3 Upsells! Are You Serious? Rant!

109 replies
One thing that is really and I mean really getting under my skin is the upsell craze going on right now.

Yesterday again I bought something and once I paid I was hit with the "STOP!! You Will SEE THIS OFFER ONCE ONLY" Offer. Ok fair enough I think by myself, it's smart marketing to offer me an upsell so I scroll down and click the button that says "no thanks, just send me to my downoad"

Once I clicked that I got hit again with the "STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's another One Time Offer for Ya! Now I am getting a little pissy but scroll down to click on the "no thanks button again, just send me to my download Por Favor!!

Guess what happened?

Yup!!!! "STOP!!!! PLease wait!!! You will only see this once.... Blah Blah

By now I am so annoyed that I almost want to cancel the whole thing becaue I am a busy guy. I wanted to get the info he was selling quickly, go through it or save it somewhere to go throug it later. I don't have time to read all of your damn upsells.

Don't get me wrong. I am fine with offering me an upsell or a downsell or whatever but 3 or 4 in a row is just annoying.

Or at least it is for me...

End of rant!!
#rant #serious #upsells
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
    Originally Posted by jan roos View Post

    One thing that is really and I mean really getting under my skin is the upsell craze going on right now.

    Yesterday again I bought something and once I paid I was hit with the "STOP!! You Will SEE THIS OFFER ONCE ONLY" Offer. Ok fair enough I think by myself, it's smart marketing to offer me an upsell so I scroll down and click the button that says "no thanks, just send me to my downoad"

    Once I clicked that I got hit again with the "STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's another One Time Offer for Ya! Now I am getting a little pissy but scroll down to click on the "no thanks button again, just send me to my download Por Favor!!

    Guess what happened?

    Yup!!!! "STOP!!!! PLease wait!!! You will only see this once.... Blah Blah

    By now I am so annoyed that I almost want to cancel the whole thing becaue I am a busy guy. I wanted to get the info he was selling quickly, go through it or save it somewhere to go throug it later. I don't have time to read all of your damn upsells.

    Don't get me wrong. I am fine with offering me an upsell or a downsell or whatever but 3 or 4 in a row is just annoying.

    Or at least it is for me...

    End of rant!!
    Jan, as a marketer, especially in the IM niche, you need to do this. There is no exceptions.

    Without upsells, you are leaving a ton of money on the table, and you can use them to enhance the overall value of your product.
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

      Jan, as a marketer, especially in the IM niche, you need to do this. There is no exceptions.
      You're talking complete bulsh!t there.

      The only thing I need to do in this world is die - all
      the rest is optional and I get to choose.

      As a business owner I get to choose what marketing
      techniques I use - and don't use - in my business.

      I detest multiple upsell hell as a customer and as a
      business owner I won't put my valued customers
      through that process either.

      I treat my customers the way I want to be treated.

      I get to choose - that's why I don't work for anyone
      else.

      Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

      Without upsells, you are leaving a ton of money on the table, and you can use them to enhance the overall value of your product.
      In the short-term that may appear to be the case.

      But, have you factored into your calculation the
      number of people who won't buy from you again
      because of their first 'buying' experience with you?

      If it means not doing multiple upsell hell, I'll happily
      leave that money on the table.

      Dedicated to your success,

      Shaun
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    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

      Jan, as a marketer, especially in the IM niche, you need to do this. There is no exceptions.
      I'm with Jan. If you try to give me three OTOs in a row on the same transaction, I am probably never buying from you again, and there's a good chance I won't buy from you this time either.
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      • Profile picture of the author greff
        Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

        I'm with Jan. If you try to give me three OTOs in a row on the same transaction, I am probably never buying from you again, and there's a good chance I won't buy from you this time either.

        I'm down with that.
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        • Profile picture of the author Hanz
          Agreed with most everyone here. I visited one of these muck sites at work once. Supervisor was walking by looking over my shoulder and I couldn't get out of the site. It kept saying "Wait....Before you Go!!!.....Wait....Before You Go!!!!"...... It almost ruined my life!
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          • Profile picture of the author paulie888
            Originally Posted by Hanz View Post

            Agreed with most everyone here. I visited one of these muck sites at work once. Supervisor was walking by looking over my shoulder and I couldn't get out of the site. It kept saying "Wait....Before you Go!!!.....Wait....Before You Go!!!!"...... It almost ruined my life!
            Hanz, I'm glad you stayed out of trouble. Those upsell videos are incredibly annoying, and these days they won't even let you leave a sales page without subjecting you to a last-ditch "Wait...before you leave!" video or audio - this absolutely drives me nuts!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
      Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

      Jan, as a marketer, especially in the IM niche, you need to do this. There is no exceptions.
      In my opinion...that is false.

      You know who can AFFORD to do that? Marketers with huge lists that know that they can replace every person that unsubscribes, or doesn't buy in the next round of promotion.

      The typical marketer with a list of 2K - 10K would probably do themselves more harm than good doing that. I can't see any consumer liking the 3 - 10 upsells that are becoming common, or the sales pages that you can't exit for the most part unless you shut your browser down.

      On the other hand, if you have a list of 50K+ you know that you are going to piss some people off, but that you will more than make up for it monetarily from the ones that actually take the upsells.

      It's a numbers game...If you have a big list, you can abuse your customers like that, but if you don't....

      And the worst thing about many of the upsells lately?

      At least one of them is usually something that is NEEDED to actually make the system work.

      It usually goes something like this...

      Original product - Bought

      First upsell - Software that will make it easier

      Second upsell - INFORMATION THAT YOU NEED TO MAKE IT WORK

      Third upsell - membership site

      etc

      etc

      Sixth Upsell - The "lost" chapter "You can't succeed without this"
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      • Yes, good point Jeremy.

        I'd say if there are a lot of list swaps/etc -- so they just simply replace any subscribers, then they can 'afford' to do that.

        If you are looking to start a business, don't do it.

        Personally, I don't like it. Probably because I've seen it so much. For a first time viewer though, it may be effective.

        - J



        Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

        In my opinion...that is false.

        You know who can AFFORD to do that? Marketers with huge lists that know that they can replace every person that unsubscribes, or doesn't buy in the next round of promotion.

        The typical marketer with a list of 2K - 10K would probably do themselves more harm than good doing that. I can't see any consumer liking the 3 - 10 upsells that are becoming common, or the sales pages that you can't exit for the most part unless you shut your browser down.

        On the other hand, if you have a list of 50K+ you know that you are going to piss some people off, but that you will more than make up for it monetarily from the ones that actually take the upsells.

        It's a numbers game...If you have a big list, you can abuse your customers like that, but if you don't....

        And the worst thing about many of the upsells lately?

        At least one of them is usually something that is NEEDED to actually make the system work.

        It usually goes something like this...

        Original product - Bought

        First upsell - Software that will make it easier

        Second upsell - INFORMATION THAT YOU NEED TO MAKE IT WORK

        Third upsell - membership site

        etc

        etc

        Sixth Upsell - The "lost" chapter "You can't succeed without this"
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    • Profile picture of the author jan roos
      Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

      Jan, as a marketer, especially in the IM niche, you need to do this. There is no exceptions.

      Without upsells, you are leaving a ton of money on the table, and you can use them to enhance the overall value of your product.

      I don't mind an upsell and I do understand that it can be very effective but 3 or more in a row is just ridicilous especially if the upsells aren't even related to the product I just bought.

      Now I won't even open emails from that marketer anymore because he annoyed me like that. Maybe I am over reacting a bit but for some reason I just can't handle sitting through upsells anymore.

      Cheers
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    • Profile picture of the author johnotin
      truth be told, a product with real authority doesn't have to upsell you then lowball you as try to leave the site although it is good marketing. And only the fool who hasn't a clue will sucker up.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jason Moffatt
      Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

      Jan, as a marketer, especially in the IM niche, you need to do this. There is no exceptions.
      No exceptions hey?

      I've never used a upsell in my entire life and I'd say it's a good guess that I'm doing better than 99% of Warriors.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
        Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt View Post

        No exceptions hey?

        I've never used a upsell in my entire life and I'd say it's a good guess that I'm doing better than 99% of Warriors.
        This is a huge claim. Can you back it up??

        EDIT: He said that without upsells you leave a whole lot of money on the table and he didn't talk about "doing better than others" in his post.

        Have you tested to see if you make more money with upsells or not?

