Expert Guide: How to Put Products on Sale in Shopify

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding the Basics: Setting Compare-At Prices
  3. Automating Sales with Collections and Discount Codes
  4. Enhancing Sale Visibility and Engagement
  5. Optimizing for Conversion
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQ

Are you gearing up to boost sales in your Shopify store but unsure where to start? There's no more effective way to attract customers than offering enticing sales. Wondering how to seamlessly implement this strategy? Let's delve into the art of putting products on sale in Shopify. Whether you're preparing for holiday discounts, seasonal clearances, or special promotions, this guide will empower you with the necessary tools and insights to effectively showcase your deals, ultimately increasing customer engagement and boosting your sales.

Introduction

Did you know that sales promotions can increase customer loyalty and attract new buyers? The prospect of saving money on a desired item is a powerful incentive. This brings us to the pivotal question: how can you strategically put products on sale in Shopify, making the process straightforward for you while maximizing its appeal to your audience? The task might seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it's entirely achievable.

In this post, you'll learn not only the technical steps to highlight your promotions but also how to leverage Shopify's built-in features and third-party apps to automate and refine the process. From setting compare-at prices to using discount codes and creating targeted collections, we'll cover a wide range of strategies. Additionally, we’ll share best practices to ensure your sale not only attracts attention but also converts browsers into buyers. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge needed to run successful sales in your Shopify store.

Understanding the Basics: Setting Compare-At Prices

One of the most straightforward methods to display products on sale is by setting a compare-at price. This feature allows you to show both the original price and the sale price, making the discount immediately visible and appealing to customers.

For Single Products

To set a compare-at price for a single product:

  1. Navigate to the "Products" section in your Shopify admin.
  2. Select the product you wish to edit.
  3. In the "Pricing" section, enter the original price in the "Compare at price" field and the sale price in the "Price" field.
  4. Save your changes.

This method psychology underscores the deal customers are getting, potentially increasing the perceived value and urgency.

For Products with Variants

If your product has variants with different prices:

  1. Go to the "Products" section.
  2. Click on the desired product, then find the "Variants" section.
  3. Select the variant you want to set a sale price for.
  4. Enter the original price in the "Compare at price" box and the sale price in the "Price" box.
  5. Save your edits.

By handling variants individually, you can offer specific discounts on different product options, providing flexibility in your sales strategy.

Automating Sales with Collections and Discount Codes

Running Storewide Sales

For promotions across your entire inventory, using the "Discounts" section in Shopify can be incredibly effective. Here, you can create a percentage discount or a fixed amount off, applying it to either specific products, collections, or your entire store. This option simplifies the process, especially during major sale events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Smart Collections for Automated Sale Sections

Automating your sales can also be achieved through the use of "Smart Collections." You can set specific conditions (e.g., product price is less than or compare-at price is greater than) to automatically include products on sale in a particular collection.

  1. From Shopify admin, go to "Products" > "Collections."
  2. Click on "Create collection" and select "Automated."
  3. Set your conditions based on pricing.
  4. Name your collection (e.g., Sale or Clearance) for easy navigation by your customers.

This method ensures your sale items are dynamically updated, reducing the manual work required to manage product listings.

Enhancing Sale Visibility and Engagement

Beyond setting prices and collections, enhancing the visibility of your sales is crucial. Consider these tactics:

  • Add Sales Banners or Countdown Timers: This creates a sense of urgency and highlights your sale prominently on your site.
  • Popups with Offers: Implementing a popup that appears when visitors land on your site can immediately grab attention.
  • Customize Sale Pages: Tailor the look and feel of your sale collection pages to make them more engaging and reflective of the promotion.
  • Update Your Key Pages: Ensure that information related to sales is consistent across your site, including on FAQ, about, and contact pages.

These strategies not only inform visitors about the sale but also contribute to an immersive shopping experience.

Optimizing for Conversion

During sales, your ultimate goal is to convert visitors into paying customers. Ensure your store is optimized for conversion by:

  • Testing all contact forms and live chats to provide excellent customer support.
  • Checking and updating payment methods to ensure a smooth checkout process.
  • Utilizing conversion rate optimization (CRO) techniques to remove any friction during the buying process.

Conclusion

Putting products on sale in Shopify requires a blend of strategic planning, technical setup, and creative marketing. By setting compare-at prices, utilizing smart collections, and employing targeted promotional tactics, you can effectively attract and engage customers. Moreover, optimizing your store for sales conversions is crucial in capitalizing on the increased traffic generated by your promotions. Implement these strategies to create successful sales in your Shopify store and watch your business grow.

FAQ

Q: Can I run a storewide sale without manually adjusting each product's price? A: Yes, you can create a storewide discount directly from the "Discounts" section in Shopify, applying a percentage or fixed amount off on the entire order or specific collections.

Q: How can I ensure that products automatically added to a sale collection are actually on sale? A: By setting specific conditions within your Smart Collection based on the compare-at price or current price, you can automatically include products that meet your defined criteria for being on sale.

Q: What's the best way to create urgency during a sale? A: Using countdown timers, banners indicating limited-time offers, and popups can effectively create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to make a purchase before the sale ends.

Q: How often should I update my sale collections? A: If you're using Smart Collections with automatic conditions, Shopify will update your sale collection dynamically. However, it's good practice to regularly review and adjust your sales strategies based on performance and seasonal trends.