19+ Effective Cross-selling Examples & Tips For Success

Cross-selling is a powerful technique in which businesses recommend complementary products to enhance the customer's shopping experience and increase sales. In this blog, we will explore compelling cross-selling examples across various industries and share actionable tips for implementing this strategy successfully in your business. Whether in eCommerce, retail or any other sector, these insights will help boost revenue and delight customers. Let’s explore how you can master the art of cross-selling!

What is cross-selling?

Cross-selling is a sales technique in which a business suggests additional, complementary products or services to a customer already making a purchase. The goal is to enhance the customer's experience by offering items that complement their initial choice, ultimately increasing the total transaction value. 

This strategy is widely used across various industries because it can effectively boost sales and improve customer satisfaction. By recommending products that align with the customer's needs and preferences, businesses can create a more personalized shopping experience, leading to higher customer loyalty and repeat purchases.

19+ Cross-selling examples to learn from

1. Amazon

Amazon’s “Frequently Bought Together” feature leverages customer purchasing data to suggest additional items commonly bought with the product being viewed. For example, when a customer looks at a camera, they might see suggestions for a camera case, memory card, and tripod. This feature is prominently displayed on product pages and during checkout.

Key Takeaways

• Data-Driven Recommendations: Amazon uses big data and machine learning algorithms to identify products often bought together.
• Visibility and Placement: To ensure maximum visibility, cross-sell suggestions are prominently placed on product pages and during the checkout process.
• Customer Convenience: By grouping related products, Amazon makes it easy for customers to buy everything they need in one go, enhancing the shopping experience.

2. McDonald's

McDonald’s employees are trained to ask customers if they want to add fries or a drink to their meal. This question is a simple and direct cross-selling technique used consistently across all locations. Additionally, McDonald's often bundles items into value meals, encouraging customers to purchase more than one item.

Key Takeaways

• Consistency: Training staff to consistently offer additional items ensures that cross-selling becomes a regular part of customer interaction.
• Simplicity: A straightforward question can effectively prompt customers to consider additional purchases.
• Bundling: Creating value meals bundles multiple items at a slight discount, encouraging higher spending.

3. Apple

When purchasing an Apple product online, such as an iPhone, customers are prompted to add related accessories like AirPods, phone cases, and AppleCare+. Apple’s website seamlessly integrates these suggestions into the purchasing process, making it easy for customers to add them to their cart.

Key Takeaways

• Premium Pairing: Apple suggests high-quality, relevant accessories that enhance the primary product, appealing to their premium customer base.
• Seamless Integration: Cross-sell options are smoothly integrated into the purchase flow, reducing friction for the customer.
• Brand Loyalty: By offering branded accessories, Apple strengthens its ecosystem and brand loyalty.

4. Starbucks

Starbucks employs cross-selling through its mobile app and in-store. The app suggests bakery items or snacks that pair well with the customer’s coffee order. In-store, baristas often ask customers if they want to add a pastry to their order.

Key Takeaways

• Convenience: The mobile app makes it easy for customers to add items with a single click, enhancing the user experience.
• Personal Interaction: Baristas’ suggestions add a personal touch to the cross-selling process, increasing the likelihood of acceptance.
• Bundling Options: Offering combos, such as a coffee and pastry deal, can entice customers to spend more.

5. Sephora

Sephora’s online store suggests complementary products on product pages and during checkout. For instance, when customers add a foundation to their cart, they might see recommendations for a primer and setting spray. Sephora also uses beauty advisors to suggest additional products in-store.

Key Takeaways

• Expert Pairing: Sephora leverages professional expertise to suggest products that work well together, enhancing the customer’s beauty routine.
• Omni-Channel Approach: Combining online recommendations with in-store beauty advisor suggestions creates a cohesive customer experience.
• Personalization: Personalized recommendations based on previous purchases and browsing behavior can significantly improve cross-selling success.

