Run a Sale on Shopify: How to Put Items on Sale on Shopify

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Why Put Items on Sale?
  3. Setting Up Products On Sale in Shopify
  4. Best Practices for Running a Sale on Shopify
  5. Conclusion
  6. FAQ

When it comes to e-commerce, creating a sale on your Shopify store can be one of the most effective strategies to increase traffic, convert more customers, and move inventory. But how do you effectively put products on sale on Shopify to ensure that your offers are compelling and that your customers understand the value they're getting? In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to put items on sale on Shopify, from setting compare-at prices to utilizing discounts and creating smart collections for sales items.

Introduction

Ever stumbled upon an online sale that made you feel like you scored a big win? That’s the power of a well-executed sales strategy, and it’s something that every Shopify store owner can leverage. The digital realm offers an assortment of tools to set up sales that not only entices potential buyers but also makes existing customers come back for more. But here's the rub: How do you set up these sales effectively on a platform like Shopify, ensuring your discounted offers don’t go unnoticed?

Whether you are a seasoned merchant or relatively new to this digital bazaar, understanding how to adeptly navigate the Shopify interface to put products on sale is crucial. Beyond just slapping a discount on your products, this guide aims to equip you with the strategies to make your sales event stand out, drive significant traffic, and ultimately enrich both your brand's reputation and your bottom line. Get ready to delve deep into the art and science of running successful sales on your Shopify store.

Why Put Items on Sale?

Before we dive into the how, let’s address the why. Sales can:

  • Clear Old Inventory: Making room for new products is easier when you can quickly sell off older or slower-moving items.
  • Attract New Customers: Sales are an excellent strategy to draw in those who might not have made a purchase at full price.
  • Boost Sales Volume: Even with reduced prices, the increase in purchase volume during sales can significantly lift overall revenue.
  • Enhance Customer Loyalty: Regular sales give your existing customers a reason to keep returning to your store.

Setting Up Products On Sale in Shopify

Running a sale involves more than reducing the price. It's about tactically showcasing those price reductions to maximize conversions. Here’s how to do it on Shopify:

Set Compare-At Prices for Your Products

The compare-at price feature on Shopify is an effective way to indicate a sale. This is where you set the original price of the product as the compare-at price and the new discounted price as the main price. This method visually communicates the discount to your customers, showcasing both the original and sale prices.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Go to Products: Navigate your Shopify admin to Products.
  2. Select a Product: Choose the product you wish to put on sale.
  3. Adjust Pricing: In the Pricing section, enter the original price in the Compare at price field and the sale price in the Price field.
  4. Save Changes: Don’t forget to click Save.

This approach not only makes the discount clear but also aids customers in recognizing the value.

Utilize Discounts

Another method is to create discount codes or automatic discounts within Shopify. This can be particularly useful for:

  • Storewide Sales: You can create a discount code that applies to the entire order.
  • Specific Collections: Perfect for thematic sales (e.g., holiday sales).

Creating a Discount:

  • Navigate to the Discounts section in admin.
  • Choose what type of discount you want (e.g., percentage, fixed amount).
  • Decide which products, collections, or your entire store the discount applies to.
  • Set any conditions and the duration of the sale.

Create Smart Collections for Sales Items

Creating a smart collection specifically for sale items allows customers to easily find all items on sale in one location. Here's how:

  • Go to Products > Collections and click on Create collection.
  • Select Automated and define the conditions that any product on sale should meet. A common condition is to include any product where the compare at price is greater than the actual price.
  • Name the collection appropriately, e.g., Sale or Clearance.

Best Practices for Running a Sale on Shopify

To maximize the impact of your sale, consider these additional strategies:

  • Promote Your Sale: Using banners, pop-ups, and email marketing to inform customers about the sale can significantly increase its visibility.
  • Set a Time Limit: Creating a sense of urgency can encourage customers to make a purchase before the sale ends.
  • Analyze and Adjust: Review the performance of your sale to understand what worked and what didn't, and adjust your strategies for future sales.

Conclusion

Sales are a powerful tool in the arsenal of a Shopify store owner. When executed well, they can clear inventory, attract a slew of new customers, boost sales volume, and cultivate loyalty among your existing customer base. By setting compare-at prices, utilizing discounts, and creating smart collections, you can effectively run sales that not only highlight the value of your offers but also make them irresistible to your target audience.

Running a sale on Shopify is a strategic endeavour that, when done right, can elevate your store’s performance to new heights. The key is to balance the allure of discounts with profitability and customer satisfaction, ensuring that each sale event propels your business forward.

FAQ

  1. Do items with a compare at price automatically get added to the sale collection?

    • No, you must set the conditions in your Smart Collection to include products with a compare at price that meets your criteria.

  2. Can I run a storewide sale without individually adjusting product prices?

    • Yes, you can use the Discounts feature in Shopify to create discount codes or automatic discounts that apply to the entire order or specific collections.

  3. How do I make my sale stand out to customers?

    • Use marketing tools like banners, email marketing, and social media to promote your sale. Also, creating a dedicated sales collection can help.

  4. Is there a way to automatically revert prices back after the sale ends?

    • Manual reversion is required unless you use an app that offers bulk editing and scheduling features to automate the process.

  5. How do I determine the success of my sale?

    • Analyze data such as sales volume, revenue generated, and new customers acquired during the sale period compared to a normal period. Adjust future sales strategies based on these insights.

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