Essential Upsell & Cross Sell vs PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)for Shopify (2026)
Essential Upsell & Cross Sell and PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ) both aim to optimize the checkout experience on Shopify, but they approach it from fundamentally different angles. Essential Upsell focuses on boosting Average Order Value (AOV) through immediately implemented upsell and cross-sell features, such as frequently bought together suggestions, product bundles, and post-purchase offers. It directly manipulates product pages and the cart drawer to increase sales. PDQ, on the other hand, positions itself as a comprehensive checkout optimization platform. PDQ prioritizes A/B testing, personalization, and AI-driven insights to improve the entire checkout flow, from layout to shipping options. It emphasizes understanding customer behavior through segmentation and data analysis to deliver optimized experiences. While Essential Upsell offers immediate, tangible upsell features, PDQ provides a data-driven approach to long-term checkout conversion optimization. One is immediately impactful; the other is strategic.
At a Glance
Essential Upsell & Cross Sell
1,004 reviews
PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)
69 reviews
Detailed Overview
Essential Upsell & Cross Sell
One click upsell and cross sell. Show frequently bought together product upsell & related products.
Key Features
- Show frequently bought products (FBT), related products, product recommendations
- Post purchase upsell & cross sell: Product addons, bought together bundles
- Automatic discount promotions: Add discounts to upsell & "also bought" products
- Product page upsell: Add one click upsell & cross-sell products & BOGO bundles
- Cart upsell: Add upsell cart app, cross-sell & product add-ons to cart drawer
PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)
Turn every checkout into a profit engine with segmented, A/B‑tested optimization.
Key Features
- A/B test anything: From layouts to shipping methods-even third-party extensions.
- Real‑time accurate delivery promises slash cart abandonment and build trust
- Checkout extensions: upsells, gifts, badges, delivery assurance & more
- AI insights: Ask Maxx, your AI helper with full performance data & benchmarks
- Track360º tracking pages turn shipment updates into repeat sales & loyalty
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Essential Upsell & Cross Sell5/5 PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 1004 | 69 |
Reviews Essential Upsell & Cross Sell1004 PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)69 | ||
| Primary Focus | Upselling & Cross-selling | Checkout Optimization & CRO |
Primary Focus Essential Upsell & Cross SellUpselling & Cross-selling PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)Checkout Optimization & CRO | ||
| Key Features | FBT, Related Products, Bundles, Discounts | A/B Testing, AI Insights, Real-time Delivery Promises, Checkout Extensions |
Key Features Essential Upsell & Cross SellFBT, Related Products, Bundles, Discounts PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)A/B Testing, AI Insights, Real-time Delivery Promises, Checkout Extensions | ||
| Target Merchant | Merchants seeking immediate AOV boost | Merchants focused on long-term conversion improvement through data |
Target Merchant Essential Upsell & Cross SellMerchants seeking immediate AOV boost PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)Merchants focused on long-term conversion improvement through data | ||
| Implementation | Easy to implement, immediate results | Requires data analysis and A/B testing setup |
Implementation Essential Upsell & Cross SellEasy to implement, immediate results PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)Requires data analysis and A/B testing setup | ||
| Value Proposition | Increase AOV through strategic product suggestions and promotions. | Maximize checkout conversions using AI driven, personalized experiences and data. |
Value Proposition Essential Upsell & Cross SellIncrease AOV through strategic product suggestions and promotions. PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)Maximize checkout conversions using AI driven, personalized experiences and data. | ||
| Upsell Approach | Direct, product-focused | Holistic, checkout-environment focused |
Upsell Approach Essential Upsell & Cross SellDirect, product-focused PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ)Holistic, checkout-environment focused | ||
Our Verdict
For merchants seeking a quick and easy way to implement upsells and cross-sells and see an immediate lift in AOV, Essential Upsell & Cross Sell is the better choice. Its focus on product recommendations and bundles makes it a practical solution for driving incremental sales. However, for merchants committed to data-driven optimization and long-term growth in checkout conversion rates, PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ) offers a more comprehensive solution. Its A/B testing capabilities, AI insights, and personalization features provide the tools to continually refine the checkout experience for maximum impact. PDQ requires more investment in time and strategy but promises higher returns for data-oriented businesses.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to set up and use?
Essential Upsell & Cross Sell is likely easier to set up and use due to its straightforward focus on upsells and cross-sells. PDQ, with its A/B testing and AI insights, requires more configuration and data analysis.
Which app provides more comprehensive reporting and analytics?
PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ) offers more comprehensive reporting and analytics, including AI insights and performance benchmarks, to track the impact of checkout optimizations. Essential Upsell focuses primarily on tracking the performance of individual upsell and cross-sell offers.
Can both apps be used together?
Potentially, yes, but caution is advised. Overlapping features could create a confusing customer experience. It's best to choose one that aligns with your overall strategy. If used together, PDQ should handle the overall checkout flow and Essential Upsell should be used for targeted product-level upsells.
Which app is better for a new Shopify store?
Essential Upsell & Cross Sell is likely a better starting point for a new Shopify store. It provides immediate value with simple upsell and cross-sell strategies. As the store grows and gathers more data, PDQ can be considered for more sophisticated optimization.
Which app is better for A/B testing checkout experiences?
PrettyDamnQuick (PDQ) is specifically designed for A/B testing checkout experiences. Essential Upsell does not offer A/B testing capabilities.
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