        If not then you don't know if you are leaving money on the table or not because you haven't tested it.

        Just my opinion
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        • Profile picture of the author Jason Moffatt
          Originally Posted by Mohammad Afaq View Post

          This is a huge claim. Can you back it up??
          Haha. Do you think I would open my mouth if I couldn't?
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          • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
            Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt View Post

            Haha. Do you think I would open my mouth if I couldn't?
            You can't.

            I know you think you can prove it but unless you know the income of every single person on this forum, you cannot say you are making more than them.

            You might be able to "assume" that you make more than most people but you cannot be "sure" about it.

            There's a huge difference between the two
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            • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
              Originally Posted by Mohammad Afaq View Post

              You can't.

              I know you think you can prove it but unless you know the income of every single person on this forum, you cannot say you are making more than them.

              You might be able to "assume" that you make more than most people but you cannot be "sure" about it.

              There's a huge difference between the two
              It's actually pretty easy to take an "educated guess" at how much people are making, just by reading what they post.

              I think I'll put my money on JMO making more than a huge percentage of the people on this forum...

              People keep saying that "you're leaving a lot of money on the table" by not up and down selling your customers into oblivion.

              My question is, would you rather leave some money on the table or for people to perceive you as an asshole and likely not do business with you again?

              As many have said (and I agree) up and down sells can be done tastefully, and within reason in the sales process, but come on...

              This crap that we are seeing lately is borderline retarded.

              1st upsell - You say you don't want it and some box pops up asking if you are sure

              2nd upsell - same thing

              3rd upsell - This one pretty much tells you that your original purchase won't work without it

              Selling info products is all fine and good, but jesus...some of the stuff lately is disgusting.
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              • Profile picture of the author Jason Moffatt
                Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

                It's actually pretty easy to take an "educated guess" at how much people are making, just by reading what they post.

                I think I'll put my money on JMO making more than a huge percentage of the people on this forum...

                People keep saying that "you're leaving a lot of money on the table" by not up and down selling your customers into oblivion.

                My question is, would you rather leave some money on the table or for people to perceive you as an asshole and likely not do business with you again?

                As many have said (and I agree) up and down sells can be done tastefully, and within reason in the sales process, but come on...

                This crap that we are seeing lately is borderline retarded.

                1st upsell - You say you don't want it and some box pops up asking if you are sure

                2nd upsell - same thing

                3rd upsell - This one pretty much tells you that your original purchase won't work without it

                Selling info products is all fine and good, but jesus...some of the stuff lately is disgusting.
                Exactly.

                I'd be willing to be the farm that I'm losing money in the short term by not employing upsells. However, I've said it a ton of times... "I don't optimize my business for maximum profits, I run my business the way it makes me feel good."

                That said, I'm not at all opposed to upsells. I was just surprised someone would say there was "no exceptions" on the way someone could run their business. That's it.
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                • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
                  Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt View Post

                  Exactly.

                  I'd be willing to be the farm that I'm losing money in the short term by not employing upsells. However, I've said it a ton of times... "I don't optimize my business for maximum profits, I run my business the way it makes me feel good."

                  That said, I'm not at all opposed to upsells. I was just surprised someone would say there was "no exceptions" on the way someone could run their business. That's it.
                  Jason I'm sorry if it sounded like I attacked you.

                  I am not questioning your credibility. I'm just too picky
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                  • Profile picture of the author Jason Moffatt
                    Originally Posted by Mohammad Afaq View Post

                    Jason I'm sorry if it sounded like I attacked you.

                    I am not questioning your credibility. I'm just too picky
                    Hey dude, no worries. I wasn't sweating it at all. You are free to be as picky as you like. I value all opinions and don't get too riled about forum words.

                    We all do things a bit differently. I get that.

                    Cheers
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              • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
                Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

                This crap that we are seeing lately is borderline retarded.
                Yes that's right but I was talking about Upsells in general.

                Most of the products simply don't have good enough upsells and i am 100% against that crap. I am just not against the main idea of an upsell because I think if your product is good enough then people will still buy from you in the future without giving a crap about your upsells. (Or if they like you they will pay attention to your upsells and will want to buy your special offers).

                So I think it all comes down to the quality of the product. If the product is high quality, you won't lose customers just because of upsells and if they product is worthless then you will lose a customer even if you have the best upsells in the world.

                Just my opinion
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                • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
                  Originally Posted by Mohammad Afaq View Post

                  Yes that's right but I was talking about Upsells in general.
                  I'm talking about up and down sells in general as they pertain to the IM world and launches over the past 3 months maybe
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                  • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
                    So I think it all comes down to the quality of the product. If the product is high quality, you won't lose customers just because of upsells and if they product is worthless then you will lose a customer even if you have the best upsells in the world.
                    Moh, there's a flaw in that logic. The quality of the product is not a factor because badly done immediate upsells piss the customer off before they ever see your product.

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                    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
                      Originally Posted by Mohammad Afaq View Post


                      Have you tested to see if you make more money with upsells or not?

                      If not then you don't know if you are leaving money on the table or not because you haven't tested it.
                      Again, you can't test the lifetime value of a lost customer. All you can test is whether you're making more money in the short term. If you're concerned about the long term success of your business, you have to make educated projections based on what you know about your current customers.

                      Some folks don't think long term, some do. To each their own, but be aware that while you may make more money immediately, the numbers may work out differently over a longer period of time.
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                      • Profile picture of the author Robert Puddy
                        Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

                        Again, you can't test the lifetime value of a lost customer. All you can test is whether you're making more money in the short term. If you're concerned about the long term success of your business, you have to make educated projections based on what you know about your current customers.

                        Some folks don't think long term, some do. To each their own, but be aware that while you may make more money immediately, the numbers may work out differently over a longer period of time.

                        As my business model is always free on the front end, and monetise with upsells and downsells im pretty confident i make more long term by using them
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                        • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
                          I think upsells must work sometimes otherwise they wouldn't be used, I have an ebook I sell but I also have an upsell for the physical version of it. I only did this as a lot of people wanted this. Thing is this came from cutomer feedback and there's nothing else to buy. I bought a book/manual about a week ago. The video and sales letter were excellent and I really wanted to buy the product, it really convinced me this book would "solve a problem".
                          Trouble was the first upsell totally contradicted the sales letter by telling me if I miss out on the upsell it's possible I wouldn't have success with the book I was trying to buy, by the 3rd or 4th upsell, at the bottom of the page it literally said.
                          "Yes I want to buy this amazing product that will save the world"
                          or
                          "No, I want the original offer, I understand that I might as well not bother because it's crap and I've got no brain etc etc"

                          Now thats an exageration but it's the way I was pitched beautifully and fell for it but in 3-4 clicks on the "no thanks" he had totally unsold me and I never even bought it. It therefore stands to reason that although a guy at the beginning said you're leaving cash on the table by not upselling, you must be leaving cash on the table with upsells, because that guy had a sale off me, now he hasn't and I now think when I get an email from him, his original sales letter before the upsells begin, are full of crap.
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                        • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
                          Originally Posted by Robert Puddy View Post

                          As my business model is always free on the front end, and monetise with upsells and downsells im pretty confident i make more long term by using them
                          lol - yes Robert, in that case you can be sure, but you are talking about a different business model than I was.
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        • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
          Originally Posted by Mohammad Afaq View Post

          This is a huge claim. Can you back it up??

          EDIT: He said that without upsells you leave a whole lot of money on the table and he didn't talk about "doing better than others" in his post.

          Have you tested to see if you make more money with upsells or not?

          If not then you are not credible enough to offer your advice on this one because you don't know if you are leaving money on the table or not because you haven't tested it.

          Just my opinion
          Dude - before you go questioning someone's credibility maybe you ought to find out who they are first.

          I'm sounding too much like a JMo fan here. No more KoolAid for me.
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          • Profile picture of the author VanessaB
            Tony Shepard does an excellent job with 'the sales funnel.' My own is similar too, and it does work well for me.

            Tony uses a freebie, then upsells to a $1.00 membership trial, then upsells to a medium-high priced product. However,when you optin for the freebie, you get the trial pitch while you wait for your freebie to arrive via email and when you get to the back end, the download link for your freebie/upsell is at the very top of the page so you can elect not to read the pitch before getting your goods.

            I use the same funnel, only I go straight to the high end and then downsell to something cheaper if the customer doesn't like the back end.

