10 Different Types Of Discounts To Increase WooCommerce Sales [2025]

What’s your take on using discounts?

I have seen many businesses heavily rely on discounts for sales and revenue. In fact, most people starting out often think that discounts are the easy button for sales.

• Sales dropped? Run a flash sale.
• Product not moving? Offer 20% off.
• Cart abandoned? Send a coupon.

Sure, these sometimes work quite well, at least for a quick bump. But over time, you will notice that those sales don’t stick.

I’ve seen cases where a business acquired tons of users by offering discounts, but later they faced challenges such as tighter profit margins and low retention (i.e., less chance of repeat purchases or subscription renewals).

In the long run, it will mean you will constantly have to invest in acquisition costs and expect a lack of business growth without high effort. You might think discounts are a quick fix, but they can become a burden if you do not have a proper plan ahead.

The truth is, discounts can absolutely drive growth, but only when you use the right types, at the right time, with the right goals.

So today, I will discuss 10 different types of discounts that you may consider using. And I will explain when you should be using them for the highest outcome without losing on retention for long-term growth.

Let’s get into it.

Why Do Discounts Drive Sales – The Customer Psychology

Before we get to the discount types, let’s quickly look at why people actually buy more when you offer a discount.

You have to understand that offering a discount is a marketing strategy, and not a sales technique. It taps into powerful psychological triggers that influence buying behaviour, and no, it’s not just about saving money

For starters, there’s FOMO (fear of missing out). A limited-time deal creates urgency, which taps into our natural aversion to loss. Combine that with the anchoring effect—where your original price makes your discounted price look like a steal—and suddenly, you’ve created a compelling reason to act fast.

On top of that, discounts feed our need for instant gratification. That happy feeling you get when you grab a deal? It’s real—and it makes customers want to come back for more.

But that’s not all. When you offer a discount, you’re also building trust. It feels like you’re giving the customer something valuable upfront, which taps into the principle of reciprocity. In other words, they feel good about you, so they’re more likely to buy, and buy again.

Furthermore, discounts also boost perceived value, making customers feel like they’re getting more than they paid for.

Bottom line? If used correctly, discounts aren’t just price cuts—they’re conversion triggers. And if you’re not using them strategically in your funnel, you’re leaving sales on the table

10 Types Of Discounts That Work Best In WooCommerce

Now, let’s dive into the main part – different types of discounts you should consider using to increase sales.

These are discount strategies that have worked well for others and is suited for any WooCommerce stores, if set up correctly using the right tools.

So let’s dive in.

1. Percentage-Based Discounts

Percentage-based discounts are one of the simplest—and most effective—types of discounts you can use. You simply offer a percentage off a product, a category, or even the entire order. That’s it. No guesswork. No confusion.

Let’s say you’re running a weekend flash sale on t-shirts. A straight-up “20% off all t-shirts” promo? That’s clean, simple, and easy for your customers to say “yes” to.

And it works. Why? Because it’s easy for customers to understand, calculate, and act on.

Here’s an example from Headway, offering a percentage discount:

Why This Type of Discount Works?

Because shoppers can instantly calculate the savings, making it easy for them to justify the purchase and act fast.

When To Offer A Percentage-Based Discount?

Use this discount strategy when you want quick wins. It’s perfect for:

• Flash sales
• Seasonal clearances
• Weekend or holiday promos
• Campaigns to boost sales during slow periods

For example, if you’re sitting on last season’s stock, a 30% discount helps move it fast. Or, if you want to give your weekend traffic a push, a limited-time “15% off storewide” offer can drive quick conversions.

Just don’t forget the golden rule: add an expiration date. Scarcity is a psychological driver. If your deal runs forever, it loses its power.

How To Ensure The Customer Returns for More Sales After This Discount?

Getting the first sale is great, but turning that buyer into a repeat customer is where the real growth happens.

Here’s how to do it:

• Include a follow-up discount in your post-purchase email (like 10% off their next order).
• Create a loyalty loop by offering points or credit for every purchase.
• Personalize future offers based on what they bought (e.g., offer matching items or upgrades).

Even a small gesture, like a thank-you message with a time-sensitive deal, can spark that next sale. The key is to keep the momentum going. Don’t let the relationship end with the first discount.

