“25 best cross-sell examples to boost sales and enhance customer experience with actionable tips and strategies.”
Cross-selling is a powerful technique businesses can use to increase revenue while offering more value to customers. Companies enhance customer experiences and encourage larger purchases by suggesting complementary products or services. In this blog, we’ll explore 25 actionable cross-sell examples supported by real-world cases and practical tips to help you implement them. Whether running an eCommerce store or a service-based business, these strategies will fit seamlessly into your sales approach.
Cross-Sell Example #1. Pair Products That Naturally Go Together
Amazon’s “Frequently Bought Together”
Amazon excels at showing customers products that complement their initial choices. For instance, the platform often suggests items like memory cards or tripods when purchasing a camera.
Tip: Use tools like Klaviyo or other automation platforms to showcase complementary products on product pages or during checkout.
Cross-Sell Example #2. Upsell with Bundle Deals
McDonald’s Meal Upgrades
McDonald’s classic “Would you like fries with that?” is the quintessential cross-sell. Customers see value in upgrading to a full meal instead of just buying a sandwich.
Tip: Offer a small discount for bundled purchases to encourage buyers to spend more without hesitation.
Cross-Sell Example #3. Leverage Personalized Recommendations
Netflix’s Content Suggestions
Netflix doesn’t just recommend content at random; it uses data to offer shows and movies you’re likely to enjoy based on your viewing history.
Tip: Integrate AI-powered tools to recommend products relevant to customers’ past behavior. Platforms like HubSpot can help you analyze customer preferences effectively.
Cross-Sell Example #4. Promote Accessories for Big-Ticket Items
Apple’s Product Accessories
When you buy an iPhone, Apple suggests cases, AirPods, and chargers. These small-ticket items enhance the user experience and increase the overall purchase value.
Tip: Place accessory recommendations below the main product description to catch the shopper’s attention.
Cross-Sell Example #5. Offer Subscription Add-Ons
Spotify’s Family Plans
Spotify invites individual users to upgrade their accounts to family plans, offering savings and added convenience.
Tip: Highlight the additional benefits, such as cost savings or exclusive perks, when offering subscription upgrades.
Cross-Sell Example #6. Use “Complete the Look” Suggestions
Fashion Retailers Like ASOS
ASOS recommends complementary clothing items to “Style it with.” For example, pairing a jacket with matching boots and a scarf.
Tip: Visuals play a key role here. Use high-quality images to inspire customers to imagine the entire ensemble.
Cross-Sell Example #7. Introduce Complementary Services
Warranty Administration Services’ Bespoke Service Plans
Warranty Administration Services offers custom maintenance plans to boost dealership retention. Features like direct debit payments, hassle-free claims, and self-funded products ensure customer convenience while fostering long-term loyalty.
Tip: Highlight convenience and personalization to attract customers, and use reviews like Trustpilot ratings to build trust.
Cross-Sell Example #8. Highlight What Others Bought
eBay’s “Anyone who viewed this was also interested in” Feature
eBay effectively uses social proof with its “People Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed” feature, showcasing related products that other shoppers considered. This encourages customers to explore additional options, increasing the chances of a purchase.
Tip: Use tools like Bold Upsell or Rebuy to implement similar functionality and boost engagement on your website.
Cross-Sell Example #9. Offer Free Trials of Premium Features
Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe entices customers to explore their entire suite of products by offering a free trial of premium tools.
Tip: Provide a seamless upgrade process so customers can effortlessly transition from free trials to paid features.
Cross-Sell Example #10. Suggest Add-Ons at Checkout
Grocery Delivery Services
Services like Instacart recommend add-ons like beverages or desserts right before checkout.
Tip: Use pop-ups or slide-ins during checkout to present these recommendations without interrupting the user experience.
Cross-Sell Example #11. Promote Discounts on Complementary Items
Target’s In-Store Discounts
Target frequently promotes discounts on complementary items, such as offering 20% off school supplies when buying backpacks.
Tip: Include these offers prominently in your promotional materials or cart summary.
Cross-Sell Example #12. Cross-Sell During Onboarding
Salesforce’s Product Suite
Salesforce introduces users to other tools within its platform during the onboarding process, encouraging them to explore features like CRM integrations and analytics tools.
Tip: Use email sequences to familiarize customers with your product ecosystem and its benefits.
Cross-Sell Example #13. Leverage Email Campaigns
Sephora’s Product Emails
Sephora sends emails suggesting complementary products based on recent purchases, such as makeup brushes for foundation buyers.
Tip: Use platforms like Mailchimp to create tailored campaigns that resonate with your audience.
Cross-Sell Example #14. Utilize Limited-Time Offers
Booking.com’s Hotel Extras
Booking.com cross-sells tours and activities at the destination, often highlighting time-sensitive deals.
