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10 Awesome Shopify Abandoned Cart Email Templates

Last updated: December 03 2024

Written and researched by experts at Avada Learn more about our methodology

Cart abandonment is a common issue that affects almost every Shopify store, leading to missed revenue and frustrated sellers. To help you tackle this problem, I've gathered 10 awesome Shopify abandoned cart email templates that are proven to work. After reading this, you'll have effective emails ready to bring customers back and boost your sales with minimal effort.

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Why should you send the Shopify Abandoned Cart Email?

In 2024, the average cart abandonment rate across industries remains high at approximately 70.19%, indicating a significant challenge for e-commerce businesses. Emails sent to recover these abandoned carts achieved an impressive open rate of 39.07% and a click-through rate of 23.33%, highlighting their effectiveness in re-engaging customers and driving conversions.

A really concise but remarkable message from LogoHere to encourage their consumers to go to their cart

Sometimes, people add things to their cart and then just leave without buying — it happens more often than you'd think. I'm going to explain why sending Shopify abandoned cart emails is one of the simplest but most effective ways to get those customers back and boost your sales.

  • Recover Lost Sales: Sending abandoned cart emails helps recapture sales that might otherwise be lost, as many customers abandon their carts due to distractions or uncertainties. In my experience, a timely reminder can often persuade a hesitant buyer to complete their purchase.
  • Increase Conversion Rates: These emails have high effectiveness in prompting customers to return and finalize their purchases, significantly boosting conversion rates. I've seen firsthand how a well-crafted email can turn a lost opportunity into a sale.
  • Enhance Customer Retention: By reaching out to customers who abandon their carts, you show that you value their business, which can foster loyalty and encourage repeat visits. Personally, I’ve noticed that customers appreciate the follow-up, making them more likely to return.
  • Customization and Personalization: Shopify allows for personalized emails that include product details and incentives like discounts, making them more appealing. From my own experience, adding a personal touch—like using the customer's name—can dramatically increase engagement.
  • Automated Follow-Up: Automating these emails saves time while ensuring you don’t miss opportunities to recover sales. I find that setting up an automated sequence has made my workflow smoother and more efficient.
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Abandoned cart emails provide valuable insights into customer behavior, helping you understand which products are frequently left behind. This data has been instrumental in optimizing my store's offerings and checkout processes.
  • Competitive Advantage: Implementing abandoned cart recovery emails is a standard practice in e-commerce, giving you an edge over competitors who may not utilize this strategy. In my opinion, staying proactive about cart abandonment is essential in today’s competitive market.

Read more:

10 awesome abandoned cart email templates for your Shopify store

It’s pretty common for potential customers to abandon their carts, and having the right email templates can really help you bring those sales back. I’m going to share ten awesome abandoned cart email templates that have worked well for Shopify stores, so you can pick the one that best suits your brand.

1. Whiskey Loot: "Your cart is sobering up"

This template uses clever copywriting to engage customers, providing them with reasons to purchase their whiskey while addressing common questions. Its success lies in its informative approach, which builds trust and aligns with the brand's voice. Personally, I appreciate how it balances humor and information, making it feel less like a sales pitch and more like a helpful nudge.

2. Peel: "Still Thinking it Over?"

Peel's email template stands out by offering free shipping, which not only encourages customers to complete their purchases but also entices them to add more items to their carts. This classic layout effectively combines a gentle reminder with an incentive, making it popular among users. I find that the simplicity of this approach resonates well with customers who appreciate straightforward offers.

Still Thinking it Over?

3. Ugmonk: "Offering you my personal email"

This template takes a personal touch by having the CEO reach out directly, creating a friendly atmosphere that feels more like a conversation than a sales tactic. Its popularity stems from its authenticity and the sense of connection it fosters between the brand and the customer. I believe this approach is particularly effective for small businesses looking to build relationships with their audience.

Offering you my personal email

4. Google: "The Google Wifi in your cart is going fast"

Google's abandoned cart email effectively combines urgency with personalization, reminding customers of their abandoned items while emphasizing that popular products sell out quickly. The clear call-to-action and engaging copy make it compelling, driving customers back to their carts. I admire how they create a sense of urgency without being overly aggressive, which can be crucial for conversion.

5. Target: "The price dropped for something in your cart"

Target's approach includes notifying customers about price drops on items in their carts, which can significantly motivate them to complete their purchases. This strategy not only highlights savings but also encourages browsing by suggesting similar items. In my view, this tactic is very effective as it leverages both urgency and value, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers.

The price dropped for something in your cart

6. Amazon: "Items left in your cart"

Amazon utilizes a straightforward template that reminds customers of their abandoned items while embedding product images for visual appeal. The simplicity and directness of this email make it effective across various customer segments. Personally, I appreciate how Amazon streamlines the process by providing direct links to the products, reducing barriers to completing purchases.

