Discover how offering a premium gift wrapping service can boost your average order value and delight your customers on Shopify.
As a Shopify merchant, I’m always looking for innovative ways to enhance the customer experience and, of course, boost my average order value.
One often-overlooked yet incredibly effective strategy I’ve found is offering gift wrapping as an upsell option.
It’s a simple addition that can significantly elevate your brand perception and truly delight your customers, especially during peak gifting seasons.
Think about it: how many times have you bought a gift online and then had to scramble for wrapping paper, tape, and a card?
By providing this convenient service, you’re solving a common pain point for your customers, making their lives easier and their gifting process seamless.
This convenience translates directly into increased customer satisfaction, which, as we all know, is a cornerstone of long-term customer loyalty.
Beyond just convenience, gift wrapping presents a fantastic, low-effort opportunity to increase your average order value (AOV) per transaction.
It’s a premium service that customers are often more than willing to pay a little extra for, especially when they’re short on time or not particularly skilled at wrapping themselves.
So, how do we effectively implement a compelling gift wrapping service on our Shopify store? Let’s dive into some practical, actionable ideas.
First, you’ll need to decide on the technical implementation. Shopify doesn’t have a native, built-in gift wrapping option.
Many merchants, myself included, find success using third-party Shopify apps specifically designed for gift options. These apps often provide robust features like custom messages and multiple wrapping styles.
Alternatively, for a simpler approach, you can create a product variant (e.g., ‘Add Gift Wrap’) on relevant products or even a separate product listing for your ‘Gift Wrapping Service’.
If you go the variant route, customers can select ‘Add Gift Wrap’ directly on the product page, making the upsell very visible and easy to add.
For a separate product, you’d encourage customers to add it to their cart alongside their main purchase, perhaps with a clear call-to-action on product pages or in the cart.
Next, let’s talk about pricing your gift wrapping service. You have several flexible options here.
A flat fee, say $5 or $10, is straightforward, easy for customers to understand, and simple to manage.
You could also consider tiered pricing based on the size or number of items being wrapped, though this can add a layer of complexity to your fulfillment process.
Another compelling strategy I’ve seen work well is to offer free gift wrapping for orders over a certain value. This incentivizes larger purchases and boosts your AOV naturally.
Now, let’s make it truly special. Don’t just offer generic, plain wrapping. Think about customization and strong branding.
Invest in high-quality wrapping paper that perfectly aligns with your brand aesthetic. Consider custom-printed paper featuring your logo or unique patterns.
Offer a choice of ribbons or bows in different colors or materials. This allows customers to personalize the look even further to suit the recipient or occasion.
Always include a branded gift tag or a small, elegant card where customers can add a personalized message. This is a huge value-add that makes the gift feel more thoughtful.
Consider offering different themes for various occasions – perhaps a festive holiday wrap, a romantic Valentine’s theme, or a sophisticated birthday option.
You can also bundle gift wrapping with other services, like a personalized handwritten note or even a small, complementary item that enhances the gift.
Don’t forget to showcase your beautiful gift wrapping! High-quality images on your product pages, in your cart, and even on your social media are absolutely crucial.
Show clear examples of what a wrapped gift from your store looks like. This builds trust and helps customers visualize the added value they’re paying for.
Promote your gift wrapping service clearly and prominently. Mention it in your product descriptions, on your cart page, and even as a subtle reminder in your checkout process.
You could also send out targeted email campaigns reminding customers about this convenient option, especially during peak gifting seasons like Christmas or Mother’s Day.
For larger operations, ensure your fulfillment team is well-trained in the art of gift wrapping to maintain consistency and a high standard of quality.
Think about sustainability too. Can you offer eco-friendly wrapping options, like recycled paper, reusable fabric wraps, or compostable ribbons?
This can appeal to a growing segment of environmentally conscious consumers and further differentiate your brand in a positive light.
After a purchase, a follow-up email asking for feedback specifically on the gift wrapping service can provide invaluable insights for improvement.
Regularly review your gift wrapping sales data. Are customers opting for it? Is the pricing right? Don’t be afraid to adjust your offering based on performance.
What do you think about these gift wrapping upsell ideas? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
In conclusion, offering gift wrapping is more than just an extra service; it’s a powerful opportunity to enhance your brand’s perceived value.
It allows you to provide exceptional customer service, significantly increase your average order value, and create truly memorable unboxing experiences for your customers and their recipients.
By implementing these strategies, you’re not just selling products; you’re selling convenience, thoughtfulness, and a touch of luxury. Start small, test what works best for your audience, and watch your customer satisfaction and revenue grow.
