Over the weekend I realized I needed some new handbags to go with all my new spring clothing. So I took to the web in search of some new stuff. I found two options I really liked. One shop had several items I liked but they were more expensive. Another shop had items I liked (though maybe slightly less) but they were quite a bit less expensive.

I ended up buying from the second shop. The first shop could’ve had my business IF they’d had a discount available for large orders. (I was ordering 5 new bags.) They might’ve still been more expensive, but it’s a psychological thing. I’m well aware of this being the case but it’s still there. I want to feel like I’m getting special treatment for buying a lot of product. I’m probably much like the customers that visit your e-tail shop, and this is why I recommend you add a “specials” page to your website. I especially recommend offering specials for higher volume orders.

Here are some compelling reasons to consider this:

1. Show appreciation to super fans
In my example above, I described how I, as a potential new brand super fan, got turned off by the lack of special offers from a retail site. Offering a discount for large orders is a great way to make big spenders feel like VIPs.

2. Increase average order size
A discount for a larger order might nudge customers to buy a second or third item. Maybe they had a hard time deciding between two products and your 10% off deal is just the push they need to take them both.

3. Keep them on your site
Here’s a common scenario (I know I do this): Customer shops your site, they add items to cart, they get to check out and see there’s a coupon box. Now they feel like some customers are getting a deal and they aren’t because they don’t have a coupon. They open a new browser window, off to search for coupons. Doh! Now they’ve left your website and they might even run across a competitor’s website that has a better offer.

You can curb this behavior by adding a link to your current offers right next to your coupon field at check out. You need not share every single deal you have. If you sent a special to your mailing list that you only want those customers to see, you don’t have to put that out there.

Having any sort of offers there will help keep people on your site and make them feel like they’re getting the same deals that others are getting. You can offer things like a 10% off orders over $50.00 or free shipping on orders over $100.00. Offering a couple of different options is a good way to incentivize customers at different price points.