Quantity discounts (“Buy 3, save 10%”) encourage customers to buy more of what they already want. They are one of the simplest ways to increase average order value, especially for consumables, gifts, office supplies, cosmetics, food and anything sold in multiples.
When quantity discounts work
- Products bought regularly: coffee, candles, cosmetics, pet food.
- Products bought for several people: gifts, team clothing, event supplies.
- B2B and wholesale: offices, restaurants, resellers.
- Products with low marginal cost per extra unit.
Choosing your tiers
- Look at your average quantity per order.
- Set the first tier just above it (if most customers buy 1, start at 2 or 3).
- Use two or three tiers maximum: “3+ save 10%, 6+ save 20%”.
- Check your margin at the deepest tier, shipping included.
Percentage or fixed price?
A percentage is easy to understand and works across variations. A fixed unit price (“19 € each from 10 units”) suits wholesale and products with round prices.
Show the tiers clearly
A discount customers do not see does not work. Display a small table near the Add to cart button with quantities, unit price and discount, highlight the current tier as the quantity changes, and show the total and savings. A short line on shop pages (“Save up to 20% when you buy more”) attracts attention earlier.
Variations: mix & match
If a product comes in several colors or scents, decide whether variations count together. “2 lavender + 1 fig = 3” feels fair to customers and increases the basket.
Apply it in the cart
The discount must appear in the cart with the original price crossed out, so customers see the saving before paying. It should combine predictably with coupons and free shipping thresholds, see free shipping bars.
Setup with Tierly
- Install Tierly.
- Edit a product › Product data › Quantity discounts and add your tiers, or create global rules for categories in WooCommerce › Quantity discounts.
- Enable “Mix & match” on variable products if needed.
- Open the product page: the table appears above the Add to cart button.
Try changing the quantity on the quantity discounts demo, and read how to increase average order value.
Frequently asked questions
Do quantity discounts work with coupons?
Yes, coupons apply on top of the discounted unit price. Decide whether that fits your margins.
How many tiers should I offer?
Two or three are easy to understand.
Can I apply tiers to a whole category?
Yes, with global rules limited to chosen categories.