How to Create Product Bundles on Shopify in 2025: Step-by-Step + Gotchas

Here's what most Shopify guides won't tell you about bundles: the setup isn't hard, but getting the details wrong can create inventory chaos, confuse customers at checkout, and spike your return rates. I've seen merchants launch bundles that technically work but break during peak traffic or create returns nightmares.

This guide covers everything you need to know to set up product bundles correctly the first time. I'm walking you through Shopify's native Bundles app, when you need third-party alternatives, how to handle inventory sync, and the eligibility gotchas that trip up most merchants.

According to Shopify's official bundle documentation, bundles are fixed collections of products sold together as a single item. Shopify tracks inventory for each component product, which is brilliant when it works and frustrating when you don't understand the rules.

You'll learn the exact decision tree for choosing between native bundles and custom solutions, step-by-step setup instructions with common pitfalls called out, inventory management strategies, and how to set clear returns policies that protect you without alienating customers.

Whether you're launching your first holiday bundle or fixing issues with existing ones, this guide will save you hours of trial-and-error. Let's build bundles that actually work.

Decision Tree: Native vs Custom vs Third-Party

Quick Answer: Use Shopify's native Bundles app if you're selling fixed bundles (pre-configured sets) with standard inventory tracking. Choose third-party apps for build-your-own bundles, subscription bundles, or complex discount logic. Only go custom if you need unique inventory rules or integration with external systems.

The first question everyone asks is: which bundle solution should I use? Here's the decision framework that actually works.

Choose Native Shopify Bundles App When:

• You're selling fixed bundles. Pre-configured sets where customers don't customize: "4-piece skincare routine" or "coffee starter kit."
• You need simple inventory tracking. Shopify automatically decrements component product inventory when bundles sell.
• You're on any Shopify plan. The native app works on Basic, Shopify, Advanced, and Plus.
• You want zero monthly fees. Native Bundles app is completely free.
• You need quick launch. Native setup takes 30 minutes versus hours or days for custom solutions.

The native Bundles app launched in 2023 and has steadily improved. According to Shopify's bundle guide, it handles most standard bundle use cases without requiring third-party apps.

Choose Third-Party Apps When:

• You need build-your-own functionality. Customers select items from categories to create custom bundles.
• You want advanced discount logic. Tiered pricing (buy 3 save 10%, buy 5 save 20%), mix-and-match discounts, or BOGO rules.
• You need subscription bundles. Recurring bundle deliveries with variant swapping.
• You want upsell/cross-sell automation. Bundles recommended based on cart contents or customer behavior.
• You require detailed analytics. Bundle performance tracking beyond Shopify's standard reports.

Popular third-party apps include:

• Bold Bundles: $20-40/month, comprehensive features, works with most themes
• Bundler: $7-20/month, simpler interface, good for small catalogs
• Revy Unlimited Bundles: Free plan available, unlimited bundle creation, basic features
• Fast Bundle: $10-30/month, build-your-own focus, subscription compatibility

For a detailed comparison of features, pricing, and use cases, see our complete Shopify Bundles app versus custom solutions guide.

Choose Custom Development When:

• You have unique inventory rules. Custom allocation logic that no app supports.
• You need ERP/WMS integration. Your bundle inventory lives in external systems.
• You're on Shopify Plus with Scripts. Custom discount logic via Shopify Scripts (being phased out) or Shopify Functions.
• You have development resources. In-house or agency developers who can maintain custom solutions.

Custom solutions cost $5,000-$25,000+ to build and require ongoing maintenance. Only worth it for high-volume stores with specific requirements no app can meet.

Eligibility Requirements (Critical Checklist)

This section saves you from hours of frustration. Shopify's native Bundles app has specific eligibility requirements. Products that don't meet these criteria can't be bundled using the native app—you'll need third-party solutions instead.

Products That CAN Be Bundled

According to Shopify's bundle eligibility documentation, your products must meet these requirements:

• Physical products only. No digital downloads, services, or gift cards.
• Products you own. No dropshipped items where you don't control inventory.
• Standard inventory tracking. Products must use Shopify's inventory system (not "Don't track inventory").
• Single location or multi-location with shared stock. All component products must be available in the same fulfillment locations.
• No active sales channels restrictions. If a product is hidden from Online Store, it can't be in bundles sold on Online Store.