2. Fixed Cart Discounts

Fixed cart discounts are a straight-up dollar amount off the entire order, once your customer hits a certain threshold. Think: “Get $10 off when you spend $50.”

No complicated rules. No fine print. You just set the condition, and the discount kicks in at checkout.

Say someone adds $42 worth of items to their cart. If they know they’ll get $10 off at $50, they’ll probably toss in one more item. That’s how you quietly increase your average order value—without pressuring the shopper.

Here’s how Bragg does it with a minimum cart value offer:

Why This Type of Discount Works?

Because it nudges customers to add more items just to qualify for the discount, increasing your average order value.

When To Offer A Fixed Cart Discount?

This tactic is great when you’re trying to:

• Raise your average order size
• Move mid-range products
• Reward higher spending
• Encourage bundle purchases

Let’s say you’re offering free shipping at $50. You can stack a “$10 off $50+” discount on top of that. Double incentive. People feel like they’re winning twice, and your cart totals go up fast.

How To Ensure The Customer Returns for More Sales After This Discount?

Use that checkout moment to plant the next purchase.

• Trigger a “Thanks for shopping with us” email that includes a limited-time reward.
• Add a loyalty nudge: “Earn points for every dollar spent.”
• Suggest related products with a coupon attached, based on what they just bought.

The goal isn’t just the upsell—it’s the follow-up. That’s where you build long-term value.

3. Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO)

BOGO deals work because they feel generous. Your customer pays once and walks away with double. And you still move more product.

But the trick is choosing the right BOGO type. There are three main styles, and each has its own use case.

i. Buy X, Get X Free

This is your classic “Buy one, get one free” deal. It works best with everyday items people already buy in multiples—like coffee mugs, socks, or candles.

Let’s say someone adds a lavender candle to their cart. You give them a second one free.

It’s a quick way to drive volume without cutting your main price.

ii. Buy X, Get Y Free

Here’s where you offer a different item as the freebie. Maybe you’re launching a new product or trying to introduce variety.

For example, someone buys a full-size shampoo, and you toss in a travel-size conditioner.

It’s a no-risk way for your customer to try something new, while you boost product exposure.

iii. Buy X, Get X at a Discount

Instead of giving it away, you discount the second one.

Like: “Buy one yoga mat, get the second for 50% off.”

This version works when margins are tighter or the product price is higher. You still drive more sales, but protect your profits.

**Learn about the other ways bogo deals work.

Let’s look at an example from BUOY

Why This Type of Discount Works?

Because it feels like getting more/ double the value for the same price, especially effective for items people already buy in multiples.

When To Offer A BOGO Discount?

Use this when your goal is to:

• Increase units sold per order
• Clear out high-inventory items
• Introduce customers to new or complementary products

This discount style is especially good for physical goods where extra units don’t add much to your shipping or handling costs.

How To Ensure The Customer Returns for More Sales After This Discount?

BOGO brings in the buyer. Now here’s how to bring them back:

• Follow up with product usage tips + related offers in email
• Offer a limited-time reorder discount
• Run a “Buy again and save” campaign based on what they grabbed

Your job doesn’t end with the promo. Use that momentum to keep them coming back.

4. Free Shipping Discount

Even after you’ve got someone ready to buy, shipping costs can still make them bounce.

You’ve probably done it too—got to checkout, saw the shipping fee, and backed out.

That’s why offering free shipping works, especially when there’s a small spending target to unlock it.

Say your products usually cost around $30. You can offer free shipping for orders over $49.

That small gap makes your customer add one more thing to the cart just to avoid the shipping charge.

This type of discount works great if you’re selling stuff like candles, skincare, or anything physical that’s not too bulky.

Pro Tip- Show it right on the product page or even in the cart. If the discount is obvious and feels like a good deal, your customers will act on it.

Why This Type of Discount Works?

Because shipping fees are a top reason for cart abandonment, and removing that cost removes friction from the checkout process.

When To Offer a Free Shipping Discount?

Use this discount strategy when you want to:

• Reduce cart abandonment
• Incentivize larger orders
• Build trust with first-time buyers
• Compete with marketplaces like Amazon

It’s especially useful for physical goods that aren’t too heavy or expensive to ship. And if you’re running a promotion, like a weekend sale, free shipping makes it even more appealing.

Just don’t bury the offer. Show it right on the product page, in the cart, or even as a sitewide banner. The more visible it is, the more likely it’ll tip a customer into buying.