            I do make sure that my upsells and downsells are customized for the original order, and often yes, it is software that makes it easier. I don't include it from get go for the simple reason that some people aren't ready for that skill set.

            And I have seen upsells and downsells outside the IM niche as well, such as membership sites for certain hobby markets. So I would say that if you don't employ them, you are leaving money on the table.

            -Dani
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            • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
              I don't mind upsells or downsells if they make sense. Trying to upsell me to a completely different type of product just doesn't make sense to me. Hitting me with multiple upsells that imply I need them to make the initial product work, just makes me think you lied to me on the original sales page.

              I don't think there's a set number of upsells that all marketers should follow but I do wish that more marketers understood the concept better. As someone mentioned with McDonald's, asking me if I want fries is a suggestion that complements the original purchase. If the guy behind the counter tried to upsell me to something completely unrelated, I would think that it was bizarre.

              Plus I don't know whose bright idea it was to think that telling a customer that they clearly aren't READY to be successful when they hit no - but that man is an idiot. I don't know any decent salesperson (as in one who makes enough to live on) in the offline world that looks at a customer and says "you really don't want fries? clearly you're just not hungry enough".

              Downsells are very effective but very few seem to truly get the concept. A downsell doesn't mean to knock your price down but give you the same exact product. A downsell should also remove parts of the original offer. Otherwise, all you're telling me is that your product is really only worth $27 and you played me for a sucker trying to get $47 the first time.

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          • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
            Originally Posted by SteveJohnson View Post

            Dude - before you go questioning someone's credibility maybe you ought to find out who they are first.

            I'm sounding too much like a JMo fan here. No more KoolAid for me.
            I didn't thank you because you were on my side.

            I thanked you because you basically just said what I wanted to say.

            Are you sure it isn't like 98% or 98.5% instead of 99%?
            I knew you were being sarcastic but that's exactly what my point was.

            I simply wanted to say that You can never be a 100% sure about something.

            To Jermey:

            I also think that Jason is making more than a huge percentage of people on the forum but I have a problem with absolutes.

            You can never be a 100% sure about something.

            Maybe I'm just being too picky and stupid but I guess this is they way I am
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  • Profile picture of the author ChickenMan
    Three? try about SEVEN. Yes, I had SEVEN freaking upsells from trying to exit one product. I forgot where I got the link from but it was off the WF I believe.

    Sometimes I don't mind them, but most of the times they're just annoying and spammy.
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  • Profile picture of the author iSoftware
    Anyone heard the expression "you are not a representative sample"? I'm not saying I agree with the aggressive marketing technique but I wonder outside of the IM niche if people don't mind this....

    Just a question....
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  • Profile picture of the author Megan Elizabeth
    I hate it when that happens! It usually leads to a scam and/or another page with yet MORE upselling! It's very irritating, but the thing you have to remember, it's those connections that help sell products and help generate more traffic! It's a win;win scenario, you get the product you want (minus the headache of pop-ups, of course) and you're given many options to upgrade and/or find a better product!

    Megan Elizabeth
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    This upsell phenomenon has gotten completely out of hand here. What makes it even worse sometimes is that many of them don't even go to the effort of laying out what you get in print - it's usually just a short video that you're forced to sit through in order to discover what's in the upsell. Can you imagine what the poor buyer is subjected to, having to sit through at least 5+ minutes of videos just to discover what's in the upsells? I'm of the opinion that this is a very shortsighted approach that might hook some first-time customers, but also turn off a good many customers who may never buy again from the marketer.
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  • Profile picture of the author 660r
    I have seen a product on a website selling for $47. I clicked off the window and got the pop up at least 5 times until the product had reached a price of $7... Just shows you the value of the product in the start...
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    • Profile picture of the author Simon Ashari
      In many cases upsells will make more money (if not most). We could argue back and forth about whether or not they do in the long run.

      For me, 1 upsell which complements the product (e.g. software which automates the process) is acceptable. Any more pisses me off.

      Selling drugs may make you money, but it does not mean it is right to do it (extreme example). It is up to the individual to decide how many upsells they add on to their back end.

      The debate continues...

      -Simon
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      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
        Originally Posted by Simon Ashari View Post

        In many cases upsells will make more money (if not most). We could argue back and forth about whether or not they do in the long run.
        That is a very valid point.

        There is absolutely no way to quantify whether or not adding upsells will effect you long term.

        It's not like your customers are going to be emailing you saying 'yeah you are totally awesome for not offering upsells, so I'm going to buy everything you offer me in the future'.

        How can you know?

        What if the responsiveness of your list and your customers was due to your product quality?

        What if it had to do with the source of the traffic?
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      • Profile picture of the author deertrail
        Of course, not all upsells are created equal.

        Upsells that are congruent with the original offer and put together in a thoughtful manner give the customer a completely different experience from what most of you are referring to here.

        You have to position the upsells as supplementary offers that ENHANCE the value of the original front end offer but do not render it useless or "incomplete" if the customer decides to pass.

        I also believe there should be a "logic" behind the upsell chain that makes the customer think "Oh, of course, given the context, these offers make complete sense."

        I've yet to see a triple upsell that passes this test, but who am I to say it can't be done?

        ...

        Another thing to remember is that upsells and OTO's aren't your only chance to increase your EPC / visitor value. Your thank you page is also an excellent place to introduce new offers.

        My $.2

        -Bryan
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        • Profile picture of the author 4morereferrals
          Another thing to remember is that upsells and OTO's aren't your only chance to increase your EPC / visitor value. Your thank you page is also an excellent place to introduce new offers.
          Needed that reminder ... I got stuff I needed to add to the TY/DL pages :-)

          Your model of an OTO / Upsell is exactly what I strive to do ... increased cost isnt always the right formula either.

          In the last 3 product launches ive engaged in/created - I spent and extra week developing a "add-on" product that I felt was a no brainer - was easy to produce, provided what we felt was tremendous additional value, and fit the original purchase like a glove ... results?

          Latest product - about 55% or more of those who purchased Front End - grabbed the OTO ... EPC for affiliates has been over $2.10 and well ... its just been a good thing from day one.
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        • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
          Originally Posted by deertrail View Post

          Another thing to remember is that upsells and OTO's aren't your only chance to increase your EPC / visitor value. Your thank you page is also an excellent place to introduce new offers.
          The download/thank you page is where I tend to make one-time offers. It works well for me, and doesn't hold people hostage from getting what they paid for, and it makes no one angry.

          I structure the page so that their download is right at the top of the page, and the OTO below that. Depending on the product and OTO, the conversion rate runs anywhere from about 10% to almost 50%.

          lol - I really need to work on the low converting offers!
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        • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
          Originally Posted by deertrail View Post

          Upsells that are congruent with the original offer
          To a lot of marketers, they're congruent by definition.

          Offer 1 = "Give me money."

          Offer 2 = "Give me more money."

          It's not exactly common for there to be much more thought than that in product selection.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Here's something to consider ... at what number does it change from an "upsell" to disrespect for your customer?

    For me, one upsell is the limit I tolerate. Two or more is treating me like a pawn in your game, with you trying to exploit me for all you can. At that point, you lose me as a current and future customer. Treat me with respect and I may buy from you for years. Try to "game" me and you lose, immediately and for good.
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  • Profile picture of the author barbling
    I generally have no problem with multiple upsells - it's the WAIT DON'T LEAVE THIS PAGE! thingees that really frost my petunias. I killed three of them before I was allowed to leave on one site this morning.....very annoying.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Nguyen
    They they piss me off even with free reports. I once was subjected from a $97 upsell but then it went downsell crazy. From $97 alway the way down to $17 6-7 times. You really now have devalued your product.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
      I respectively disagree with everyone here.

      If the upsell process is done tastelessly, yeah, it's no good.

      But an upsell process like this:
      1. Front End
      2. Upsell 1 - Elite membership where you get one on one help from the product creater, monthly webinars, contests, continued training to take the front end product to the next level, homework to keep you focused on the front end method, etc.
      3. Upsell 2 - Traffic software that will reduce your work load by automating the process
      4. Upsell 3 - Outsourcing program to offload the work onto someone else so you can free up your time and do the things you like to.
      5. Upsell 4 - Software that will help improve the conversion rates of your websites you make with the front end training
      All of these upsells enhance the front end, so you are doing your customer a disservice by not giving them the chance to take a look at the additional products which will make everything much more easier and effective.