6. Netflix

Netflix uses its recommendation system to suggest related shows or movies based on what the user has watched. These recommendations are highly personalized and prominently displayed on the user’s homepage.

Key Takeaways

• Personalization: Leveraging viewing history to offer personalized recommendations keeps users engaged and encourages longer viewing sessions.
• Continuous Engagement: By suggesting additional content, Netflix keeps users on the platform longer, reducing churn.
• User Data Utilization: Effective use of user data can lead to highly accurate and appealing recommendations.

7. IKEA

IKEA’s website suggests related products on product pages, such as cushions and throws when viewing a sofa. In-store, IKEA sets up showroom areas that showcase how different products can be used together, inspiring customers to purchase multiple items.

Key Takeaways

• Complete the Look: Helping customers visualize a complete setup with related items can drive additional purchases.
• Aesthetic Consistency: Ensuring that suggested items complement the main product’s style enhances customer satisfaction.
• In-Store Experience: Creating inspiring showroom setups can encourage customers to buy more than they initially planned.

8. Best Buy

Best Buy recommends accessories like cables, cases, and warranties during the electronics checkout process. These suggestions are based on the purchased product and are presented as essential add-ons.

Key Takeaways

• Functional Complements: Offering practical accessories that enhance the usability of the primary product can increase sales.
• Checkout Optimization: The checkout phase is an ideal time to suggest last-minute add-ons, as customers are already in a buying mindset.
• Enhanced Value: Emphasizing the importance of accessories (e.g., protection plans) can persuade customers to invest in additional items.

9. Zappos

Zappos suggests complementary items, such as belts, bags, or matching accessories, when customers view shoes on their site. These suggestions are based on fashion trends and customer browsing behavior.

Key Takeaways

• Stylish Pairing: Style-based suggestions can enhance the customer’s overall outfit and encourage additional purchases.
• Customer Insights: Using browsing behavior and fashion trends to inform recommendations can improve their relevance and appeal.
• Visual Appeal: High-quality images and descriptions of complementary items can entice customers to add them to their cart.

10. Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe cross-sells by bundling its software products. Customers who purchase Photoshop are offered the entire Creative Cloud suite at a discounted rate. Adobe also suggests complementary software during the checkout process.

Key Takeaways

• Bundling: Creating attractive bundles that offer value for purchasing multiple related products can drive higher sales.
• Cost Savings: Highlighting the financial benefit of buying products together can encourage customers to invest in bundles.
• Complementary Software: Suggesting software that enhances the primary product’s functionality can improve customer satisfaction.

11. Target

Target’s website suggests complementary items on product pages, such as offering a pillow and sheet set when customers view a mattress. In-store, Target often places related products together to encourage customers to purchase multiple items.

Key Takeaways

• Complete Solutions: Offering a total solution (e.g., bedding sets with mattresses) can make shopping easier for customers.
• Strategic Placement: Placing related items online and in-store can drive impulse purchases.
• Visual Merchandising: Effective in-store displays can inspire customers to buy complementary products.

12. Nike

Nike’s online store effectively utilizes cross-selling by recommending additional items like socks, workout gear, or water bottles when customers view shoes or athletic wear. Data from customer browsing behavior and purchase history often drive this. In-store, Nike uses mannequins and displays to suggest complete outfits, showcasing how various items can be paired.

Key Takeaways

• Active Lifestyle: Customers can resonate with suggestions of items that fit an active lifestyle (e.g., workout gear with shoes).
• Outfit Inspiration: Providing outfit ideas can help customers envision how products can be paired together.
• Brand Consistency: Keeping suggestions within the brand’s aesthetic and lifestyle helps maintain a cohesive customer experience.

13. Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market employs cross-selling by strategically placing complementary items near each other in-store. For example, wine might be near the cheese section or pasta near the sauce aisle. They also use recipe cards to suggest additional ingredients that shoppers might need for specific dishes, encouraging them to purchase more items.

