Over 70% of online shoppers abandon their carts, leaving billions in lost revenue. But there’s a simple way to win them back: abandoned cart emails. With a 50.5% open rate, these emails are powerful, but only if the subject line grabs attention.
In this guide, I’ll share 101 of the best abandoned cart email subject lines to boost open rates and recover lost sales. I’ll also cover proven strategies for making your emails more effective.
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- How to Write Effective Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines
- 101 Best Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines (By Category)
- Additional Best Practices for Abandoned Cart Emails
How to Write Effective Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines
Not all subject lines are created equal. A great abandoned cart subject line grabs attention, builds curiosity, and motivates the customer to return and complete their purchase. Here’s how to craft one that works:
1. Keep It Short and Clear
Most email clients cut off subject lines after 40-60 characters. To ensure your full message appears, aim for 7 to 9 words max.
✅ Good Example: “Your cart is waiting – complete checkout now”
❌ Bad Example: “We noticed you left some amazing products in your shopping cart. Complete your purchase before they sell out!”
2. Personalize When Possible
Adding the customer’s name or the specific product they left behind makes the email feel more personal.
✅ Example: “Alex, your Nike Air Max is still in your cart!”
Most email marketing tools, including Constant Contact and Brevo, let you automatically insert customer names and product details into your subject lines.
3. Use Urgency & FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Creating a sense of urgency can drive immediate action. Words like “limited time,” “last chance,” and “almost gone” encourage customers to act fast.
✅ Example: “Hurry! Your cart expires in 2 hours ⏳”
4. Offer an Incentive
Customers abandon carts mainly because of unexpected costs like shipping fees. Offering a discount or free shipping can motivate them to complete their order.
✅ Example: “Still want it? Enjoy 15% OFF if you check out today!”
Tip: Pair discount emails with an OptinMonster floating bar to display limited-time offers on your site before visitors leave. Cosmetic Capital captured 18,000 new leads with this floating bar:
That’s 18,000 more potential customers to nurture through email marketing.
Read the full Cosmetic Capital case study.
5. A/B Test Different Subject Lines
There’s no one-size-fits-all subject line. Run A/B tests to see what works best for your audience. Try testing:
- Short vs. long subject lines
- Urgency vs. friendly tone
- Discount vs. no discount
Learn more in our guide to email A/B testing.
101 Best Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines (By Category)
A strong subject line is the key to getting your email opened. Below are 101 abandoned cart email subject lines, grouped by strategy.
Get Inspired for Every Type of Email Campaign
Check out our guide to the 184 Best Email Subject Lines And Why They Work
1. Classic Reminder Subject Lines
Sometimes, a simple nudge is all customers need. These straightforward subject lines remind them about their unfinished checkout.
- You left something behind
- Your cart is waiting for you
- Still thinking about it?
- We saved your cart for you
- Don’t forget to complete your order
- Did you forget something?
- You left items in your cart
- Just checking in—your cart is still here
- Come back and finish your purchase
2. Attention-Grabbing Subject Lines
With inboxes flooded daily, these subject lines help your email stand out.
- Where did you go?!
- Hey, you forgot something!
- I did some investigating…
- Is this your cart?
- Still Interested? 🌈
- Need help checking out?
- Quick heads-up—your cart is still here
- A surprise is waiting in your cart 🎁
3. Urgency & FOMO Subject Lines
Creating urgency encourages customers to act fast before they miss out.
- Your cart is expiring soon!
- SOLD OUT (almost)!
- Don’t let free shipping go to waste!
- Hurry—items in your cart are selling fast!
- The price dropped for something in your cart!
- Last chance! Your cart disappears soon
- Only 2 left—grab yours now!
- Your cart is about to expire! ⏳
4. Personalized Subject Lines
Adding the customer’s name or specific product makes emails feel more personal and relevant.
- Alex, your Nike Air Max is still in your cart!
- Still want that {product name}?
- We saved your {product name} for you!
- {Name}, don’t miss out!
- Hey {Name}, still thinking about {product name}?
- Just for you, {Name}—your cart is waiting!
5. Discount & Free Shipping Subject Lines
Offering a deal can give hesitant shoppers the final push they need to buy.
- Your cart just got lighter! (15% off inside)
- Special discount just for you—open now!
- Free shipping on your order—act fast!
- Still shopping? Here’s 10% off!
- We’ve saved your basket (and 15% off)!
- Get 20% off—limited time only!
- Enjoy free shipping if you check out today!
- A special deal is waiting for you!
6. Funny & Playful Subject Lines
Humor makes your email memorable and helps you stand out.
- Your cart is sobering up! 🍺
- Ummmm Alex… We gotta talk 🔥
- Your cart feels abandoned… Send help!
- We never got closure, Alex 😭
- Ruh-roh, did you forget about us?
- Your cart is crying. Cheer it up?
- Don’t be a stranger—your cart is waiting!
- Come back! Even your cart misses you 😢
7. Helpful & Decision-Making Subject Lines
Some customers abandon their cart because they’re unsure. These subject lines help them make a confident decision.
- Need help choosing? We’re here for you!
- Any questions before you check out?
- Our customers LOVE this product! (See why)
- Not sure? Here’s why {product} is perfect for you.
- Still deciding? Let’s chat!
- Wondering if {product} is right for you?
- Find out why {product} is a bestseller
- Let us help you pick the best option
8. Product-Specific Subject Lines
Remind shoppers about the exact item they left behind.
- Your Kitchen Canister is still in your cart!
- Complete your Nike order now!
- Still need those Ray-Ban shades?
- We saved your {product} for you!
- Your {product} is almost sold out!
- Ready to bring {product} home?
- Don’t let {product} slip away!
9. Seasonal & Holiday-Themed Subject Lines
Tie into the current season or upcoming holidays to make your email feel timely.
- Your Black Friday deal is about to disappear!
- Santa says you forgot something! 🎅
- Don’t miss out—Valentine’s Day gifts still in stock!
- Spooky savings! Check out before it vanishes! 👻
- Summer’s almost over—grab your {product} now!
- Holiday shopping? Don’t leave your cart behind!
- Get your New Year’s resolution started—your cart is waiting!
- The perfect holiday gift is still in your cart!
Additional Best Practices for Abandoned Cart Emails
Even the best subject lines won’t work if your emails aren’t well-timed or engaging. Here are 3 quick tips to boost conversions:
- Send at the right time: Follow up within 1 hour, then again in 24-48 hours if they haven’t checked out.
- Limit the number of emails: A 2-3 email sequence is ideal to avoid overwhelming customers.
- Use Exit-Intent® popups: Catch abandoning visitors before they leave with a targeted discount or reminder.
For real-world examples and best practices, check out our post on effective abandoned cart email examples.
Recover More Sales with Abandoned Cart Emails
A strong subject line for your abandoned cart email grabs attention, builds curiosity, and encourages customers to return and complete their purchase.
To maximize results:
- Use engaging subject lines from the list above.
- Follow best practices for timing, personalization, and incentives.
- Reduce cart abandonment before it happens with OptinMonster’s Exit-Intent® popups.
You can stop abandoning shoppers in their tracks with an exit popup like this one we’ve used right here on OptinMonster’s site:
Want to turn more abandoned carts into completed sales? Try OptinMonster today and start recovering revenue automatically!
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