What if you could get your customers to spend more and make them feel good about it? That’s exactly what product bundling does!
By thoughtfully grouping products together in a way that makes sense, you’re not only boosting sales, but also creating a better shopping experience.
Studies show that highly satisfied customers—those who feel like you’ve gone the extra mile—are 5% more likely to stick around, which can drive your sales up by as much as 25%.
In this post, I’ll share 14 proven product bundling examples, straight from brands that know how to do it right along with some best practices and common mistakes.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Product Bundling?
Product bundling is basically when you group two or more products together and sell them as a package.
This strategy works because your customers feel like they’re getting a deal which encourages them to spend more.
There are several ways to approach bundling:
- Complementary bundles pair items that naturally go together, like a phone and a case.
- Mix-and-match bundles give customers the freedom to choose their favorite items from a set selection, which is perfect for variety seekers.
- Quantity-based bundles incentivize bulk purchases by offering discounts when buying more of the same or related products.
When creating bundles, you’ll generally use one of two types:
i. Pure bundling:
In pure bundling, products in the bundle aren’t sold separately. For example, a subscription box like Birchbox offers curated items only as part of the box. You can’t buy the individual products separately from the company.
ii. Mixed bundling:
In mixed bundling, products in the bundle are available individually or as part of a package. For example, McDonald’s allows you to buy a burger, fries, or a drink individually, but also offers value meals that combine them at a discounted price.
Mixed bundling works well because it gives customers flexibility while still incentivizing the bundle.
Bundling vs. Upselling
But many people think product bundling and upselling are the same thing while they’re not. Here’s how they differ:
- Purpose: Bundling focuses on grouping multiple products together at a value-driven price. Upselling, on the other hand, encourages customers to upgrade to a higher-priced version of a product they’re already considering.
- Customer mindset: When bundling, your customers are thinking about getting more for less. With upselling, they’re weighing whether a premium option is worth the added cost.
- Product focus: Bundles combine different products into a single package, while upselling highlights one product and emphasizes its higher-end features or benefits.
- When to use: Use bundling when you want to move inventory, boost AOV, or create value for your customers. Use upselling when you want to encourage higher-margin purchases or showcase premium options.
Here’s the comparison between Bundling and Upselling in a table format:
Aspect | Bundling | Upselling |
Purpose | Groups multiple products together at a value-driven price | Encourages customers to upgrade to a higher-priced version of a product they’re already considering |
Customer Mindset | Thinking about getting more for less | Weighing if a premium option is worth the added cost |
Product Focus | Combines different products into a single package | Highlights one product and emphasizes its higher-end features or benefits |
When to Use | To move inventory, boost AOV, or create value | To encourage higher-margin purchases or showcase premium options |
Now let’s go through some reasons why product bundling works like wonder.
Why Product Bundling Can Skyrocket AOV?
Product bundling usually works because it offers value to both your business and your customers. Here’s how it helps drive higher Average Order Value:
i. Encourages spending by creating perceived value: Bundling makes customers feel like they’re getting a deal.
For example, a $50 backpack paired with a $30 water bottle might sell as a bundle for $70. Customers see the $10 savings and are more likely to purchase both instead of just one item.
ii. Reduces decision fatigue: Bundles simplify the buying process by grouping related items together. Instead of deciding between several products, customers can choose a bundle that feels like a complete solution.
For instance, skincare brands often bundle cleansers, toners, and moisturizers that make it easier for customers to grab everything they need in one go.
iii. Moves inventory faster: If you have slower-selling products, bundling them with bestsellers gives those items a push.
For example, pairing last season’s phone case with a trending phone charger increases the likelihood of clearing excess stock.
iv. Improves visibility for lesser-known products: When you include new or niche items in bundles with popular products, customers discover them without hesitation.
A gaming console bundle that includes a newly launched game can introduce players to titles they might not have picked on their own.
So, whether it’s saving money, finding convenience, or getting introduced to new products, your customers win, and so does your bottom line.
Let’s enter the main section of this blog.
14 Proven Product Bundling Examples to Boost AOV
Different types of bundles work for different businesses, depending on your goals and what your customers value.
Let’s break down some of the best product bundle examples you can easily adapt to your business.
1. Pure Bundling for Slow-Moving Inventory
Pure bundling works best when you want to clear out products that aren’t selling on their own. Instead of letting slow-moving stock gather dust, you can pair these items with your bestsellers as an exclusive deal.
For example, Apple often includes accessories like AirPods when purchasing a MacBook or iPad during their annual student deal.
While AirPods are popular, this bundling strategy helps Apple move older or overstocked AirPods models that might not sell as quickly on their own, while providing customers with perceived added value.
2. “Mix-and-Match” Bundling for Variety Seekers
As I mentioned before, Mix-and-match bundling gives your customers the flexibility to pick exactly what they want from a selection of products.