7. Asos: "You left something behind!"

Asos's abandoned cart email combines brand recognition with playful humor, making it memorable for recipients while reinforcing their brand identity. By including product images and reminders about free delivery and easy returns, they alleviate potential buyer hesitations. I think this lighthearted approach helps Asos connect better with its target audience, making them feel valued.

You left something behind!

8. Barkbox: "Show your dog some love!"

Barkbox captures attention with a GIF of an excited dog receiving its order, appealing directly to pet owners’ emotions while reminding them of what they left behind. The inclusion of fun copy and urgency through cart expiry adds to its effectiveness. From my perspective, this template exemplifies how emotional engagement can significantly enhance customer connection and drive conversions.

9. Huckberry: "Your items can be shipped for FREE!"

This template focuses on the allure of free shipping as a primary motivator for completing purchases, which resonates well with consumers who often abandon carts due to shipping costs. Its clear messaging makes it easy for customers to understand the offer at a glance. I find that emphasizing free shipping in abandoned cart emails can be a powerful strategy for improving conversion rates.

10. John’s Crazy Socks: "Ready to buy? Get Happiness Now!"

John’s Crazy Socks employs an intriguing subject line combined with friendly and personalized messaging that motivates customers to click through and complete their purchase. The summary of abandoned items alongside customer support information enhances its effectiveness by addressing potential concerns directly. I believe this template's warmth and approachability make it particularly appealing in fostering customer loyalty and trust.

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Types of Shopify abandoned cart email templates

There are a large number of types of Shopify abandoned cart email templates that I can not show them in this article, so I am going to present some of the main and popular types so that you can apply immediately to your online business.

1. Free shipping email template

This template emphasizes the benefit of free shipping to entice customers back to their carts. It is particularly effective when used shortly after cart abandonment, as many shoppers prioritize shipping costs in their purchasing decisions. In my experience, sending a free shipping email right after cart abandonment significantly increased my conversion rates, as many customers were motivated by the prospect of saving on shipping costs.

Free shipping email template example from Huckberry
Free shipping email template example from Huckberry

Sample: "Hi [Name], we noticed you left some items in your cart! Enjoy free shipping on your order—just click below to complete your purchase!"

2. Grab the offer email template

This template highlights a special offer or discount to encourage customers to return and finalize their purchases. It's best used within a few hours of cart abandonment to create urgency and excitement. I found that offering a discount in the "Grab the Offer" email not only brought customers back to their carts but also created a sense of urgency that often led to quicker purchases.

Grab the offer email template example from Saatchi Art
Grab the offer email template example from Saatchi Art

Sample: "Hey [Name], don’t miss out! Use code SAVE10 for 10% off your order—your cart is waiting!"

3. The final countdown email template

The final countdown email template creates a sense of urgency by incorporating a countdown timer, prompting customers to act quickly before their items are gone. It should be sent as a last reminder, ideally 24 hours after abandonment. Using the final countdown email template was a game-changer for me; the ticking clock effect really pushed customers to complete their orders before missing out on their desired items.

The final countdown email template example from Grammarly
The final countdown email template example from Grammarly

Sample: "Only 2 days left! ⏳ Your items are almost gone—complete your purchase now before it’s too late!"

4. Check these email templates out

This template suggests personalized product recommendations alongside the abandoned items, encouraging cross-selling or upselling. It can be effective at any point after abandonment, especially if the customer has shown interest in similar products. Incorporating personalized product recommendations in my abandoned cart emails helped me cross-sell effectively, as customers appreciated being shown items that complemented their original choices.

Check these out email template example
Check these out email template example

Sample: "Hi [Name], it looks like you left something behind! Here are some recommendations just for you: [personalized product recommendations]."

5. See what people say email template

The "See what people say" email template includes customer reviews or testimonials about abandoned products, leveraging social proof to build trust and encourage conversions. It works well when sent a day or two after cart abandonment, reinforcing the value of the products left behind. Including customer reviews in my abandoned cart emails built trust and credibility, and I noticed a marked increase in conversions when potential buyers saw positive feedback about the products they were considering.

The Old Farmer's Store's see what people say email template example
The Old Farmer's Store's see what people say email template example

Sample: "Hi [Name], see why others love these products! Check out what our customers are saying about your cart items."

6. Is your wi-fi ok?

This humorous template addresses potential technical issues that might have caused the abandonment, making light of the situation while reminding customers about their carts. It's best used soon after abandonment to maintain a friendly tone and prompt action. The lighthearted approach of the "Is Your Wi-Fi OK?" email template resonated well with my audience, and I received positive feedback from customers who appreciated the humor while being reminded about their abandoned carts.

Is your wi-fi ok? example email
Is your wi-fi ok? example email

Sample: "Hey [Name], is your Wi-Fi okay? It seems you left something in your cart—don’t let it slip away!"