Tip: Urgency increases conversions. Highlight limited-time availability with countdown timers.
Cross-Sell Example #15. Promote Loyalty Program Perks
Starbucks Rewards
Starbucks encourages members to redeem points for food items or drink upgrades, increasing overall spending.
Tip: Use loyalty program incentives to guide customers toward cross-selling opportunities.
Cross-Sell Example #16. Upsell with Better Versions
GoPro Camera Models
GoPro suggests higher-tier models with enhanced features when customers select a base model.
Tip: Showcase the added value of the upgraded version without overwhelming the customer.
Cross-Sell Example #17. Cross-Sell Complimentary Experiences
Airlines and Hotels
Airlines like Delta promote hotel bookings and car rentals after a flight purchase.
Tip: Bundle experiences together to provide convenience and value to the customer.
Cross-Sell Example #18. Capitalize on Seasonal Trends
Walmart’s Holiday Bundles
During the holiday season, Walmart cross-sells themed items like gift wraps with toys.
Tip: Create seasonal campaigns highlighting products customers likely need together.
Cross-Sell Example #19. Encourage Upgrades Mid-Service
Canva’s Premium Features
Canva offers free users access to premium designs and templates, enticing them to upgrade mid-project.
Tip: Offer seamless upgrades that customers can activate with minimal steps.
Cross-Sell Example #20. Add Educational Cross-Sells
Blue Apron’s Recipe Cards
Blue Apron suggests cooking tools or ingredients in their recipe kits, helping customers complete their meals efficiently.
Tip: Use content marketing to teach customers how complementary items enhance their experience.
Cross-Sell Example #21. Leverage User-Generated Content
GoPro’s Accessories in Action
GoPro showcases videos of accessories that inspire customers to buy them.
Tip: Encourage customers to share their experiences and feature these stories in your marketing efforts.
Cross-Sell Example #22. Use Social Media Ads
Klaviyo Campaigns
Klaviyo leverages targeted ads to promote complementary tools, like pairing email marketing software with SMS campaigns.
Tip: Use targeted ads to reinforce cross-sell opportunities based on browsing history or purchase behavior.
Cross-Sell Example #23. Provide Instant Gratification
Amazon’s Prime Membership
Amazon Prime users get exclusive access to fast shipping, which leads to increased spending on complementary products.
Tip: Offer perks that add immediate value, encouraging repeat purchases.
Cross-Sell Example #24. Create Post-Purchase Opportunities
Home Depot’s Installation Services
Home Depot offers installation services when customers buy significant appliances.
Tip: Follow up post-purchase with email campaigns to present relevant add-ons or services.
Cross-Sell Example #25. Build Trust Through Transparency
REI’s Product Guides
REI provides detailed guides on why certain accessories are valuable, such as hiking gear to complement boots.
Tip: Show how each recommendation enhances the customer’s purchase, ensuring transparency and trust.
Conclusion: Take Your Cross-Selling Strategy to the Next Level
Cross-selling is more than just a sales tactic; it’s a way to build stronger customer relationships while increasing revenue. By implementing the strategies shared in this blog, you can create a seamless and personalized shopping experience, driving repeat business and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Cross-selling can be pivotal in your growth strategy, whether running an eCommerce store or a service-based business. With tools like Wishpond, you can automate and optimize your marketing efforts to ensure success. From pop-ups to email campaigns, Wishpond has everything you need to make your cross-sell strategy work smarter, not harder.
Explore more actionable insights on cross-selling and marketing with these related articles:
- Cross-Sell and Upsell: A Definitive Guide
- How to Use Social Media for eCommerce
- Shopify Marketing Strategies: Tips and Tricks
Ready to supercharge your marketing and sales strategy? Book a VIP demo with Wishpond and see how our tools can help you drive more revenue and better engage your customers.
For more resources and insights, visit Wishpond or check out our Marketing Executive Hub. Start turning your cross-sell ideas into actionable strategies today!
FAQs About Cross-Selling
1. What is the main benefit of cross-selling?
Cross-selling boosts revenue while enhancing customer satisfaction by offering relevant recommendations.
2. How can small businesses implement cross-selling?
Small businesses can start by identifying naturally paired products or services and promoting them together during checkout or through email campaigns. Tools like Wishpond can help streamline this process.
3. What’s the difference between cross-selling and upselling?
Cross-selling suggests complementary products, while upselling encourages customers to choose higher-priced versions of the same product.
4. How do I know which products to cross-sell?
Analyze customer purchase behavior and preferences using CRM tools to identify patterns.
5. Can cross-selling be automated?
Yes, platforms like Wishpond offer automation tools for pop-ups, email campaigns, and recommendations, making cross-selling seamless.