Products That CANNOT Be Bundled (Native App)

• Products with customizations. Items requiring engraving, monogramming, or other personalizations.
• Subscription products. Items sold through subscription apps (ReCharge, Appstle, etc.).
• Gift cards. Digital or physical gift cards can't be bundle components.
• Products with required variant selections. If your item requires customers to choose color/size before adding to cart, it can't be bundled natively.
• Products in collections with password protection. Wholesale or restricted collections.
• Products with special shipping rules. Items requiring specific carriers or delivery methods different from other bundle components.

The Eligibility Check Process

Before you start building bundles, run this checklist:

Step 1: List all products you want to bundle together.

Step 2: Verify each product has "Track quantity" enabled in Shopify admin under Products → [Product Name] → Inventory.

Step 3: Confirm all products are physical goods (not digital downloads or services).

Step 4: Check that products share at least one fulfillment location where all items have stock.

Step 5: Verify none of the products require customer input (text fields, file uploads) before purchase.

If any product fails these checks, you'll need a third-party app or you'll need to modify the product setup before bundling.

Native Shopify Bundles App Setup

Now let's walk through actually creating a bundle using Shopify's native app. This is a step-by-step process with common pitfalls called out.

Step 1: Install the Shopify Bundles App

Navigate to: Shopify Admin → Apps → Shopify App Store → Search "Bundles"

Look for the app published by Shopify (not third-party bundle apps). It will say "By Shopify" under the name. Click "Add app" and approve the permissions.

Screenshot callout: Look for the green checkmark and "By Shopify" label to confirm you're installing the official app.

The app installs instantly. You'll see "Bundles" appear in your Shopify admin sidebar under Products.

Step 2: Create Your First Bundle

Navigate to: Products → Bundles → Create bundle

You'll see a form with these required fields:

Bundle Title: This is what customers see. Use clear, descriptive names: "Holiday Skincare Set" or "Coffee Lover's Starter Kit" rather than generic "Bundle 1."

Bundle Description: Explain what's included and why. Example: "Everything you need for glowing winter skin: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and eye cream. Save $30 versus buying separately."

Common mistake: Don't just list the items. Explain the benefit, use case, or occasion. "Perfect for gift-giving" or "Your complete morning routine."

Step 3: Add Component Products

Click "Add products" and search for items to include in your bundle.

Critical requirement: Each component product must have a specific variant selected. You can't bundle "Generic T-Shirt" without specifying size and color. This prevents inventory ambiguity.

For each product you add:

• Product: Select from your catalog
• Variant: Choose the specific SKU (size, color, etc.)
• Quantity: How many of this item in the bundle (typically 1, but you can bundle multiples)

Screenshot callout: The variant selector is mandatory. If you see "No variants available," that product has inventory or eligibility issues.

Example bundle setup:

• Product: Facial Cleanser → Variant: 6 oz bottle → Quantity: 1
• Product: Vitamin C Serum → Variant: 1 oz bottle → Quantity: 1
• Product: Daily Moisturizer → Variant: 2 oz jar → Quantity: 1
• Product: Eye Cream → Variant: 0.5 oz tube → Quantity: 1

You can add 2-10 products per bundle. The native app doesn't have a hard limit, but bundles with 6+ items can cause fulfillment complexity.

Step 4: Set Bundle Pricing

Shopify calculates a "Compare at price" automatically by summing the component product prices. This becomes your anchor for showing savings.

Your bundle price: Enter the actual price customers pay. This should be lower than the sum of parts to create value.

Example:

• Cleanser: $24
• Serum: $38
• Moisturizer: $28
• Eye Cream: $19
• Total value: $109
• Your bundle price: $79
• Savings shown: $30 (28% off)

For pricing strategy and how to calculate optimal bundle prices, see our complete guide on holiday bundle pricing formulas and psychology.

Step 5: Upload Images

Add at least one hero image showing all bundle components together. High-performing bundle images include:

• All products arranged attractively
• Gift packaging if applicable
• Lifestyle shot showing products in use
• Close-up of key product details

Image specs: 2048 x 2048 pixels minimum, square or 4:3 ratio, high quality JPEG or PNG.

Pro tip: Show the actual products customers will receive, not generic stock photos. Transparency builds trust and reduces return rates.

Step 6: Configure Inventory Settings

This is where most setup errors happen. Pay attention here.

Track quantity: Leave this checked. Shopify automatically manages bundle inventory based on component product availability.

