Best 10 Proven Shopify Free Gift with Purchase Strategies: Benefits, and Examples

Written by: Hannah

Topics: eCommerce Tips

Published: Aug 27, 2024

12 minutes read

shopify free gift with purchase strategies

Imagine this: You're browsing your favorite online store when you stumble upon a delightful surprise - a free gift waiting for you. It's like finding a hidden treasure in a treasure hunt! Shopify free gift with purchase can be a game-changer for your online store, boosting sales, enhancing customer satisfaction, and fostering brand loyalty.


This article will explore the benefits of implementing top 10 proven Shopify free gift with purchase strategies in online stores and delve into various tactics that merchants can employ. We will discuss the different types of GWP strategies with practical examples and tips for implementing these strategies effectively.


Let’s go!

1. Why Should Merchants Implement Shopify Free Gift with Purchase?

Offering a Shopify free gift with purchase is more than just a marketing gimmick; it’s a strategic move that can significantly impact a merchant’s bottom line and customer relationships. The allure of something extra, at no additional cost, holds undeniable appeal for consumers.


Here are some key benefits of Shopify free gift with purchase:

1.1. Boost Customer Acquisition and Retention with Shopify Free Gifts

Customers who receive a free gift are more likely to return for future purchases. As Doug Guyer, Co-Founder of IDR Marketing Partners, noted, "The next time a shopper encounters several retailers selling the same item, he or she is somewhat likely to buy from the retailer who provided the free value-add."
Shopify checkout page with free gift

Include the free gift to boost customer retention

According to Harris Interactive, nearly 90% of those who receive a free gift are more likely to shop at the retailer again.


In other words, Shopify automatic free gifts can foster a sense of goodwill and appreciation, increasing customer loyalty and brand advocacy.

1.2. Enhance Customer Satisfaction and Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Beyond sales, Shopify free item with purchase strategies contribute to a positive customer experience. 


Recipients are more likely to share their positive experiences with friends and family, creating a powerful word-of-mouth effect. The survey found that 65% of recipients intended to share their experience online, with women particularly inclined to spread the word offline.

1.3. Gain a Competitive Edge in the E-commerce Landscape

While not every merchant has embraced the free gift Shopify strategy, those who have often reap the rewards.

buy 2 get 1 free gift

Doug Guyer, Co-Founder of IDR Marketing Partners, emphasizes the competitive edge: "When shoppers compare similar products across different retailers, the one offering a free gift is more likely to win their business”.


By offering a Shopify free gift with code, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors and position their brand as more generous and customer-centric. The perceived value of a purchase increases when accompanied by a free gift, making it a compelling offer for price-conscious consumers.

1.4. Leverage Data Insights from Shopify Free Gift Campaigns

Additionally, free gifts provide an opportunity to gather valuable customer data. 


By using a Shopify free gift app to track which customers redeem free gifts, businesses can gain insights into customer preferences, purchase behaviors, and demographics. This information can be used to refine marketing campaigns, personalize offers, and improve customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, the automatic free gift Shopify is a versatile marketing tool that can drive customer acquisition, increase loyalty, and enhance brand reputation. 


By understanding the psychology behind this strategy and leveraging data-driven insights with the help of a free gift app Shopify, businesses can maximize the return on investment of their free gift offerings.


Next, we will delve into different free gift strategies, detailing the advantages of each approach and providing specific examples of when to apply them.

2. Top 10 Shopify Free Gift with Purchase Strategies

2.1. Free gift with all purchases

Offering a Shopify free gift with every purchase is a straightforward and inclusive approach to incentivizing customers. This strategy casts a wide net, attracting both new and existing customers.


The concept is simple: every customer who makes a purchase receives a complimentary item. This approach has a broad appeal, as it applies to all customers without requiring specific purchase criteria. By sweetening the deal, businesses can motivate potential customers to complete their purchases, leading to increased sales.


For example, by offering a Santal Bombay Air Freshener as a complimentary item with any purchase, Shopify merchants can effectively incentivize customers to make a transaction.

free gift with all purchases Shopify

For these specific cases, this Shopify free gift with purchase strategy could be particularly beneficial.

  • Introducing a new product: Offer samples of a new product to generate buzz and encourage trial.
  • Competing on price: A free gift can differentiate your offering from competitors without directly lowering prices.
  • Boosting sales during slow periods: Incentivize purchases with a free gift to stimulate demand.

While offering a free gift can be beneficial, it's important to consider the cost and potential impact on your profit margins. Ensure that the value of the free gift is justified by the increase in sales and customer satisfaction.