      It would be like packaging it all up an offering it as a $500 course. Instead, you are breaking it down into small pieces and offering it as an al le cart type of thing.

      I also recommend you take a look at all the top selling CB products right now.

      Most of them are priced at $37 and have ridiculous high EPC because of the upsells. Without the upsells, the product would be dead.

      I totally understand they have mad JV partners pushing it, but I guarantee you they will cut off support if they aren't making enough money from the traffic.

      You would have no support from your JV partners if all you have to sell is a $37, unless somehow you can meracuously make it convert at $2.00 EPC or more which is nearly impossible this day and age.

      Look, I totally understand the idea of trying to make all your customers happy....

      But no matter what you do, you are going to piss someone off in one way or another.

      I used to be like this with my mailing list where I wouldn't send out any offers because I was afraid of burning out my list. Now I realize I was very foolish to do that, because not only was I not making any money from it, but I also wasn't using my list for its real benefit which is building good will with my potential partners.
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      • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
        Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

        I also recommend you take a look at all the top selling CB products right now.

        Most of them are priced at $37 and have ridiculous high EPC because of the upsells. Without the upsells, the product would be dead.

        I totally understand they have mad JV partners pushing it, but I guarantee you they will cut off support if they aren't making enough money from the traffic.

        You would have no support from your JV partners if all you have to sell is a $37, unless somehow you can meracuously make it convert at $2.00 EPC or more which is nearly impossible this day and age.
        I don't let the common malpractices of ClickBank sellers
        or the EPC desires of certain affiliates to determine how
        I treat my customers.

        Otherwise you end up with the tail wagging the dog.

        There are lines I don't cross and multiple upsells is one of
        them.

        Multiple upsells are used mainly by greedy sellers feeding
        off the buying state of the customer. In most cases, it's
        not got much to do with meeting the real needs of the
        customer at all.

        Dedicated to your success,

        Shaun
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        • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
          Originally Posted by Shaun OReilly View Post


          Multiple upsells are used mainly by greedy sellers feeding
          off the buying state of the customer. It's not got much
          to do with meeting the real needs of the customer in most
          cases.
          I agree - but it can go either way. It depends on how you look at it, and how you do it.

          If you didn't offer the upsells, you would have to price your front end product at $500. Not everyone can benefit from that.

          But if you offer the upsells, you can lower your front end price so that everyone can access it.
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          • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
            Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

            I agree - but it can go either way. It depends on how you look at it, and how you do it.

            If you didn't offer the upsells, you would have to price your front end product at $500. Not everyone can benefit from that.

            But if you offer the upsells, you can lower your front end price so that everyone can access it.
            To be clear, I'm not saying don't upsell.

            I'm saying, don't multiple upsell in quick succession.

            As I'm sure you're aware, there's the product funnel
            and sequences you can take your prospects and
            customers through to elevate them to higher and
            higher price points - but over a period of time.

            To me, the question is about timing.

            Many sellers focus on getting the most cash now
            because it suits them - rather than looking at what's
            in the best interests of the customer.

            I prefer to focus my prospects and customers on
            one main purchase - and may offer an upsell if I
            believe it's really in their best interests.

            Multiple upsell hell is fuelled by the greed of the
            seller - not the need of the buyer - in most cases.

            Dedicated to your success,

            Shaun
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          • Profile picture of the author henare
            You can give all the product on front end with different price and let customer decided what he want it.

            I look at the customer point of view (beacause i am customer and didnt have any IM product), i just unscribed from one of the warrior guru on seo who had got three upsells.

            one upsells with a discount is tolerated but if the upsells is of related product etc, it should be in the main sale pages rather than bombarding with upsells. (and that why i dont go to godaddy and preferred namecheap for domain)

            This is totally my view point.


            Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

            I agree - but it can go either way. It depends on how you look at it, and how you do it.

            If you didn't offer the upsells, you would have to price your front end product at $500. Not everyone can benefit from that.

            But if you offer the upsells, you can lower your front end price so that everyone can access it.
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      • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
        Originally Posted by Daniel Brock View Post

        All of these upsells enhance the front end, so you are doing your customer a disservice by not giving them the chance to take a look at the additional products which will make everything much more easier and effective.
        It really depends on how you do it.

        1. Front End
        2. OTO: membership site
        3. PURCHASE PROCESS

        4. Download link
        5. On same page, under link: Traffic software
        6. OTO on software: Outsourcing program
        7. PURCHASE PROCESS 2

        8. Download link
        9. Under link: Software to improve conversions

        You get the picture. At each stage, there is an offer and something to buy. Every time the customer hits a "buy" button, you can make a new OTO. But there are never more than two offers before the customer gives you his money and gets what he wants.

        This chain can extend across dozens of products.

        In fact, it can be circular, so every customer goes into the ring at a different spot and gets the same 20 or 30 offers.

        It's not hard to do this without being a douche. You just have to make a bit of an effort.
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        • Profile picture of the author TimGross
          Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

          It's not hard to do this without being a douche. You just have to make a bit of an effort.
          This ^

          There are ways to increase the average purchase price while treating customers well, and there are ways to do it that upset and alienate them. Doing it the correct way is a skill that quite a few marketers don't feel it's important to have.

          It's the "holding them hostage after they've already paid" that pisses people off the most... and for good reason. Gauging whether the short-term extra sales from it outweigh lost future sales from angry customers and damaged good will is hard to gauge.

          Here's an example of 6 consecutive upsells that all occur before the purchase during the "add to cart" phase... each upsell does in fact compliment the original item. While it's not perfect, it's a far cry from the obnoxious tactics we're talking about here:
          Upsell, Upsell, Upsell, Upsell, Upsell, Upsell (Yes, 6) | Tim Gross: Internet Business Blog

          (And to answer the inevitable question, I bought the Bedazzler because I wanted to feel pretty. )
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          • Profile picture of the author REHughes
            As one who still considers myself a newbie, and speaking from a consumer's point of view, I have to say I despise the multiple upsells that come after purchasing a product.

            I realize the backend is where the bulk of the money is usually made.

            But as others have already stated, it does nothing for the user experience. I am more inclined to buy from someone who shows me I am valuable to them, and not the other way around.

            Although I don't jump on the bandwagon and buy everything new that comes out, I still want a good experience when I do. I am inclined to believe this also improves refund ratios.

            But, I am amazed at the GURU marketers that tell me to stop wasting time on this and that, but then feel it is ok to waste my time while I am trying to get something I have already purchased. They are causing me to do exactly what they tell me not to. Wasting my time!

            I agree that a good place to put your upsells is on the download page, or why not just send the upgrade offer in your first or second email? I realize some options have to be offered immediately, that's understood. But, if your product is that good, and your upsell is even better, then you shouldn't have a problem making most upsells in an e-mail.

            That is why you build a list, isn't it?

            If I go to McD's and order lunch, I don't mind being asked if I want fries, or if I would like to upgrade to large, but when I say no thanks, if they start offering ice cream, shakes, pies and all the works one at a time, well, they might as well call management to do an order override, cause I am already headed across the street to B/K.

            This on top of the the fact that this new video craze where I have no control at all except to sit and watch a 45 minute video of someone telling me about being homeless and sleeping in some office or their car, then showing me 15 minutes of C/B stats of how they suddenly went from homeless to $143,763 in 3 days - (not actual figures, but you get the picture), only to eventually tell me they have a $2000 product I REALLY NEED, is utterly a WASTE OF MY TIME!

            I think one of the best upsell opportunities I have ever seen was actually placed after I was directed to the download page. On it, I was shown where the download link was, and a short video explained that I could start my download IMMEDIATELY, but WHILE I WAITED, there was an opportunity I could look at below.

            It didn't hinder my progress, and I was in full control. And if I was interested, it could just be added to the original order - through some script that I am not sure about. NO pressure, no screaming, just a simple, WHILE YOU WAIT FOR YOUR DOWNLOAD!

            Bottom line, if I remember correctly, that product set records.

            It was a UNIQUE customer experience.

            I guess it just depends on what is more important - immediate sales or customer satisfaction.

            JMHO!