For instance, NatureBox lets you personalize your snack box by selecting your preferred nutrition level and taste. You can pick your favorites, mix and match, and create a box full of snacks that suit your tastes.
3. BOGO (Buy One Get One) Bundling
BOGO bundling works because it creates a sense of value while encouraging customers to buy more. Whether you offer the second product free or at a discount, this strategy is especially effective during seasonal sales or promotional periods.
For example, during back-to-school sales, shoe retailers like Payless often promote “Buy One Pair, Get the Second at 50% Off.” This motivates customers to grab an extra pair instead of stopping at just one. It’s a win-win: your customers save, and your sales grow.
You can also take BOGO offer a step further like this:
- Offer a “Buy One, Get One Free” deal to create an even stronger value perception for customers.
- Customize your promotion, like “Buy 3, Get 3 Free,” to encourage higher-volume purchases while maintaining flexibility for your business.
Watch the video below to see how you can set up BOGO bundling in your business easily.
4. Cross-Sell Bundles
Cross-sell bundles combine complementary products to offer customers a full solution, rather than just a single item. These bundles make it easier for customers to see the value in purchasing multiple products together.
You can see this cross-sell bundling example on Amazon by visiting a product page.
For instance, if you look up a tab on Amazon, you will typically see the cross-sell bundles displayed as complementary items that often include accessories like bags, keyboard cases, or stylus pens.
5. Subscription Bundling for Recurring Revenue
Subscription bundling focuses on long-term customer retention by offering curated boxes that customers receive regularly. This works especially well for consumable products like food, beauty items, or pet supplies.
A notable example is CARSLOTH, which provides an all-inclusive car subscription service. For a flat monthly fee, subscribers receive a vehicle along with insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance, eliminating the traditional hassles of car ownership.
6. Seasonal Bundling to Match Customer Demand
Seasonal bundling is a smart way to align your offers with what customers need at specific times of the year. You can create holiday gift sets or themed bundles to cater to the demand for seasonal shopping.
Think about Starbucks‘ holiday bundles. Every winter, they sell gift-ready sets that include mugs, coffee beans, and holiday-flavored syrups. These bundles make gifting easier and feel exclusive because they’re only available for a limited time.
7. DIY (Build Your Own) Bundles
DIY bundles give your customers full control over what they buy, which makes the shopping experience feel personal and fun. Instead of offering fixed bundles, you let them choose the items they want to include, all for a discounted bundle price.
Brands like Mixbook let customers design their own photo book bundles, choosing layouts and add-ons to create something that fits their needs perfectly. This approach keeps customers engaged and increases their willingness to buy.
8. Discount Bundling for Cost-Conscious Shoppers
Everyone loves a good deal, and discount bundling gives your customers the feeling they’re saving while encouraging them to buy more. You offer a group of products at a lower total price than if they were purchased individually.
Retailers like Target often bundle everyday essentials, like shampoo and conditioners, at a discounted rate.
9. Clearance Bundling to Clear Out Inventory
When you’ve got inventory that just isn’t moving, clearance bundling can help you turn it into revenue. Pair older or slow-selling items with popular ones to create an attractive package deal.
Take GetFPV, for instance. They make it easy for you to grab a bundle of compatible parts for their drone DIY kit. It’s a smart way to clear inventory while giving you everything you need for your next drone project.
10. Upsell Bundles to Drive High-Value Purchases
Upsell bundles are all about encouraging customers to spend more by including premium products alongside their main purchase. This allows them to get a better deal on something they might not have considered otherwise.
Take Koh, the cleaning products brand. At checkout, they make it hard to resist their upsell bundle, offering you a deal that lets you stock up on essentials while saving money.
11. Gift Bundling for Special Occasions
Gift bundles make shopping easier for customers who are looking for presents but don’t know where to start. By curating products into gift-ready packages, you save them time and effort while increasing the appeal of your items.
Lifestyle brands like Bath & Body Works design holiday-themed bundles with Body Wash (10 fl oz), Body Lotion (8 fl oz) Fine Fragrance Mist (8 fl oz) and Hand Cream (1 fl oz) that customers love to give and receive.
12. Gamify Bundling to Enhance Engagement
Gamifying your bundling strategy makes the shopping experience more exciting for your customers. You can introduce challenges, spending thresholds, or tiered rewards to encourage more engagement.
For instance, Starbucks uses its loyalty program to gamify purchases by offering bonus stars when customers reach specific spending goals, often by bundling coffee and snacks.
13. Limited-Edition Bundles to Create Urgency
Nothing motivates purchases like exclusivity. Limited-edition bundles create a sense of urgency because customers know they won’t be available forever. This strategy works especially well during product launches, collaborations, or seasonal events.
Here’s an example of a limited edition bundle from Pai Skincare.
14. Buy More Pay Less Bundles
Offer “Buy more pay less” bundles andencourage your customers to purchase in larger quantities by rewarding them with tiered discounts. The more they buy, the less they pay per item, which feels like a win-win.
