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:

  1. Curiosity – Shoppers want to see their unique reward.

  2. Commitment bias – Once an item is in the cart, completing checkout feels natural.

  3. 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.