Key Takeaways

• Meal Solutions: Offering complete meal solutions can drive customers to purchase multiple items.
• Strategic Placement: Placing complementary items near each other in-store can encourage additional purchases.
• Inspiration: Providing recipe ideas can inspire customers to buy more ingredients.

14. Walmart

Walmart’s website and physical stores both utilize cross-selling techniques. Online product pages and checkout processes feature recommendations for complementary items, such as batteries with electronic toys or matching furniture pieces. Related items are often placed together in-store, and end-cap displays highlight popular add-ons.

Key Takeaways

• Essential Add-Ons: Suggesting essential add-ons (e.g., batteries) can enhance the usability of the primary product.
• Consistent Messaging: Providing consistent cross-sell messages across online and in-store channels can reinforce the recommendations.
• Convenience: Making it easy for customers to add complementary items enhances the shopping experience.

15. Uber Eats

Uber Eats excels at cross-selling by suggesting additional items like drinks or desserts based on the customer's food order. These recommendations are tailored to the type of cuisine or specific restaurant offerings. The suggestions appear during the ordering process, making it easy for customers to add them to their cart.

Key Takeaways

• Menu Pairings: Offering complementary menu items (e.g., drinks with meals) can increase order value.
• Personalization: Using data on past orders to suggest items can make recommendations more relevant.
• Ease of Addition: Simplifying the process of adding suggested items can enhance the customer experience.

16. Costco

Costco uses cross-selling through in-store samples and strategic product displays. For example, wine samples might be paired with a cheese display, encouraging customers to buy both. Costco also frequently bundles related products, such as kitchen knives, with a cutting board.

Key Takeaways

• Sampling: Offering samples can entice customers to try and buy complementary products.
• Display Strategy: Strategically placing related items together can drive cross-sales.
• In-Store Experience: Enhancing the in-store shopping experience with cross-selling displays can boost sales.

17. Tesla

Tesla’s online configuration tool for new cars incorporates cross-selling by suggesting additional features such as autopilot, enhanced battery range, or premium interior options. These suggestions are integrated into the customization process, allowing customers to easily add these features to their orders.

Key Takeaways

• Customization: Integrating cross-sell options into the product customization process can simplify customer upgrading.
• High-Value Add-Ons: Offering premium add-ons that enhance the primary product’s value can drive higher sales.
• Customer Experience: Ensuring a seamless and engaging customization experience can improve customer satisfaction.

18. Peloton

When customers purchase a bike or treadmill, Peloton cross-sells by recommending accessories like weights, heart rate monitors, and workout apparel. These suggestions are made during the checkout process and through follow-up emails.

Key Takeaways

• Fitness Ecosystem: Offering products that enhance the primary fitness equipment can create a comprehensive workout ecosystem.
• Follow-Up Marketing: Using follow-up emails to suggest additional items can drive repeat purchases.
• Holistic Approach: Providing a complete set of tools for a particular activity (e.g., fitness) can increase customer loyalty.

19. Microsoft

When purchasing a Surface laptop, Microsoft suggests accessories like the Surface Pen, keyboard covers, and Office 365 subscriptions. These recommendations are made during the product selection and checkout process.

Key Takeaways

• Product Enhancement: Suggesting accessories that enhance the primary product’s functionality can increase sales.
• Subscription Services: Cross-selling subscriptions (e.g., Office 365) can create recurring revenue streams.
• Integrated Shopping: Seamless integration of cross-sell options into the purchase process can improve conversion rates.

20. Spotify

Spotify cross-sells by offering family or duo plans to individual users, encouraging them to upgrade to a plan with more users. They also suggest premium subscriptions to free users.

Key Takeaways

• Upgrade Paths: Providing clear upgrade options can encourage customers to move to higher-tier plans.
• Value Proposition: Highlighting the additional value (e.g., family plan benefits) can persuade users to upgrade.
• Targeted Offers: Using data on user behavior to tailor cross-sell offers can increase their effectiveness.

