Most online shoppers who add products to a cart leave without buying. Abandoned cart emails remind them, and are often the most profitable emails a store sends.
How they work
When a logged-in shopper, or one who entered their email at checkout, leaves items in the cart, your store or email platform sends automatic reminders.
A simple three-email sequence
| When | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1–2 hours after | Friendly reminder with the product image |
| 24 hours after | Answer doubts: reviews, delivery, returns, COD |
| 48–72 hours after | Small incentive, such as free shipping, if needed |
Example emails
Email 1
Subject: Did you forget something?
“Your cushion covers are still waiting. We have saved your cart. Complete your order in one click.”
Email 2
Subject: Questions about your order?
“Free delivery across India, easy returns and cash on delivery. See what 1,200 customers say about us.”
Email 3
Subject: Free shipping on your cart, today only
“Here is free shipping to help you decide. Offer ends at midnight.”
Tips
- Show the exact products with images.
- Make the button go straight back to the cart.
- Do not discount in the first email; many will buy anyway.
- Combine with WhatsApp reminders for customers who opted in.
Estimate the revenue with our email revenue calculator, or see our Shopify email marketing service.
Want the full picture? This article is part of Email marketing: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
