Upsell Sequence for Print-on-Demand Sellers Email Guide
Why Upsell Sequence Emails Fail for Print-on-Demand Sellers (And How to Fix Them)
Your customer just bought a single t-shirt. You celebrated the sale, but then realized the profit barely covered your ad spend.
Many Print-on-Demand sellers pour resources into finding new buyers, only to overlook the hidden goldmine in their existing customer base. The effort to acquire a customer is significant; why let that investment yield only a single transaction?
An upsell sequence isn't just about selling more; it's about enhancing the customer experience, boosting your average order value, and transforming one-time buyers into loyal patrons who return again and again. You've already done the hard work of gaining their trust.
These battle-tested email templates are designed to help you do exactly that, turning every single sale into a gateway for greater results without sounding pushy.
The Complete 3-Email Upsell Sequence for Print-on-Demand Sellers
As a print-on-demand seller, your clients trust your recommendations. This 3-email sequence helps you introduce valuable tools without sounding like a salesperson.
The Congrats
Celebrate their purchase and validate their decision
Hi [First Name],
Congratulations on your recent purchase from our store! We know you'll love your new [ITEM NAME].
We put a lot of care into creating designs that resonate and products that last, and your choice truly reflects excellent taste. This isn't just another item; it's a statement, a gift, or a piece of art that's now uniquely yours.
We're thrilled to have you as part of our community. Keep an eye on your inbox for shipping updates.
In the meantime, we thought you might be interested in exploring some complementary items that perfectly match your style.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses post-purchase rationalization. By immediately congratulating the customer and validating their choice, you reinforce their positive feelings about the purchase. This makes them more receptive to future suggestions, as their guard is down and they're feeling good about their decision.
The Upgrade
Introduce the enhanced version or add-on
Hi [First Name],
Following up on your recent order for the [ITEM NAME], we're already getting it ready for you! Many of our customers who love [INITIAL PRODUCT TYPE, e.g., our graphic tees] also find that adding a [UPSELL PRODUCT TYPE, e.g., matching tote bag] or upgrading to a [UPGRADE OPTION, e.g., premium fabric hoodie] truly completes their look or enhances their experience.
Imagine pairing your new [ITEM NAME] with a perfectly coordinated [COMPLEMENTARY ITEM] that improves your style, or enjoying the extra comfort of a premium material. It's about getting even more value from your purchase.
We've put together a special offer just for you, available for a limited time, to add [PRODUCT NAME] to your order before it ships. This way, you save on shipping and complete your collection. [CTA: See your exclusive upgrade →]
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses the 'foot-in-the-door' technique and value stacking. Since they've already committed to a purchase, they're more open to a small, related ask. Highlighting how the upsell 'completes' or 'enhances' their existing purchase makes the additional item feel like a natural extension, not a separate sale.
The Limited Time
Create urgency for the upsell offer
Hi [First Name],
Just a quick reminder about the exclusive upgrade offer we sent you a few days ago regarding your recent purchase. This is your last chance to add [PRODUCT NAME] to your order at this special price.
Once your initial order ships, this particular offer will no longer be available. Don't miss out on the opportunity to [REITERATE KEY BENEFIT, e.g., complete your collection, enjoy premium comfort, save on shipping] by adding [PRODUCT NAME] now.
Many sellers tell us they wish they had taken advantage of these offers earlier. This unique offer is designed to give you maximum value as a valued customer.
Make sure you act before it's gone. [CTA: Claim your upgrade now before it's too late →]
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email employs the principle of urgency and loss aversion. By clearly stating a deadline and emphasizing what they will miss out on if they don't act, it creates a psychological pressure to make a decision quickly. People are often more motivated by the fear of losing something than by the prospect of gaining something.
4 Upsell Sequence Mistakes Print-on-Demand Sellers Make
| Don't Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
✕ Only focusing on new customer acquisition and ignoring existing buyers. | Implement automated post-purchase sequences to nurture and upsell current customers, maximizing the value of each client relationship. |
✕ Offering generic or irrelevant upsells that don't complement the initial purchase. | Analyze purchase data to suggest highly relevant, complementary products or premium upgrades that genuinely enhance the customer's initial choice. |
✕ Failing to communicate the added value or benefit of an upsell clearly. | Focus on the 'why' behind the upsell. Explain how the upgraded version or additional item solves a problem, enhances an experience, or adds significant value to their life. |
✕ Not creating any sense of urgency or exclusivity for upsell offers. | Introduce time-sensitive discounts, limited stock notifications, or exclusive bundles available only for a short period to motivate immediate action. |
Upsell Sequence Timing Guide for Print-on-Demand Sellers
When you send matters as much as what you send.
The Congrats
Celebrate their purchase and validate their decision
The Upgrade
Introduce the enhanced version or add-on
The Limited Time
Create urgency for the upsell offer
Timing is critical. Send within days of the initial purchase.
Customize Upsell Sequence for Your Print-on-Demand Seller Specialty
Adapt these templates for your specific industry.
T-Shirt Sellers
- Offer a matching hoodie, long-sleeve, or hat with the same design to complete an outfit.
- Suggest a bundle deal for buying two shirts with complementary designs or different colorways.
- Introduce a premium fabric upgrade for their chosen design, highlighting enhanced comfort and durability.
Home Decor Sellers
- Recommend a complementary item like a matching throw pillow or coaster set when a customer buys a mug or piece of wall art.
- Provide an option to upgrade a print to a larger size or a framed version for a more effective display.
- Create themed bundles, such as a 'kitchen set' or 'bedroom refresh' package, for customers who purchase a single item for that room.
Book Publishers
- Offer a hardcover edition upgrade at a special price for customers who purchased a paperback.
- Suggest a companion journal, workbook, or related merchandise that enhances the reader's experience with the book's themes.
- Provide a discount on an audiobook version of the purchased title, allowing them to enjoy the story in another format.
Accessory Sellers
- Propose a matching set, like a phone case and laptop sleeve with the same design, when one item is purchased.
- Offer personalization add-ons, such as adding initials or a custom message, to make their accessory truly unique.
- Suggest bundling multiple smaller accessories, like a keychain and sticker pack, at a reduced price when a main accessory is bought.
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