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You already know SMS recovers lost sales.
What you don’t know is how to write to encourage customers to give their abandoned items a second look.
Great abandoned cart messages that complete transactions boil down to three things: persuasion, irresistible incentives, and timing.
Here are 10 abandoned cart text message examples that tick all the boxes.
Why Send Abandoned Cart SMS?
69.99% of online shopping carts are abandoned.
This means that for every 1000 customers, 700 customers leave without buying.
Assuming you have an average order of $50, that’s at least $35,000 worth of monthly sales going down the drain!
There are multiple reasons shoppers abandon carts, and each requires a specific solution to tackle it. You probably wouldn't use the same strategy to combat online window shoppers and customers concerned about shipping costs, for instance.
Fortunately, it is possible to recover a portion of your lost sales. And it’s through an underutilized channel: abandoned cart text marketing.
Cart abandonment text messages are a series of SMS sent to customers who left a website without completing an order.
So, why should you send abandoned cart SMS messages?
With the average American checking their phone once every four minutes, your customers are more likely to notice a text message than other communication channels.
SMS also boasts a six to eight times higher engagement rate than email, wildly increasing your odds of capturing lost revenue.
Elements of an Abandoned Cart SMS
Customers ignore text messages that serve zero value.
On the other hand, persuasive text messages with attractive incentives win them over instantly.
Here are six important elements to include in your abandoned cart SMS text messages.
1. Shoppers Name
This is just like how you’d greet customers in your abandoned cart email lines.
Address shoppers by their first name in your abandoned cart SMS. Never skip this first step when creating a personalized experience.
It adds a friendly touch to bland promotional messages.
2. Product Name
Abandoned cart text messages are sent after a customer leaves a website.
This can be anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. Because of this, customers tend to forget what they wanted to buy in the first place.
Ensure that your SMS features your product name front and center for a quick refresher!
3. URL
The URL link directs customers to the checkout page, often with their products in the cart.
Tip: use a custom link with your store or domain name to boost clicks and brand consistency across channels.
4. Discount
Discount codes sweeten the pot, especially for customers who abandoned their carts due to unexpected checkout charges (e.g., high shipping costs).
Not a fan of discounts? Offer free shipping or exclusive freebies.
Tip: embed a coupon code in the checkout page to minimize friction. When a brand directed customers to a checkout page with an embedded discount code, it improved its conversion rate by 12%.
5. CTA
The call to action (CTA) pushes customers to take immediate action.
Compare the following two CTAs:
A)“Get [Product] today before it runs out of stock.”
B) “[Product] is running out of stock.”
Version A shows a clear call to action—it tells you exactly what to do.
Version B, however, is ambiguous. It fails to lay out the next step, causing confusion to shoppers.
6. Time Sensitivity
69% of millennials experience the fear of missing out (FOMO).
This is huge, considering this demographic makes up most of our online shoppers today.
In your abandoned cart text messages, pair your incentives with a short expiration date to nudge customers further down the funnel.
//[inject:ad-sms-demo]
10 Abandoned Cart Text Messages Templates and Examples
Cart abandonment text messages are quite similar to the abandoned cart email examples you discovered online.
Both channels' promotional messages include clear copy, a hard-to-miss CTA, and a dash of persuasion.
Here are five effective abandoned cart text message examples that fit the bill, along with a brief explanation on why they work.
1. Action-Oriented
This type of message serves as a gentle nudge to remind customers about the items they have left in their online shopping cart without completing the purchase.
Template: You left a few items behind, [Name]! We've saved your cart for you. Complete your order now before it expires: bit.ly/IYEB Reply stop to opt out
Here's an example of how to get an abandoned cart recovery SMS open quickly.
The one-liner (“you left a few items behind”) continues where the customer left off, while the next sentence (“we’ve saved your cart”) fosters trust.
The message then ends off with a cart expiration to entice customers to complete the purchase.
