tiergain
AOV playbook for new DIY craft stores in 2026
New craft stores sell single supplies at $4-8. Smart new craft stores sell project kits from day one. Here is the playbook that makes craft e-commerce viable.
60 days
To build a complete craft store AOV stack
$8
Average new craft store AOV (fixable in 1 week)
3.4x
AOV lift after full 60-day project kit stack goes live
Craft stores have the lowest starting AOV in e-commerce. Without project kits, the unit economics are impossible. Bundle the project from day one.
The hacks
Day 1: Set free shipping at $29
New craft stores average $8 AOV. Set free shipping at $29. Three to four items closes the gap. Craft supplies are light, so the threshold is psychological motivation.
Week 1: Go live with a beginner project kit
Pick your easiest project. Bundle all supplies + pattern at a kit price. Tiergain sets up project kits in under 10 minutes with skill-level tiers ready to add later.
Week 2: Add volume tiers on bestselling supplies
Buy 3: 10% off. Buy 6: 18% off + free shipping. Crafters buy in multiples for projects. Volume tiers match the natural buying behavior.
Month 1: Add free pattern at $29 threshold
Spend $29, get a free downloadable pattern. The pattern costs you $0 and makes the supplies feel usable. Without the pattern, supplies are just materials.
Month 2: Build the full tiered project stack
Try kit ($18). Make kit ($32 + free shipping). Master kit ($42 + shipping + free tool). Tiergain handles progressive project tiers with combined rewards.
Month 2+: Add monthly craft subscription once patterns emerge
After 60 days, project reorder patterns emerge. Offer a monthly craft box at 12% off. Crafters who finish one project want the next. The subscription delivers it automatically.
Without project kits, craft stores cannot afford paid acquisition
An $8 supply item at a $2 ad cost means 25% of revenue goes to acquisition. A $38 project kit at the same $2 ad cost means 5.3%. Project kits are not optional for craft stores - they are the viability threshold.