How to Improve Repeat Purchase Rates

Turn one-time buyers into lifelong fans with loyalty marketing, post-purchase flows, and replenishment reminders.

Every store wants more traffic. But the real growth? It happens when your existing customers come back again (and again.) A healthy repeat purchase rate means more revenue per customer, stronger lifetime value, and lower acquisition costs over time.

In fact, increasing your repeat purchase rate by just 5% can boost your profits by 25–95%, according to Bain & Company.

Let’s break down what it takes to drive repeat sales without sounding like every other brand in their inbox.

1. Create a Post-Purchase Experience Worth Coming Back For

The sale doesn’t end at checkout. In fact, it’s just the beginning. Post-purchase email and SMS flows are some of the most underused tools for customer retention.

What to include in your post-purchase flow:

• Shipping + Order Updates: Keep customers informed to build trust.
• Thank You + Brand Story: Reintroduce your mission and values.
• How-To Guides or Usage Tips: Show them how to get the most from their purchase.
• Product Review Requests: Reinforce value while gathering social proof.
• Cross-Sell or Reorder Reminders: Offer complementary products or reminders based on usage timelines.

Privy Tip: Time your follow-ups based on the actual product lifecycle. If you sell consumables, your replenishment reminder should hit just before they run out.

2. Use Smart Replenishment Reminders

For consumable products, think skincare, vitamins, pet food, or supplements—timely reminders are a goldmine for repeat revenue.

Instead of “just checking in,” trigger automated reminders based on:

• Days since delivery (e.g., “It’s been 27 days—need a refill?”)
• Average usage patterns
• Subscription prompts (e.g., “Loved it? Subscribe and save 10% next time.”)

Bonus Strategy: Offer a “1-click re-order” via SMS. Customers are more likely to come back when the process is frictionless.

3. Launch a Loyalty Program That Actually Motivates

Not all loyalty programs are created equal. The best ones feel personal, build excitement, and reward action beyond just spending.

Loyalty marketing ideas to drive customer retention:

• VIP Tiers: Give early access, double points, or special perks to high-value customers.
• Anniversary Bonuses: Celebrate the customer’s 1-year mark with a discount or surprise gift.
• Referral Rewards: Turn happy customers into brand advocates.
• Progress Bars: Visually show how close they are to their next reward (great for email or in pop-ups).

What to measure: Track reward redemption rates and AOV from loyalty members vs. non-members to assess lift.

4. Lean into Personalized Product Recommendations

Amazon made it famous. You can make it yours. Personalized product recs in email and SMS (based on past behavior) are proven to increase conversions and repeat purchases.

Try:

• “We think you’ll love this” emails post-purchase
• “Customers who bought X also loved Y” suggestions
• Dynamic product blocks in campaigns that change based on browsing history

With tools like Privy + Emotive, you can automate these recommendations at scale without sounding robotic.

5. Offer Value Beyond Discounts

Discounts are easy. But to build true loyalty, give your customers a reason to stay, outside of sales.

Consider these value-first approaches:

• Founder Updates or Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Build emotional connection.
• Tips, Tutorials, and Content: Show them how to make the most of their purchase.
• Community Highlights: Showcase other customers (great for social and email).
• Early Access: Give VIPs a first look at new products before the public.

2025 Insight: Brands that lead with exclusivity and community (not constant discounts) are seeing higher repeat purchase rates and more resilient retention metrics post-BFCM.

6. Re-Engage Customers with Win-Back Campaigns

Even your best customers may drift. That’s where win-back automations come in. A gentle nudge at the right time can make all the difference.

Trigger a win-back campaign when:

• A customer hasn’t purchased in 60+ days
• They’ve opened but not clicked recent emails
• A subscription was canceled

Use urgency, curiosity, or a reward:

• “We saved you something…”
• “Still thinking about us?”
• “Here’s a 10% thank-you, no strings attached.”

Add SMS for a second touchpoint if email isn’t getting a response.

Bonus Strategy: Jumpstart Retention with the Privy Accelerate Program

If you're serious about improving your repeat purchase rate but short on time or strategy, the Privy Accelerate Program was built for you. It’s a 30-day, done-with-you onboarding experience where you’ll work 1:1 with a dedicated Privy expert to set up everything from welcome discounts to cart savers, automated flows, and newsletter templates.

You’ll get personalized strategy calls, a custom checklist tailored to your brand, and expert guidance on how to turn your first-time buyers into loyal fans. Accelerate helps you launch faster, optimize smarter, and start seeing results sooner without needing a full-time team to get there. As a bonus, you’ll even get a chance to review your progress with Privy’s CEO. That’s how committed we are to your success.

Retention Is the New Acquisition

With rising ad costs and tighter consumer wallets, holding onto the customers you already have is the smartest move you can make in 2025.

Repeat purchase rate is your secret KPI weapon for sustainable growth.

With Privy, you’ve got the tools to:

• Build loyalty flows in minutes
• Trigger personalized reminders and recommendations
• Drive post-purchase and replenishment revenue automatically

Because real growth isn’t just about getting more people in the door. It’s about giving them a reason to stay.

Want to drive more repeat purchases without the complexity?Schedule your demo with Privy and see how easy it is to build loyalty that lasts.