What Are Repeat Customers & Why Are They Important For WooCommerce Stores?

What are repeat customers? They’re shoppers who don’t just buy once and vanish.

Many WooCommerce store owners struggle with keeping customers coming back. A visitor might buy something, but then they’re gone like a leaf in the wind.

That’s where repeat customers come in. These shoppers return on their own, bringing steady sales and trust that ads just can’t buy.

This guide will cover key facts about the repeat customer, including what they are, why they matter, and how you can get more of them. We’ll also look at product feeds, special tools that can encourage repeat purchase after repeat purchase, ultimately leading to business success.

So let’s get cracking!

I. What Are Repeat Customers?

Repeat customers are people who buy from the same store more than once. After their first purchase, they liked the experience and chose to come back multiple times.

They aren’t the same as one-time shoppers, who buy once and never return.

The repeat customer also differs from the recurring customer. Recurring buyers usually sign up for regular deliveries, like a subscription. Meanwhile, the repeat customer chooses to return on their own, without being locked into a schedule.

Having repeat customers is like owning a garden that keeps giving fruit. They help bring in money without needing constant chasing. They also tend to trust your store more and are open to buying other items you offer. Many of them tell their friends too, which brings in even more shoppers.

Repeat buyers aren’t just helpful. They’re key to building a steady and healthy store.

📝 Take note: repeat customers are not the same as recurring customers, who provide recurring revenue through subscriptions or scheduled purchases.

II. Why Are Repeat Customers Important For Your Ecommerce Business?

Repeat customers are the quiet heroes behind many successful stores. They don’t just buy once and disappear. They come back again and again, like regulars at a favorite diner.

Over time, they help a business grow in ways new shoppers can’t. Keeping them around is often easier, cheaper, and smarter than chasing after someone new.

Let’s look at why repeat customers are important to your store!

1. They bring more money over time

People who trust your store are more likely to spend again. Over time, they try pricier items and explore new products, growing your profits.

Even during slow months, the repeat customer often keeps coming back. This kind of steady support can keep your store afloat during quiet times.

A study from business.com found that repeat customers spend about 67 percent more than new ones. Meanwhile, research by Bain and Company’s Frederick Reichheld discovered that boosting customer retention by just 5% can lead to a profit increase ranging anywhere from 25% to 95%. These statistics illustrate how customer loyalty deepens revenue.

2. They are easier to sell to

Repeat customers have already taken the first leap by buying from you once. Since they know what to expect, it’s easier to earn their next purchase.

This trust also makes them more likely to open your emails or check out new offers. They’re not just skimming; they’re actually interested in what you have to say.

Thing is, this is among the most overlooked benefits of repeat customers that many store owners miss.

3. They lower your costs

Keeping returning shoppers is cheaper than chasing new ones. In fact, studies show that new customer acquisition can cost between five and 25 times more than retaining existing customers.

Having repeat customers also leads to reduced marketing costs. Since they come back on their own, you don’t need to spend as much to win them over again.

Also, since these returning customers already know your products, they’re less likely to return them. And because they tend to buy the same things, you waste less on stock that just sits around.

4. Happy return customers tell others about your store.

Happy return customers tell others about your store. This is crucial, given that over 90% of shoppers place greater trust in recommendations from friends or family than in traditional advertising.

This kind of word-of-mouth marketing is powerful. Best of all, it’s free—instead of spending more on ads, your happy customers do the talking for you.

Repeat customers also tend to leave better reviews, thanks to their experience with your products. That same experience makes them more likely to interact with your social posts or open your emails. They’re not just guessing; they already know and like what you offer.

5. They build your store’s identity

Repeat customers help shape your brand by showing you what they care about through their buying habits. For example, if they keep coming back for eco-friendly goods, it tells you something about what your store stands for.

That sense of connection also builds loyalty. In fact, a study by MarketingCharts found that 79% of consumers say customer loyalty programs make them more likely to keep buying from a brand.

