Pure bundling vs mixed bundling

Pure bundling vs mixed bundling

Table of Contents

In today’s competitive e-commerce landscape, bundling products strategically can significantly influence customer behavior and boost profitability. Whether through pure bundling, where products are sold as inseparable packages, or mixed bundling, offering flexibility with individual purchases, the right approach can set your business apart. This article explores the differences between pure and mixed bundling and how to leverage them effectively for your Shopify store. 

📌 Key Takeaways:

  • What is pure bundling? Pure bundling combines multiple products into a single, inseparable package, sold as one unit with no option for individual purchase.
  • What is mixed bundling? Mixed bundling offers a bundle of products while also allowing customers the flexibility to purchase items individually.
  • Difference between pure and mixed bundling: Pure bundling restricts customer choice by selling products only as a bundle, while mixed bundling allows individual purchases alongside the bundle, catering to diverse preferences.
  • Pricing strategy for pure bundling: A single discounted price is set for the entire bundle, with no separate pricing for individual items.
  • Pricing strategy for mixed bundling: A bundle price lower than the sum of individual item prices is offered, while individual items remain available for standalone purchase.
  • Key benefit of pure bundling: Simplifies inventory management and increases sales by encouraging purchase of complementary products.
  • Key benefit of mixed bundling: Increases customer satisfaction and upselling opportunities through flexibility and customization.

What is pure bundling?

If you look at the core of the concept, it’s putting together some products and selling them as one. This simple yet comprehensive definition is exactly the meaning of what we call pure bundling. Every product is inside the bundle, and the whole bundle becomes one single product (BAP or Bundle as Product). The bundle somehow becomes “pure”. Pure bundling can sometimes be called commodity bundling (in some articles and apps).

Pure bundling example

  • Subscription Streaming Services
    Many streaming platforms offer only bundled subscriptions, granting access to all movies, series, and content as a single package. Consumers can’t select specific shows or genres—they must subscribe to the entire library or none at all.
  • All-Inclusive Resorts
    Some vacation resorts offer pure bundling, where guests pay a single price for accommodations, meals, activities, and entertainment. The service is provided as one package, with no option to buy individual amenities separately.
  • Software Suites
    Certain software providers sell suites (like office tools) in a pure bundle, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Customers can only access the full set rather than purchasing individual applications, driving value across all tools.

Have you ever seen skincare packages that consist of the whole daily routine being sold in one box?

Look at this one: “Nivea Feel Pampered Skincare Gift Set.” It is designed to fulfill all your skincare needs throughout the day.

This box goes to your shopping cart as one product (the bundle), but you will actually receive 9 single products inside it: 

  1. NIVEA Cashmere & Cottonseed Oil Shower Cream
  2. NIVEA Pearl & Beauty Anti-Perspirant Roll-On 
  3. NIVEA Soothing 24H Moisture Day Cream SPF15 
  4. NIVEA Radiance Sheet Mask is the perfect treat for dull and tired skin 
  5. NIVEA Irresistibly Smooth Body Lotion 
  6. NIVEA Soft Moisturising Cream

How can pure bundling benefit your business?

Pure bundle is the simplest, yet most popular type of product bundling. The popularity has a reason: it can be done by anyone: from local brick-and-mortar stores to tiny Shopify businesses, and big enterprises that sell thousands of products daily.

In a pure bundle, everything is at your fingertips: what kinds of products you put in it, What price you set, how you ship the bundle to your customer, and, of course, the discount. Many pure bundling efforts are made to offer discounts on popular products or even introduce new ones. Here are some benefits of a pure bundling strategy:

  • Managing inventory
  • Easy to do for sellers
  • Straightforward and understandable for buyers
  • Ability to build from all types of products (small ones to big ones)
  • Increases sales
  • Personalizable orders
  • It can be a competitive advantage

In Fast Bundle, you can find pure bundling by the name of “Fixed Bundle”. Set your pure bundling pricing, add any type of discount, customize the products, and make a unique bundle that is desirable for your customers.

Other types of bundles can be considered pure, too, which we will discuss later in the article.

What is mixed bundling

Unlike pure bundling, mixed bundling can include any type of product bundle that consists of two or more products “that can be changed and interfered with by customers. How? The items in the bundle are available for purchase individually but are bundled for convenience or discount. 

Simply said, all of the mixed bundling examples are interchangeable and “mixable”. Imagine you are in a fast food and your order is a plain cheeseburger. When the cashier asks you “Do you want fries with that?” they are actually offering you mixed bundles. 

“Collection mix and match” and “product mix and match” are two very good examples of mixed bundling, which you can make using our app. Here is a brief explanation of these two concepts in Fast Bundle:

  • Collection mix and match: with this feature, the buyer can design their own bundle using the products inside a specific collection. For example, a bundle made of two or more T-shirts with their own choice, and of course with a discount.
  • Product mix and match: this means that the customer is no longer limited to the borders of one specific collection, and will be able to go cross-collection in your bundle-making.  

