Abandoned cart WhatsApp templates that bring orders
5 abandoned cart WhatsApp templates modelled on real messages. Cart reminders without a discount bring an order from 14.8% of delivered messages.
A cart reminder brings the shopper back to the basket they left, and it does best when it goes out within 2 hours. On TextYess, 13.3% of the median brand’s delivered cart messages are followed by an order within 48 hours. Brands that send it with no discount do slightly better, at 14.8%.
What works, from the messages brands send on TextYess
You don’t need a discount. Cart flows with no code bring orders from 14.8% of delivered messages for the median brand, against 12.7% for flows with a code. On the first message alone, a code did no better: 11.8% with, 12.9% without.
Send it within 2 hours. Most brands send the first message within 30 minutes. Brands that wait more than 6 hours drop to 6.7%.
Offer help. Flows that say “if you have any questions, message me” reach 14.95% against 12.36% for those that don’t. Within the same brand, flows with the help line do 1.11× better.
Name the product and give a true reason. One handmade jewellery brand names the bracelet left in the basket and explains that each piece is made by hand in small batches. That message brings an order from 29.7% of delivered messages.
Length and emoji don’t matter. Short and long reminders, with or without emoji, perform the same. What matters is the button: the few flows without one reached 7.8% (a small group, but a big gap).
Templates
1. The short classic
The template behind one of the best fashion results on TextYess (32.8%). Short, friendly, one clear button. Use it as your default.
Message |
|---|
👋 Hi {{first_name}}, it’s {{brand}}. Tap below to finish your order in a few seconds 👇 |
Header: none
Buttons: URL “Complete my order”
Example values: {{first_name}} = Emma, {{brand}} = Casa Lino
2. A person offering help
Written in the voice of someone on the team, with an open invitation to ask. Modelled on a fashion brand’s reminder that converts at 30.7%. Put the real name of the person who answers the chat.
Message |
|---|
Hi {{first_name}}, I’m Sophie from {{brand}} 💛 Can I help you choose? If you’re unsure about anything, just message me here and I’ll do my best to help. When you’re ready, tap “View my basket” below 🛍 |
Header: none
Buttons: URL “View my basket”, quick reply “STOP”
Example values: {{first_name}} = Emma, {{brand}} = Casa Lino
3. Name the product, give a reason
Names the item and says one true thing that makes it worth finishing the order: handmade, small batches, slow to restock. Modelled on the handmade jewellery message above (29.7%). Only use the reason if it is true for your brand.
Message |
|---|
Your {{product_name}} is still in your basket 🖤 If you have any questions, we’re here. |
Header: none
Buttons: URL “Complete my order”, quick reply “STOP”
Example values: {{product_name}} = hematite bracelet
4. Help with size or fit
For fashion and anything with sizes. It names what was in the basket and offers the help people most often need before they buy. Modelled on an outfit brand’s reminder at 23.8%.
Message |
|---|
Hi {{first_name}}, Sophie from {{brand}} here ✨ Not sure about the size, or want a hand finishing your order? Just reply here. |
Header: none
Buttons: URL “Complete my order”
Example values: {{first_name}} = Emma, {{brand}} = Casa Lino, {{product_name}} = pinstripe trousers
5. Delivery and returns, spelled out
For higher-ticket items where the doubt is cost or risk, not the product. A rug brand that sells abroad sends this kind of message and gets 19.8%. Only list terms you really offer.
Message |
|---|
Hi {{first_name}}, you left something in your basket at {{brand}} 🏡 Your basket is saved and ready when you are 👇 |
Header: none
Buttons: URL “Complete my order”
Example values: {{first_name}} = Emma, {{brand}} = Casa Lino, {{return_days}} = 30
When to send it
Send the first message within 30 minutes to 2 hours of the shopper leaving, and cancel it if they order in the meantime. If you want a second message, send it about 24 hours later: on TextYess it brings around 28% of a cart flow’s orders. Stop there, because flows with three or more messages fall to 7.5% per message. With TextYess the reminder goes out automatically from your Shopify checkout data.
Meta category
A cart reminder is a marketing template, even though the shopper started the cart. Meta says so explicitly, and a utility submission will be rejected or moved to marketing. Adding a discount doesn’t change anything: it stays marketing. Source: Meta template categorisation.
Avoid rejection
Don’t start or end the body with a variable. “Hi {{first_name}}” is fine. A body that opens with “{{product_name}}” is not, which is why template 3 starts with “Your”.
Keep enough fixed words around the variables. A two-line message with three variables is likely to be rejected.
Button labels can be 25 characters at most. “Complete my order” and “View my basket” fit.
If you add a quick reply (STOP) next to a URL button, the message can’t be viewed on WhatsApp desktop. Keep that in mind if many of your customers use it.
Don’t submit it as utility. Full rules: Meta template review.
FAQ
Should I add a discount to the abandoned cart message?
Not to the first one. On TextYess, cart flows without a code bring slightly more orders per message (14.8% against 12.7%), and a code on the first message did no better. If you use a discount, keep it for the second message.
How long after the cart is abandoned should I send it?
Within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Brands that wait more than 6 hours see results fall to about half.
How many cart reminders should I send?
Two at most. The second, about 24 hours later, brings around 28% of the flow's orders. A third message lowers the return on every message sent.
Can I send it automatically from Shopify?
Yes. With TextYess, the reminder is triggered by the abandoned checkout in Shopify and stops if the customer orders first.
Related templates
Abandoned cart reminder with a discount, Back in stock and Order confirmation.
See all 20 WhatsApp message templates for ecommerce.
Author info
Head of Marketing
