Essential Free Shipping Upsell vs UpCharge Fees Addons Surchargefor Shopify (2026)
Essential Free Shipping Upsell and UpCharge Fees Addons Surcharge, while both categorized under 'Upsell and Cross-sell' on Shopify, address fundamentally different aspects of boosting revenue. Essential Free Shipping Upsell focuses on incentivizing larger orders by offering free shipping upon reaching a cart goal, coupled with upselling and cross-selling opportunities. It aims to increase Average Order Value (AOV) by encouraging customers to add more items to qualify for the reward. The app positions itself as a profit-driving tool that transforms a 'loss' (free shipping) into a revenue generator. UpCharge Fees Addons Surcharge, on the other hand, is designed to allow merchants to apply additional fees, surcharges, and tariffs to orders based on various conditions, such as location, product type, or payment method. This app is more about recovering costs associated with handling, processing, or specialized services. While it can contribute to overall revenue, its primary function is to account for additional expenses rather than directly boosting sales through incentives. It is especially useful for businesses dealing with complex shipping, handling, or regulatory requirements. The target audience for this app likely includes Shopify Plus users needing payment & shipping method-based fees.
At a Glance
Essential Free Shipping Upsell
438 reviews
UpCharge Fees Addons Surcharge
108 reviews
Detailed Overview
Essential Free Shipping Upsell
Increase Profits, AOV & Sales With A Free Shipping Progress Bar Cart Goal and Cart Upsell.
Key Features
- Placed Anywhere: product page, cart page, cart drawer, or as an announcement bar
- Boosts Average Order Value: add product upsells, cross-sells & cart upsell.
- Revenue-Oriented: track additional revenue generated by free shipping bar.
- Highly Customisable: customise cart goal progress bar or use pre-made styles.
- Extras: translations, different currencies and Online Store 2.0 themes support.
UpCharge Fees Addons Surcharge
Add fees, surcharges & tariffs to orders. Charge additional fees for handling, add-ons, or services.
Key Features
- Unlimited product fees, surcharges and tariffs
- Location-based order fees, tariffs & surcharges
- Fixed-amount fees & percentage fees based on product price or order subtotal
- Settings and conditions that control when certain fees are applied or triggered
- Payment & shipping method-based fees (Shopify Plus only)
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.4/5 |
Rating Essential Free Shipping Upsell5/5 UpCharge Fees Addons Surcharge4.4/5 | ||
| Reviews | 438 | 108 |
Reviews Essential Free Shipping Upsell438 UpCharge Fees Addons Surcharge108 | ||
| Core Functionality | Free Shipping Upsell & AOV Boosting | Adding Fees, Surcharges & Tariffs |
Core Functionality Essential Free Shipping UpsellFree Shipping Upsell & AOV Boosting UpCharge Fees Addons SurchargeAdding Fees, Surcharges & Tariffs | ||
| Upselling Focus | Direct, through progress bar and cart upsells | Indirect, by covering extra costs |
Upselling Focus Essential Free Shipping UpsellDirect, through progress bar and cart upsells UpCharge Fees Addons SurchargeIndirect, by covering extra costs | ||
| Customization | Highly Customisable progress bar styles | Settings & Conditions to trigger fees |
Customization Essential Free Shipping UpsellHighly Customisable progress bar styles UpCharge Fees Addons SurchargeSettings & Conditions to trigger fees | ||
| Target Merchant | Merchants aiming to increase AOV and sales through incentives | Merchants needing to charge for extra services, handling, or regulatory compliance |
Target Merchant Essential Free Shipping UpsellMerchants aiming to increase AOV and sales through incentives UpCharge Fees Addons SurchargeMerchants needing to charge for extra services, handling, or regulatory compliance | ||
| Value Proposition | Turns free shipping into a sales driver | Recovers costs associated with order fulfillment |
Value Proposition Essential Free Shipping UpsellTurns free shipping into a sales driver UpCharge Fees Addons SurchargeRecovers costs associated with order fulfillment | ||
| Shopify Plus Support | Not specified | Payment & shipping method fees |
Shopify Plus Support Essential Free Shipping UpsellNot specified UpCharge Fees Addons SurchargePayment & shipping method fees | ||
Our Verdict
For merchants primarily focused on boosting their Average Order Value (AOV) and directly increasing sales, Essential Free Shipping Upsell is the clear choice. Its high rating and substantial number of reviews suggest strong user satisfaction and effectiveness. The features geared towards incentivizing larger orders and promoting upselling are directly aligned with this goal.
However, if a merchant needs to account for additional costs related to handling, processing, specialized services, or regulatory compliance, UpCharge Fees Addons Surcharge is the more suitable option. This app allows for precise control over when and how fees are applied, making it ideal for businesses with complex pricing or shipping requirements, especially Shopify Plus users who need method-based fees.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to set up and use?
Based on the descriptions, Essential Free Shipping Upsell seems easier to set up, focusing on customizing the free shipping bar. UpCharge Fees Addons Surcharge likely requires more configuration to define the different fees and conditions.
Can both apps be used together?
Potentially, but with caution. Using both requires careful planning to avoid confusing customers with overlapping fees and incentives. They address different needs and should be implemented thoughtfully.
Does Essential Free Shipping Upsell have any hidden costs?
The description doesn't mention hidden costs, suggesting it operates on a freemium or tiered pricing model. Further investigation into the app's pricing is recommended to confirm this.
Is UpCharge Fees Addons Surcharge suitable for all types of products?
Yes, it is suitable for all types of products where additional fees are applicable, such as bulky items, fragile goods requiring special handling, or products subject to specific tariffs or regulations.
Which app offers better ROI?
ROI depends on the specific business and its goals. Essential Free Shipping Upsell offers a more direct link to increased sales and AOV. UpCharge Fees Addons Surcharge improves profitability by covering additional costs, which indirectly improves ROI.
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