Best practices for successful implementation of cross-selling

Implementing a successful cross-selling strategy involves a combination of the best practices. 

Understand Your Customers

• Customer Segmentation: Use customer data to segment your audience based on purchasing behavior, preferences, and demographics. Tailor cross-sell recommendations to each segment to increase relevance.
• Behavior Analysis: Analyze past purchase history and browsing behavior to understand which products are frequently bought together.

Personalize Recommendations

• Personalized Suggestions: Utilize algorithms to provide personalized cross-sell recommendations based on individual customer behavior. Tools like EComposer can help integrate personalized product recommendations seamlessly into your Shopify store.
• Dynamic Content: Implement dynamic content that changes based on customer interactions and preferences to keep recommendations relevant and engaging.

Optimize Timing and Placement

• Strategic Placement: Place cross-sell suggestions where they are most likely to be seen, such as on product pages, in the shopping cart, and during the checkout process.
• Timing: Offer cross-sell suggestions at the right moment in the customer journey, such as immediately after they add an item to their cart or during the checkout process.

Leverage Bundling

• Product Bundles: Create bundles (frequently bought together) that offer a slight discount when purchased together. This can encourage customers to buy more items and perceive greater value.
• Complementary Items: Ensure that the items in the bundle complement each other well and enhance the overall value of the primary product.

Use High-Quality Visuals

• Visual Appeal: Use high-quality images and videos to showcase cross-selling items. EComposer’s drag-and-drop builder lets you easily add and customize visuals to make cross-sell products more attractive.
• Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive elements like 360-degree views and zoom features to give customers a better look at the cross-sell products.

Implement User-Friendly Design

• Easy Navigation: Ensure that your website design is user-friendly with easy navigation. EComposer allows you to create intuitive layouts that make it simple for customers to explore and find complementary products.
• Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Use clear and compelling CTAs to prompt customers to add cross-sell items to their cart. For example, “Complete the Look” or “Customers Also Bought.”

Provide Clear Value

• Highlight Benefits: Communicate the benefits of the cross-sell items. Explain how they complement the main product and enhance its use or experience.
• Show Savings: If offering a bundle, highlight the savings customers will receive compared to buying items separately.

Test and Optimize

• A/B Testing: Conduct A/B testing to determine which cross-sell strategies are most effective. Test different placements, product combinations, and CTAs.
• Continuous Optimization: Use analytics to track the performance of your cross-selling efforts and continuously optimize based on the data.

Train Your Staff

• Staff Training: Ensure that in-store staff are trained to cross-sell effectively. Equip them with the knowledge to suggest complementary products that enhance the customer’s purchase.
• Consistency: Implement a consistent approach across all online and in-store customer touchpoints.

Leverage Technology

• Integration: Ensure that your cross-selling tools integrate seamlessly with your eCommerce platform to provide a smooth user experience.
• Cross-Selling Tools: Use advanced cross-selling tools and plugins on platforms like Shopify. EComposer offers excellent cross-selling features, including customizable widgets and automated recommendations.

EComposer-Specific Best Practices

• Drag & Drop Builder: Use EComposer’s drag-and-drop builder to easily create and customize cross-sell sections on your Shopify store. This allows for a flexible and visually appealing layout.
• Features: EComposer offers a wide range of cross-selling extensions. These tools can help you effectively display related products, bundles, and personalized recommendations.
• Responsive Design: Ensure your cross-sell sections are mobile-friendly. EComposer helps you create responsive designs that look great on any device, making it easy for customers to shop on the go.

By implementing these best practices, you can create a more effective and engaging cross-selling strategy that increases your sales and enhances your customers' overall shopping experience.

Final thoughts

When done right, cross-selling can significantly boost sales and enhance customer satisfaction. By learning from successful brands and leveraging tools like EComposer, you can personalize recommendations, strategically place cross-sell items and create a seamless shopping experience. Implementing best practices such as audience segmentation and data-driven optimization will help you increase average order value and build long-term customer loyalty.