How To Ensure the Customer Returns for More Sales After This Discount?

Turn the free shipping win into a long-term relationship.

Here’s how:

• Mention future free shipping thresholds in your thank-you email.
• Add them to a VIP segment that gets early access to free shipping deals.
• Send follow-up offers like “free shipping on your next order, no minimum.”

You’re not just removing friction, you’re setting an expectation. If their first experience is smooth (and fee-free), they’re more likely to come back.

5. Quantity-Based Discounts

This is the “buy more, save more” move—and it’s a classic for a reason.

Quantity-based discounts reward your customers for buying in volume. That could mean stocking up on basics or getting a better deal when shopping for a team or household.

The setup? Flexible. You can keep it simple or get fancy.

Here’s how:

i. Tiered or Fixed Discounts Based on Quantity

This version shows customers that the more they buy, the better the deal.

For example:

• Buy 3, get 10% off
• Buy 5, get 20% off

Or, you can go with fixed savings:

• Buy 3 notebooks, get $5 off
• Buy 6 protein bars, save $10

If your products have similar prices, a percentage discount is clean and easy. But if your margins are tight, fixed discounts give you more control.

And yes—it’s a great way to increase average order value without heavy discounting.

If you want to set this up fast without messing around with custom settings, this quick guide breaks it down in 3 simple steps.

Here’s an example from Corpus

ii. Volume-Based Pricing for Bulk or B2B Orders

If you’re selling to other businesses or just offering large bundles, volume pricing is a smart play.

Think:

• 50+ units = 25% off
• 100+ units = 40% off

It’s a go-to discount strategy for office supplies, raw materials, packaging, and any repeat-use item.

And if your store serves both consumers and businesses? No problem.

Run both B2B and general quantity discounts side by side. Just make sure they don’t overlap or confuse the buyer.

iii. Mix-and-Match Bulk Discounts

Want to boost variety in the cart? Mix-and-match bulk discounts let customers combine products and still get the deal.

For example:

• Buy any 4 grooming products, get 15% off
• Pick any 5 T-shirts, save $20

Perfect if you sell product variations—scents, sizes, colors, or flavors. It gets people to try more while still saving.

Why This Type of Discount Works?

Because customers are more likely to stock up when they see they’ll save more by buying more at once.

Pro tip: Highlight the discount before they reach checkout. Make it visible on the product page and cart. When the savings feel real and immediate, you remove hesitation and close more sales.

6. Limited-Time Discounts (Flash Sales)

Flash sales are how you get attention fast. When you need to clear inventory, test a new product, or just spike engagement, a short-term discount creates urgency. No time to think. They either grab it now or miss out.

Here’s the thing—people respond to deadlines. If there’s a timer ticking, they’re way more likely to act.

Joggy made a discount just like this.

Why This Type of Discount Works?

Because urgency triggers action, when people know the deal is ending soon, they’re less likely to delay.

You can set up flash sales for all kinds of goals:

• End-of-season cleanout: Say you run a fashion store. Do a “40% off till midnight” to move last season’s inventory. Add a countdown timer and pin the banner so it’s always visible.
• New product drops: Launching a new face serum or Bluetooth gadget? Try “20% off for the first 3 hours.” This style works especially well for hype-heavy industries like beauty and tech.
• Low traffic times: Got a slow stretch on Wednesdays? Run a flash sale just for that window. It could be 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.—just enough to bring people in during off hours.
• Digital goods: If you sell templates, ebooks, or course access, flash deals can get fence-sitters to finally check out. Even better if you offer a fast-action bonus that disappears after a few hours.

Pair it with email or SMS. Let your list in early, then open it up to everyone else.

Most plugins let you schedule rules so the deal starts and ends on its own, no manual work needed.

Pro tip: Make the end time super obvious. Show a countdown, mention the deadline in product descriptions, and repeat it in popups and banners. Tools like HurryTimer are great for this, and you can set it to disappear when the timer runs out so there’s no confusion.

7. First-Time Buyer Discount

For new shoppers, a small nudge can go a long way. A simple 10–15% off makes trying your product feel less risky.

You’re not just getting that first sale—you’re starting a habit. If they like it, they’re way more likely to come back.