  • Looking for how to add a free gift with purchase on Shopify? Check out our comprehensive article about Shopify free gifts!

2.2. Threshold-based Shopify free gift with purchase

Threshold-based gifts, also known as tiered rewards or purchase incentives, are a popular marketing strategy that rewards customers for spending a certain amount. By offering a gift or discount when customers reach a specific spending threshold, businesses can encourage larger purchases and foster customer loyalty.


Threshold-based gifts involve setting specific spending criteria. Once a customer reaches the threshold, they are eligible to receive a predetermined gift or discount. 


For example, Birchbox offers free shipping and a 40% discount on the next purchase for customers who spend over $125 in a single transaction. This free gift with purchase Shopify script encourages customers to add more items to their cart to reach the threshold and receive the discount.

reasons for abandonments during checkout

Threshold-based free gift: Birchbox offers 40% off as gift for order over $125 purchase

You can apply this Shopify free gift with purchase strategy when:

  • Boosting sales during slow periods: Offer threshold-based gifts to incentivize customers to make larger purchases and increase revenue.
  • Encouraging repeat purchases: Reward loyal customers with attractive offers to keep them coming back.
  • Promoting high-value products: Use threshold-based gifts to encourage customers to purchase more expensive or premium products.

Compared to offering a free gift with every purchase, threshold-based gifts can be more cost-effective, as rewards are only given to customers who meet the spending criteria. However, make sure that the rewards are attractive enough to motivate customers to spend more.

2.3. Product-specific gifts / Buy X Get Y (BOGO)

Product-specific gifts or Buy One, Get One (BOGO) promotions are effective marketing strategies that offer incentives for purchasing specific products or collections. By providing a free gift or discount with the purchase of certain items, businesses can promote particular products, clear inventory, and encourage customers to explore different offerings.


PharmEasy offers a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) deal for new diagnostic users. This promotion allows customers to purchase one diagnostic package at full price and receive a second package for free. The Shopify free gift with discount code is available to new customers only and must be redeemed during the first purchase or within a specified timeframe.

Buy one get one free in Shopify store

This BOGO deal is a strategic marketing tactic designed to attract new customers, increase brand awareness, and encourage repeat purchases.


Here are some ideal scenarios for this Shopify free gift with purchase:

  • Promoting new products: Offer a BOGO deal or a free gift when purchasing a new product to generate interest and encourage trial.
  • Clearing inventory: Use product-specific gifts or BOGO promotions to sell excess stock of particular items.
  • Encouraging upselling: Offer a free gift when customers purchase a higher-priced item to encourage them to consider more premium options.
  • Promoting complementary products: Create a BOGO deal for products that often go together, such as a coffee mug and a bag of coffee beans.

A small note that offering low-quality or irrelevant gifts can diminish the effectiveness of a free gift with all purchases strategy. The Shopify free gift with purchase should be perceived as valuable and complementary to your products or brand image. 


Avoid offering gifts that are seen as cheap or irrelevant, as this could lead to customer dissatisfaction and a negative perception of your brand.

2.4. Seasonal Shopify free gift promotions

Seasonal promotions are a popular marketing tactic that leverages the excitement and spending power associated with specific holidays or events. By offering limited-time deals, discounts, or a Shopify free gift with purchase during these periods, businesses can significantly boost sales and increase customer loyalty.


In addition, by participating in seasonal events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, businesses can gain increased visibility and exposure to a wider audience.


Key holiday seasons to target:

  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM): This annual shopping event is a prime opportunity for retailers to offer deep discounts and promotions.
  • Christmas and Hanukkah: The holiday season is characterized by increased consumer spending, making it an ideal time for seasonal promotions.
  • Valentine's Day: This romantic holiday presents opportunities for businesses to offer special deals on gifts, experiences, or romantic packages.
  • Easter: Easter is often associated with family gatherings and celebrations, making it a suitable time for promotions related to food, gifts, or decorations.
  • Summer and Winter Solstices: These seasonal events can be capitalized on with promotions related to outdoor activities, vacations, or cozy winter products.

black friday sale off

Black Friday sale off percentage as the gift with purchase for consumers

Helpful tips:

  • Plan ahead: Start planning your seasonal promotions well in advance to ensure ample time for marketing and execution
  • Limited-time offers: Offer special deals or products that are only available during the seasonal promotion.
  • Themed promotions: Align your promotions with the spirit of the holiday or event to resonate with customers.

