10 Abandoned Cart Text Message Examples You Need to Steal

Is your shopping cart a graveyard of abandoned dreams? You’re not the only one. Many businesses watch sales slip away at checkout. But what if you could grab those lost customers before they vanish for good? Texts have a near-instant open rate, crushing email and push notifications. We’ll show you how to use them right.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Why carts get abandoned (it’s not always the price)
• Which channel wins: SMS, email, or push?
• 10 ready-to-use text examples to boost sales

P.S. If abandoned carts are eating into your revenue, TxtCart can help by sending personalized SMS reminders and engaging in real-time, two-way conversations. With AI-powered responses drawn from your store’s knowledge base, TxtCart answers questions instantly, helping recover lost sales and turning abandoned carts into completed orders.

TL;DR: Abandoned Cart Recovery in a Nutshell

• Why carts get ditched: Unexpected costs (like shipping), a complicated checkout process, forced account creation, security concerns, and price comparisons are the main culprits. Make the checkout experience smooth, trustworthy, and transparent to keep customers happy.
• SMS is your ultimate tool: Compared to email and push notifications, SMS boasts insanely high open rates and click-through rates, making it the ultimate channel for recovering those abandoned carts.
• Talk to your customers: Don’t just send boring reminders. Use conversational SMS to answer questions, offer support, and build relationships. TxtCart’s AI can even handle those conversations for you, 24/7.
• Personalize everything: Use customer names, mention specific products, and tailor your messages based on their behavior. The more relevant your message, the higher the chance of a conversion.
• Timing and incentives matter: Send your first message within a couple of hours of cart abandonment, follow up within a day or two, and offer discounts or value-adds strategically to sweeten the deal.
• A/B test like a pro: Experiment with different message tones, timings, and offers to see what works best for your audience. TxtCart’s analytics dashboard makes it easy to track and optimize your campaigns.
• Stay compliant and respectful: Always get consent, be transparent about your purpose, and make it easy for customers to opt-out.

Why Do Customers Abandon Their Carts?

You built a great product. You drove traffic. They filled their carts. Then… silence. It’s a common problem. In fact, 70% of online shopping carts get abandoned and the reasons are rarely just one. To address it, we need to look at the process from the customer’s point of view.

• Unexpected Shipping Costs: This is a top offender. You see a price, you like it. Then, BAM, shipping costs double the total. It feels like a hidden charge, and customers hate surprises.
  • Pro Tip: Display shipping costs early in the process, even on product pages. Consider offering free shipping above a certain order value. For example, “Free shipping on orders over $50.”
• Complicated Checkout Process: Too many steps. Too many forms. If it’s a pain, they’ll leave. A smooth checkout is key. Think one-page and clear instructions.
  • Example: Amazon’s one-click checkout is a masterclass in simplicity.
  • Pro Tip: Use progress indicators to show online shoppers how far they are in the process.
• Forced Account Creation: “Sign up to buy.” That’s a red flag for many. Customers don’t want another account; they just want the product. Give them a guest checkout option.
  • Tool Recommendation: Consider social login options (like “Continue with Google” or “Continue with Facebook”) to reduce friction.
• Concerns About Security or Trust: Does your site look legit? Do you have security badges? If they don’t trust you, they won’t buy. Bad reviews, or a lack of reviews, can also be a killer.
  • Example: Display trust badges from reputable sources (e.g., Norton Secured, McAfee Secure).
  • Pro Tip: Include customer testimonials and reviews on product pages and at checkout.
• Comparing Prices with Competitors: They’re checking your price against others. It’s a fact of online shopping. If your price is too high, they’ll find it cheaper elsewhere.
  • Pro Tip: Use price comparison tools to monitor competitor pricing and adjust your strategy accordingly. Consider offering a price match guarantee.

Think of it like this: every extra click, every hidden fee, every moment of doubt adds to the chance of shopping cart abandonment. You need to remove those barriers. And you can.

SMS vs. Email vs. Push Notifications

So, you know why carts get abandoned. Now, how do you bring those customers back? You have options: SMS, email, push notifications… Which one’s the champ? Let’s break it down.

Abandonment Cart Channel	Open Rate	ROI	Click-Through Rate	Cons
SMS	98% (within 3 minutes!)	Up to 3000%	Around 30%	Can be seen as intrusive if overused
Email	~20%	Around 400%	2-5%	Easily ignored, can land in spam
Push Notifications	Varies wildly (often under 10%)	Hard to measure accurately	Highly dependent on app usage	Easy to disable, limited character count

The verdict? SMS is the clear winner for cart recovery. It’s fast, it’s direct, and it gets results. Emails are okay, but they’re slow and easily missed. Push notifications? Well, they’re mostly for app-related updates, not really ideal for abandoned carts.

Why SMS Works:

• Immediacy: People check texts immediately. This is crucial when you’re trying to re-engage someone who just left your site.
• Personalization: You can address customers by name, mention specific products, and even have two-way conversations.
• High Engagement: Click-through rates for SMS are significantly higher than email. This means more recovered sales.

But…

SMS isn’t perfect. You need to be mindful of frequency. No one wants to be bombarded with texts. And you need to make sure you’re following the rules (like getting consent and offering opt-out options).