This works especially well if you sell something people rebuy regularly:

• Skincare
• Supplements
• Pet treats
• Cleaning products

Let’s see hoe Lingo shows this.

Why This Type of Discount Works?

Because it gives new visitors a low-risk reason to buy now instead of leaving your site without converting.

But here’s the catch—you need to keep it exclusive. It should feel like a one-time shot.

If visitors think they can get the discount anytime, they’ll delay… and probably bounce.

So here’s what to do:

• Target only new users: Use session data or cookies to show the offer only on their first visit.
• Use a banner, sticky bar, or slide-in: Let it show after a few seconds or just as they scroll.
• Make it feel special: Say something like, “Hey, first time here? Here’s 10% off, just for you.”

If you’re using a CRM like Mail Mint, you can trigger this automatically. Once someone visits and adds their email, Mail Mint can tag them, apply the discount, and hide it for the next visit.

Pro tip: Don’t just offer it quietly. Make sure they see the deal early, before they start debating whether to click away.

8. Loyalty or Repeat Customer Discount

When someone buys from you once and has a good experience, that’s your best chance to lock them in. A loyalty discount gives them a reason to come back before they check out a competitor.

It doesn’t have to be huge. Even a small “thanks for coming back” offer can be enough to get a second (or third) order in.

Here’s how it might look: “Thanks for your second order—here’s 20% off your next one.”

Why This Type of Discount Works?

Because rewarding repeat buyers builds long-term trust and gives them a reason to stay loyal instead of browsing competitors.

When To Offer a Loyalty Discount?

This discount strategy works great when:

• You sell products people buy repeatedly (think skincare, supplements, or pet food)
• You want to shorten the time between purchases
• You’re building a long-term brand, not just chasing first-time sales

If your product has a natural reorder cycle, this type of offer keeps your brand top-of-mind right when they’re ready to restock.

How To Make It Work?

Trigger the offer based on purchase history:

• After the 2nd or 3rd order
• Or after a certain spend threshold (like $100 total)

Set it up in your post-purchase email. Thank them, then drop the discount code.

Better if you can automate this with tools like Mail Mint, so you never miss a beat.

9. Email Subscription Discount

You’ve definitely seen this one before: “Get 10% off when you subscribe.”

And for good reason—it works.

You give shoppers a little nudge to sign up for your list, and they give you a way to reach them again later.

Why This Type of Discount Works?

Because it helps you grow your email list while turning first-time visitors into paying customers right away.

When To Offer an Email Subscription Discount?

This is a smart move if:

• You want to grow your email list fast
• You need a low-friction offer to convert first-time visitors
• You want to recover lost traffic through email marketing later

It’s ideal for products that people hesitate to buy without a discount. You make the decision easier, and capture the lead at the same time.

How To Make It Work?

Keep it simple. They sign up, they get the code right away.

You can use:

• A homepage banner
• A timed pop-up (after 10–15 seconds)
• Or an exit-intent pop-up if they try to leave

The key? No delay. Don’t make them wait for a confirmation email or jump through hoops.

With Mail Mint, you can instantly send the welcome email with their discount code, and plug them into your automations for later.

10. Abandoned Cart Discount

Sometimes people add stuff to their cart and just… leave. It doesn’t mean they didn’t want to buy.

It could be anything: they got distracted, they had second thoughts, or the price felt just a bit high.

You can simply bring them back by sending a small discount a few hours later.

Something like “Hey, your cart’s still waiting—here’s 10% off if you finish checking out.”

It’s low effort and recovers sales you almost had.

Let’s see how SAATCHI ART does this

Why This Type of Discount Works?

Because a small discount delivered at the right time can be all it takes to recover a sale that was already halfway done.

When To Use an Abandoned Cart Discount

Use this if:

• Your products are mid- to high-ticket (where hesitation is common)
• You sell bundles or items that take a little decision time
• You’re seeing high cart abandonment in analytics

Even 10% off can tip the scale when they’re this close to buying.

How To Make It Work

Send a reminder a few hours after they leave. Then follow up a day later with a small discount.

This approach works well for:

• Electronics
• Fitness gear
• Household bundles
• Anything with a price tag that makes people think twice

**Here’s a full guide on abandoned cart emails that actually convert if you need ideas.

How to apply different types of discounts strategies in WordPress

Now that we’ve gone through the different types of discounts you can use, let’s move on to how you can actually apply them in your WooCommerce store.

