How to Build a Shopify Product Bundle Without Using a Paid App

How to Build a Shopify Product Bundle Without Using a Paid App

 

Introduction

Product bundles are a proven strategy to increase Average Order Value (AOV), reduce inventory, and improve customer satisfaction. But if you're a store owner trying to keep costs low, you might be wondering: Can I build a Shopify bundle without using a paid app? The answer is yes—and in this blog, we'll show you exactly how.

Why Offer Product Bundles?

Bundling helps:

  • Increase revenue per customer

  • Encourage customers to try more products

  • Promote slow-moving inventory

  • Simplify the decision-making process for buyers

The Problem With Paid Bundle Apps

While bundle apps offer powerful features, many come with:

  • Monthly recurring fees

  • Slower site speed (due to third-party scripts)

  • Conflicts with custom themes

If you're just starting out or want a lightweight solution, it's better to go app-free.

How to Build a Shopify Bundle Without a Paid App

Option 1: Manual Product Bundles Using Variants

This works best for fixed bundles (e.g., "Starter Kit" with 3 specific items).

Steps:

  1. Go to Products in your Shopify admin.

  2. Click Add product.

  3. Title it something like "Starter Skincare Bundle".

  4. In the description, list everything included.

  5. Upload a group image showing all products.

  6. Set a bundle price (ideally with a visible discount).

  7. Inventory management: Either manage this as its own product or manually reduce stock for individual items.

Note: You can also create different bundle variants (e.g., Small, Medium, Large) based on product quantity.

Option 2: Use Shopify’s “Purchase Options” (Shopify Plus or Advanced Only)

If you’re on Shopify Plus or the new Shopify Bundles beta, you can use native "purchase options" and scripts to manage bundling logic more dynamically.

But for non-Plus plans, continue with manual methods.

Option 3: Use Cart Notes or Product Add-Ons

This approach gives buyers the option to manually select what goes into the bundle.

Steps:

  1. Create a custom product with a base price.

  2. In the product description, list the optional items.

  3. Enable cart notes so buyers can specify their preferred combination.

  4. Manually adjust the order after it comes in.

Not ideal for scaling but works in small inventories.

Optional: Use Shopify’s Free App – Shopify Bundles (If Eligible)

Shopify recently released a free bundling app, Shopify Bundles, for stores using the Online Store 2.0 theme.

You can:

  • Create fixed or multipack bundles

  • Automatically manage inventory across SKUs

  • Set bundle discounts

If you’re using OS 2.0, you can access this from the Shopify App Store without paying extra.

Tips to Optimize Your Bundle Pages

  • Highlight Savings: Use strikethrough pricing or labels like “Save 15%.”

  • Bundle Image: Show all items clearly in one image.

  • Urgency: Add countdown timers or stock scarcity notes if using bundling as a promo.

  • Cross-sell: Use complementary bundles below product pages.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to pay for an app to start bundling products in Shopify. With a bit of creativity and native Shopify features, you can build effective bundles, increase order value, and give customers more value—all without monthly fees.

Need Help Setting Up a Custom Bundle on Your Shopify Store?
At RootSyntax, we specialize in building Shopify features without bloating your site with unnecessary apps. Contact us for custom solutions.

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