            Robert
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          • Profile picture of the author Lance K
            Originally Posted by TimGross View Post

            There are ways to increase the average purchase price while treating customers well, and there are ways to do it that upset and alienate them. Doing it the correct way is a skill that quite a few marketers don't feel it's important to have.
            That's awful generous of you to refer to them as marketers.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andy Money
    Hey OP, you're complaining about 3 upsell attempts so correct me if I'm wrong: you've never bought a domain through GoDaddy. If you have, then you should be complaining about their 5+ page of upsells and downsells on random crap you don't need (WhoIS Guard, Listings, other domain extensions, etc.) Just wanted to point this out. 3 upsells is nothing, GoDaddy is the gold standard selling too hard.
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    • Profile picture of the author jan roos
      Originally Posted by Andrew Maule View Post

      Hey OP, you're complaining about 3 upsell attempts so correct me if I'm wrong: you've never bought a domain through GoDaddy. If you have, then you should be complaining about their 5+ page of upsells and downsells on random crap you don't need (WhoIS Guard, Listings, other domain extensions, etc.) Just wanted to point this out. 3 upsells is nothing, GoDaddy is the gold standard selling too hard.
      I never said upsells are bad and I dont mind them. It is a good way to make more money if you are cool about it.

      The way some marketers do it is just annoying and you can't argue about that.

      Cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author Ephrils
    Maybe it's there Cancellation Test. They want to see how deep you'll go before you just hit Back, close the browser, or block their site from your HOST file.
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  • Profile picture of the author Pete Egeler
    When I click "No Thanks, Take me to my download," that's EXACTLY what I mean. Not in a little while, not in a minute, RIGHT NOW. Period.

    I too have put these jokers on my "Never Again" list.

    Pete
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    • Profile picture of the author Jaymark
      I hate all the upsells as well. For goodness sake, I don't even though if I'm going to like your product yet but you're already trying to get me to spend MORE money with you?

      All the gurus say you need to build a relationship and a sense of trust. In my opinion, this is NOT the way to do it.
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  • Profile picture of the author CurtisN
    I see two extremes in this thread.

    One extreme came from Dan's argument that all marketers must employ upsells, or else leave tons of money on the table. Shaun was right in saying that it's a personal choice; we don't HAVE to do anything if we don't want to.

    The other extreme, which seems to be the most popular viewpoint in this thread (and perhaps all of IM), is that there should either be just one upsell (per offer), or none at all.

    To satisfy both sides, here's a novel idea: why not offer upsells that truly offer extra value to the customer?

    Many people get pissed off by upsells probably because these extra offers are crappy, overpriced, and/or irrelevant to the main item.

    But if you're marketing to the right person, multiple upsells shouldn't be a problem as long as they are all very good.

    Now, as a consumer, would it piss you off if you got upsold, say, three times, if all three extra offers were really good ones that you saw value in?

    Much of all this complaining about being sold to would end if more product owners actually delivered value.

    Of course, much of the blame goes to consumers in general as well for buying the crap that the "bad" marketers sell, because this makes selling crap profitable. I guess that's a rant for another time
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Ingham
    I absolutely agree with the OP.

    I bought a product the other day, that was supposed to show me a new and amazing, "automatic" traffic source.

    3 upsells later and I was on the verge of canceling the order right then, and so when I went to the actual product....it was almost the exact same thing another product launched maybe 3 weeks prior. It had a very lame "program" to help automate it, but otherwise it was rehashed, and not what was advertised. I requested a refund in about 3 hours from opening the product and going through all the parts.

    It wasn't anywhere near worth the money, especially when the sale was, "we are affiliates we don't make our money from selling our own products, so we aren't charging much for this." Then the up sales are literally over $1000. ???

    Chris
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  • I personally don't like more than two upsells, or an upseld and a downsell. I think it's a matter of "etiquette".
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    • Profile picture of the author Ken Strong
      Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

      I personally don't like more than two upsells, or an upseld and a downsell. I think it's a matter of "etiquette".
      I agree -- some in this thread sound like they consider upsells a moral issue. Unless you're ripping the customer off or installing a trojan on their computer, it's just a sales tactic. You can test to see if does your bottom line more harm than good, or choose your boundaries based on your personal preferences or customer feedback.

      Daniel suggested an upsell scenario where everything was for the customer's benefit, and Jeremy presented another scenario that sounded pretty shady. It's not the process itself that's shady.

      I'm somewhat playing devil's advocate here, because I personally find being held hostage when I'm trying to close a browser window to be annoying and intrusive. But if you test and the multiple upsells are successful... well, obviously you're NOT annoying the people who bought. So what's wrong with an effective marketing tactic as long as you're delivering quality?

      But that's the beauty of it -- as Shaun said, we work for ourselves so we can make our own choices.
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      • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
        Originally Posted by KenStrong View Post

        I agree -- some in this thread sound like they consider upsells a moral issue. Unless you're ripping the customer off or installing a trojan on their computer, it's just a sales tactic. You can test to see if does your bottom line more harm than good, or choose your boundaries based on your personal preferences or customer feedback.

        Daniel suggested an upsell scenario where everything was for the customer's benefit, and Jeremy presented another scenario that sounded pretty shady. It's not the process itself that's shady.

        I'm somewhat playing devil's advocate here, because I personally find being held hostage when I'm trying to close a browser window to be annoying and intrusive. But if you test and the multiple upsells are successful... well, obviously you're NOT annoying the people who bought. So what's wrong with an effective marketing tactic as long as you're delivering quality?

        But that's the beauty of it -- as Shaun said, we work for ourselves so we can make our own choices.
        Interesting points Ken.

        Most people who execute multiple upsells do it very,
        very poorly and send out the message that they're
        only really interested in themselves and getting the
        maximum amount of money from the visitor NOW.

        Even if someone executes the multiple upsell process
        more elegantly, they may get tarred with the same
        brush as the quick buck operators from the first upsell
        onwards.

        I'm trying to think of some offline multiple upsell processes
        that are common place.

        Buying a car is an obvious one. So you go from buying
        a car, to adding in getting the creature comforts such
        as air conditioning, alloy wheels, sat nav, audio and
        video systems, tow bar, paint job, extended warranty, etc.

        So, there's multiple upsells up the ying-yang on that one.

        I guess a key difference here is that a car buying customer
        expects this process to happen and has a fair idea of what
        they're be buying, and what their potential choices are -
        ALL up front.

        In contrast, in a typical online multiple upsell process, the
        upsells happen by ambush - where the visitor doesn't know
        how many there are or really what they're buying either. It
        can seem to be all rush, rush, rush, buy this, buy that and
        buy this other thing now BS.

        I guess I feel more uneasy about the online multiple upsells
        because the buyer has less knowledge of what lays ahead.

        The sellers often seem in too much of a rush to get you to
        buy as much as possible right now. And the laziest ones
        don't even put in a well thought out sales presentation on
        why you should buy the upsells.

        Dedicated to your success,

        Shaun
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        • Profile picture of the author czilbersher
          Test, test, test!

          Censorship is a bad thing.

          test, test, test.
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          • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
            Originally Posted by Robert Puddy View Post

            This is true Shaun... so why all the complainers in the thread when they should know there is no right or wrong here just marketing.

            no upsells or 7 upsells its just marketing... nothing to complain about...Yet this thread is full of complainers about somebody elses business model

            There is no right or wrong here just marketing
            It's always interesting how different people filter the same information. I considered this thread as people stating preferences rather than complaining. It's instructive in that it opens us up to different viewpoints that might influence our decisions one way or another, and especially for those who haven't tried it yet.

            I agree there's no right or wrong from a philosophical point of view. From a personal point of view though, I and many others read a multitude of varying things into multiple upsells: desperation, disrespect for the buyer, greed, etc. It's useful to understand all viewpoints.

            I previously stated one upsell is fine with me, but two is too many. That's the rule (for me), but as with any rule there are often exceptions. The key is in the presentation, and most people suck at it based on the upsells I've seen.

            Originally Posted by czilbersher View Post

            Test, test, test!

            Censorship is a bad thing.

            test, test, test.
            I'm not sure where you're getting the censorship thing from, but testing can't measure the lifetime value of a lost customer, and you will lose some customers using multiple upsells.
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  • Profile picture of the author ZaraK
    Pissing off your customers is never good marketing.

    And I've never seen these "wait, don't leave" things on anything EXCEPT Internet Marketing material. When I'm thinking about ordering oh, let's say, some face cream and abandon the cart for whatever reason, they don't chase after me grabbing my legs and whining and offering to drop the price 75%. They just let me go. So maybe I'll be back later.

