Most merchants overestimate how long it takes to add cross-sell recommendations to their store. There's no code editing, no developer needed, and no complex configuration to work through. Here's the complete setup walkthrough.
What you'll need before you start
- A Shopify store on a paid plan (Basic or higher)
- An Online Store 2.0-compatible theme (Dawn, Impulse, Prestige, Turbo, or any theme from 2022 or later)
- About 3 minutes
That's it. No developer access, no theme code knowledge, no third-party accounts.
Step 1: Install Dropr (60 seconds)
- Go to the Shopify App Store and search for "Dropr"
- Click "Add app"
- Review the permissions screen — Dropr requests access to read products and orders (needed for recommendations and attribution)
- Click "Install app"
You're now in the Dropr dashboard. The app has been installed but the widget isn't visible on your store yet — that happens in Step 2.
Step 2: Add the widget to your theme (90 seconds)
For the product page widget:
- In Dropr dashboard, click "Add to store" or go to Shopify Admin → Online Store → Themes → Customize
- In the theme customizer, select "Products" from the page type dropdown
- In the left panel, find the section below your "Add to Cart" form
- Click "Add block"
- Find "Dropr — Cross-sell" in the apps section
- Click to add it
- Click "Save"
For the cart drawer widget:
- Still in the customizer, select "Cart" from the page type dropdown
- In the cart drawer section, click "Add block"
- Find "Dropr — Cart recommendation" and add it
- Position it above the checkout button
- Click "Save"
Both widgets are now live on your store. They'll show your top-selling product as a default recommendation until you configure specific pairings in Step 3.
Step 3: Configure your first product pairing (60 seconds)
- Go back to the Dropr dashboard
- Click "Products" in the left navigation
- Find your best-selling product in the list
- Click "Add recommendation"
- Search for the product you want to recommend alongside it
- Click "Save"
That product now has a specific cross-sell recommendation. Anyone who views that product page will see your chosen companion product below the Add to Cart button — and in the cart drawer when they add it to their cart.
Step 4: Verify it's working (30 seconds)
- Open your store in a new tab (or your phone for a mobile view)
- Navigate to the product you just configured
- Scroll below the Add to Cart button — you should see the Dropr recommendation widget
- Add the product to cart — the cart drawer should open and show a second recommendation
If the widget matches your store's design automatically (same fonts, button styles, colors), you're done. No CSS editing required — Dropr picks up your theme's style tokens automatically.
Next: configure your top 10 products (optional but recommended)
For your first 10 highest-traffic products, spend 5 minutes configuring manual recommendations. The thinking process:
- What does someone who buys [Product A] almost certainly also need?
- What product in your catalog is the natural companion?
- Is the companion product in a lower or similar price range? (Lower price = easier add-on decision)
Products without a manual recommendation will use Dropr's automatic matching based on product tags and collections.
Related reading
- The Best Shopify Cross-Sell App for Small Stores in 2026
- How Cross-Sell Widgets Work on Shopify (And Why Placement Matters)
- How to Cross-Sell Accessories on Shopify (Fashion, Tech, Sports)
- Shopify Cross-Sell Best Practices in 2026: What's Working Right Now
- How Electronics Stores on Shopify Can Double AOV With Accessories Cross-Sell
FAQ
What if the widget doesn't appear after I add it in the customizer?
Check that you saved the customizer changes. Then verify the product you're viewing has a recommendation configured (or that automatic matching is enabled for that collection). If the widget still doesn't appear, contact Dropr support — theme compatibility issues are rare but resolvable.
Can I change the widget's position after initial setup?
Yes. Go back to the theme customizer at any time, find the Dropr block in the product or cart section, and drag it to a different position. Save and the new position is live immediately.
Does this process work for all Shopify themes?
Yes for Online Store 2.0 themes. If you're on an older theme (Debut, Brooklyn, Supply, or themes from before 2021), the App Block system may not be available. In that case, you'll need to use Shopify's legacy ScriptTag approach or upgrade your theme. Check your theme documentation to confirm your OS version.