Selling books online isn’t just about individual titles—bundles and boxsets can be a game-changer for authors looking to boost sales and delight readers. If you’re an author using Shopify, you might be wondering how to offer bundles without extra costs or complicated tools. The good news? You can do it for free, and I’ll show you exactly how!
In this post, I’ll walk you through two free methods for creating book bundles on Shopify. Whether you’re selling ebooks, audiobooks, or multiple formats, these steps will help you manage your store with ease.
Check out the quick video tutorial here:
Why Book Bundles Are a Smart Idea
Book bundles are a great way to sell a series or related titles as one package. Buyers love bundles because they often save money and get the convenience of grabbing everything at once. For you, it can mean a higher average order value, better customer satisfaction, and a streamlined sales process.
So, what are your options for setting them up on Shopify? Let’s break it down.
Option 1: Creating Bundles Manually in Shopify
If you’re comfortable managing products in Shopify, the first method involves creating a bundle as a new product. Here’s how it works:
Step-by-Step: Manual Product Bundles
- Start a New Product:
- Log in to Shopify and go to the “Products” section.
- Create a new product and name it after your bundle (e.g., “Mystery Series Bundle”).
- Add a Description and Images:
- Write a compelling description of the bundle, including details about the books included.
- Add eye-catching images. For best results, use square images (1080×1080 pixels). Tools like Canva or Book Brush make this process a breeze.
- Set Up Variants:
- If your books are available in multiple formats (ebook, audiobook, paperback), add those as variants.
- Link to Delivery:
- If you’re delivering ebooks or audiobooks using a service like BookFunnel, set up a delivery action.
- Inside your BookFunnel account, create a delivery for the bundle. Select all the books you want to include, generate a unique SKU (e.g., “MysteryBundle001”), and match that SKU on Shopify.
- Save and Test:
- Double-check everything and save the product. Testing is key, so make a test purchase to ensure everything runs smoothly.
This method works great if you’re comfortable managing the details yourself. It does take a little more time upfront, but it’s completely free and gives you full control.
Option 2: Use the Free Shopify Bundles App
For an easier way to create bundles, Shopify offers a free app called “Shopify Bundles.” It simplifies the process by combining individual products into a bundle without creating a separate product page for each format.
How to Install the Shopify Bundles App
- Find the App:
- Go to the “Apps” section of your Shopify admin dashboard.
- Search for “Bundles” in the Shopify App Store and install the free app called “Shopify Bundles.”
- Create a New Bundle:
- Once installed, open the app and click “Create Bundle.”
- Name your bundle (e.g., “Romance Box Set”) and select the products to include.
- Customize Your Bundle Options:
- Remove unnecessary options like certain formats or categories if they don’t apply to the bundle.
- Adjust the settings so the app automatically pulls inventory from the individual products.
- Save and Configure:
- Set up your SKU and pricing, then save the bundle. Like the manual method, testing everything before launching is helpful.
The app takes care of syncing inventory across all included items. This means less work for you if you’re dealing with multiple formats or large series.
Which Method Should You Use?
Both options are effective, but they suit different needs:
- Choose the manual method if you prefer customizing every detail and want full control over the process.
- Opt for the Shopify Bundles app if you value simplicity and want to avoid managing separate product pages.
Either way, you’ll be able to sell bundles without spending a dime on expensive plugins or third-party tools.
Quick Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Images: Presenting your bundles with professional-looking visuals can make a big difference. Create clear and consistent images that show off your books.
- Write an Engaging Description: Highlight what readers will love about the bundle—mention cost savings or exclusive content (if applicable).
- Test Your Setup: Always make a test purchase before going live. It’ll save you from potential headaches and ensure a smooth experience for buyers.
Creating book bundles in your Shopify store doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following these two free methods, you can start selling bundles today and give your readers an irresistible option to enjoy your books.
Experiment with what works best for you, and don’t hesitate to revisit your setup if needed. Questions? Drop them in the comments or check out the additional resources mentioned below.
Happy selling—and here’s to boosting those book sales with bundles!