2 Free Ways to Create Series Bundles on Shopify: Direct Sales- Author Tips

Selling directly to readers as an author is a powerful strategy, and Shopify makes it easier than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how to bundle books into a series or boxset for your Shopify store, this post explains two straightforward and free ways to do it. Whether you’re self-publishing romance audiobooks, epic fantasy ebooks, or anything in between, bundling can simplify purchases for readers and increase your sales.

Here’s how you can create bundles on Shopify without spending a dime.

Why Bundling Books Benefits Authors

Think about your readers. If they love Book 1 of your series, they’ll likely want the rest, right? Offering bundles saves them time and often makes them feel like they’re getting a deal. Beyond convenience, bundles help you sell more books in one go and streamline the checkout process.

Let’s explore how to create bundles effectively using two methods: manual setup in Shopify and the Shopify Bundles app.

Method 1: Manually Create Bundles in Shopify

Creating bundles manually takes a bit of work, but it costs nothing. Follow these steps to build your bundle directly in Shopify’s product section.

Step 1: Create Individual Product Pages

Before bundling, ensure individual product pages for each book in the series are ready. Add details like:

• Book title
• Descriptions
• Formats (e.g., ebook, audiobook, paperback)
• Images (recommended size: 1080 x 1080, created using tools like Canva or Book Brush)

Make your listing clean by categorizing accurately and tagging properly to avoid errors.

Step 2: Set Up a New Product for the Bundle

Once your individual books are set up, you’ll create a new product that acts as the bundle.

• Name the product something like “Series Name Bundle” or “Boxset Bundle.”
• Add a detailed description explaining what’s included.
• Upload images showcasing the series as a cohesive package.

For example, if you’re bundling five ebooks, mention that in the description and allow buyers to understand the value they’re getting.

Step 3: Link the Delivery to BookFunnel

If you use BookFunnel for delivering digital products, link your bundle’s delivery here:

1. Log into your BookFunnel account.
2. Create a new delivery action for the bundle (e.g., “Pride and Prejudice Bundle”).
3. Select all the books included in the bundle for delivery under one action.

Make sure your Shopify product’s SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) matches the SKU you assign in BookFunnel. This ensures everything connects properly for seamless delivery.

Finally, test your bundle setup to make sure the links and SKUs work as expected.

Method 2: Use the Shopify Bundles App

The manual setup works, but it can get tedious. If you’re short on time, the Shopify Bundles app is a great alternative. It’s a free app that simplifies the process by letting you bundle products without separate product setups.

Step 1: Download the Shopify Bundles App

This app is available for free in the Shopify App Store:

1. Go to your Shopify dashboard and navigate to “Apps.”
2. Search for “Shopify Bundles” and install it.

Don’t worry about the app’s 3.9-star rating—it gets the job done just fine.

Step 2: Create a New Bundle

Once installed, follow these steps to set up your bundle:

1. Open the app and select “Create New Bundle.”
2. Add all the books or products you want to include. For instance, if you’re bundling a 10-book audiobook series, select all 10 audiobooks.
3. Choose your product options like format (ebook, audiobook, etc.) and pricing. Remove unnecessary variants to keep it clean.

Step 3: Set Up SKUs and Pricing

The app simplifies inventory and SKU management. Create a single SKU for the bundle and set your pricing in one place.

This app is especially handy if you want to bundle multiple formats without creating separate product pages for each.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Both methods work well, but it depends on your needs:

• Manual Bundling: Great for customization and control if you don’t mind extra time.
• Shopify Bundles App: Perfect for efficiency and batch setups.

The best part? Both options are completely free, letting you focus your budget on other areas like advertising or design.

Final Thoughts on Direct Sales for Authors

Direct sales let you bypass middlemen and connect directly with readers. By creating bundles on Shopify, you not only enhance the buying experience but also boost your income as an indie author.

Got questions or need clarification? Drop them in the comments and let’s discuss how to grow your author brand through direct sales!