Buy One, Get One (BOGO)

Buy one, get one (BOGO) is a promotion where a shopper who buys one item gets a second item free or at a discount. It's one of the most common offers in retail because it's easy to understand and it moves more units per order.

Types of BOGO offers

• Buy one, get one free. The classic version, sometimes written BOGOF.
• Buy one, get one 50% off. The second item is discounted, not free.
• Buy two, get one free. Shoppers need a bigger cart to unlock the deal.
• Buy X, get Y. Buy one product and get a different one free or discounted, like a free case with a phone.

What a BOGO offer really costs

A BOGO deal is a discount in disguise, so it helps to do the math:

• Buy one, get one free equals 50% off when a shopper takes both items.
• Buy one, get one 50% off equals 25% off.
• Buy two, get one free equals about 33% off.

The difference from a plain discount is that the shopper has to buy more to get it. That's why BOGO tends to raise units per order, while a sitewide sale only lowers the price.

When BOGO works, and when it doesn't

BOGO works best for products people use up or buy in multiples, such as consumables, basics, and gifts. It's also a fast way to clear slow-moving stock.

It works less well for high-cost items with thin margins, or for products a customer only needs one of. Run it too often and shoppers learn to wait for the next one.

How to run a BOGO offer on Shopify

Shopify has a built-in "Buy X get Y" discount type that handles basic BOGO deals, but shoppers usually have to add the second item to the cart themselves.

Rebuy Smart Flows has a Buy X Get Y promotion that rewards shoppers with a free or discounted item when they buy a qualifying product, reach a set quantity, or spend a set amount. It can show the offer in a pop-up where shoppers pick their item, so nobody misses the deal.

BOGO is one of several promotions that can lift order value.

BOGO also works well as a bundle offer. Our Shopify product bundles guide covers how to price and promote one.

BOGO FAQs

What does BOGO mean?

BOGO means "buy one, get one." A shopper buys one item and gets a second free or at a reduced price.

Is BOGO the same as 50% off?

Buy one, get one free works out to 50% off, but only if the shopper takes two items. A 50% off sale applies to a single item, so BOGO sells more units per order.

What is the difference between BOGO and buy more, save more?

BOGO gives a free or discounted item for a set purchase. Buy more, save more raises the discount in steps as the shopper adds more or spends more.

Want to see how Rebuy Smart Flows runs buy one, get one offers? Book a demo →