Creating the ideal abandoned cart subject line is crucial to the success of your reminder and re-engagement emails. It should represent your brand’s identity and properly communicate your intentions.
In this article, you’ll learn best practices and proven methods for writing high-converting abandoned cart subject lines. We prepared many remarkable examples to get you inspired to succeed in writing subject lines like a true email marketing professional.
Why You Need Abandoned Cart Subject Lines
First, let’s go over the meaning and importance of creating a perfect subject line for abandoned cart email campaigns.
Cart abandonment occurs when a customer adds products to their online shopping basket but then departs your site without completing the transaction.
Sending a follow-up email provides an excellent opportunity to re-engage with potential clients and recoup lost purchases.
To illustrate the significance of abandoned cart emails, examine these statistics:
- In all industries, 69.57% of shopping carts are abandoned.
- Mobile devices have an even higher abandonment rate of 85.65%.
- Abandoned cart emails had a 45% open rate, 20% click-through rate, and an outstanding 50-60% conversion rate.
Clearly, these emails are working. But what makes them so effective?
It begins with the subject line.
As with every email, the subject line is your first impression—it impacts whether your message is read or ignored. A powerful subject line increases open rates and sets the tone for the rest of the engagement. Often, it determines whether a shopper opens your email.
Popular Types of Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines
The following are some of the most common and effective abandoned cart email subject lines:
- Assumptive
These indicate that the consumer merely forgot their item, for example: “Did you forget something?”
- Expressing Brand Personality
These subject lines represent your brand’s voice and strive to establish a connection, making your emails feel more personalized and on-brand.
- Incentive-Focused
These include a discount, free shipping, or an extra item to encourage customers to complete their transaction.
- Curiosity-Driven
Vague or fascinating subject lines generate attention and promote opens, for example: “You won’t believe what you left behind…”
- Customer Service-Oriented
These highlight support and welcome the consumer to contact them if they need assistance completing the order.
- Including Praise
A compliment can go a long way—praising the customer’s excellent taste or product selection might make them feel good and motivate them to take action.
- Friendly
This conversational approach begins with a friendly tone or casual greeting—”Hey, just checking in!”—rather than a hard sale.
- Product Shout-Outs
These relate to the exact item left in the cart, making the message more relevant and personalized.
- Upsells
These not only motivate customers to return to the basket, but also recommend complementary items to improve order value.
- Urgency and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
These use time-sensitive terminology to encourage immediate action—”Your cart is about to expire!”
- Personalized
These tailored subject lines usually include the recipient’s name to address them personally. They will feel more valued and connected to your email and the things they have left in their cart.
- Funny
Humorous cart abandonment subject lines can help develop the individuality of your brand, making your emails stand out in cluttered inboxes.
Best Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines
An engaging subject line is the first step toward getting your email opened. To assist you in identifying the best fit for your brand and audience, we’ve compiled more than 100 abandoned cart subject line samples categorized by type. You can use them as inspiration to write your own top-notch subjects that will help you achieve the goal of cart recovery.
Assumptive Abandoned Checkout Subject Lines
- Forgot something? Your cart is still waiting.
- You left this behind, but don’t worry, we kept it!
- Still thinking about it? Your selections are in your cart.
- Psst… Your Shopping Cart Misses You
- We noticed that you walked away.👀
- You came so close to checking out…
- Your cart has called. It wants to return home.
- We saved your stuff just in case!
- You walked away, but your cart did not.
- What you almost bought is still available.
Expressing Brand Personality
- Your cart has abandonment issues😢
- We do not abandon our carts. Just sayin’.
- Not to be dramatic, your cart is smashed.
- We added the sass to “saved for later.”
- You are too stylish to leave that behind.
- Cart vibe: “Hey, what happened?”
- Our sentiments are not wounded. But your carts are.
- Come back; we made cookies 🍪 (JK, but seriously…)
- Cart left hanging? Not cool.
- No judgment, but your cart requires attention.
Incentive-Focused Abandoned Cart Subject Line
- Complete your order and receive 10% off🎁
- Looking for a cause to check out? Here’s 1 (or 10%)
- Only for you: free shipping if you check out now.
- 15% off your cart—but just for the next 12 hours.
- Finish checking out, and we’ll sweeten the bargain.
- Do not let your discount expire💸
- Your deal is almost gone! Don’t wait until late
- Grab it now. We added a little extra.
- Extra savings? Yes, please.
- It’s not a bribe if it’s a gift😉
Curiosity-Driven
- We have a small surprise for you…
- Something is waiting in your cart.
- You’ll want to open this.
- Okay, this is fascinating…
- Is this still on your mind?
- Your cart hides something👀
- You’ll enjoy what’s within.
- This won’t take forever…
- An unexpected twist in your cart.
- This email will self-destruct in 24 hours.
Customer Service-Oriented
- Having difficulty checking out? We can help.
- Need assistance with your order? We are here!
- We noticed you didn’t finish—do you need help?