Continue selling when out of stock: Uncheck this unless you can backorder component products. Selling bundles when components are unavailable creates fulfillment disasters.

Inventory policy: Shopify uses "Shopify tracks this bundle's inventory" which means:

• When a bundle sells, inventory decrements for each component product
• Bundle shows as available only when ALL component products have stock
• If any component goes out of stock, the entire bundle becomes unavailable

This is brilliant for preventing overselling but requires careful inventory planning. More on this in the Inventory Sync section below.

Step 7: Set Product Details

Product type: Choose "Bundle" or create a custom type like "Gift Sets" or "Holiday Bundles" for easier filtering.

Vendor: Your store name or brand.

Collections: Add your bundle to relevant collections. Recommended: create a dedicated "Bundles" or "Gift Sets" collection for easy navigation.

Tags: Use descriptive tags for internal organization: "holiday-2025," "skincare-bundle," "gift-under-50."

SEO: Customize the page title and meta description for search engines. Include your target keyword naturally.

Example SEO title: "Holiday Skincare Bundle - 4-Piece Set ($30 Off) | [Your Brand]"

Step 8: Configure Sales Channels

Select where this bundle should be available:

• Online Store: Your Shopify website
• Point of Sale: In-store sales if you have POS
• Facebook/Instagram: Social commerce channels
• Other channels: Amazon, eBay, etc. if connected

Important: Component products must also be available on the same channels, or the bundle won't display properly.

Step 9: Review and Save

Before clicking "Save," review:

• ✓ All component products are correct variants
• ✓ Pricing shows meaningful savings
• ✓ Images are high-quality and accurate
• ✓ Description clearly explains what's included
• ✓ Inventory settings won't allow overselling

Click "Save" to create your bundle. It's now live on your store (on the channels you selected).

Step 10: Test the Bundle

Before promoting your bundle, run a test purchase:

1. Add bundle to cart: Verify correct products and pricing display.

2. Proceed through checkout: Ensure no errors during payment processing.

3. Check order confirmation: Verify component products are listed correctly.

4. Review admin orders view: Confirm inventory decremented for each component.

5. Process fulfillment: Pick and pack the order to verify your team can execute efficiently.

If any step fails, troubleshoot before launching to customers. Common issues and fixes are in the Troubleshooting section below.

Inventory Sync and Stock Management

Inventory management is where bundles get tricky. Shopify's approach is elegant when you understand it, but it catches many merchants off guard. Here's how it actually works and how to avoid common pitfalls.

How Bundle Inventory Works

Shopify doesn't track bundle inventory separately from component products. Instead, it uses component product inventory to determine bundle availability.

When a bundle sells:

1. Customer purchases 1x "Skincare Bundle"
2. Shopify decrements inventory for each component:
   • Cleanser: 50 → 49 units
   • Serum: 30 → 29 units
   • Moisturizer: 40 → 39 units
   • Eye Cream: 25 → 24 units
3. The bundle itself shows as "1 sold" in analytics but has no separate inventory number

Bundle availability is determined by the limiting component:

If you have:

• Cleanser: 50 units
• Serum: 30 units
• Moisturizer: 40 units
• Eye Cream: 3 units ← limiting factor

Your bundle can only show "3 available" because eye cream is the constraint. When eye cream hits zero, the entire bundle becomes unavailable even though other components have stock.

Stock Buffer Strategy

This inventory linkage means you need buffer stock for component products. Here's the recommended approach:

Calculate your bundle capacity: How many bundles do you want to sell this season?

Set aside inventory: Reserve component product stock specifically for bundles, separate from standalone sales.

Example: You want to sell 100 holiday bundles. Each bundle needs:

• 1 cleanser
• 1 serum
• 1 moisturizer
• 1 eye cream

Reserve:

• Cleanser: 100 units for bundles + regular stock for standalone sales
• Serum: 100 units for bundles + regular stock
• Moisturizer: 100 units for bundles + regular stock
• Eye Cream: 100 units for bundles + regular stock

If you don't reserve stock, standalone product sales can eat into your bundle capacity, leaving you unable to fulfill bundle orders even though you technically have inventory.

Multi-Location Inventory Considerations

If you fulfill from multiple locations (multiple warehouses, retail stores, etc.), bundle inventory gets more complex.

Rule: All component products must have stock at the same location for the bundle to be available from that location.

