Product bundling is a
marketing strategy that an entrepreneur uses by having multiple products or services grouped together and sold as a single package. This plan is often used to enhance customer value, expand the sales base, and make
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) stand out among their competitors in a highly competitive market.
Types of Product Bundling
Pure Bundling
Pure bundling means a customer can only buy the grouped
products as a bundle and individual products are not available for separate purchase.
Mixed Bundling
Mixed bundling means customers can purchase individual items separately or as part of a bundle. This strategy caters to a broader range of customer preferences than pure bundling. Customers have the freedom to choose either bundles or individual products.
Mix and Match Bundling
Mix and match bundling includes when customers can choose multiple products from several options to get a tailored package. Customers can pick and choose the solutions that meet their needs.
Cross-sell Bundling
Cross-selling bundling includes grouping complementary products from different product categories or vendors together.
New Product Bundling
New product bundling often includes increasing the hype around the newly released products. Businesses will create special launch bundles that are only available for a limited time or a limited number of products.
Gift Set Bundling
Gift bundles are aimed at shoppers who want to give a bundle of complementary products together to a loved one. This type of bundle is mostly sold during the holiday season.
Buy-One-Get-One Bundles
This bundling is used when you buy one main item, you qualify for a discount for another complimentary product or receive another product free.
Benefits of Product Bundling
Product bundling can be beneficial for vendors and customers alike. It allows sellers to move goods faster and means customers can save time shopping and score great deals.
Below are nine key advantages to implementing a product bundling strategy.
Increase Average Order Value (AOV)
Product bundling can be a strategic pricing tool for increasing the average value of customer orders. By bundling products together, you can offer discounts or better
pricing in comparison to instances where goods were sold individually.
Increase Sales
Attractive product bundles can lead to more sales, especially when competitors are selling the same products unbundled. The convenience of receiving multiple items together can encourage customers to make a purchase they might not have otherwise considered.
Get rid of Excess Stock
Product bundling is an effective way of getting rid of obsolete or excess stock. By bundling slow-moving or ‘dead’ stock with more popular goods, you can clear the shelves to make room for better-selling items.
Reduced Costs
When three products become one bundle, the marketing and order management costs for each of those products effectively drop by up to two-thirds. A single
advertisement can promote the entire bundle.
Faster Fulfillment Times
Product bundling can speed up the picking and
packing process, meaning the customer receives their items sooner. Each product bundle can be packed in bulk, ready for orders to come through.
Simplified Purchasing Process
Bundling streamlines the purchasing process for customers. It also increases the chance that they won’t purchase individual items in the bundle from your competitors.
Introduce New Product Lines
Product bundling provides an opportunity to leverage the popularity or desirability of one product to boost the sales of other items.
Effective Execution of Bundling
- The first step in effective bundling is understanding the target market’s needs and preferences.
- An effective bundle should offer clear and transparent value. Customers should easily perceive the savings they get from purchasing the bundle instead of individual items.
- The products in a bundle should naturally complement each other and provide a cohesive solution to the customer.
- Allowing customers to customise their bundles can significantly enhance their satisfaction.
- Creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity can make bundles more appealing.
It is important for entrepreneurs to have various strategies to promote their products and services. Entrepreneurs using product bundling in their business can attract potential customers, generate more sales, and make the business successful.