Regarding the pure bundling vs mixed bundling comparison, we have to specify one important matter: mixed bundling is not limited to these two types of bundles, but according to the definition, can be applied to any type of strategy that does not limit the products inside the bundle and turn them into one single product.

Don’t forget to try our product bundles shopify

Mixed bundling example

  • Fast Food Combos
    Restaurants often offer items like burgers, fries, and drinks as part of a combo for a discount. However, customers can also buy each item individually if they prefer, making it a flexible choice for those with different needs or appetites.

fast food combos

  • Tech Products with Accessories
    Electronics brands may sell laptops with optional accessories like mice and protective cases in a discounted bundle. Customers can purchase these items separately or opt for the bundle to save on the total price.

Tech Products with Accessories

  • Gym Membership Plans
    Some Gyms offer bundled memberships that include fitness classes, spa access, and training sessions. Members can choose the full package or pay only for individual classes or amenities, offering flexibility based on budget and interest.

Mixed bundling pricing

Mixed bundling pricing lets customers choose between buying products individually or as part of a discounted bundle. This encourages flexibility while boosting sales. On Shopify, sellers can use apps like “Bundler” to create custom bundles. To price effectively, set the bundle price slightly lower than the total individual prices to incentivize purchases while maintaining profitability.

How can mixed bundling help you as a seller?

First and foremost, mixed bundling gives more choices both to the customer, and the sellers. Imagine having the choice to select what going into the bundle, and how much discount you are getting. This bundling effect gives your users a sense of choice and respect, making each potential customer a loyal one for you.

It’s also a very good addition to your marketing efforts. Mixed bundling is versatile and fits easily in every business, no matter the product or service. Like when you give a small gift to the customers who buy a bigger subscription plan, or add a fries and shake to the main order of the customer, with an added discount.

What is the difference between pure and mixed bundle?

mixed bundle vs pure bundle

The key difference between pure and mixed bundling lies in customer choice and flexibility. Pure bundling offers products as a single, inseparable package, where customers cannot buy individual items separately—examples include subscription services or software suites. In contrast, mixed bundling allows customers to purchase items either individually or as part of a discounted bundle, providing greater flexibility; examples include fast food combos or tech products with optional accessories. Pure bundling simplifies inventory and appeals to those seeking straightforward value, while mixed bundling caters to diverse preferences, boosting customer satisfaction and upselling opportunities. Both strategies can enhance sales, depending on business goals.

Other matters like pricing strategy, the amount of discount, type of products, etc are similar between pure and mixed bundling, and each seller can customize them to their own benefit.

AspectPure BundlingMixed Bundling
DefinitionCombines multiple products into a single, inseparable bundle.Combines products into a bundle while also allowing individual purchase of the items.
Customer ChoiceNo choice; the customer must buy the bundle as a whole.Provides flexibility; customers can mix, match, or buy individual components.
Product AvailabilityProducts in the bundle are not sold separately.Products in the bundle are also available for separate purchase.
ExamplesStreaming service subscriptions, all-inclusive vacations, software suites, skincare gift sets.Fast food meal combos, tech accessories bundles, gym membership with optional add-ons.
Pricing StrategyA single price for the entire bundle, typically discounted compared to buying items individually.A bundle price lower than the sum of individual item prices but still allowing standalone purchases.
ComplexitySimple to manage; no customization or additional options for customers.More complex; requires managing customization and pricing strategies for different preferences.
Customer AppealAppeals to customers seeking simplicity and convenience.Appeals to customers who value flexibility and tailored options.
Seller BenefitsStreamlines inventory management, increases sales volume, and encourages purchase of complementary products.Encourages upselling and cross-selling, improves customer satisfaction, and broadens market appeal.
LimitationsRestricts customer choice, potentially alienating those who want individual items.More effort required in pricing, customization, and marketing.

Up your bundling game with Fast Bundle

No matter where you stand in your Shopify and e-commerce journey, Fast Bundle comes in handy. Pure bundling and mixed bundling options in the app, are all featured in our plans and you can use them however you like. Whether it’s gift bundles to sell more around holidays or an inventory clearance bundling to manage your inventory, Fast Bundle can help you do it more efficiently. Customize the products, set your strategy, and start selling the way that suits you most!

FAQ

  • 1. What is the main difference between pure bundling and mixed bundling?

    Pure bundling combines multiple products into a single, inseparable package, while mixed bundling allows customers to buy products individually or as part of a bundle, offering more flexibility.

  • 2. Is pricing different for pure and mixed bundling?

    Yes, pure bundling typically offers a single price for the entire package, while mixed bundling provides individual pricing alongside a discounted bundle price.

  • 3. Does mixed bundling require more management effort?

    Yes, mixed bundling typically involves more complexity as it requires managing individual products, customization, and dynamic pricing.

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