For example: If they take 5 – they get 10% off, if they get 10 – they get 15% off. This way the more items they take, the less they have to pay.
Look at the example from Godiva
Best Practices for Effective Product Bundling
To make your product bundles work, you need a clear plan that focuses on customer value and business goals. Each step in the process should help you create bundles that feel natural to your customers and deliver the results you’re looking for.
1. Define Clear Goals for Your Bundles
Start by figuring out why you’re creating a bundle. Are you trying to increase sales, clear out extra stock, or introduce new products? Knowing your goal helps you create bundles that make sense and deliver results.
For example, if you want to move older inventory, pair it with something popular to make it more attractive. If you’re aiming for bigger sales, consider adding premium items to encourage higher spending. Clear goals keep your bundles on track.
2. Use Data to Identify Bundle Opportunities
Your customer data can tell you a lot about what works. Look at what people buy together or the products they often add to their carts.
For instance, if customers usually grab a pair of headphones with a phone case, bundling them makes perfect sense. Or, during holidays, offering discounts on kitchenware sets might boost sales. Paying attention to customer habits helps you create bundles they’ll actually want.
3. Price Bundles to Show Clear Value
Bundle pricing should make it obvious that buying the bundle saves money. If the savings are clear, your customers are more likely to go for it.
Let’s say one product costs $30, but a bundle of three costs $75. Highlight the savings—“Save $15 with this bundle!” Clear pricing builds trust and makes the decision to buy easier for your customers.
4. Promote Bundles Where Customers Will See Them
Make sure your bundles show up in the right places. Add them to product pages, checkout pages, or even a dedicated bundle section on your site.
Think of how Amazon shows “frequently bought together” products right below an item you’re looking at. It’s easy to see and tempting to buy. You can also feature bundles at checkout as a quick way to encourage customers to add more items.
5. Use Tools to Make Bundling Easier
You don’t have to do everything manually. Tools like Dynamic Discount for WooCommerce can help you create and display bundles effortlessly.
So, stick to these tips, and you’ll create bundles that customers love and that help you hit your business goals. Simple, effective, and easy to manage.
However, getting product bundling right isn’t just about creating combinations. It’s also about avoiding the pitfalls that can turn customers away.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Product Bundling
Let’s cover some common mistakes to ensure your bundles work for both your business and your audience.
1. Ignoring Customer Preferences
If your bundles don’t match what your customers actually want, they won’t sell. It’s that simple. Always think about their needs and buying habits before creating a bundle.
For example, bundling winter boots with swimwear might make sense for clearing inventory but won’t appeal to most customers.
Instead, bundle products that go together naturally—like a laptop with a bag or a skincare set with complementary products. Pay attention to what your customers typically buy together, and you’ll have a winning combination.
Let’s see how HP offers it.
2. Overcomplicating Bundle Choices
Too many options or overly complex bundles can confuse customers and drive them away. Keep it straightforward.
For instance, offering three or four simple bundle choices is much better than overwhelming customers with ten different configurations. When the decision is easy, customers are more likely to buy. Think of stores like Costco, which often feature clear, simple product bundles at unbeatable prices.
3. Not Highlighting the Savings
If customers can’t quickly see how much they’re saving, they’ll lose interest. Make the value crystal clear.
For example, instead of just listing the bundle price, say something like, “Save $20 when you buy this bundle.” Bold the savings on your product pages, emails, and ads. When the savings stand out, you’re giving customers a reason to feel good about their purchase.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll make your product bundles more appealing and easier for customers to choose. Simplicity and clarity are key to keeping them engaged and ready to buy.
Conclusion
You’ve seen how product bundling can transform the way your business sells. It’s not just about offering more products—it’s about creating combinations that make sense for your customers and increasing your average order value (AOV).
Bundling helps you move inventory, attract cost-conscious buyers, and deliver value that keeps customers coming back. Whether it’s seasonal bundles, upsells, or clearing old stock, the strategies we’ve covered are a great starting point.
Now’s the time to try these strategies, see how your customers respond, and grow your revenue.
FAQs
1. What is the benefit of combining products into a single offer?
Combining products into product bundles increases perceived value and encourages customers to purchase multiple items together, boosting overall sales.
2. How can I find inspiration for creating product offers?
Look at best product bundle examples from competitors or successful brands. These examples can help you design offers that align with your audience’s needs.
3. What strategies work best for pricing product bundles?
Review product bundle pricing examples to see how discounts or tiered pricing can drive more sales while maintaining profitability.
4. How can I attract customers to bundled offers?
Using a bundle sales promotion with time-limited discounts or exclusive deals can create urgency and excitement around your bundles.
5. Are there any real-world applications for bundling?
Yes, studying Product Bundling Examples from leading e-commerce brands can show how bundling complementary items boosts customer satisfaction and revenue.