Can I push excess inventory without hurting sales?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

Merchant seeks ways to move leftover inventory without depressing overall sales.

Key strategies suggested:

  • Time-bound offers: flash sales and limited-time discounts to create urgency.
  • Bundling: pair excess items with best-sellers or complementary products; create gift sets.
  • Loyalty incentives: award extra/double points for targeted items via a loyalty app.
  • Targeted marketing: segmented email campaigns with exclusive offers; retargeting ads to past visitors.
  • Seasonal positioning: tie items to upcoming holidays/events.
  • BOGO/free gift tactics: complementary pairings, tiered thresholds set slightly above AOV (average order value), bundle discounts (e.g., A+B at 30% off), and FOMO messaging.

Recent updates:

  • OP asked whether to email previous buyers of similar items vs. a broader audience; awaiting a direct recommendation.
  • OP will explore the BOGO app approach.
  • OP queried another contributor about required setup and, after clarification, plans to try that method.

Outcome/status:

  • No single solution selected yet; consensus leans toward testing multiple promotions and iterating. Discussion remains open.
Summarized with AI on December 13. AI used: gpt-5.
1

I am having an inventory issue with high amount of leftover inventory that I need to sell. I am looking for a way to push these products higher without hurting my sales. Is there any recomendations how to solve this? Please advice. thanks

2

Hey Maxboldimprints,

Heddy from Gameball: Loyalty Program & VIP here!

If you’re sitting on leftover inventory and want to clear it out without negatively impacting your sales, here are a few strategies to consider:

  1. Run Flash Sales or Limited-Time Promotions: Offer a time-sensitive discount on the excess inventory to create a sense of urgency. Flash sales or “Deal of the Day” promotions can help attract attention to these products and encourage quick purchases.

  2. Bundle Products Together: Bundle the leftover items with best-sellers or popular products. You could offer a discount when customers buy the bundle, which not only clears inventory but also drives sales for your other products.

  3. Loyalty Program Rewards: Use Gameball to reward loyal customers by offering them extra points for purchasing the leftover items. For example, you could offer double points for specific products to encourage customers to buy those items. This adds value for your customers while helping move inventory.

  4. Create Gift Sets: If you have products that can be grouped together (like complementary items or smaller products), bundle them into gift sets. These can be marketed as special holiday or seasonal promotions.

  5. Email Marketing Campaigns: Segment your customer base and target those who might be interested in these items through email marketing. You could create an “exclusive offer” for them, showcasing the leftover stock at a discounted price.

  6. Retargeting Ads: Use retargeting ads to show these products to visitors who have been to your site but didn’t complete a purchase. Highlight the limited availability or discount to create urgency.

  7. Seasonal Promotions: Tie the products to upcoming holidays or events and position them as perfect gifts. This could be a great way to offload inventory, especially if you’re near a seasonal peak.

3

Hi @maxboldimprints :blush:

This is Ellie from BOGOS. I have been working with 1K+ merchants, and to many of them, one of their most effective ways to push excess inventory is offering a Buy one get one, or free gift offer.

This doesn’t mean giving out the leftover inventory for free can push the sales immediately. You should:

  • Use a BOGO combination that match customers’ need. For example, when customers buy a mouse, they will get a free mouse pad

  • Create tiered offers, with threshold based on your AOV. The threshold should be a little higher than your AOV so it’s easier for your customers to reach. For example, if your AOV is usually $40, create a Spend $50 get a free gift. You can also create multiple tiers: Spend $70 get two free gifts, Spend $100 get 3 gifts and so on

  • Encourage customers to buy more by offering discounts on bundles. For instance, buying Product A alone is full price, but buying Products A+B together could be 30% off

  • Don’t forget some FOMO effects. Use copy like “limited time offer” or flash sales

Test these strategies to see what works best for your audience. Implement them gradually to avoid overwhelming your customers with offers, and to compare the results too.

For all your promotional needs like free gifts, BOGO, and bundles, consider using BOGOS, the #1 Promotion App on Shopify.

Let me know if my answer is helpful by giving me a Like or Accept it as Solution!

4

Hey Heddy, thanks for the great suggestions! Your advice is helpful.

For the email marketing campaigns, do you think it’s more effective to target previous customers who have purchased similar items, or would a broader approach work better in this case?

Thanks,

Maxboldimprints

5

Hey Ellie, I will look into it.

Thanks,

Maxboldimprints

1 Like
6

Hi Stacey,

Thanks for the information! The approach to balancing sales and inventory sounds interesting.

Does this require a special setup?

Thanks,

Maxboldimprints

7

Hi @stacey

Thanks for letting me know about the setup, I think I might give it a try.

Max