A good abandoned cart sequence is short, friendly and useful. Here are three emails you can copy and adapt, with the reasoning behind each one.
Email 1 – The simple reminder (1 hour)
Subject: You left something in your cart
Message: “Hi Emma, you left these items in your cart at Maison Olive. They are still waiting for you.” + the cart + “Complete my order”.
No discount, no pressure. Many customers were simply interrupted.
Email 2 – The reassurance (24 hours)
Subject: Your cart is still saved
Message: “We kept your cart for you. Do you have a question about a product, delivery or payment? Just reply to this email, we answer quickly.”
This email answers doubts. Add your delivery promise, your returns policy and a real person’s name.
Email 3 – The last nudge (3 days)
Subject: A little gift to complete your order
Message: “Here is a code for 10% off your cart, valid for 48 hours. It is applied automatically when you come back.”
A unique, single-use code with a short validity keeps the offer honest and limited.
Subject lines to test
- Still thinking it over?
- Your items are waiting for you
- Any question before you order?
- We saved your cart
- 10% off to complete your order (last email only)
What every email needs
- The products with pictures and prices.
- One clear button that restores the cart.
- Your shop name and a way to reply.
- An unsubscribe link.
These three emails are the defaults of Recoverly: you can change every word and every delay. See them as customers receive them on the demo, and read the complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many abandoned cart emails should I send?
Two or three, spaced over a few days, then stop.
What is the best subject line?
Simple and personal ones usually work best; test a few on your own customers.
Should the reminder include the products?
Yes, pictures and prices remind customers exactly what they wanted.