An upgrade offer is about increasing the value of an order either at the time of order (e.g., right after submitting an online order form; through an order acknowledgment conducted by a telemarketing agent) or when a credit order is paid or when a second order is made.

Order forms might include an upgrade option such as leather trim instead of vinyl on a suitcase. Invoices sometimes include an upgrade option such as a subscription offer for two years at a lower per copy rate than the one-year subscription ordered.

Fundraisers also attempt to upgrade donations, asking for a larger donation during the current campaign than that made previously or requesting a larger donation than was pledged for the current campaign, renewal promotions usually upgrade the subscriber to a higher-price subscription than the introductory order.

Upgrade offers generally do not negatively impact response but vary greatly in their degree of success.