2. Discount Code
A two-way conversation abandoned cart text message is a type of message that businesses can send to customers who have abandoned items in their online shopping cart.
Unlike a product-focused message, this type of message is designed to encourage a conversation between the customer and the business.
Template: Did you forget something, [Name]? Here's a 10% discount on us! Complete your checkout here with a single click: bit.ly/IYEB Reply stop to opt out
Everyone appreciates a great deal.
Here we have a 10% discount example that speaks to the shoppers’ desire to save money.
Also, note how the one-click checkout adds an extra layer of convenience. No doubt shoppers preferring a fuss-free online experience will complete the transaction.
3. Product-Focused
A product-focused abandoned cart text message is a type of message that businesses can send to customers who have abandoned items in their online shopping cart.
This type of message is designed to highlight the specific products that the customer has left behind and encourage them to complete their purchase.
Template: [Name], our must popular product, [Product], is selling fast. Grab it now to avoid disappointment: bit.ly/IYEB Reply stop to opt out
Fear-based marketing doesn’t always work, but it is effective if you sell exclusive products in limited stock.
In this example, the words “selling fast” and “avoid disappointment” stop shoppers in their tracks and compel them to click the checkout button.
4. Two-Way Conversations
A two-way conversation abandoned cart text message is a type of message that businesses can send to customers who have abandoned items in their online shopping cart.
Template: Hey [Name], I'm [CS agent] from [Brand Name]. I noticed you left some items in your cart: bit.ly/IYEB Do you have questions about the product? If so, hit reply and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! Reply stop to opt out
One trick to win customers is creating a positive environment.
Note how the message above adds a personal touch. It makes the customer feel like a personal concierge is helping them along the way.
Note again how it boosts credibility by mentioning its brand name.
Tip: jot down the most common concerns you receive from this SMS, and address them in your product or FAQ page. This boosts conversions on your website right off the bat and takes the weight off your support team’s shoulder.
5. Limited Time Offer
A limited time offer abandoned cart text message is a type of message that businesses can send to customers who have abandoned items in their online shopping cart.
This type of message is designed to create a sense of urgency by offering the customer a time-limited discount or promotion.
Template: Hey [Name], you left an item in your cart. Here's FREE shipping just for you: bit.ly/IYEB Quick, this special offer expires in 3 days! Reply stop to opt out
The uppercase “FREE” jumps out at shoppers and compels them to read the SMS further.
The message then ends with power words (“special offer” and “expires in 3 days”), motivating them to return to the store.
6. Limited Stock Alert
The "Limited Stock Alert" template is an abandoned cart text message that creates a sense of urgency by notifying the customer about the limited stock available for the items in their abandoned cart.
Template: "Hi [Customer Name], we noticed that you left some items in your cart at [Store Name]. Just a heads up - these items are in high demand and have limited stock availability. Don't miss out! Complete your purchase now to secure your items before they run out of stock. Shop now: [Store URL]."
By notifying customers about the limited stock available for their abandoned cart items, this SMS can encourage them to complete their purchase before things run out of stock.
You may include your store's name, a personalized greeting, and a clear call-to-action that directs customers to your website to complete their purchases.
7. Free Shipping Offer
This template typically includes a message informing the customer about the free shipping offer, how it can be applied to their cart, and a call-to-action to complete their purchase.
Template: "Hi [Customer Name], we noticed you left some items in your cart at [Store Name]. Thank you for shopping with us; we offer free shipping on your order! Complete your purchase now, and the free shipping discount will automatically apply at checkout. Shop now: [Store URL]."
Your SMS may also include any applicable terms and conditions for the free shipping offer, such as a minimum purchase amount or eligible items.
For instance, we encourage you to use a friendly tone and a personalized greeting to engage with your customers and encourage them to take advantage of the offer.
8. Cross-Sell or Up-Sell
The "Cross-Sell or Up-Sell" presents customers with additional products or upgrades for abandoned cart items.
