Today’s shoppers expect more from ecommerce discounts than just a promo code. In 2025, consumers want offers that are relevant, simple, and worth their time. According to the Salsify Ecommerce Pulse Report Q2 2025, 62% of shoppers are most influenced by limited-time discounts, while 45% are more likely to purchase when bundles are offered.
This shows that shoppers really care about how discounts are offered. If your store isn’t using things like bundles, flash sales, or deals that feel personal, there’s a good chance you’re missing out on sales.
Let’s look at what buyers really want from ecommerce discounts right now and how you can adjust your approach to match.
1. Bundles Are More Than Just a Bonus
Offering product bundles is one of the most effective ways to increase average order value. Bundles make decisions easier and seem like greater value, they could be “Buy One, Get One Free” or a discounted product combination.
Why it works:
- Shoppers feel like they’re getting a deal
- It makes cross-selling more natural
- It encourages bulk buying
- It can introduce new or complementary products
Tip: Bundle items that are commonly bought together, like shampoo + conditioner or phone + case.
2. Flash Sales Trigger Quick Decisions
Flash sales aren’t new, but they’re still one of the most effective types of ecommerce discounts. The key is time sensitivity.
When there’s a countdown, shoppers act faster.
Best uses for flash sales:
- New product launches
- Seasonal events (like Black Friday or Prime Day)
- Overstock clearance
- Social media promotions
Use eye-catching banners, email timers, or push notifications to drive urgency.
3. Personalised Discounts Convert Better
Shoppers are more likely to respond to discounts that are tailored to them. For example:
- 10% off your next purchase
- Discount based on past buying behaviour
- Offers related to what’s in their cart or wishlist
This feels more like a reward and less like a generic marketing push.
How to do it:
- Use email segmentation and browse history
- Offer loyalty-based discounts (e.g., “10% off for VIP members”)
- Send reminders about expiring offers for items they’ve viewed
4. Discounts for New and Loyal Customers
The balance between attracting new customers and retaining loyal ones is tricky—but ecommerce discounts can do both.
For first-time customers:
- Welcome offer on first order
- Free shipping or gift with purchase
- Sign-up bonus via email or SMS
For returning customers:
- Exclusive member discounts
- Early access to new products
- Tiered loyalty discounts
Offer incentives that feel earned or rewarding, not just handed out randomly.
5. Make It Easy to Apply Discounts
A good offer can be ruined by a poor experience. If shoppers have to jump through hoops to apply a code, they’ll leave. Keep it simple.
Best practices:
- Apply codes automatically at checkout
- Show the discounted price clearly
- Don’t hide the promo box
- Show how much they’re saving in total
You can also test features like discount banners, checkout countdowns, and pop-ups for cart-level savings.
6. Think Beyond Codes
Not all ecommerce discounts need to be about money. You can offer:
- Free shipping on orders over a certain amount
- Buy more, save more pricing (e.g., 10% off when you spend £50)
- Gifts with purchase
- Free samples for every order
These still motivate buyers without cutting into your margins too much.
Example: How a Fashion Brand Increased AOV by 36%
A mid-size clothing brand ran a 3-day bundle promotion with a simple offer: “Buy 2 items, get 20% off.” They promoted it with homepage banners, Instagram Stories, and email.
Results:
- 36% increase in average order value
- 18% increase in conversion rate
- Reduced cart abandonment
The key was showing the value of the deal upfront and making it easy to redeem.
Need help building better ecommerce offers or setting up custom discount rules in Magento or Shopify?
Final Thoughts: What to Focus On Now
To make your ecommerce discounts work better in 2025:
- Use bundles to increase order size
- Run flash sales to encourage quick purchases
- Offer discounts that feel personal and relevant
- Make it easy to apply deals at checkout
- Keep offers simple and visible
The right strategy won’t just boost sales—it will build stronger relationships with your customers.