compare at price shopify: What It Is and How to Use It Like a Pro

introduction to compare at price shopify

Shopify is packed with powerful features for online sellers, but one that often flies under the radar is the “Compare at Price” option. It’s simple on the surface, but when used correctly, it can seriously boost your conversions and make your store look more professional.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what “Compare at Price” means in Shopify, how to use it effectively, and some real-world strategies to turn this underused feature into a money-maker. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to optimize your store, this guide’s got your back. compare at price shopify

What Does “Compare at Price” Mean in Shopify?

Let’s start with the basics. In Shopify, the “Compare at Price” is essentially the original price of a product before a discount is applied. Think of it as the crossed-out price that makes your sale price look like a steal. compare at price shopify

For example, if you list a product at $80 but set the “Compare at Price” as $120, Shopify will display both prices. The customer sees that they’re saving $40, which can trigger that sweet, sweet sense of urgency. compare at price shopify

This little visual trick is a big part of consumer psychology. People love feeling like they’re getting a deal. Even if they didn’t plan to buy something, seeing that discount can push them over the edge. It’s a subtle nudge that can drive impulse purchases, especially during promotions or seasonal sales. compare at price shopify

But the key here is not to abuse it. If every product in your store is “on sale” all the time, customers catch on. They get suspicious, and that sense of urgency? Gone. So, use this tool strategically. compare at price shopify

How to Set Up Compare at Price in Shopify

Setting up the “Compare at Price” is super easy. You don’t need to touch any code or do anything complicated.

Here’s a quick step-by-step:

Go to your Shopify admin dashboard.

Click on Products, then choose the product you want to edit.

Scroll down to the Pricing section.In the Price field, enter your discounted (actual selling) price.

In the Compare at Price field, enter the original price (the higher one)..

That’s it. Now, when customers visit your store, they’ll see both the regular price and the markdown. Shopify automatically styles it with a strikethrough on the old price, making the discount crystal clear.

Want to apply this to multiple products at once? You can do it through bulk editing or even with Shopify apps that manage sales events or pricing rules. Super handy for large catalogs or flash sales.

Why “Compare at Price” Matters for Your Shopify Store

At first glance, it might not seem like a big deal. But there are a few reasons why this feature can seriously level up your store’s performance. compare at price shopify

Boosts Conversions

Let’s face it—customers are trained to hunt for deals. When they see a crossed-out price, their brain registers it as a bargain. That simple visual cue can be the difference between someone bouncing or buying.

When used on your bestsellers or during limited-time promotions, the “Compare at Price” can push people to act fast. It creates urgency and frames the current price as a rare opportunity. compare at price shopify

Enhances Product Perception

Pricing isn’t just about numbers. It’s also about perception. Showing a higher original price makes your current offer seem more valuable. Customers might think, “Wow, this was $150, and now it’s only $90? That’s a serious deal!” compare at price shopify

Even if the actual product hasn’t changed, you’re elevating its perceived worth just by displaying a markdown. It’s a subtle way of highlighting value without changing your branding or rewriting descriptions.

Supports Sales Campaigns and Promos

Running a Black Friday sale? Flash weekend deal? The “Compare at Price” is your best friend here. Instead of updating your prices all over the place, you can just tweak the compare at price and switch it back later. compare at price shopify

This is especially useful when combined with banners, popups, or countdown timers. Everything works together to build a promotional vibe that feels legit and time-sensitive.

Best Practices for Using Compare at Price on Shopify

Like any marketing tool, “Compare at Price” can work for you—or against you. Here are some best practices to make sure you’re doing it right: compare at price shopify

Keep It Honest

Let’s get this out of the way first. Don’t fake discounts. Customers can tell when you inflate the original price just to make the current price look better. Not only is that shady, but it can also get you in trouble legally in some regions. compare at price shopify

Stick to real markdowns that reflect previous pricing. If your product was genuinely $120 before, then great—show that off. But don’t invent numbers. Today’s shoppers are savvy, and transparency wins in the long run.

Use It Sparingly

Not every product needs a compare at price. If everything is “on sale,” it stops being special. Choose your top sellers, clearance items, or seasonal offers to highlight. compare at price shopify

You can also rotate which products have discounts each week or month. That way, you always have something fresh without overwhelming the customer. compare at price shopify

Combine with Other Strategies

The “Compare at Price” is powerful, but it works even better when paired with other tactics. Try using urgency triggers like:

Countdown timers (“Only 2 days left!”)

The goal is to build a full experience around the deal—not just rely on the price slash alone. compare at price shopify

Apps and Tools That Help Manage Compare at Price

Managing prices manually can be a headache, especially if you’ve got dozens or hundreds of products. Luckily, the Shopify ecosystem has some solid apps that can help.

Here are a few popular ones:

Bulk Price Editor & Scheduler by Aperitive

Great for running sitewide sales or scheduling future price changes. You can apply compare at prices in bulk and automate when they go live or end. compare at price shopify

Discounted Pricing by Booster Apps

This tool allows you to create tiered pricing and volume discounts, and it integrates nicely with compare at prices. Great for encouraging larger orders. compare at price shopify

Vitals: All‑in‑One Marketing

Vitals packs in a ton of features (reviews, upsells, popups), but it also lets you run promotions that sync with compare at pricing to drive urgency. compare at price shopify

These apps can save you time and add polish to your store’s sales strategy. Just make sure they play nicely with your theme and don’t slow down your site.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Before you go wild applying compare at prices everywhere, keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:

Not Updating Prices After Sales End

This happens a lot—store owners leave sale prices active long after the promo’s done. That can create confusion and undercut your brand’s premium feel. Always double-check your pricing after major sales events. compare at price shopify

Cluttered Product Pages

If you’ve got too many popups, banners, and price comparisons happening at once, it can overwhelm the customer. Keep it clean and clear. The focus should be on the deal and the product, not all the bells and whistles.

Ignoring Mobile Experience

Mobile users shop differently. Make sure your sale prices and compare at prices look good on smaller screens. Test your product pages on multiple devices to be sure everything lines up correctly. compare at price shopify

Final Thoughts: Is “Compare at Price” Worth It?

Absolutely—when done right.

The “Compare at Price” feature in Shopify is one of those small tweaks that can lead to big wins. It’s easy to implement, effective at driving conversions, and a great way to promote your products without seeming pushy. compare at price shopify