Although they follow a fairly standard template, abandoned cart emails can be made more human, and more effective, through creative copywriting that catches readers’ attention and engages them to return to their shopping session and checkout.
These examples from leading online retailers showcase a variety of writing styles that emphasize urgency and scarcity while adding touches of personality and wit.
Costco
Email subject line: We’ve Saved Your Shopping Cart For You
Forget something?
Looks like you left something in your shopping cart! We’ve saved your cart for you, but don’t wait too long. These items are here today but could be gone tomorrow. Get it before someone else does.
Crocs
Email subject line: We noticed you still have something in your cart…
WE SAVED YOUR ITEMS FOR YOU
WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR?
Kate Spade
Email #1 subject line: one more step to finish your order
so close!
your checkout is incomplete.
don’t let these get away.
Email #2 subject line: psst, forget something?
from us to you
we’re treating you to 10% off
all the items in your bag.
Email #3 subject line: a special offer for you (and the items in your cart)
time is running out!
enjoy 10% off
all the items in your bag
Gamestop
Email subject line: Your cart misses you
MAKE YOUR CART HAPPY!
COME BACK TODAY
Pottery Barn
Email #1 subject line: Forget something? Items remain in your cart
Thanks for stopping by!
You’ve left some great items in your cart. Take a closer look.
Email #2 subject line: Here’s a friendly nudge… Please review your cart!
You have great taste!
Come back and take another look at the items in your cart.
Email #3 subject line: Your favorite items are still in your cart, come back soon and shop
Still Shopping?
You’ve left some great items in your cart. Come back and shop while they’re still here.
Email #4 subject line: Reminder: Your picks won’t be here for long
Don’t Miss Out
You’ve left something in your cart. Come back and shop while it’s still here.
Cafe Press
Email subject line: Complete your order! Take 20% off
Don’t leave us hanging.
Come back and save 20% OFF
Dyson
Email subject line: Complete your Dyson order today
All is not lost.
We noticed you visited dyson.com on Sunday but left the following item(s) in your basket. Simply click below to complete your order.
If you have any questions please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Esqido
Email #1 subject line: It looks like you left something behind…
Psst… your shopping cart is full
There’s a lash style for every personality!
Email #2 subject line: Your cart just got lighter!
Enjoy 15% off on items in your cart
You have 48h until your code expires. Use code: BEAUTY15
MAC Cosmetics
Email subject line: You Forgot Some Unfinished Business!
FORGET SOMETHING?
We couldn’t help but notice you left something in your cart.
Ready to review your next order?
Shinesty
Email #1 subject line: We’ve got a problem
Feral carts are running rampant
HERE’S $10 TO CLEAN UP THE STREETS
Do your part by giving your cart the home it deserves.
Email #2 subject line: Your cart just got $10 free-er.
We Pulled A Lil Sneaky On Ya’
BUT, WE’RE ALSO GIVING YOU $10
In case you haven’t noticed yet, this is an abandoned cart email.
Email #3 subject line: This yours?
At long last…
WE RECOVERED YOUR LOST CART
If you can identify these missing items, click below to take $10 off your cart.
Email #4 subject line: Your grace, just give the order
*read with English accent*
YOUR CART IS READY, YOUR GRACE
I am standing by to take $10 off and arrange shipment to your quarters.
Lush Cosmetics
Email subject line: You left something Lushious in your cart
It’s not too late to reconnect
These goods are still in your cart!
Neiman Marcus
Email subject line: Still thinking about it? You left something behind
TAKE ANOTHER LOOK
You have great taste! Add it to your cart & make it yours
Whisky Loot
Email #1 subject line: Your whisky order is still open, finish it before we run out of stock.
Hi, Joel from Whisky Loot here,
I’m the founder of Whisky Loot, and we get dozens of orders every day, so much that we find it difficult to keep up stock.
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve temporarily reserved the items in your shopping cart – don’t miss out.
If you’re ready for some good whisky, complete your purchase now before it sells out.
Email #2 subject line: Last chance before your cart expires.
Hi, Joel here, with a little reminder: it’s your last chance to complete your whisky purchase.
For the last 24 hours, I’ve held the items in your shopping cart, but there’s only so much whisky to go around.
So if you’re ready, complete your purchase now, before someone else takes the whisky in your cart.
Chubbies
Email subject line: I Did Some Investigating.
DID YA FORGET SOMETHING???
Yeah, yeah, yeah….
This is one of those automated emails that sometimes start with things like “Hey [first name]! Did you forget something in your shopping cart???”
Well Christian, I did some snooping and found out you indeed left some items in…
Your Radically Awesome Cart:
Peloton
Email #1 subject line: Your Peloton Bike Is Waiting
Time to Bring It Home
It looks like you left the Peloton Bike in your cart.
Complete your purchase today and bring home an immersive cardio experience for the whole family.
Email #2 subject line: One Last Step to Bring Home the Bike
Your Peloton Bike Is Waiting
Bring home an immersive cardio experience for the whole family. Complete your Bike purchase today!
Crutchfield
Email subject line: We think you may have left something behind
Still mulling it over?
We noticed you left something in your cart.
Remember, there are several good reasons to buy from Crutchfield — including free shipping, 60-day returns, and lifetime tech support.
Drop
Email subject line: Still interested in the [product name]?
You left something behind.
Looks like you didn’t finish checking out. If you’d still like the [product name], pick it up soon – it ships by September 29th. Free shipping in the USA.
Food52
Email #1 subject line: We’re keeping your cart the way you left it.
Ready When You Are
We’re thrilled you found a gem or two in our Shop. It’s all snug as a bug in your shopping cart, waiting to be brought home. (Plus, keep scrolling for a few extras we thought you’d like.)
Email #2 subject line: Just for you: Take $10 off your entire cart.
Your Cart Awaits
You found a few gems in our Shop (woo-hoo)! Bring ’em home with this: $10 off* your first order of $50 or more. Code: FIRSTLOVE
Email #3 subject line: Take a second look (& $10 off!)
A Checkout Check-In
You found a few gems in our Shop (woo-hoo)! Don’t wait — bring ’em home with this: $10 off* your first order of $50 or more. Code: FIRSTLOVE
Best Buy
Email subject line: Christian, FYI, your [product name]
You’re so close.
We’ve saved your cart. You’re just a click away.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Email #1 subject line: You’ve left behind a cart full of smiles
Bring Wholesome Home
Keep it fun and practical with these great products. Add them to your home today!
Email #2 subject line: It’s the right season for these items
You’ll Love These, Rain Or Shine
We’ve forecasted the best time for you to buy these, and lo and behold — it’s now!