Looking for a fast, low-effort way to spike revenue without slashing your margins? A mystery discount campaign turns a routine promotion into a mini game shoppers can’t resist. In this post you’ll learn why curiosity-based offers outperform static discounts and how to set one up in under an hour with Shopify and Klaviyo.
Key Takeaways
-
Curiosity pushes shoppers to add items to their cart just to reveal the deal.
-
You can use a fixed discount (e.g., 20 %) and frame it as a “mystery” to protect margins.
-
Turning checkout into a game boosts conversion rates and click-throughs.
-
Email, SMS, and on-site banners work together to create urgency and excitement.
Why a Mystery Discount Works
Traditional messages like “20 % off everything” fade into the inbox noise. A headline such as “Your discount will be revealed at checkout” grabs attention because it breaks the pattern and triggers curiosity.
Psychology in play:
-
Curiosity – Shoppers want to see their unique reward.
-
Commitment bias – Once an item is in the cart, completing checkout feels natural.
-
Loss aversion – People hate missing out on a potentially better deal.
Same percentage. Different framing. Better results.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
1. Create Your Discount Code
-
In Shopify or Klaviyo, generate a site-wide code (example: LUCKY).
-
Set it to your chosen percentage (20 % is a common sweet spot).
-
Apply to all products or a focused collection, depending on the margin.
2. Launch the Campaign With Email and SMS
Email Subject Line Ideas
-
Feeling Lucky? Your Discount Reveals at Checkout
-
Test Your Luck—Mystery Discount Inside
-
Your Pot of Gold Awaits—What Will You Get?
Email Copy Tips
-
Tease the mystery: “Unlock your surprise discount at checkout.”
-
Set a clear deadline (24 hours or less).
-
Strong call-to-action: “Add to Cart & Reveal Your Discount.”
SMS Example
“Mystery Discount Alert! Tap to see what you get—only today: [short link]”
3. Add On-Site Support
-
Homepage banner: “Your Mystery Discount Awaits—Will You Get 20 % Off?”
-
Checkout message: “Congrats! You saved 20 % with code LUCKY.”
4. Send a Last-Chance Reminder
-
Schedule 4–6 hours before the offer closes.
-
Last Shot to Get Lucky
-
Your Mystery Discount Ends Tonight
-
Time’s Almost Up—Reveal Your Discount Now
Subject lines to test:
-
Keep copy short and urgency-focused to capture stragglers.
Performance Tips
-
Segment repeat buyers to avoid over-discounting new shoppers only.
-
A/B test discount sizes (15 % vs. 20 %) to find the margin sweet spot.
-
Track lift: compare conversion rate and average order value (AOV) to your last standard promotion.
Final Thoughts
You don’t always need deeper discounts to win more sales—you need smarter framing. A well-executed mystery discount campaign delivers a fresh experience, fuels urgency, and converts browsers into buyers without eroding profit.
Ready to try it? Set up your code, craft the tease, and watch curiosity work its magic.