A checkout page is not just the last step in a sale — it is also one of the best places to increase your revenue without finding new customers. A well-timed upsell can gently encourage a buyer to spend more by offering something that complements what they are already buying.
When done right, checkout upsells feel helpful, not pushy. They make your customer feel like they are getting even more value, not that you are squeezing them for extra cash.
In this article, you will find practical upsell ideas you can add to your checkout page, whether you run a membership site, sell online courses, offer digital products, or even sell physical items.
Why Use Checkout Upsells?
A checkout upsell works because your buyer is already in “yes mode.” They have decided to trust you and spend money. Offering them something extra that solves a related problem or helps them get results faster is an easy win for both sides.
Checkout upsells help you:
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Increase your average order value without needing extra traffic.
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Give your customers more of what they already want.
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Build deeper relationships by delivering extra value immediately.
What Makes a Good Checkout Upsell?
Not every upsell works. The best ones are:
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Directly related to the original purchase.
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Easy to say yes to — low friction, clear benefit.
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Not overwhelming — one clear upsell is better than five confusing choices.
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Valuable enough to justify the extra spend, but not so expensive that it feels like a big new decision.
A good upsell feels like a bonus or a natural next step.
8 Practical Checkout Upsell Ideas
Below are proven upsells you can adapt to your business. Pick the ones that match your offer and audience.
1. Add Extended Access
If you sell a digital course or membership with limited-time access, offer an upsell to extend it at a discounted rate.
Example:
“Add 6 extra months of full access for only half the regular price. Keep all your materials and updates forever.”
Why it works: It removes future worries about losing access and makes your customer feel secure.
2. Offer a Premium or VIP Version
This works for memberships, coaching, and courses. Give buyers the chance to upgrade to a higher tier with extra perks.
Examples of what to include:
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Bonus lessons or advanced modules
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Private Q&A calls
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Priority support
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One-on-one coaching sessions
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Access to an exclusive community
Example:
“Upgrade to VIP today and get a private coaching call plus bonus lessons for only 50 dollars extra.”
Why it works: It adds personalized help or extra depth for those who want more results.
3. Sell a Related Mini Product
Offer a simple digital add-on that complements the main purchase. This could be a checklist, template pack, workbook, or swipe file.
Example:
“Complete your course toolkit: add our done-for-you templates for only 15 dollars.”
Why it works: It helps them apply what they just bought faster and saves them time.
4. Add a Private Session or Consultation
For service providers or coaches, an upsell for a discounted private session is very effective.
Example:
“Add a one-hour private coaching call to personalize your plan — today only, save 30 percent.”
Why it works: It turns your general offer into a customized experience.
5. Offer a Bundle
If you have related products, bundle them as an upsell at a special price.
Example:
“Add our Advanced Masterclass to your order for just 20 dollars more (regular price 79 dollars).”
Why it works: Buyers see clear savings for something they might have purchased later anyway.
6. Add a Physical Product
If you have a physical item that matches your digital offer, it can make a great checkout bonus.
Examples:
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A printed workbook that goes with your online course.
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A journal or planner.
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Merchandise that builds community identity.
Example:
“Add the printed course workbook — delivered to your door for only 12 dollars extra.”
Why it works: It makes your digital product feel more real and tangible.
7. Fast-Track or Done-For-You Option
People love to save time. If you can help them get results faster, offer a shortcut.
Examples:
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A done-for-you spreadsheet or dashboard.
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A pre-built design template.
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A personalized audit or review.
Example:
“Save hours — get our done-for-you templates and launch in a day instead of a week.”
Why it works: Time savings is one of the easiest sells.
8. One-Time Discount on Future Purchase
Offer buyers an exclusive deal on your next product if they add it now.
Example:
“Add your first month of our Premium Membership for just 5 dollars (normally 25 dollars) — cancel anytime.”
Why it works: It introduces them to your subscription with almost no risk, which can turn into recurring revenue.
How to Present Your Checkout Upsell
An upsell does not need to be complicated, but placement and clarity matter.
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Keep the upsell offer short and clear — a headline, a few lines of text, and one clear call-to-action button.
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Use urgency if real — for example, “This special price is only available now.”
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Make it easy — ideally, your buyer can add the upsell with one click.
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Do not overwhelm them with choices — one good upsell is plenty at checkout.
Where to Put the Upsell
You have two main options:
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Pre-checkout upsell: Appears on the checkout page before they pay.
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Post-checkout upsell: Offered immediately after payment on a thank-you page or confirmation page.
Both work well, but the post-checkout upsell can feel less intrusive and often converts better because the main sale is complete.
Final Tips
A checkout upsell works best when it truly helps your customer get better results. If your upsell feels random, unrelated, or too expensive, it will be ignored — or worse, make your customer feel pressured.
Keep it relevant, simple, and valuable. Test one idea at a time and watch your average order value grow naturally.
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