How to Make an Item on Sale on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Two Ways to Put Products on Sale on Shopify
  3. Conclusion
  4. FAQ

In the digital age, where the buzz of online shopping is louder than ever, Shopify stands tall as a preferred platform for entrepreneurs looking to carve out their space in the e-commerce world. Amidst the constant battle for customer attention, sales and discounts emerge as tried-and-true strategies to boost business visibility and drive sales. Yet, the process of putting an item on sale on Shopify, while seemingly straightforward, holds nuances that can make or break your sales strategy. This blog dives deep into the art and science of marking down prices on Shopify, ensuring you not only attract but also delight your shoppers.

Introduction

Did you know that a staggering 93% of shoppers use a discount code or wait for a sale before making a purchase? This statistic isn't just a number; it's a testament to the power of sales in driving purchasing decisions. In today's fast-paced e-commerce environment, knowing how to efficiently implement a sale on your Shopify store is more than a skill—it's a necessity. Whether you're preparing for seasonal discounts, clearance sales, or promotional offers, the ability to adeptly navigate Shopify's sale settings can significantly impact your bottom line. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to seamlessly place items on sale, leveraging both Shopify's built-in features and additional strategies to maximize your sales potential. From setting compare-at prices to optimizing your store for sale seasons, let's embark on a journey to unlock sales success on Shopify.

Two Ways to Put Products on Sale on Shopify

1. Set Shopify Sale Price with Built-in Feature

Shopify simplifies the process of putting items on sale without the need for discount codes. This method hinges on the use of the "Compare at price" field, allowing the original price to be displayed alongside the discounted price, offering clear visibility into the savings a customer stands to gain.

How to Implement:

  • For Single Products: Navigate to your Shopify admin panel, select 'Products', and choose the item you wish to discount. In the 'Pricing' section, you'll find fields for both 'Price' (where you'll enter the sale price) and 'Compare at price' (the original price before discount). Remember to hit 'Save' to apply the changes.

  • For Variant Products: If your product has variants with different prices, the process remains largely the same. However, you'll need to edit each variant individually, ensuring their 'Compare at price' reflects the original pricing accurately.

2. Utilizing Shopify's Smart Collections for Sales

Automatically adding sale items to a dedicated on-sale or clearance collection can be efficiently handled by Shopify's Smart Collections. By setting conditions based on product price or compare-at price, items that meet your criteria will automatically populate these collections, making it easier for customers to find deals.

Steps to Create a Smart Collection:

  • Access 'Products > Collections' from the Shopify admin.
  • Select 'Create collection' and opt for 'Automated'.
  • Under 'Conditions', choose 'Product Price' and set your specific criteria (e.g., "Compare at price is greater than X").
  • Name your collection accordingly (e.g., "Clearance"), save, and witness your sale items automatically aligning under this collection.

Additional Tips for Maximizing Sales Impact

1. Visual Cues and Notifications:

Leverage visual elements like banners or countdown timers to create urgency and notify visitors of ongoing sales. This not only increases engagement but also drives action.

2. Popup Offers:

Introducing pop-up offers to first-time visitors or those attempting to leave can further incentivize purchases and boost conversion rates.

3. Sale Pages Optimization:

Ensure your sale pages or collection pages are optimized for navigation and display, making it easy for customers to browse deals.

4. Payment and Contact Form Testing:

Prior to launching a sale, conduct thorough testing of all contact forms and payment methods. This ensures a seamless checkout process, minimizing the risk of cart abandonment.

Conclusion

Executing a successful sale on Shopify encompasses more than merely adjusting prices. It requires strategic planning, from the initial setup of sale prices to the optimization of your store’s layout and the implementation of marketing tactics to maximize visibility and engagement. By following the detailed steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to not only make an item on sale on Shopify but also to amplify your sale’s success, driving increased traffic, boosting conversions, and ultimately, elevating your store’s profitability.

As always, the dynamic nature of e-commerce demands continuous learning and adaptation. Stay abreast of Shopify’s evolving features and best practices to ensure your sales strategies remain effective and your store continues to thrive in the competitive digital marketplace.

FAQ

How do I revert prices back after a sale ends on Shopify?

Utilize the bulk edit feature to revert prices. You can select all affected products and variants, then batch edit to reset the 'Compare at price' and 'Price' fields to their original values.

Can I schedule sales in advance on Shopify?

Currently, Shopify does not support scheduling sales directly. However, you can prepare by setting up the products and collections beforehand and manually adjusting prices when the sale is to go live. Alternatively, third-party apps available on the Shopify App Store can facilitate scheduling.

Does Shopify offer any tools to measure the success of a sale?

Shopify Analytics provides detailed reports and insights into your shop's performance, including sales metrics. Utilize these tools to measure traffic, conversion rates, and overall sales performance during promotional periods, enabling you to refine future sales strategies.