    But I guaran-damn-tee you I will NOT be back to the site that annoyed the crap out of me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Ingham
    If I see one of those, I hit x as many times as it lets me to see what they really think that product is worth. In fact, I have, as of late, begun to hit the X just to see what they offer/reduce it to, on EVERY offer.

    It is pretty sad, but everyone is a copycat today. I had a product recently go from $49 to $5 after about 4 or 5 closes. That is pretty sad, and almost desperate. I will normally not buy something like that.

    Chris
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  • Profile picture of the author Don Schenk
    What if you could talk with the buyer at every stage of the upsell and determine whether or not the customer is becoming annoyed?

    Some years ago I purchased a real estate course from the folks who sold the Carlton Sheets course. The advertisement (sales page) was a television infomercial, and the payment process was done over the phone while talking to a real person.

    The Sheets organization had somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 upsells! Byt the time the order taker on the phone reach upsell number 9 I said, "If you present one more upsell, I'm going to cancel my order."

    The phone operator said, "I'm sorry, but they insist I go through all these upsells with you. Let me ask if I can skip them." She put me on hold for a few moments, then came back and finished my order.

    The upsells must work, and they would know how the buyer feels because of the instant feedback by phone.

    Online, the fellow with a bizillion upsells is Mark Joyner. I guess he believes they work. I do find them extreemly annoying.

    :-Don
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  • Profile picture of the author Amy Carczak
    Rule 1: Up sell every time you sell something ...period

    Rule 2: Let people out of the up sell process when they say "No"

    Think about an up sell this way .. people are
    buying from you because they want what you're
    offering and they are happy to trade you their
    money for your product.

    So give them more of what they want and make
    them even happier!

    Don't act like they're being forced to buy from
    you .. they're not .. they WANT to buy from you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      Originally Posted by Amy Carczak View Post

      Rule 1: Up sell every time you sell something ...period
      It's not that cut and dry - there are no absolutes.

      It depends upon your strategy for a particular transaction.

      Sometimes, I just want to make it easy for my customers
      to buy a simple entry level product from me - no upsells
      and no fuss required.

      Other times I include ONE upsell because I want to give
      my customers the choice of enhancing the benefits they
      receive.

      It depends upon the specific selling situation: the customer
      needs, the product and my objectives.

      So it comes down to choosing the right STRATEGY, not for
      the situation, one-size-fits-all mindless dogma.

      Dedicated to your success,

      Shaun
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Rambo
    I started Google-ing offers to find out what the upsells are prior to even getting involved in the sales process if there is something I'm interested in.

    I've decided not to buy on more than one occasion because of the info available on what you'll get hit with.

    The offers have their place if done well, but I despise multiples attempts at upsells.

    Gary
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  • Profile picture of the author davemiz
    oh give me a break.... dude, you're sooo busy.... you had time to read the offer and buy it... but now all of a sudden 3 upsells are causing you so many problems..... cmon.

    and whats amusing is you're on a marketing forum complaining about marketing being done to you.... i don't get that.

    almost every major online retailer does upsells,cross-sells and bumps.

    if you don't like/want an upsell, just scroll down and click the decline link.

    whats the big deal????
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      Originally Posted by davemiz View Post

      whats amusing is you're on a marketing forum complaining about marketing being done to you.... i don't get that.
      I wondered when someone would raise that chestnut.

      Not all marketing methods are considered acceptable by
      all people.

      People have different tolerences on the type of marketing
      processes they'll happily go through (as prospects and as
      fellow marketers).

      For example, some people will happily go through GoDaddy
      type upsell processes and not bat an eyelid. In fact, some
      people will love it and enjoy the education. Others will go
      through the EXACT same process, and get irate.

      Obviously, some people have different tolerance levels on
      the amount of pushing that they'll accept before heading
      for the back button.

      Different strokes for different folks.

      Not everyone is like you or me.

      Dedicated to your success,

      Shaun
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      • Profile picture of the author Robert Puddy
        Originally Posted by Shaun OReilly View Post

        I wondered when someone would raise that chestnut.

        Not all marketing methods are considered acceptable by
        all people.

        People have different tolerences on the type of marketing
        processes they'll happily go through (as prospects and as
        fellow marketers).

        For example, some people will happily go through GoDaddy
        type upsell processes and not bat an eyelid. In fact, some
        people will love it and enjoy the education. Others will go
        through the EXACT same process, and get irate.

        Obviously, some people have different tolerance levels on
        the amount of pushing that they'll accept before heading
        for the back button.

        Different strokes for different folks.

        Not everyone is like you or me.


        Dedicated to your success,

        Shaun

        This is true Shaun... so why all the complainers in the thread when they should know there is no right or wrong here just marketing.

        no upsells or 7 upsells its just marketing... nothing to complain about...Yet this thread is full of complainers about somebody elses business model

        There is no right or wrong here just marketing
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        • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
          Originally Posted by Robert Puddy View Post

          This is true Shaun... so why all the complainers in the thread when they should know there is no right or wrong here just marketing.

          no upsells or 7 upsells its just marketing... nothing to complain about...Yet this thread is full of complainers about somebody elses business model

          There is no right or wrong here just marketing
          I wouldn't label the people who disagree with multiple upsells
          as being complainers. They're simply stating a preference on
          how they like to be treated when they're buying.

          Me? I choose to never to use multiple upsells/downsells
          with my customers because I simply don't like the process
          as a prospect and I'll not put my subscribers through the
          same.

          Everyone judges what's right or wrong based on their own
          value system.

          Dedicated to your success,

          Shaun
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    • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
      Banned
      Originally Posted by davemiz View Post


      and whats amusing is you're on a marketing forum complaining about marketing being done to you.... i don't get that.
      So, if you go to your doctor for the flu, you should grin and bear it as he amputates your foot?
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    Upselling 3 times is an effective way to get people to buy what ever you are selling.

    I see this all the time with the big guys who are doing really well online.

    7 upsells is a little too much though. I must agree with you on that one ChickenMan.

    Trying to upsell a few times will skyrocket your income. If you only sell one item and you do no upsells, you are really leaving a lot of money on the table.

    Tal
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    • Profile picture of the author rts2271
      Personally,
      It's how the process is engineered. Take Godaddy as brought up as a previous example. After about the 4th time I stopped buying domains from them, it took to long.
      IM guys with exit pops, sure it may work on the PT Barnum crowd, but for me it's a red flag when someone uses 2001 tech a modern strategy.
      Upsells, 1,2 25 doesn't matter. If I can go in and buy a product and check out your golden, If you keep stopping me with BS stalls to try to get me to look at more of your products you just lost the whole sale and I don't care if your selling the second coming of Christ.

      Now let me gripe about the STUPIDEST tactic ever. A exit pop that offers the product at a lower price. Sorry but that just screams worthless product. Sure to the PT Barnum crowd it might get them excited, but to the majority of people with a IQ over 12 they realize you just tried to gouge them instead of giving them the best bang for their buck.

      All in all It is my opinion that exit pops, Upsells and OTO's utilizing stall techniques work for a ever dwindling newbie and mentally deficient crowd. Despite the claims by the "Gurus" the numbers I am seeing from previous promotions from my clients and my own are these tactics are dying and eventually will label you as a scam business. They hurt your reputation and show you as a n00b looting your list.

      I'd rather leave 20$ on the table then be labeled a retard.
      2cents deposited. YMMV
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    • Profile picture of the author johnotin
      Yeah this freaks me out a great deal, because now you got my money initially speaking and now you want me to buy into something else which is virtually the same product , only now you want me to believe that if i give you more money you'll now show me the secrets, gimmie a break here already for crying out loud. let me tell you something, if your smart you'll do your research or find someone whom has put it together in simple logical terms to where they are trying to help you and not trying to bait and switch you because that's what it's all about. i'ma make you laugh though, the thing is you have to ask yourself that if there was money to made from these fools why is it that they have a back office of people ready to take your calls and sell you, why aren't they in the loop making money off this product. because i don't know about you but i ain't gonna be on the phone trying to upsell you if my product is good, i'll be paris shopping and don't forget i've landed there in my private jet.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
      Those are not upsells, they are downsells.

      There's a difference.

      Upsell is when you buy a front end product and are then offered with a product of higher value.

      Downsell is when you refuse to an upsell and you are presented with an offer where the price is lower than the initial upsell but so is the value.