2.5. Loyalty rewards: free gifts for repeat customers

Loyalty rewards programs are designed to recognize and reward customers for their continued patronage. By offering incentives to repeat customers or members of a loyalty program, businesses can foster customer loyalty, encourage repeat purchases, and increase customer lifetime value.


Some real-world use cases of this Shopify free gift with purchase are:

  • Discounts: Offer discounts on future purchases or special promotions.
  • Free products: Provide a Shopify free product with purchase as a reward for reaching certain spending thresholds.
  • Early access: Give loyal customers early access to new products, sales, or exclusive offers.
  • VIP experiences: Offer exclusive experiences or events to high-tier loyalty members.

For example, Sephora Beauty Insider is a tiered loyalty program that rewards customers based on their spending. Members can earn points for purchases, which can be redeemed for exclusive discounts, free samples, and early access to new products. As customers reach higher tiers, they unlock additional benefits and perks.

loyalty programs in Shopify

Merchants can include the free gift with purchase in their loyalty program 

Here are some key scenarios where implementing such a program can be particularly effective:

  • Building customer loyalty: If your business relies on repeat customers, a loyalty program can incentivize them to continue purchasing from you.
  • Increasing customer spending: Loyalty programs can encourage customers to spend more to earn rewards or reach higher tiers.
  • Collecting customer data: Loyalty programs can provide valuable insights into customer preferences, spending habits, and purchasing patterns.

Tracking key metrics is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of a loyalty rewards program and making data-driven decisions. You can monitor these metrics:

  • Customer Retention: Track the percentage of customers who continue to make purchases over time.
  • Customer Spending: Monitor the average order value and total spending per customer to assess the program's impact on revenue.
  • Customer Engagement: Measure customer engagement metrics such as website visits, email open rates, and social media activity.
  • Redemption Rates: Track the percentage of customers who redeem their rewards and the value of redeemed rewards.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Use surveys and feedback mechanisms to measure customer satisfaction with the loyalty program.

2.6. Mystery gifts: adding excitement to free gift offers

Mystery gifts, also known as surprise gifts or blind boxes, are a popular Shopify free gift with purchase strategy that involves offering customers gifts of unknown value or content. This element of surprise can create excitement and intrigue, encouraging customers to make a purchase.


Mystery gifts can be implemented in various ways. One common approach is to randomly select a gift from a pool of potential items and include it with a customer's purchase. Businesses may also host events or unveilings where customers can discover the contents of their mystery gifts.


For instance, Graftobian is offering a limited-time promotion where customers can add a free gift to cart Shopify and receive a free Mystery Gift Set with any purchase of $10 or more.

free mystery gift with ourchase

Mystery gifts with purchase to create excitement to consumers

This promotion is a classic example of a mystery gift strategy, combining a Shopify free gift with a minimum purchase requirement to incentivize customers to spend more and experience the element of surprise.


Mystery gifts can be a powerful marketing tool for businesses looking to these aims:

  • Boosting sales during slow periods: Mystery gifts can be a fun and engaging way to attract customers and increase sales.
  • Encouraging customer loyalty: Offering mystery gifts can reward loyal customers and foster a sense of community.
  • Promoting new products: Mystery gifts can be used to introduce new products to customers in a unique and exciting way.

  • Pro tip: Ensure that the rules and conditions for receiving a mystery gift are clear and fair. Avoid creating confusion or disappointment among customers.

2.7. Tiered gifting: encouraging higher spend with better rewards

Tiered gifting is a Shopify free gift with purchase strategy that offers different gifts or rewards based on the customer's spending level. This approach encourages customers to spend more to unlock higher-tier rewards, increasing average order value and fostering customer loyalty.


Tiered gifting involves establishing multiple spending tiers, such as Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Customers earn points for each purchase, and their tier level is determined by their accumulated points. 


As customers reach higher tiers, they unlock increasingly valuable rewards. These rewards can include discounts, free products, exclusive experiences, or early access to new products.


When it comes to a real-world example, Pulp & Press has effectively utilized a tiered discount structure to drive organic subscriptions for their cleanse products. The three tiers (Beginner, Intermediate, and The Total Makeover) cater to different levels of commitment and motivation, appealing to a wider range of customers.

tiered gifting with purchase Shopify

The tiered structure helps customers visualize their progress, build confidence, and stay committed to their wellness goals. This effective strategy demonstrates how incentives can be used to drive customer adoption and create lasting value.


You can apply this approach to:

  • Encouraging repeat purchases: Reward loyal customers with attractive offers to keep them coming back.
  • Promoting high-value products: Use tiered gifting to encourage customers to purchase more expensive or premium products.