- Questions about your cart? Ask us anything!
- No idea what happened—let’s repair it together.
- Can we help you acquire what you want?
- Let’s get the cart back on track.
- Is there something wrong? We’ll set things right.
- Your cart is secure—need assistance completing?
- We’re simply one response away if you need anything.
Best Abandoned Cart Subject Lines Including Praise
- You have great taste😍
- We’re obsessed with your picks!
- Wow. You certainly know how to shop.
- That cart is straight up🔥
- Not everyone could pull it off—but you can!
- Only a person with tremendous style would select that.
- You have an eye for the good stuff.
- Your cart is a masterpiece!
- We’re impressed—and this is rare.
- Good taste will never go out of style. Exactly like you.
Best Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines with a Friendly Tone
- Hi, just checking in😊
- How is your day going? Your cart is still here.
- I thought you might want to come back.
- Just a reminder, pal.
- You left something behind—not a huge deal.
- Hey, there! Did something catch your eye?
- It’s us again. And your cart is still here!
- A slight nudge from your cart.
- We saved your picks just in case.
- We are available when you are ready. 💛
Product Shout-Outs
- Still thinking about [product name]?
- The [item] you chose is selling quickly!
- [Product] is still in your cart; ready when you are.
- Do not let your [product] slip away.
- Your [product] is nearly gone…
- Someone else may seize your [product].
- Quick! That [product] may sell out.
- The [product] you adore is only a click away.
- Did you love it once? Don’t miss out now.
- That [product name] is for you.
Upselling Cart Abandonment Subject Lines
- Your cart is excellent, but it could be much better.
- Do not forget these wonderful combos.
- People who purchased this also enjoyed…
- Before you check out, discover what is trending.
- Add these bestsellers to your cart.
- Boost your cart with these picks!
- Want to make it into a bundle?
- Your order is not complete without this.
- Finish the outfit with these items.
- You’re so close to free delivery!
Urgency and FOMO
- Hurry! Your cart expires soon⏳
- Last chance to get your stuff!
- Final hours to claim what is yours.
- Nearly gone: what you left behind
- Your cart is going to disappear.
- Your picks are in high demand🔥
- Don’t miss out on limited stock!
- Just a few remaining; place your order now.
- They’re going to act fast!
- Only one left—grab it before it’s gone.
Personalized Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines
- [Name], did you forget your [Product]?
- Still thinking about [Product], [Name]?
- Your picks are still waiting, [Name]👀
- Psst, [Name]… you left [Product] behind
- Your cart misses you, [Name]❤️
- Just for you, [Name] – your cart’s still here
- [Product] is almost gone, [Name]!
- Don’t let this offer slip away, [Name].
- You have excellent taste, [Name]—let’s continue this.
- Only one left of [Product], [Name]! Hurry 🏃♀️
Funny Abandoned Cart Email Subjects
- Your cart is crying in the corner😢
- We checked—your cart hasn’t moved an inch
- This isn’t a breakup, right?
- Your cart called us. It’s bored.
- Hey, we’re not clingy, but… come back🥺
- If carts had feelings, yours would be offended
- Abandoned cart seeks loving owner💔
- Don’t make your cart sing Adele again🎤
- Still thinking? So is your cart (existentially)
- Your cart’s writing a dramatic novel about being left
Examples of Cart Abandonment Email Subject Lines from Real Brands
Here are some more abandoned cart subject line examples sent out by real brands. These will give you a better idea of what works for experienced businesses in different ecommerce segments.
Beardbrand
Beardbrand’s subject line is short yet intriguing: “Quick heads up…” It conveys a nice tone while piquing the recipient’s interest, enticing them to open the email.
It also perfectly fits the brand’s general personality, making it an excellent example of successful cart abandonment subject lines.
Lego
LEGO’s subject line, “You’ve looked at some great LEGO sets!” begins with a compliment—an effective method to capture attention.
Compliments not only stand out in congested inboxes, but they also establish a good tone for the rest of the message.
In terms of timing, the most efficient time to send an abandoned cart email is usually one hour after the customer has left your site. This keeps your brand top of mind while the interest is still high.
Perigold
This example from Perigold demonstrates the value of personalization in abandoned cart subject lines. With a statement like “The Kitchen Canister is in your cart,” the email is both a reminder and a direct reference to the object that was left behind.
By naming the item, Perigold delivers a more meaningful and engaging experience for customers, demonstrating that the brand is paying attention and values their interests. This level of customization can help win back wary customers.
It’s a great example of how tailored cart abandonment email subject lines can help re-engage customers and increase conversions.
Public Rec
Public Rec employs the abandoned cart email subject line “You Forgot Something“—a conventional but successful option that draws the recipient’s interest and motivates them to open the email to find out what they missed.
The phrase feels considerate rather than aggressive, implying that the reminder is motivated by concern rather than profit. This technique not only helps to recoup revenue but also creates trust and strengthens the brand’s customer connection. It’s a basic yet effective example of a well-written abandoned cart email.
