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Email Marketing Glossary.

Clear, no-fluff definitions of every email marketing term that matters—from open rates to double opt-in. 

 

Upsell Email

An upsell email encourages a customer to purchase a higher-end, upgraded, or larger version of a product they're considering or have bought — increasing average order value.

Also known as: upsell email, upgrade email

Upselling isn't about pushing more — it's about offering better. An upsell email presents a superior option that genuinely serves the customer, lifting your average order value in the process.

How do upsell emails work?

Based on what a customer is buying or owns, you present an upgrade, premium tier, bundle, or larger size — highlighting the added value that justifies the higher price.

Upsell vs. cross-sell

Upselling offers a better version of the same product; cross-selling offers complementary products. Both raise order value; upselling focuses on trading up.

Upsell best practices

Keep the upgrade relevant and reasonably priced, clearly explain the added benefit, and time it well — before purchase or as a post-purchase upgrade offer.

Related terms

Email Newsletter Promotional Email Email Blast Cold Email Broadcast Email Re-Engagement Campaign

Related reading from Drip

7 of The Best Upsell Email Examples We've Seen 6 Ecommerce Upselling Strategies

Frequently asked questions

What is an upsell email?
An upsell email encourages a customer to buy a higher-end, upgraded, or larger version of a product they're considering or have purchased, increasing average order value.
How do upsell emails work?
Based on what a customer is buying or owns, you present an upgrade, premium tier, bundle, or larger size, highlighting the added value that justifies the higher price.
What's the difference between an upsell and a cross-sell?
An upsell offers a better or upgraded version of the same product, while a cross-sell offers complementary products. Both increase order value, but upselling focuses on trading up.
What are upsell email best practices?
Keep the upgrade relevant and reasonably priced, clearly explain the added benefit, and time the offer well — either before purchase or as a post-purchase upgrade opportunity.
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