However, don’t create overly complicated structures that make it difficult for customers to track their progress. It is recommended to build clear and easy-to-understand tiers to avoid confusing customers.

  • Pro tip: If you want to know how to add free gift Shopify effectively, you can choose a free gift Shopify app to set up various free gift campaigns at your fingertips!

2.8. Bundle-style free gifts on Shopify

Bundle-style gifts involve offering a collection of related products as a free gift with a purchase. This strategy can be an effective way to promote complementary products, increase average order value, and encourage customers to try new items.


For example, Eco Rascals offers a bundle-style gift with their Plate Gift Set. When you purchase any Plate Gift Set, you'll receive a free small plate worth £15. This offer is a great way to try out different plate options and find the perfect one for your little one.

bundle-style free gifts on shopify

Include the free product in the bundle-style on Shopify

The Plate Gift Set includes a variety of bamboo tableware options, including suction plates, section plates, and snack plates. 


Here are some scenarios where this Shopify free gift with purchase approach might be particularly beneficial:

  • Promoting new products: Include new products in bundles to generate interest and encourage trial.
  • Clearing inventory: Create bundles to sell excess stock of specific products.
  • Encouraging upselling: Offer bundles that include higher-priced products to encourage customers to spend more.

2.9. Customizable Shopify free gift with purchase options

Customizable gifts offer customers the flexibility to choose their own rewards, creating a more personalized and satisfying experience. This strategy can be particularly effective in fostering customer loyalty and encouraging repeat purchases.


By earning points or credits through purchases or other activities, customers can select their desired gifts from a variety of options. These options may include products from the business's catalog, experiences, or charitable donations. Customers can then customize the selected gifts if applicable, adding their personal touch to the reward.


For instance, a skincare store can automatically add free gifts to cart Shopify with this strategy. By offering customers a choice between two free best-seller samples, Shopify merchants allow customers to personalize their reward and select the products that best suit their individual needs.

customizable free gifts with purchase

Allow consumers to choose their desired free gift

These scenarios might be perfect for considering this Shopify free gift with purchase strategy:

  • Building customer loyalty: Customizable gifts can strengthen customer relationships and encourage repeat purchases.
  • Encouraging higher spending: Offering a variety of customizable gifts can motivate customers to spend more to earn rewards.
  • Creating a personalized experience: This strategy can help you create a more personalized and memorable shopping experience for your customers.

  • Pro tip: Ensure that the customization platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

2.10. Subscription box programs with free gifts

Subscription boxes, also known as subscription services, offer customers a curated selection of products delivered regularly to their doorstep. This recurring revenue model can be a valuable addition to a business's marketing strategy.


Subscription boxes provide a predictable and recurring revenue stream for businesses. Plus, customers who subscribe to a box often develop a strong connection with the brand and are more likely to remain loyal.


Cratejoy is a prime example of a subscription box platform that effectively utilizes the "first box free" strategy to attract new customers. By offering a free first box on select 6-12 month plans, Cratejoy incentivizes potential subscribers to try their service without any upfront commitment.

subscription boxes as the free gift with purchase

These circumstances might be ideal for implementing this Shopify free gift with purchase strategy:

  • Generating recurring revenue: Subscription boxes provide a predictable and recurring revenue stream, which can be beneficial for businesses of all sizes.
  • Building a loyal customer base: Subscription boxes can be a great way to foster customer loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.

3. Conclusion: Elevate Your Store with Shopify Free Gift with Purchase Strategies

By strategically implementing Shopify free gift with purchase strategies, you can significantly boost sales, enhance customer loyalty, and differentiate your businesses in a competitive market. From offering free gifts with every purchase to creating personalized experiences, there are numerous ways to leverage this powerful marketing tactic.


To maximize the effectiveness of your free gift promotions, remember to monitor and measure results, address inventory issues, and align your strategies with your overall business goals. By continuously refining your approach, you can elevate your Shopify store and achieve long-term success.


Let’s apply these proven strategies for Shopify free gift with purchase today and skyrocket your sales today!

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About The Author

  • Hannah

    With over 5 years of experience under her belt, Hannah is an eCommerce writer who crafts content specifically for a website that deals with online sales. She simplifies technical details to assist entrepreneurs in utilizing the platform and launching their online ventures.

Table of content

1. Why Should Merchants Implement Shopify Free Gift with Purchase?

2. Top 10 Shopify Free Gift with Purchase Strategies

3. Conclusion: Elevate Your Store with Shopify Free Gift with Purchase Strategies

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