      Hope it helps




      EDIT: I think upsells and downsells are good if they actually provide some extra value for a lower than usual price.

      And if you think about it, most of the companies do this.

      How many times have you been presented with the Buy 2 get one free offer at the cash register?

      How many times have you bought an electronic device and have been offered a 2 year warranty at the check out?

      How many times have you bought a domain name at godaddy? Did you see all of those upsells and downsells?

      How many times have you been offered extended warranties, security systems, roadside assistance etc. when buying a car?




      Seriously guys, you need to think before announcing "I Will Never Buy From This A****** again"

      Upsells are a part of our daily lives and it's just that we have to do them properly to get results.
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    • Profile picture of the author sal64
      I'm with Shaun on most of this.

      The whole OTO was made popular with Butterfly Marketing... and then everyone copies everyone else... so it must be good, yeah?

      I still prefer the old fashioned way of giving them 2 options and price points on my order page... Very simple. Doesn't offend.

      What p1sses me off is why don't you just give me an option and let me decide. I'm not a fan of product splitting and offering multiple oto's.

      I suspect the reason that people offer multiple upsells is that many can't be bothered with building a relationship with their list.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Worner
    I have an idea for everybody reading this thread, test what works best for you and your business.

    Respectfully
    Chris
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    • Profile picture of the author mojojuju
      Originally Posted by Chris Worner View Post

      I have an idea for everybody reading this thread, test what works best for you and your business.

      Respectfully
      Chris
      I think this is an excellent idea.
      Signature

      :)

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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      Originally Posted by Chris Worner View Post

      I have an idea for everybody reading this thread, test what works best for you and your business.

      Respectfully
      Chris
      Testing will only reveal the most effective method for
      the short-term.

      Testing will not be able to measure the full impact of
      using or not using multiple upsell processes.

      Even if testing showed definitively that my sales would
      greatly increase by using multiple upsells, I still wouldn't
      use them - based on principle, not purely numbers.

      There are some things I choose not to do for money -
      and multiple upsells is one of them.

      Multiple upsells simply don't fit with my value system
      and the way I want to treat my prospects and customers.

      Period.

      Dedicated to your success,

      Shaun
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      • Profile picture of the author mojojuju
        Originally Posted by Shaun OReilly View Post

        Testing will only reveal the most effective method for
        the short-term.
        Have you thoroughly tested this hypothesis?
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        • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
          Originally Posted by mojojuju View Post

          Have you thoroughly tested this hypothesis?
          If you run an a/b split-test and send one half through
          a sales process with multiple upsells, and send the other
          half through a sales process without multiple upsells...

          You count heads and sales to get a definitive answer
          on what route works best in the short-term - assuming
          that dollar sales in is your only criteria.

          I don't use multiple upsell processes so I haven't tested
          the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of using multiple
          upsells.

          Dedicated to your success,

          Shaun
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  • Profile picture of the author ZaraK
    almost every major online retailer does upsells,cross-sells and bumps.

    if you don't like/want an upsell, just scroll down and click the decline link.
    When I order a book from Amazon, I get SUBTLE recommendations of other books I may enjoy, or a SUBTLE reminder that perhaps I might want to consider the membership shipping option, or add another item to my cart to get free shipping.

    The keyword being SUBTLE. I am perfectly ok with subtle. I even sometimes (rarely, and wish I could see it far more often) subtle recommendations in IM packages I purchase. I certainly appreciate those, and often partake.

    There is nothing even approaching SUBTLE in 99% of the Internet Marketing BUT WAIT DON'T ORDER YET THERE'S MORE! screamy, shrieky, whiny, desperate pleads to just BUY MORE STUFF NOW. It would be like Amazon saying oh you didn't like THAT book, how about THIS one? Asking multiple times in new windows/popups and strident, strident, nails on a chalkboard "Marketing" (using the term loosely) language. This is 1950s marketing with absolutely no respect for the customer whatsoever. Don't respect me and I will not buy your stuff, I don't care if you promise me I will make One Million Dollars every time I turn over in my sleep (because even telling me THAT is not respecting me)

    Clicking on the decline link would be just great if it actually worked. Oh you don;t want THAT one you better get THIS one. Clink, bang, boom, pop, dazzle, video, video, video, don't leave, don't leave, don't leave.

    And I keep hearing it works so well that's why it just has to be done. Really? How do we know that? Because "they" say they are earning thousands with it? How do we know THAT? Personally I discount all that earning information because it's on every page....even the pages of the people who post here asking for help making some cash! How can anyone rational believe those earnings statements?
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    • Profile picture of the author mcmahanusa
      I expect one upsell when I purchase a product, and thus have no problem or quarrel with it. When I receive multiple upsell offers, it tells me that the marketer is only interested in getting as much money now as he can, and that he doesn't want a long-term relationship, or he doesn't have faith that the quality of his products will cause me to desire a long-term relationship.

      So many professional marketers, ones I highly respect, teach that a long-term relationship translates into ongoing, long-term income. The initial product (or even initial two products) is designed to be the beginning of a sales funnel. These marketers consistently deliver quality information and products, and usually over-deliver on their promises.

      The multiple upsell marketer will rarely, if ever, see me as a repeat purchaser.
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    I'm a student here, learning how to be a good internet marketer by reading what all experts talk about in this forum. I must say that I admire Shaun's Oreilly position; it's the one I would defend too.

    I hate upsells like Jan Ross. It's more than irritating to face them when we decide to download something.

    I feel that this is a ridiculous tactic.

    On the other hand, we have to consider the fact that not all businesses are the same. Everything depends on what are you selling, and to whom. Depending on the case, this method may work.

    However, I don't think that it should be used by most internet marketers.
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    • Profile picture of the author johnotin
      One up sell maybe, two is fine but when you go on and on, i then start to take it as harassment. And there are some products that do this. it's borderline harassment.
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  • Profile picture of the author LB
    HILARIOUS.

    When I think of hellish upsells, Godaddy immediately comes to mind.

    Yet, the OP has the site in his sig registered with GoDaddy...as do many others here.
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      Originally Posted by LB View Post

      HILARIOUS.

      When I think of hellish upsells, Godaddy immediately comes to mind.

      Yet, the OP has the site in his sig registered with GoDaddy...as do many others here.
      I use NameCheap or Enom for my domain names.

      Personally, I wouldn't use GoDaddy for a domain even if they
      PAID ME $10 or more per domain registered via them. That's
      how much I detest their multiple upsell hell and inane checkout
      process.

      GoDaddy's checkout process is designed to maximize the
      amount of money they vacuum out of their visitor's pockets.
      What's worse though, is that their checkout process encourages
      people to rush into buying some things that they don't really
      need.

      Dedicated to your success,

      Shaun
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      • Profile picture of the author LB
        Originally Posted by Shaun OReilly View Post

        I use NameCheap or Enom for my domain names.

        Personally, I wouldn't use GoDaddy for a domain even if they
        PAID ME $10 or more per domain registered via them. That's
        how much I detest their multiple upsell hell and inane checkout
        process.

        GoDaddy's checkout process is designed to maximize the
        amount of money they vacuum out of their visitor's pockets.
        What's worse though, is that their checkout process encourages
        people to rush into buying some things that they don't really
        need.

        Dedicated to your success,

        Shaun
        I agree with you, which is why I find it funny and ironic that the OP along with some others are complaining about upsells while using GoDaddy.
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        • Profile picture of the author ExRat
          Hi Dan,

          What do you think about this?

          Google Trends: make money online
          I think the 'regions' bar chart is interesting

          Hi Robert,

          so why all the complainers in the thread when they should know there is no right or wrong here just marketing.

          no upsells or 7 upsells its just marketing... nothing to complain about...Yet this thread is full of complainers about somebody elses business model
          I guess some people are answering as buyers, rather than as marketers. Logically, if people feel that upsell-hell is bad for the perpetrator's business and they answer as an IM marketer (as opposed to buyer), then presumeably they would be celebrating other marketers' 'failings'?
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          • Profile picture of the author Robert Puddy
            Originally Posted by ExRat View Post

            Hi Dan,

            I think the 'regions' bar chart is interesting

            Hi Robert,

            I guess some people are answering as buyers, rather than as marketers. Logically, if people feel that upsell-hell is bad for the perpetrator's business and they answer as an IM marketer (as opposed to buyer), then presumeably they would be celebrating other marketers' 'failings'?