And if something goes wrong, loyal customers are usually more forgiving. This trust gives your brand a little extra breathing room—yet another reason to increase repeat customers!

The importance of repeat customers can’t be overstated. After all, they aren’t just buyers; they’re the backbone of your business. Keep them happy, and they’ll keep your store growing strong.

III. How Do You Turn One-Time Shoppers Into Repeat Customers?

A guide on “What are repeat customers” needs a follow-up on how to turn first-time shoppers into those loyal returners.

For this reason, we’ve put together some simple, proven ways to increase repeat customers:

1. Keep your products and services top quality

• Make sure what you sell is reliable and consistent. If your product works well the first time, people are more likely to trust it again. Don’t switch up the quality just to cut corners—it makes shoppers think twice about returning, which could hurt your customer retention rate.

• Always double-check packaging and delivery speed. Broken or late items can ruin the experience, even if the product itself is good. Safe packaging and fast shipping show that you care beyond the sale.

• Give quick and kind replies when something goes wrong. Mistakes happen, but how you handle them makes all the difference. A fast, polite response can turn a bad moment into a reason to come back.

• Share clear, detailed product info so customers know what to expect. Don’t leave people guessing. Therefore, list sizes, materials, and anything else they should know. After all, this cuts down on returns and builds trust.

• Offer tips on how to use or style your products to help them enjoy what they bought. Helpful advice shows you care about more than just the sale. It also encourages people to get the most out of their purchase, which keeps your store top of mind.

2. Make it easy for customers to come back

• Save their info to speed up checkout next time. No one likes typing in their details over and over. A quick, smooth checkout makes coming back feel easy.

• Make reordering simple with reminders or a “buy again” button. If they liked it once, chances are they’ll want it again. A little nudge or shortcut can turn a past buyer into a loyal one, increasing your repeat customer rate.

• Send back-in-stock alerts for items they liked. Sometimes people leave without buying because something’s sold out. Letting them know it’s available again gives them a reason to return.

• Create helpful, easy-to-browse collections (like “Best Sellers” or “Back in Season”). Collections make your store feel less overwhelming. They also help shoppers discover something new or spot an old favorite.

3. Stay in touch in a friendly way

• Send short, kind follow-up messages after a sale. A quick “thanks for your order” can go a long way. Such excellent customer service shows you care beyond just making the sale.

• Include updates, tips, or fresh product ideas in your emails. Don’t just sell. Share messages that help or inspire, as they can encourage customers to keep opening your emails.

• Invite past buyers to flash sales or early-bird specials. Make them feel like insiders. A special invite can remind them they’re part of something.

• Celebrate small wins like birthdays or order milestones with a little thank-you note or discount. Even a small gesture makes people feel seen. When customers feel appreciated, they’re more likely to stick around.

4. Reward loyalty in small but smart ways

• Give points, discounts, or early access to new products. Little rewards make a big difference. They give people a reason to come back and check what’s new, ensuring a good repeat customer rate.

• Let them trade points for savings or fun perks. People enjoy rewards they can actually use. A small discount or freebie can be just the nudge they need.

• Make loyalty perks feel personal, like a “thanks for your 3rd order” bonus. Specific milestones show you’re paying attention. It feels less like a system and more like a real thank-you.

• Use exclusive invites or surprise gifts to keep it fun. Unexpected rewards feel special. A surprise keeps things exciting and builds stronger loyalty.

5. Make your shoppers feel heard and seen

• Ask for honest customer feedback and actually use it. People appreciate being heard. When you listen and act, it builds trust.

• Show updates you’ve made based on reviews. It proves you care and helps others see that their voice matters too. Even small changes can make a big impression.

• Feature real customer stories or photos on your site and socials. This adds a human touch. It also helps future shoppers picture themselves enjoying your products.

• Set up a referral system so happy buyers can bring in friends and earn rewards. It turns the loyal customer into a quiet ambassador. A small perk in return makes it a win for everyone.

