Key takeaways
- Turn on the abandoned checkout automation in Marketing → Automations.
- Send 3 emails: a reminder, social proof, then (optionally) a small incentive.
- Use Klaviyo or a similar app for more advanced flows as you grow.
How to turn on abandoned cart emails in Shopify
Go to Marketing → Automations
Find the Abandoned checkout template (some older stores also have settings under Settings → Notifications).
Activate the automation
Turn it on and choose the delay before the first email.
Customize the email
Add your logo and brand colors, and write a friendly subject line. Keep the cart contents and checkout button visible.
Add follow-ups
Add a second and third email to the flow with longer delays.
Test it
Start a checkout with your email, leave it, and check the emails arrive.
A simple 3-email sequence
| When | Message | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Reminder | 1 hour | You left something behind, with the cart and checkout button |
| 2. Reassurance | 24 hours | Reviews, guarantees, free returns, FAQs |
| 3. Incentive (optional) | 48–72 hours | Small discount or free shipping. See creating discount codes |
Subject lines that work
- "Still thinking it over?"
- "Your cart is saved, but not for long"
- "Here's what other customers say about [product]"
- "A little something to help you decide"
Reviews in email 2 are powerful social proof. Set them up with how to add reviews to Shopify.
Start Shopify with abandoned cart recovery built in (opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions
Does Shopify send abandoned cart emails automatically?
Shopify includes an abandoned checkout automation, but you need to make sure it's turned on and customized in Marketing → Automations.
When should I send abandoned cart emails?
A common sequence is 1 hour, 24 hours and 48–72 hours after abandonment.
Should abandoned cart emails include a discount?
Not in the first email. Many stores add a small discount in the second or third email only, so they don't train customers to abandon on purpose.