Example:

Location A (NYC warehouse):

• Cleanser: 20 units
• Serum: 15 units
• Moisturizer: 0 units ← missing
• Eye Cream: 10 units

Location B (LA warehouse):

• Cleanser: 30 units
• Serum: 25 units
• Moisturizer: 40 units
• Eye Cream: 20 units

Result: Bundles can only be fulfilled from Location B because Location A is missing moisturizer stock. Shopify won't split fulfill bundles across locations.

Solution: Transfer inventory between locations to ensure complete bundle sets at your primary fulfillment center, or only offer bundles from locations with full component availability.

Preventing Bundle Stockouts

Here are practical strategies to avoid the "bundle shows unavailable even though you have inventory" problem:

1. Monitor component stock daily during peak selling periods. Set inventory alerts in Shopify at your minimum buffer level (e.g., alert when any component drops below 10 units).

2. Hide standalone products from storefront if they're exclusively for bundles. This prevents standalone sales from depleting bundle capacity. You can still manually create orders for standalone items if needed.

3. Use inventory forecasting to reorder components before they hit critical levels. Shopify provides basic forecasting, or use apps like Inventory Planner for advanced predictions.

4. Create backup bundles with alternative component options. If one product goes out of stock, you can quickly swap it for a similar item rather than taking the entire bundle offline.

5. Communicate clearly on product pages if bundles have limited availability. "Only 15 bundles remaining" creates urgency and sets expectations.

Returns Policy and Customer Experience

Bundle returns are more complicated than single product returns. You need clear policies that protect your business without frustrating customers. Here's how to handle it correctly.

The Core Decision: All or Nothing?

Most merchants follow an "all items must be returned" policy for bundles. This is the cleanest approach.

Policy example: "Bundle items must be returned together in original condition within 30 days for a full refund. We cannot accept returns of individual items from bundles."

Why this works:

• Prevents customers from keeping favorite items and returning the rest
• Simplifies inventory management—the bundle goes back into stock as a unit
• Reduces fraud and return abuse
• Clear and easy to communicate

Exception: If an item is defective, offer to replace the defective component or refund the entire bundle. Don't make customers return working products because one item is faulty.

Display Return Policy Clearly

Add return policy information directly on your bundle product page. Don't bury it in your general terms and conditions.

Recommended placement:

• In the product description (above the fold)
• In a separate "Returns" tab if your theme supports it
• At checkout as a checkbox: "I understand bundle items must be returned together"

Example language for your bundle pages:

"Returns: This bundle includes [X] items sold together as a set. To return this bundle, all items must be returned together in original, unused condition within 30 days of delivery. We cannot process returns for individual bundle components. If any item is defective, please contact us for a replacement or full refund."

Handling Partial Returns (Advanced)

Some merchants allow partial returns with a restocking approach. This requires more complex policies and tracking but can improve customer satisfaction.

Policy example: "You may return individual items from this bundle within 14 days. Returned items will be refunded at their individual retail price minus a 20% restocking fee, not at the bundle discount rate."

Example calculation:

Bundle sold for $79 (regular value $109, saves $30). Customer returns one item (serum, regular price $38).

Refund calculation:

• Serum retail value: $38
• Restocking fee (20%): -$7.60
• Refund amount: $30.40

The customer keeps the bundle discount on remaining items, but you recoup some margin on the returned component.

When to use this approach: High-value bundles ($100+), premium brands where customer experience is paramount, or bundles where partial use is expected (try different flavors, test products).

When NOT to use this: Gift bundles, low-margin bundles, or products where returns are rare. The operational complexity isn't worth it for most stores.

Gift Returns Considerations

Holiday bundles are often gifts. The recipient didn't choose the bundle and may want to return it. Make this process smooth.

Include a gift receipt: Shows the bundle contents and your return policy without showing the price.

Extend return windows: Gifts purchased in November/December should be returnable through mid-January. Industry standard is 30 days from Christmas, not from original purchase date.

Offer store credit as default: Instead of refunding to the original payment method (which the recipient doesn't have), offer store credit. This keeps revenue in your store and often leads to higher-value exchanges.

Be flexible on condition: If a gift bundle was opened to see what's inside, that's not "used." Only refuse returns if products show clear signs of use (empty bottles, worn items, etc.).

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Here are the most common bundle problems merchants face and exactly how to fix them.

Issue 1: "Bundle Not Showing in Store"

Symptom: You created a bundle in admin but it doesn't appear on your storefront.

