin items may not attract customers. Focus on popular products to get better results.
• No Urgency: Without deadlines or limited stock, customers may wait or forget to buy. Adding urgency encourages quicker decisions.
• Excluding Loyalty: Not giving special BOGO offers to loyal customers misses a chance to reward them. You can keep them coming back with exclusive deals.
• Ignoring Customer Segments: One-size-fits-all deals won’t appeal to everyone. Tailor BOGO offers to different customer groups for a better impact.
• Complicated Redemption: If claiming the deal is difficult or confusing, customers might give up. Keep the process simple and smooth for the best results.
• Not Tracking Results: Without measuring how BOGO deals perform, it’s hard to improve. You should use sales data and feedback to refine future promotions.

How to Create “Buy One Get One Free” (BOGO) Deals

If you’ve decided BOGO deals are a fit for your store, creating them doesn’t have to be complicated. With Dynamic Discounts for WooCommerce, you can set up a “Buy One Get One Free” offer in just a few steps.

This tool simplifies the process, making it easy to customize rules and conditions based on your products and customers’ needs.

To guide you through the setup, here’s a step-by-step video tutorial that shows how you can create a BOGO deal for your WooCommerce store:

Start Running BOGO Promotions Today

BOGO deals are a simple way for you to grab attention and boost your sales fast. They create excitement and give your customers a reason to buy right now.

When you plan them well, BOGOs help you clear old stock and bring shoppers back again. It’s not just about discounts, it’s about building trust and loyalty with your buyers.

Pick the right products, set clear rules, and promote your deal well to see real results. With a smart BOGO, you can make a noticeable difference in your sales.

To take it further, try pairing BOGO with Dynamic Discounts that adjust to your customer’s cart. This helps you reward buyers smarter and boost your sales even more.