Cart abandonment is one of the most frustrating parts of eCommerce. A customer finds a product they love, adds it to their cart, and then—nothing. The checkout process is never completed. In fact, studies show that nearly 70% of shopping carts are abandoned. The good news? You can recover many of these lost sales with the right strategy.
Enter drip email marketing and RCS message—two powerful tools to re-engage customers and guide them back to their carts. In this article, we’ll walk you through 7 abandoned cart email templates that can recover sales on autopilot.
Why Abandoned Cart Emails Work
Abandoned cart emails serve as friendly reminders. Often, users get distracted, are unsure about the purchase, or want to come back later. Your email can be the nudge they need to return and complete their purchase. With personalized, timely, and well-structured emails, you’re not just reminding customers—they’re experiencing a branded journey that builds trust and drives conversions.
When paired with drip email marketing, these emails become even more powerful. Instead of sending just one follow-up, you create a sequence of emails that build urgency, offer value, and encourage action over time.
And if you’re targeting mobile users, RCS messages—Rich Communication Services—can take it to the next level. These SMS 2.0 messages allow images, videos, carousels, and even payment options directly in the chat, providing a seamless experience.
The Winning Formula: Timing + Value + Simplicity
Before jumping into the templates, here are three key principles to keep in mind:
- Timing is critical: Send your first reminder within an hour of abandonment.
- Value matters: Highlight the benefits of the product, and consider offering a discount or free shipping.
- Keep it simple: A clear call to action (CTA) is essential. Don’t clutter the message.
Template 1: The Gentle Nudge
Subject Line: Still thinking it over?
Email Body:
Hey [First Name],
We noticed you left something behind. No worries—your cart is still waiting for you.
Sometimes life gets busy. Just click below to pick up where you left off.
[Return to Cart]
We’ll keep it saved for the next 48 hours.
Cheers,
The [Brand] Team
Pro Tip: Use this template in the first email of your drip email marketing sequence. Pair it with an RCS message for mobile users to double your chances of recovery.
Template 2: The Product Reminder
Subject Line: Your [Product Name] is almost yours 🎁
Email Body:
Hi [First Name],
Your cart is holding something awesome: [Product Name]. Here’s what makes it special:
- [Highlight Feature 1]
- [Highlight Feature 2]
- [Highlight Feature 3]
Don’t let this one get away!
[Complete My Order]
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
Best,
[Brand Name]
Pro Tip: Include a product image and customer reviews. RCS messages can display product carousels—perfect for visual reminders.
Template 3: The Scarcity Play
Subject Line: Limited stock alert 🚨
Email Body:
Hey [First Name],
We hate to rush you, but your [Product Name] is almost out of stock. And once it’s gone—it’s gone.
Act fast and make it yours before someone else does!
[Grab It Now]
Need more time? Your cart will be saved for the next few hours.
Tick tock,
[Brand Name]
Pro Tip: Scarcity drives urgency. Set this as email 2 in your drip email marketing funnel, 12–24 hours after the cart is abandoned.
Template 4: The Incentive Push
Subject Line: Take 10% off—just for you
Email Body:
Hi [First Name],
We noticed you’re almost ready to buy. To help you decide, here’s 10% off your entire order.
Use code: GET10 at checkout.
This offer expires in 24 hours, so don’t wait too long!
[Use My Discount]
Happy shopping,
[Brand Name]
Pro Tip: Test different incentives—free shipping, a small freebie, or a dollar-off coupon. These work well in RCS messages too, with embedded “Use Coupon” buttons.
Template 5: The Testimonial Boost
Subject Line: Don’t just take our word for it…
Email Body:
Hey [First Name],
People LOVE [Product Name]. But don’t take it from us:
“I can’t believe how good this is. Totally worth it!”
— Sarah D.
Still on the fence? We get it. But we think you’ll love it too.
💬 [Read More Reviews]
🛒 [Return to My Cart]
See what everyone’s talking about.
Cheers,
[Brand Name]
Pro Tip: Social proof is a powerful conversion driver. Use it in both email and RCS message formats to instill confidence.
Template 6: The Reminder with Support
Subject Line: Need help with your order?
Email Body:
Hi [First Name],
We saw you left something in your cart. If you have any questions—or ran into issues—we’re here to help.
Click below to finish checking out, or reply to this email and we’ll assist you.
[Return to My Cart]
[Contact Support]
Shopping should be simple. Let us know how we can help.
Warmly,
[Brand Name] Support Team
Pro Tip: Add live chat or WhatsApp support in your RCS messages for real-time help.
Template 7: The Final Countdown
Subject Line: Last chance! Your cart expires tonight ⏳
Email Body:
Hi [First Name],
Your cart is about to expire, and we’d hate for you to miss out on [Product Name].
Here’s your final reminder to claim your items before they’re gone!
[Complete My Order]
Thanks for stopping by,
[Brand Name]
Pro Tip: Send this final email 48–72 hours after the first touchpoint. This closes the drip email marketing loop with urgency.
Abandoned cart emails, when done right, can turn lost opportunities into loyal customers. By combining drip email marketing with engaging, well-timed emails and RCS messages, you create a seamless recovery experience that works automatically—24/7.
Don’t forget to test your subject lines, CTAs, and timing to find what resonates best with your audience. And most importantly, keep the experience helpful, human, and on-brand.
Bonus: Use Marketing Automation to Scale
Platforms like MSG91, Mailchimp, and Drip make it easy to set up automated abandoned cart flows. For RCS, tools like Gupshup or MSG91 can bring your cart recovery strategy to life on mobile.
With automation, you’re not just recovering sales—you’re building relationships. And that’s how you grow a brand that lasts.