How to improve value for an ecommerce business selling low-repeat-purchase items?

Get them on your email list. 📧

Selling items like furniture, mattresses, or wedding dresses means repeat purchases are tough.

These are often big-ticket items, bought after months of research and comparison.

So here’s how I look at it: while you invest in Meta and Google, the real value lies in your email list.

Customers might be slow to hit “buy now,” but if they’re on your email list, you have a direct line to nudge them along the way.


Get to know your customers. 🎯

Use quizzes, preference centers, or follow-up emails to ask about their style, needs, budget, and other things they find important.

If someone’s considering a new electric bike, skip the guide on how to win the Tour de France. Instead, offer tips on maximizing battery life or picking the perfect e-bike for city commuting.


Capitalize on top topicals. 🎉

Double down on holiday sales, clearance events, or flash sales, and craft a story around them. Maybe it’s the perfect time to upgrade their home office before the new year or refresh their garden for summer gatherings.

Maximize visibility during these peak moments with a sequence of emails—prelaunch, launch, and post-launch—to ensure you’re front and center when it matters most.


Maximize profits on the first order. 🛒

If you might not see your customer again soon, it’s crucial to make that first sale count. Start by experimenting with pricing strategies and shipping thresholds.

Want to increase the order value? Offer bundles, upsells, or extended warranties. For instance, if they’re buying a new mattress, suggest adding luxury sheets or a premium mattress protector at a discounted rate.


Build a strong brand. 🏆

When someone buys a big-ticket item, they want to feel confident in their choice. So, make your brand unforgettable. Share customer stories, highlight your values, and create content that connects with their lifestyle. If they love your brand, they’re more likely to recommend you or return for future needs.

As a diver, I bought all my gear from one brand because other divers recommended a key item. Once I trusted the brand, it was easy to buy everything else from them too.