• Offer exceptional customer service. Kind, fast customer support when people have questions or issues can show you’re listening and care about their experience.

6. Build connection through trust

• Keep your brand voice friendly, not pushy. People come back when they feel respected, not pressured. A gentle tone builds comfort over time.

• Be consistent with your quality, tone, and promises. If what you say matches what you deliver, shoppers start to trust you. That trust is what brings them back.

• Share your values through what you sell and how you talk about it (for example, eco choices or fair pricing). Let customers see what your store stands for. People like to support brands that reflect their own beliefs.

• Let return shoppers feel part of something more than just a checkout screen. This could mean a warm note, a familiar layout, or a thank-you email. Little touches make repeat buyers feel seen.

Remember, turning one-time shoppers into loyal customers isn’t about tricks; it’s about care, ease, and a reason to come back.

IV. How Do Product Feeds Help You Attract Repeat Customers?

Getting someone to buy once is good. Getting them to come back is better.

Product feeds give online stores a way to stay in front of shoppers not just once, but again and again.

But what, exactly, are product feeds?

Product feeds are files that hold all the details about your products, like names, prices, and images. Basically, these files allow you to display your products on sales channels around the world, including Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and hundreds more.

Thus, they help get more eyes on your offerings, attracting more visitors to your store and potentially boosting your sales.

To generate a product feed, you need a product feed manager.

🔥 Hot Tip: Use the WooCommerce product feed solution, AdTribes, to reach more shoppers, keep your product info fresh, and cut down on manual work.

With that in mind, here are some ways AdTribes product feeds can help you gain repeat customers:

1. Send your best products to the right channels

You can send your top products to the places where your customers actually shop. AdTribes gives you over 100 feed templates for platforms like Google Shopping, Facebook, Bing, and more.

It’s like putting your best products in the front window of every busy store your customers walk by. Thus, it can help significantly improve your repeat customer rate.

2. Keep your product info clean and up to date

If a product is out of stock or has the wrong price, shoppers won’t trust you. That’s why AdTribes updates your feed automatically. You can schedule updates as often as every hour, so your store always looks sharp.

3. Use automation to save time and stay consistent

Feeds can get messy. But AdTribes handles syncing, refreshing, and sending your data without you lifting a finger. It’s like putting your product info on autopilot.

4. Fix product issues before they hurt your ads

The Feed Validator tool finds problems with your feed before they cost you money. It checks for missing fields, broken links, and more. This way, your ads keep running without problems, helping you enjoy repeat business.

5. Show products the way your buyers want to see them

You can control how your feed looks, even down to small details. Need to show certain products to specific customers while hiding others? Done. Want to group products based on rules? Easy. With highly customizable filters and rules, you can make your store feel more personal.

6. Track what’s working and what’s not

AdTribes lets you add Google Analytics tracking to each product feed. This helps you see which channels bring shoppers back. You can then double down on what works best.

7. Translate your product feeds

Selling in more than one language or currency? AdTribes supports popular translation tools and currency switchers. Your feeds stay local, no matter where your customers are.

AdTribes takes the guesswork out of product feeds. When your feeds work better, your shoppers come back more often and encourage repeat sales.

Conclusion

What are repeat customers? They’re shoppers who come back to your store more than once. They spend more, trust your store, promote your store to their friends, and more.

Plus, if you give them a good customer experience and use smart tools like AdTribes product feeds, they’re more likely to return. That’s how your store stays strong and steady.

To recap, this article discussed the following key ideas about returning cutomers:

1. What are repeat customers?
2. Why is the repeat customer important for your ecommerce business?
3. How do you turn a one-time shopper into a repeat customer?
4. How do product feeds help you attract repeat customers?

Curious about strategies to encourage the one-time buyer into becoming a repeat customer? Reach out to us and let us know. We’d be happy to hear from you!

Michael Logarta Senior Marketer, Content Writer

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