Template: "Hi [Customer Name], we noticed you left some items in your cart at [Store Name]. Why not complete your purchase and enhance your shopping experience? We recommend these complementary products [or upgrades] that go well with your cart items. Add them to your cart now and enjoy [Discount/Promotion/Unique Selling Point]. Shop now: [Store URL]."
This kind of SMS can encourage customers to add more items to their cart and complete their purchase by suggesting complementary products or upgrades that go well with their abandoned cart items.
The example above includes a clear call-to-action that directs customers to the store's website to add the suggested products to their cart.
9. Feedback Request
The "Feedback Request" template is an abandoned cart text message that seeks feedback from customers who have abandoned their carts.
Template: "Hi [Customer Name], we noticed you left some items in your cart at [Store Name]. We value your feedback and would love to know if there was any particular reason for not completing the purchase. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and as a thank you, enjoy [Discount/Gift] on your next purchase. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to serving you better. [Store URL]."
The SMS may also offer a discount or gift as a thank you for sharing their thoughts and encourage them to complete their purchase in the future.
The example includes:
- A personalized greeting.
- An explicit request for feedback.
- A link to the store's website.
10. Follow-Up Reminder
The "Follow-Up Reminder" template is an abandoned cart text message that gently reminds customers who have abandoned their carts but have not responded to previous messages.
Template: "Hi [Customer Name], it's [Store Name] again! We noticed you left some items in your cart, and we'd hate to see you miss out on your favorites. Remember, you can still enjoy [Discount/Incentive] on your purchase. Don't wait too long, as stock is limited! Click here to complete your purchase: [Store URL]."
By offering a discount or incentive on their purchase, this SMS can encourage your customers to complete their purchases and avoid missing out on their favorites.
//[inject:ad-ebook-sms-marketing]
Abandoned Cart SMS Summary
69.99% of online shopping carts are abandoned.
That’s a lot of money left on the table.
Fortunately, you can recover a portion of this lost sales with abandoned cart text messages.
Let’s illustrate this with an example.
Suppose you run multiple eCommerce businesses on Shopify.
You might add SMS into your existing Shopify abandoned cart emails funnel via Sendlane (fun fact #1: our tool lets you connect multiple stores in a single account).
SMS reaches cart abandoners where they’re active the most. You have a much higher chance of (re)capturing their attention and winning back revenue.
When Grey Ghost Gear set up its email campaigns on Sendlane (including an abandonment cart automation strategy), its revenue rose from 1.8% to 34%.
Imagine what your online store can achieve when you add cart abandonment messages into the mix.
Unified SMS & Email Marketing
The more digital touch points there are in a customer’s journey, the more likely a brand stays on top of mind.
Unite your email and SMS in a single cart abandonment flow strategy via Sendlane. Our tool helps you deliver exceptional customer experience through emails and SMS under one roof.
When sending abandoned cart SMS, you’ll want to add a conditional split for Desktop devices. If the shopper is browsing on mobile, the SMS will help target them better!
Respond to customers' questions directly via the Two-Way Reply Center. This lets you support customers and overcome potential objections on the spot.
The recent chat history goes back to 30 days, so you never have to worry about missing context when assisting customers.
Determine ROI via the cross-channel analytics dashboard and individual campaign reporting.
Sendlane provides deep insights into your open rates, click rates, and attributed revenue for each campaign. You can quickly identify common themes that attract sales and uncover hidden revenue opportunities with zero guesswork.
Sendlane also boasts top-notch deliverability, increasing more emails landing in inboxes, and ultimately, click-through rate and revenue.
Our tool never uses a third-party platform to deliver your emails and SMS messages. We own our infrastructure to maintain a quality sender reputation and maximize deliverability rate for your eCommerce sites and online stores.
We also offer 24/7/365 support with a real CS specialist within 30 seconds or less.
Yes, even for trial users!
Start your free Sendlane 14-day trial to recover abandoned carts and improve conversion rates today.