            Listen i agree 7 downsells is ludicrous, and most people do them incorrectly I can see why that would be annoying

            I can also see that it would be counter productive

            there is an art to doing upsells and downsells that most people miss

            My point was though on the philophesy that people who do multiple upsells/dowsells are wrong and i wouldnt do it blah blah

            Its just a personal preference, and 7 upsells might work if it was done correctly

            I dont think the number of them should be an issue, just they way they are presented

            Seems to me some people are saying i wouldnt do it so it must be wrong, thats all im saying. making a decision based on personal preferences is usually a mistake

            in my experience 3 is the top line after that there is huge diminishing return, and even then the way they are presented is key to making them work.

            Never just drop the price, you have reduce the offer to match or they are counter productive, but I just see a wave of (multiple upsells are evil) regardless of the context posted in this thread.

            There is no right or wrong on the number, just the context and way they are used was my point

            Robert

            PS: I suppose if i left out the word complainer in my last post it would have worked better
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        • Profile picture of the author jan roos
          Originally Posted by LB View Post

          I agree with you, which is why I find it funny and ironic that the OP along with some others are complaining about upsells while using GoDaddy.
          I used Godaddy way back when I first started. Switched to Namecheap over a year ago for my newer domains.

          Plus I don't really get what you are trying to say here.... Just beause I have a domain with Godaddy I now must automatically enjoy the upsells?

          Get real!

          Cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author mkl3377
    Upsells, downsels, cross sells, it's all good. I think product owner should be free to market their product as they wish. Why are so many product owners doing it, cuz it works. For those that dont think it works just ask yourself this: If you could do an upsell and hurt your bottom line would you do it? Obviouly not.

    Do you think we'd have so many fat Americans if Mcdonalds didn't ask "Would you like fries with that?" or "Would you like to Supersize your order?" McDonalds didnt stop this promotion until the masses fought back and McDonalds felt the backlash.

    This method isn't as effective for those that have been in IM for awhile and bought a few products. But I'm sure it works like gangbusters on newbies entering the field. If you look at all the products that pushes the limit on the upsells its the make money quick, easy push button, over the night riches, lazy marketer products. I dont think anything will change until the purchasers stop responding to the upsells.

    So I say to all take responsibility for your actions.

    If you dont like the upsell, dont buy it.
    If you dont like the upsell process, dont buy it.

    If you get fat, dont blame Mcdonalds for selling you fries and soda and 10,000 calorie value meals. Just Dont BUY!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Ingham
    I am not complaining per se I am just pointing that it looks like your product is a lie when before I can even see the product, to get the most out of your "I don't make my money selling products I make it being an affiliate so I can sell cheap" product you shouldn't try to sell me a 4 figure upgrade to make it work. Oh, and then put the No option as "I don't want to build my business this fast, it scares me" or some BS like that.

    Either be a salesmen and say you are worth a million and charging that, or keep your word and keep the price low because you earn enough doing the actual thing you are teaching and just want to help others. I know time is precious, everyone does, but to be degraded 5 times before I get my product that I already paid for is absolutely disrespectful.

    I am literally saying that the marketer put "No, I don't want to make money right away, I am not ready for that kind of change" on a $1000+ upgrade. On a $39 product. Then they did it 4 more times with other "services, or upgrades"

    It is unnecessary and demeaning.

    I get one or two, mention the upgrade, say the benefits, and put a huge yes button and a tiny tiny no button, but no need for a run on sentence degrading you for just getting the basic facts first before they manage to get $1000 from you. I mean if the product is that good, and the help that amazing when presented in the product as to how much time/effort/frustration it saves it will sell itself. Now I am just more invested and wondering how long before I get my grand back if I ask for a refund.

    Chris
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  • Profile picture of the author Andy Kobe
    I just opted myself out of a list from someone in this thread, because the
    product they were promoting as an affiliate was up-sell hell.

    Obviously it's not the up-sells that hurt me as an audience, it is the lack
    of just being up front about it from the get-go (which is how I personally
    sell my products).
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    • Profile picture of the author ZaraK
      "Just don't buy" or "just don't go" works as long as you know you are entering Upsell Hell from the beginning.

      The problem is...you buy one item that appeals to you and to get to the download link for that one item that you have ALREADY bought, have ALREADY paid for, you have to go through pages and pages of Upsell Hell. You don't know you're going there until you are there already.

      If you really think that's sound marketing, and really think that's the way to treat customers, then have at it. The rest of us will be around to pick off your customers when they abandon you.
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      • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
        Originally Posted by ZaraK View Post

        "Just don't buy" or "just don't go" works as long as you know you are entering Upsell Hell from the beginning.

        The problem is...you buy one item that appeals to you and to get to the download link for that one item that you have ALREADY bought, have ALREADY paid for, you have to go through pages and pages of Upsell Hell. You don't know you're going there until you are there already.

        If you really think that's sound marketing, and really think that's the way to treat customers, then have at it. The rest of us will be around to pick off your customers when they abandon you.
        I would just like to point out this - not every business model sells immediate download products.

        If you sell physical products on the front end, it's not like the consumer is going to get the stuff faster if the upsell's didn't exist.

        Finally, does no one have any patience? When I purchased Launch Tree, there was like 10 upsells/downsells...I just click "no thanks". Took me about 40 or 50 seconds to go through all of them.

        And no, it didn't annoy me or bother me.

        As I have pointed out in other threads - when people point out the stuff that they hate, who is going to be the most attracted audience to post in agreement?

        Those who don't care/like the method...

        OR

        Those who agree that they hate it and want to vent too?

        Psychologically, it's the second. The whole desire to confirm and be confirmed in your views.

        The people posting their complaints in this thread may or may not be the majority opinion. The only way you can know is through testing.

        So, for you newbies who are reading this thread - don't discount upsell's/downsells just because a relatively small, but vocal group says it's bad...Test it yourself and see.

        Just sayin'

        Rob
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  • Profile picture of the author Dr Livingston
    I'd agree that some go over board. I would say no more than 2 upsells and a downsell. Of course, I don't know the stats between IM and other niches. Like someone said up above, it might be different for other niches. When we are all marketing to each other, this is REALLY ANNOYING and can rub your customers the wrong way.
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveJohnson
    Yah, Moffatt - can you back it up?

    Are you sure it isn't like 98% or 98.5% instead of 99%? Me, I'm thinking like 98.85%, but who am I to question, maybe it really is 99.

    LOLOLOLOL

    EDIT:

    JMo- this was intended to be on YOUR side, somehow it didn't come out that way. I'll shut up now.

    Mohammad, unthank me. I'm on Moffatt's side.
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  • Profile picture of the author imon32red
    Originally Posted by jan roos View Post


    Don't get me wrong. I am fine with offering me an upsell or a downsell or whatever but 3 or 4 in a row is just annoying.

    I am with Jan and the others that don't like them. In fact, sometimes they devalue the product that you just purchased, and you haven't even seen it yet.
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  • Profile picture of the author deloriagod
    From a customer standpoint, I'm not a big fan of upsells (especially for internet marketing products). I bought what I wanted. If I wanted more I would have gone and looked for something better. If a product is lacking enough that an upsell is needed, I feel like I should cancel my order and go find a better product. I don't mind an upsell that was previously mentioned but if I went with the lower version then that's what I want. Upsells probably work really well on newbies and people who think they need to buy everything possible to make money but I'm still not a fan of them when they're offered after the initial purchase is made.
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  • Profile picture of the author davemiz
    LOL.... still cant believe this thread is going....

    bottom line is upsells work, no question about it, but theres an 'art' to doing them so they don't really piss off your customers.

    most of the crap upsells you see now *will* piss off the customers, because they're not setup strategically.... they're just thrown together to make more money, vs having something that really COMPLIMENTS their original purchase.

    for ex.

    you buy a course..... the upsell is a piece of software that will automate it for you. When you combine this with an irresistible offer, you have a winner for everyone.

    that compliments and enhances the original purchase.

    In my upsells, i *only* pitch by making the customer an irresistible offer.... like something for 50% off.... or buy one get one free..... something really valuable.

    Like mr puddy said... there's no wrong/right way... well there is if you really test like crazy... but 99% don't.

    And yeah jmo you are loosing money.... but we all know thats not your style or motivation bro!
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    “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.”
    ― Dalai Lama XIV

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