Abandoned cart emails example showing discount offer and checkout button
Cart abandonment happens when a shopper adds something to their cart but doesn’t complete the purchase. It’s more common than you think—and more fixable than it seems. Maybe they got distracted, hit with unexpected shipping costs, or weren’t ready to buy.
That’s where abandoned cart emails step in. These smart reminders can help you recover lost revenue and win back shoppers who are close to buying. In this post, we’ll explore abandoned cart email best practices, show real-world abandoned cart email examples, and highlight subject lines that get opened. Let’s aim for second chances!
What Makes an Abandoned Cart Email Effective?
Not all cart abandonment emails work. The best ones hit three things: timing, tone, and trust.
- Timing: The sooner, the better. Strike while the interest is fresh.
- Tone: Be helpful, not pushy. Offer value and remind them what they’re missing.
- Trust: Reassure them with guarantees, reviews, or limited-time offers.
An effective email should guide the customer back with clarity, confidence, and a nudge they welcome.
10 High-Performing Abandoned Cart Email Examples (with Strategies)
1. The “We Saved Your Cart” Email
This is a friendly, no-pressure reminder that their items are still waiting. A simple design, product image, and CTA like “Complete Your Order” works well.
2. The Social Proof Email
Add a testimonial, star rating, or a line like “Loved by 10,000+ happy customers.” This taps into buyer confidence and email marketing personalization.
3. The Discount Follow-Up
Offer 10–15% off in your second or third email to sweeten the deal. Make it time-sensitive to encourage faster action.
4. The Product Scarcity Nudge
Use FOMO with lines like “Only three left in stock” or “Limited quantities available.” This is great for best practices for abandoned carts.
5. The Free Shipping Incentive
Shipping costs are one of the top reasons for cart abandonment. To remove the hurdle, lead with “Complete your order now and get FREE shipping.”
6. The Helpful Reminder
Keep it simple: “Forgot something?” Include a photo of the item, price, and link back. Bonus if you mention customer support availability.
7. The Humor Angle
Try a playful tone like “Oops, did your Wi-Fi glitch?” or “That cart’s getting cold.” Humor makes your brand more relatable and memorable.
8. The Personal Touch
Use their first name, recommend similar items, and tailor the message. This ties into email list building and makes customers feel seen.
9. The Mobile-Optimized Email
Make sure your email is easy to read and shop from on a phone. Tap-friendly buttons and short copy are key for conversion.
10. The Subject Line That Grabs
Examples like “Did you forget something?”, “Your cart misses you”, or “Still thinking it over?” increase open rates. Smart abandoned cart email subject lines = more eyes on your offer.
Best Practices for Abandoned Cart Campaigns
Want your abandoned cart emails to perform even better? Keep these tips in mind:
- Send your first email within an hour of abandonment
- Use clear subject lines that speak to intent
- Add visuals of what’s in the cart
- Personalize with names and preferences
- Test and optimize subject lines and send times
- Use email automation best practices to streamline your follow-up
- Keep your CTA bold and simple: “Return to Checkout” or “Get It Now”
Don’t Let Leads Slip Away
It’s time to say goodbye to abandoned carts and build a proactive brand! At D2 Branding, we can help you optimize your follow-up so you don’t miss out on sales. Our team blends strategy and automation to craft the best abandoned cart emails that drive real results. From digital marketing in Tulsa to national brand campaigns, we’ve got your back.
Let’s turn your email list into a sales machine.