In the UK, online market share shot up from 10.6% (2012) to 26.5% (2022). Other countries also experienced growth in online purchases, especially since COVID-19. That’s why it’s hugely important how you manage your online business to stand out among competitors. The strategic arrangement of products into bundles can dramatically influence consumer behavior and business profitability. Here, we are going to talk about two of the most popular types of bundling: pure and mixed bundling.
While pure bundling means simply putting together two or more products and presenting them with a discount (or some other values), mixed bundling can be a little more complicated. Depending on your business’s bundling strategy, both of these types can be implemented and beneficial for you. Let’s read about pure bundling vs mixed bundling and what they can do for your Shopify business.
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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:
- NIVEA Cashmere & Cottonseed Oil Shower Cream
- NIVEA Pearl & Beauty Anti-Perspirant Roll-On
- NIVEA Soothing 24H Moisture Day Cream SPF15
- NIVEA Radiance Sheet Mask is the perfect treat for dull and tired skin
- NIVEA Irresistibly Smooth Body Lotion
- NIVEA Soft Moisturising Cream
Read more: Bundling at the Service of Upselling and Cross Selling
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 “Simple 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. - 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. - 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
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?
The lines between pure and mixed bundling can often become blurry, making it hard to decide which is which. The difference between them can be distinguished if you think of pure bundling as the kind that comes to the customer’s cart “as a single product”. Sometimes a discount bundle can be considered pure too.
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. Pure bundling does not give customers the option to buy items separately. An option that is present in mixed bundling.
Further Reading: What is Volume Discount?
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!