Rudy’s
Rudy’s uses the abandoned cart email subject line “Don’t let free shipping go to waste“—a brilliant combination of value and urgency. While not a direct promotion, it emphasizes a compelling benefit and encourages the buyer to act swiftly.
Rudy’s differentiates itself from the competition by emphasizing free shipping, which provides an additional incentive to complete the purchase. It’s a clever, unobtrusive method to increase conversions.
Use these strategies and real-world examples to create appealing abandoned cart subject lines and high-performing email campaigns that re-engage customers and increase your bottom line.
How to Write an Effective Abandoned Cart Subject Line
So, how can you create the best abandoned cart subject lines?
Start with these crucial principles and best practices:
- Select the appropriate type of subject line for your brand and audience.
- Keep it concise, clear, and to the point.
- Use calls to action.
- Include personalization, such as the customer’s name or product.
- Increase open rates by using captivating language that drives action and sparks curiosity.
- Create urgency to encourage speedy judgments.
- Avoid spammy language.
- Test and optimize via A/B testing.
Let’s have a closer look at some of these in action.
Choose the Right Type of Abandoned Cart Subject Line
Email marketing specialists frequently categorize abandoned basket subject lines according to their objective and format. Whether you want to generate trust, create urgency, or highlight your brand personality, choosing the proper type can have a big impact on your open and conversion rates.
Keep It Short and Simple
Simple, clear subject lines are frequently the most successful, particularly when combined with urgency. For example, “Get your [product] before it’s gone.”
Simplicity also implies keeping things concise. Subject lines typically get taken off after:
- Desktop—60 characters.
- Mobile—25–30 characters.
To optimize impact, place the most intriguing and relevant section at the beginning. Aim for clarity, not ingenuity.
Use Calls to Action
To encourage subscribers to open your emails and return to their carts more actively, add special verbs to your abandoned checkout subject lines. Using a call to action will help you direct their attention to a desired conversion.
Example:
- Your Cart’s Waiting—Complete Your Purchase Now »
Add Personalization
Personalized email marketing has the potential to greatly increase engagement.
For abandoned cart emails, try adding the recipient’s first name or referring to the exact product they left behind.
Example:
- Anna, your cozy sweater is still waiting!
This minor element makes the message feel more personalized, boosting the likelihood of an open and return to check out.
Create Curiosity
Adding a sense of mystery is a tried-and-true method for increasing open rates. Using questions or ellipses in your topic line creates suspense, similar to a cliffhanger.
Example:
- You left something behind…
This encourages the receiver to open the email to find out what they’re missing.
Curiosity works best when it feels relevant and hints at value without revealing all.
Create Urgency
The idea of incorporating urgency into the subject line seems straightforward, but it is not as simple as it seems.
Generic phrases like “Last chance” or “Limited time only” are typically ineffective due to their lack of specificity. To be effective, urgency must be defined and time-bound.
Examples:
- Only 24 hours left to complete your order.
- Your cart expires at midnight tonight.
Precise timelines provide receivers a concrete reason to act fast, reducing indecision.
Use Emojis (with Caution)
Emojis can make your subject line more appealing while keeping it concise and interesting. While they can add personality, they have limited meaning and should be used with caution. Using emojis effectively in abandoned cart emails requires striking the correct mix between originality and intelligibility.
Example:
- You’ve got nothing to lose – except this great discount 🔥
Avoid Spammy Language
This is our top recommendation that applies to all email subject lines, including this type. Such common mistakes as excessive punctuation, text written in all caps, and the use of trigger words impair the efficiency of your subjects. This can easily make them look spammy, not only for subscribers but for email services that will quickly flag them and might even penalize you as a sender.
Spammy Subject Line Example:
- 🔥URGENT!! CLICK NOW to Claim YOUR 90% OFF CART ITEMS!!!💰💥
Test and Optimize
Don’t be hesitant to try out different subject lines and evaluate what works best for your audience and email marketing. Experimentation is crucial when it comes to abandoned cart topic lines. If open rates continue to be extremely low, think about experimenting and making adjustments. By testing A/B cart recovery campaigns, you may identify subject lines that encourage email openings. Professional email marketers always use this technique to extensively investigate and evaluate the efficiency of subject lines.
Example:
You can send these two abandoned cart subject line variants to different segments of your audience:
- You left something behind🛒(Curiosity and Friendly-tone)
- Only 24 hours left to grab items from your cart! (Urgency)
After this, evaluate which of the subjects was more effective and got your email higher open rates.
Final Thoughts
Creating engaging email subject lines for abandoned carts may seem difficult, but with a little planning and work, you can increase the number of sales from your campaigns. The examples of subject lines that we prepared should help you in the brainstorming stage.
If you want to delegate this important task to professionals, don’t hesitate to contact Flowium. We’ll help you attune your email marketing strategy to effectively solve your cart abandonment issues.
