Myth vs. Reality: What Shoppers Really Think About Post-Purchase Ads
For retailers, post-purchase ads unlock a powerful new revenue stream—but what is their impact on the customer journey?
We went straight to the source, surveying 1,000 US consumers to find out how shoppers really feel about post-purchase ads.
Watch the video below as Fluent’s Jessica Batty, SVP of Marketing, and PJ Triboletti, Head of Partner Development, break down the data, bust common myths, and reveal how top brands are using post-purchase ads to boost loyalty and customer LTV.
Or scroll down for a full recap and key highlights.
Myth 1: “Post-purchase ads are disruptive and intrusive.”
Reality: False! Post-purchase ads enhance the post-checkout experience.
📊 54% of shoppers said post-purchase ads improve their shopping experience by offering useful discounts and promotions.
📊 42% see product discovery as a major benefit.
When ads feel like a natural extension of the shopping journey—offering exclusive deals or product recommendations—they enhance rather than disrupt the experience.
What It Means for Retailers
✅ Curate strategic partnerships: Work with brands whose offers align with consumers’ interests to create a seamless, relevant experience.
✅ Launch non-endemic offers: Introduce shoppers to new products and services that complement their recent purchase.
Myth 2: “The more consumers are exposed to post-purchase ads, the more they tune them out.”
Reality: False! Frequency and consistency create real value and trust
📊 2 in 3 shoppers who see post-purchase ads after every online purchase say these ads improve their shopping experience.
📊 3 in 5 say these ads increased their likelihood of returning to the site or app.
When ads are timely, relevant, and consistently offer value, they reinforce positive shopping habits, making customers look forward to engaging with them.
What It Means for Retailers
✅ Establish consistency: Display post-purchase ads after every transaction to establish a habit and reinforce trust.
✅ Set expectations: When customers anticipate relevant offers after each purchase, it sets the expectation that they’ll be rewarded for their loyalty.
Myth 3: “Post-purchase ads don’t have an impact on customer loyalty.”
Reality: False! Post-purchase ads actively encourage repeat engagement.
📊 88% of shoppers are more likely to return to a site when post-purchase ads offer personalized product suggestions.
📊 86% are more likely to return after discovering new brands or products.
📊 83% are drawn back by ads offering discounts and promotions.
When ads offer personalized offers that resonate with individual shoppers, they foster deeper brand connections and encourage repeat visits.
What It Means for Retailers
✅ Balance discounts with personalization: While promotions drive conversions, personalized recommendations foster trust and long-term loyalty.
✅Tap into first-party data: Use demographic insights, behavioral data, and contextual signals to craft highly relevant offers.
The Bottom Line
Post-purchase ads present a win-win opportunity for retailers and shoppers alike. By monetizing the confirmation page, retailers can generate incremental revenue while introducing customers to products and services that provide real value.
The most effective post-purchase offers are:
- Unique – Stand out from standard promotions.
- Compelling – Feel “too good to pass up.”
- Highly personalized – Tailored to each shopper’s interests and purchase behavior.
When done right, post-purchase advertising isn’t just another ad—it’s a value-add that strengthens customer relationships and drives repeat business.
Download the full post-purchase advertising report here for more shopper insights.
Check out more resources to get fluent in:
Post-Transaction Advertising | Commerce Media | Non-Endemic Advertising
Fluent is a commerce media solutions provider connecting top-tier brands with highly engaged consumers. Leveraging diverse ad inventory, robust first-party data, and proprietary machine learning, Fluent unlocks additional revenue streams for partners and empowers advertisers to acquire their most valuable customers at scale. Connect with us now to level up your business: https://fluentco.com/contact/