Essential Components of Shopify Abandoned Cart Emails

  • Personalized Greeting: A personalized greeting addresses the customer by name, making the email feel more engaging and tailored to the individual. This approach fosters a sense of connection and can increase the likelihood of the customer returning to their cart.
  • Clear Product Images: Including clear images of the abandoned items helps customers visually recall what they left behind, enhancing their desire to complete the purchase. Visual reminders are powerful motivators that can significantly improve conversion rates.
  • Compelling Subject Line: An attention-grabbing subject line encourages recipients to open the email, making it a critical component of abandoned cart emails. A strong subject line can create curiosity or urgency, prompting immediate action from the customer.
  • Urgency Messaging: Phrases that evoke urgency, such as "limited stock" or "sale ends soon," create a fear of missing out (FOMO) that can drive customers back to their carts. This tactic effectively nudges customers to act quickly rather than delaying their purchase.
  • Discount or Incentive Offer: Offering a discount or special incentive in the email can entice customers to finalize their purchases, especially if they were previously hesitant. This strategy not only boosts conversions but also enhances customer satisfaction by providing added value.
  • Clear Call to Action (CTA): A prominent and straightforward CTA button directs customers back to their cart, making it easy for them to complete their purchase. Effective CTAs guide customers through the next steps, reducing friction in the buying process.
  • Social Proof: Including customer reviews or testimonials related to the abandoned products builds trust and credibility, encouraging customers to proceed with their purchase. Social proof reassures potential buyers that they are making a wise decision based on others' positive experiences.
  • Follow-Up Sequence: Implementing a series of follow-up emails rather than a single reminder can improve recovery rates by keeping the brand top-of-mind for customers. This strategy allows for multiple touchpoints and reinforces the message over time.
  • Brand Reinforcement: Consistently incorporating brand messaging and values throughout the email helps reinforce brand identity and loyalty. When customers feel aligned with a brand's mission or values, they are more likely to return and complete their purchases.
  • Easy Navigation Links: Providing links to browse similar products or categories enhances user experience and encourages additional purchases beyond what was initially in the cart. This approach capitalizes on customer interest and can lead to higher average order values.

How to set up Abandoned Cart Emails in Shopify?

I’m going to show you how to set up these emails in Shopify step by step, so you can make sure your customers don’t forget about the great items waiting in their carts.

Step 2: Go to Checkout Settings
Click on 'Checkout' under the settings menu. This is where you can manage how abandoned checkouts are handled and configure email reminders for potential customers.

Go to Checkout Settings

Step 3: Scroll to Abandoned Checkout Emails
Scroll down to the 'Abandoned checkouts' section. Here, you’ll find options for sending automated emails to customers who leave items in their cart without completing their purchase.

Scroll to Abandoned Checkout Emails

Step 4: Enable Automated Abandoned Cart Emails
Toggle the option that says 'Send abandoned checkout emails automatically.' This feature ensures that Shopify will send a follow-up email to customers who abandon their carts.

Step 5: Set Timing for Emails
Select when the abandoned cart email should be sent. Options usually include 1 hour, 6 hours, 10 hours, or 24 hours after the cart is abandoned; choosing the right timing can help maximize recovery rates.

Step 6: Customize the Email Content
Click on 'Customize email' to edit the template that will be sent out. Add a friendly tone, include product images, and consider adding an incentive like a discount code to encourage customers to complete their purchases.

Customize the Email Content

Step 7: Test the Abandoned Cart Email
Send a test email to yourself to ensure everything looks good. Check for any errors in the text, links, or images to make sure it provides a seamless experience for the customer.

Test the Abandoned Cart Email

Step 8: Save Changes
Once satisfied with the setup and customization, click 'Save' to confirm the changes. This step ensures that your settings are active and that abandoned cart emails will be sent automatically.

Final thoughts

This article provided 10 effective Shopify abandoned cart email templates designed to help you recover lost sales and reconnect with potential customers. I’d recommend choosing a template that suits your brand's tone and making small tweaks to personalize it, as that extra touch can make all the difference.

FAQs

How to customize Shopify abandoned cart email?
You can customize Shopify's abandoned cart email by selecting a template from the Shopify Email app and using the drag-and-drop editor to modify the content, layout, and design elements. This allows you to incorporate your branding, such as colors and logos, to create a personalized experience for customers.

How do I customize my email template in Shopify?
To customize your email template in Shopify, choose a pre-designed template from the library and use the built-in editor to adjust text, images, and colors according to your brand's identity. Additionally, you can utilize HTML or CSS for more advanced customizations if needed.

Does Shopify offer email templates?
Yes, Shopify provides a variety of customizable email templates that can be used for different purposes, such as order confirmations, shipping updates, and marketing campaigns. These templates are designed to enhance customer communication and can be easily tailored to fit your brand's style.

Can you customize Shopify templates?
Shopify templates are fully customizable, allowing users to change text, colors, images, and layout to align with their brand identity. This customization can be done through the Shopify Email app or other third-party apps designed for creating professional email templates

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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.