Causes and fixes:

1. Sales channel not selected: Edit bundle → ensure "Online Store" is checked under sales channels.

2. Bundle in wrong collection: Check that your collection settings include the bundle. Navigate to Collections → [Collection Name] → verify bundle appears in products list.

3. Bundle inventory shows zero: If any component product is out of stock, the bundle becomes unavailable. Check component inventory levels.

4. Theme template issues: Some themes don't display bundles correctly. Test with Shopify's default Dawn theme to isolate whether it's a theme problem.

Issue 2: "Component Inventory Not Decrementing"

Symptom: Bundle sells but component product inventory doesn't decrease.

Causes and fixes:

1. Inventory tracking disabled: Each component product must have "Track quantity" enabled. Check Products → [Component] → Inventory → ensure "Track quantity" is checked.

2. Fulfillment not processed: Component inventory doesn't decrement until you fulfill the order. This is correct behavior—inventory decrements at fulfillment, not at purchase.

3. Multiple location confusion: Inventory is decremented from the fulfillment location, not necessarily your default location. Check the correct location's inventory levels.

Issue 3: "Can't Add Certain Products to Bundle"

Symptom: When trying to add a product to your bundle, it doesn't appear in the search or shows an error.

Causes and fixes:

1. Product ineligible: Review the eligibility checklist earlier in this guide. Most common reasons: digital product, gift card, inventory tracking disabled, or product has required customization fields.

2. Product has too many variants: Products with 100+ variants can have performance issues in bundle creation. Consider creating separate SKUs for bundle-specific variants.

3. Product in draft status: Only active products can be added to bundles. Check Products → [Product] → Status should be "Active."

Issue 4: "Bundle Shows Wrong Price at Checkout"

Symptom: Bundle displays correct price on product page but changes at checkout.

Causes and fixes:

1. Discount codes conflicting: Automatic discounts or discount codes might be applying to bundles incorrectly. Check Settings → Discounts → verify bundle products are excluded from conflicting offers.

2. Tax calculations: Tax is calculated on component products individually, which might differ from expected bundle tax. This is correct behavior but can confuse customers. Consider showing "Taxes calculated at checkout" on bundle pages.

3. Third-party app interference: Pricing apps, upsell apps, or other checkout modifications might be overriding bundle pricing. Disable apps one by one to isolate the conflict.

Issue 5: "Fulfillment Shows Individual Items Instead of Bundle"

Symptom: Orders show component products separately, not as a bundle package.

This is correct behavior: Shopify fulfillment always lists component products individually because inventory management happens at the component level. Your warehouse team needs to understand they're fulfilling a bundle, not separate orders.

Solutions:

1. Order notes: Use automated order tagging (via Shopify Flow or third-party apps) to add "BUNDLE ORDER" tags to orders containing bundles.

2. Pick list customization: Customize your packing slips to highlight bundle orders. Many fulfillment apps support this.

3. Pre-pack bundles: For high-volume bundles, pre-pack them as single SKUs in your warehouse. Create a separate "bundle SKU" for picking that represents the pre-packed bundle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Launch Bundles With Confidence

Setting up product bundles on Shopify doesn't have to be complicated. Follow the decision tree to choose the right approach, verify eligibility requirements upfront, use the native app for standard fixed bundles, and set clear inventory buffers and return policies.

Here's your implementation checklist:

Before you start: Run the eligibility check on all products you want to bundle. Fix any inventory tracking, variant, or product type issues first.

Choose your approach: Native app for fixed bundles, third-party app for build-your-own or advanced features, custom development only if you have unique requirements no app supports.

Set up carefully: Follow the step-by-step process above, paying special attention to inventory settings and component product selection.

Reserve inventory: Calculate how many bundles you want to sell and set aside component stock specifically for bundles to prevent stockouts.

Test thoroughly: Run test purchases, check inventory decrements, and verify fulfillment process works smoothly before promoting bundles to customers.

Document policies: Write clear return policies and display them prominently on bundle pages. Train your customer service team on how to handle bundle-specific situations.

Most bundle issues are preventable with proper setup. The time you invest in getting the configuration right pays off in smooth operations during your busiest selling periods.

Related Guides:

• 40+ Gift Bundle Ideas to Increase AOV
• Holiday Bundle Pricing Strategy
• Shopify Bundles App vs Custom Solutions Comparison
• Best Holiday Gift Sets Under $50