Cart Drawer vs Popup Upsells: Which Converts Better?

Want to boost sales on your Shopify store? Choosing the right upsell method can make a huge difference. Cart drawer upsells and popup upsells both aim to increase average order value (AOV), but they work in different ways:

• Cart Drawer Upsells: Appear as a sliding panel in the cart, showing add-ons without disrupting the shopping flow. Great for small, complementary products.
• Popup Upsells: Grab attention with overlay windows triggered by specific actions. Ideal for bundles, time-sensitive deals, or high-value upgrades.

Quick Comparison

Key Takeaway

Cart drawer upsells are subtle and mobile-friendly, while popup upsells can drive higher AOV if used sparingly. Combining both methods strategically can maximize results. Keep reading to learn how to implement them effectively.

Shopify Cart Drawer Apps

What Are Cart Drawer and Popup Upsells?

Cart drawer and popup upsells are two ways Shopify stores can encourage customers to add more to their carts, ultimately increasing the average order value (AOV). Each method works differently and impacts the shopping experience in its own way.

Cart Drawer Upsells

Cart drawer upsells appear as a sliding panel when customers interact with their cart. This panel integrates smoothly into the shopping process, showing complementary products alongside the cart's current contents. It also includes quick-add options, making it easy for customers to add more items without disrupting their flow.

Popup Upsells

Popup upsells are overlay windows that pop up after certain customer actions, like adding an item to the cart. These are especially effective for promoting bundles or time-sensitive deals. While they grab attention, they briefly pause the shopping process, requiring the customer to interact with the popup before continuing.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between the two:

Shopify merchants can use apps like Quick Upsell and Monster Cart Upsell to set up and manage these strategies effectively .

With these upsell methods explained, let’s dive into how they shape the overall shopping experience.

How User Experience Differs

Cart drawers and popup upsells create distinct shopping experiences, each shaping engagement and customer satisfaction differently.

Cart Drawer: Subtle and Integrated

Cart drawer upsells fit seamlessly into the shopping process, presenting product recommendations in a sliding panel. These suggestions appear naturally when customers view their cart, making the experience feel fluid and unobtrusive .

For example, Vacation's store showcases this by offering complementary items like air fresheners or corduroy hats alongside face mist purchases. Similarly, Kettle and Fire uses personalized phrases like "your order goes great with" to make recommendations feel tailored .

This method encourages customers to explore related products without disrupting their shopping flow .

Popup Upsells: Attention-Grabbing but Risky

Popup upsells grab attention by requiring immediate action, but they can also disrupt the shopping experience. If not executed thoughtfully, they risk annoying users .

To make popup upsells effective, it's important to:

• Trigger them at the right points in the shopping journey.
• Ensure they align with the items in the customer's cart.
• Allow easy dismissal for uninterested users.
• Limit their frequency to avoid overwhelming shoppers .

Carefully analyzing data can help determine the best timing and placement for these popups. However, their interruptive nature - especially on mobile devices - can lead to frustration if poorly implemented .

With these user experience differences in mind, let’s explore how each method impacts conversions.

How Each Method Affects Conversions

Cart drawer and popup upsells influence conversions in distinct ways, each offering unique benefits for increasing average order value (AOV) and managing cart abandonment risks.

Cart Drawer Upsells: Boosting AOV Without Disruption

Cart drawer upsells allow customers to see add-on suggestions without interrupting their checkout process. Daring showcases this with a sliding cart panel that includes quick-add options for related products .

Similarly, FEWE highlights best-selling items below the cart, making it easy for shoppers to discover and add complementary products . This method is especially effective for mobile shoppers, where smooth navigation is key to maintaining conversions.

Popup Upsells: Higher AOV Gains, But at a Cost

Popup upsells can drive AOV significantly when the offers are well-timed and highly relevant. However, their interruptive nature can increase the risk of cart abandonment, particularly on mobile devices. To make popups work effectively:

• Use targeted offers based on specific cart conditions.
• Allow easy dismissal and limit their frequency to avoid annoying users .

Comparison Table: Cart Drawer vs. Popup Upsells

The choice between these methods depends on your store's goals and customer behavior. For example, Natreve successfully uses visually appealing cart designs to integrate upsells in a way that enhances the shopping experience rather than disrupting it .

Now that we’ve covered how these methods impact conversions, let’s dive into when and how Shopify merchants should implement these upsell strategies.

Advice for Shopify Merchants

To boost conversions, it's crucial to pick the upsell method that aligns with your store's goals and audience.

When to Use Cart Drawer Upsells

Cart drawer upsells are great for keeping customers engaged while they shop, especially for stores offering complementary products. By suggesting related items directly in the cart drawer, you can encourage customers to explore more without interrupting their flow.

This works particularly well for:

• Fashion and accessories
• Beauty and wellness products
• Food and beverages
• Everyday consumables with logical add-ons

For example, Natreve uses visually engaging designs to integrate upsell suggestions smoothly into their cart .

When to Use Popup Upsells

Popups are perfect for time-sensitive deals, product bundles, premium upgrades, or exclusive launches. Daring leverages this with their "Quick Adds" system, dynamically tailoring offers based on what's already in the cart .

Combining Both Approaches

Using both cart drawer and popup upsells together can be highly effective if done carefully. Here's how they can complement each other:

For instance, FEWE displays their bestsellers below the cart drawer while reserving popups for special promotions . This creates a balanced experience that encourages additional purchases without overwhelming customers.

To make the most of both methods, run A/B tests to refine your strategy. Monitor metrics like average order value (AOV) and cart abandonment rates to see what works best. A well-planned combination of these upsell tactics can enhance the shopping experience while increasing AOV.

Conclusion

Different upsell methods work better in different situations, depending on your business needs.

Cart drawer upsells offer a smooth shopping experience, especially for stores selling products that naturally go together. Their subtle design helps reduce cart abandonment while steadily increasing average order value (AOV). For example, many brands have succeeded by placing product pairings directly in the cart.

On the other hand, popup upsells take a more direct approach to grab attention. While they come with a higher risk of abandonment, well-planned popups can significantly boost AOV. Tools like Daring's use dynamic systems to tailor popup offers based on what’s in the cart, making them more relevant .

The trick is to make upsells feel like a natural part of the shopping journey. A mix of cart drawer and popup upsells can strike the right balance, as seen in Natreve's strategy. They use visually appealing designs to seamlessly integrate upsell suggestions into the cart experience .

To choose the right upsell strategy, keep these factors in mind:

• How well your products complement each other
• The shopping habits and preferences of your audience
• The price range of your products and upsell offers
• Your store’s current cart abandonment rates

Success comes from ongoing testing and fine-tuning. Keep an eye on metrics and customer feedback to adjust your approach, increasing conversions while keeping the shopping experience enjoyable.

FAQs

What is the cart type in Shopify?

Shopify offers four types of carts, each designed for different shopping needs:

Among these, the Cart Drawer has gained popularity in modern e-commerce. For example, FEWE uses it to show dynamic product suggestions that adjust based on cart contents, making upsell offers more relevant .

Well-optimized cart drawers can boost add-to-cart rates by up to 20% . This makes them especially useful for stores that sell complementary products, showcasing why many merchants prefer them for upselling strategies.

When choosing a cart type, consider factors like:

• Product complexity
• Customer shopping habits
• Upsell goals
• Mobile-friendly design

Picking the right cart type can shape how customers interact with recommendations and promotions, directly influencing sales outcomes.

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