When it comes to setting up discounts, the process can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, today, I’m going to show you how to implement these strategies using one of the easiest discount plugins for WordPress: Dynamic Discount for WooCommerce.

Here are the types of discounts you can create using this tool-

Below, I am sharing a video that will give you a clear overview of how to get started with this tool to create your required discounts.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using Different Types of Discounts

As I said before, discounts can work well when you use them the right way. But if you’re not careful, they can actually hurt your business more than help.

Here’s what to look out for:

i. Offering discounts too often

If you run discounts all the time, people stop taking them seriously. They wait for the next one instead of buying at full price.

Let’s say you sell planners and run a 20% off sale every two weeks. After a while, regular customers stop buying at full price because they know another sale is coming.

That kind of pattern trains people to wait instead of act.

ii. Not targeting the right group

If you’re giving the same discount to everyone, this is not going to make sense. Not everyone needs the same offer.

Let’s say someone just bought from you yesterday. Then today, they get a 15% off email. That’s annoying. They already bought, now they feel like they missed out. Instead, send that 15% off to someone new who hasn’t bought yet. For returning customers, a quick “Thanks for sticking with us- here’s something for your next order” works better.

Keep your offers focused so they actually make sense to the person getting them.

iii. The offer rules are too confusing

People don’t have time to figure out complicated terms. If your discount comes with too many conditions, they’ll just leave.

Let’s say you run a “Buy 2, get 20% off, but only on selected items over $50.” If someone has to stop and think through what qualifies, you’ve lost them.

Keep it clear, like “20% off any 2 items from this collection.

iv. Not checking if the offer is actually working

If you’re not tracking results, you have no way of knowing if the discount is doing its job.

You might run a 3-day flash sale and see a bump in orders, but without checking how many of those were new customers or repeat buyers, you won’t know if it was worth it.

So, in this case, what you can do is set a goal first, then check your numbers: how many people used the code, how much they spent, and what kind of traffic came in.

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v. Ignoring the profit margin

It’s easy to forget how much you’re actually making after a discount goes out.

Say your product sells for $40, and it costs you $25 to make and ship it. If you offer 25% off, your profit drops to almost nothing.

So, better, you run the numbers first so you know what you can offer without losing money.

How To Choose the Right Discount Type for Your Store

Every offer you’ve seen so far can work, but not all of them will work for you. You need to match the discount with the goal you’re trying to hit. That’s how you make sure the deal drives real sales instead of just giving away money.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• To drive first-time sales → Use a first-order discount or email sign-up offer.
• To increase average order value → Set up quantity-based pricing, bundles, or free shipping thresholds.
• To clear the inventory → Run a flash sale or discount on specific low-moving products.
• To boost customer loyalty → Offer returning customer discounts or loyalty perks based on past purchases.

Once you’ve got a general direction, the next step is to look at what your actual customers are doing.

Know Your Customer Behavior

Now it’s time to get into your store data. You don’t need anything fancy, just pay attention to the basics:

• If people are adding to the cart but not checking out, set up a cart recovery offer.
• If most orders are under $40 and your goal is $60+, try a bundle or upsell that bridges the gap.
• If one product is getting most of the traffic, build your offer around that.

Using this real-time data, you make sure your discount strategy works smarter.

Test, Measure, and Adjust

Once your discounts are live, don’t just set them and forget them.

Run a few versions and track what actually gets people to buy. You might find that a 10% discount performs better than 15%, just because it’s framed differently. Or that a free shipping offer beats any percentage-based deal.

Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Conversion rate – Are more visitors turning into buyers?
• Profit per sale – Are your discounts cutting too deep into your margins?
• Redemption rate – Are people even using the code or clicking the offer?

Make one change at a time so you can actually see what’s working. Then tweak based on the numbers, not assumptions. You’ll figure out what works best for your store a lot faster this way.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got a solid list of discount types and know how to test what works, it’s just about putting things into action.

You don’t need to run every offer at once. Start with 2–3 that actually match your goals. Maybe you want to get more new buyers, move slow products, or get higher cart values, whatever it is, pick a few discounts that support that.

Keep an eye on your numbers, make small changes, and keep going from there. When done right, these discounts won’t just bring in sales, they’ll help you grow without cutting too much into your profits.