Pro Tip: Use a platform like TxtCart to manage your SMS campaigns. It automates message delivery, customizes content for each customer, and provides detailed insights. With AI handling customer interactions, TxtCart saves you time, increases engagement, and ensures higher conversion rates.

Read Next:  Messenger Vs SMS Vs Email – Choosing the Right Marketing Channel for Your Store

10 Abandoned Cart Text Message Examples to Use in 2025

Let’s get to the good stuff: actual text message examples you can steal and use right now. We’ll cover different scenarios and tactics, so you’re ready for anything.

#1) Two-Way Conversations for Cart Recovery

📩 “Hey [Name]! Not sure about your order? Reply with any questions, and we’ll help you out! Plus, we’ve saved your cart for you. Tap here to complete your order: [Link]”

When to Use: Two-way SMS opens the gate to a conversational element that builds a relationship. This is your all-purpose cart recovery message. It’s excellent as an initial follow-up, maybe 1-2 hours after abandonment.

✅ Why it works: It’s not just a reminder; it’s an invitation. Customers can ask questions about shipping, discounts, or product details before purchasing, increasing the chances of conversion. This is where conversational SMS shines to remind customers.

⚠️ Not every tool offers two-way SMS: TxtCart’s Conversational AI can be trained on your store’s data to act as a real-time sales agent and work round the clock to send cart recovery messages and handle customer questions (ie., shipping costs, sizing, suggesting alternatives) like a human while you sleep, saving you 32x the cost of a human agent.

Example in Action: Take a look at this example. An online store selling earmuffs used TxtCart to reconnect with Jess, who had abandoned the cart. When Jess expressed concerns about shipping time, TxtCart’s AI instantly provided the information and seamlessly offered a discount to encourage check out. This is a perfect example of how TxtCart helps brands engage in two-way conversations to recover abandoned carts.

Read next: 9 Conversational SMS Examples that Generated $6 Million+

#2) Personalized Reminder with the Customer’s Name

📩 “Hey [Name], you left something behind! Complete your order now and enjoy 10% off—just for you. Hurry, your cart won’t wait forever! 🛍️ [Link]”

❓When to Use: This is a great follow-up message if the initial conversational approach doesn’t lead to an immediate purchase. You can send it a few hours after the first message or even the next day.

✅ Why it works: Personalization builds a stronger emotional connection. Using the customer’s name and mentioning the abandoned items shows that you’re paying attention. The discount serves as an added incentive, and the playful “Hurry, your cart won’t wait forever!” creates a sense of urgency without being pushy.

Example in Action: This SMS message from Run Gum perfectly illustrates how to use personalization effectively. It addresses the customer by name (“Hi Elizabeth”) and even includes the sender’s name (“it’s Maci at Run Gum”) for a more personal touch. The message also creates urgency with a limited-time offer (“TODAY only!”) and reminds the customer about the abandoned items with a playful touch (“In case you forgot what you left behind”).

Pro Tip: Use TxtCart’s smart segmentation to identify customers who have previously purchased similar items and tailor your recommendations accordingly. This level of personalization can significantly increase conversion rates.

#3) Urgency-Driven Message (FOMO)

⏳ “Tick-tock, [Name]! Your cart is about to expire, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out. Checkout now before it’s gone! [Link]”

❓ When to Use: This type of message is effective when you have limited-time offers, flash sales, or when items in the customer’s cart are running low in stock.

✅ Why it works: It creates a fear of missing out (FOMO), encouraging customers to act quickly to secure a deal or product. Words like ‘tick-tock’ and ‘expire’ provoke a sense of urgency.

Example in Action: This SMS message from Doomlings perfectly illustrates how to create urgency. It highlights a “LAST DAY” sale with 20% off and a free gift with purchase. The message also includes a compelling image of the product and gift, further enticing the customer to take action. This is a great example of how to combine a limited-time offer with a visual element to maximize the impact of an urgency-driven message.

#4) Exclusive Discount to Entice Purchase

🎉 “Psst… a little something for you! Use code CART10 to save 10% on your order. But act fast—it expires in 24 hours! 🏃‍♂️ [Link]”

❓ When to Use: This is a great option if a customer has abandoned their cart and hasn’t responded to previous messages. It can also be effective as a first message for price-sensitive customers.

✅ Why it works: Everyone loves a discount—especially with a limited-time offer. This message creates a sense of exclusivity (“Psst… just for you!”) and urgency (“expires in 24 hours”). The discount code makes it easy for customers to take advantage of the offer.

Example in Action: This SMS message from BABYFACE LLC. demonstrates how to offer a discount effectively. It uses a playful tone (“A secret sale just for YOU!”) and clearly states the discount code and its value (15% off). The message also includes a clear call to action (“Click to shop”) with a trackable link. This straightforward approach makes it easy for customers to understand and redeem the offer.

#5) Free Shipping Offer

🚛 “Forgot something? We’ve got your back! Complete your purchase now and enjoy FREE shipping on us. 🎁 [Link]”

❓ When to Use: This is a highly effective message when you suspect that shipping costs might be the reason for cart abandonment. Consider using it as a first or second follow-up message.

✅ Why it works: High shipping costs are a major reason for cart abandonment. This message directly addresses that concern by offering free shipping, which can be a strong incentive to complete the purchase.

Example in Action: Anthropologie uses a simple yet effective approach in this SMS. It reminds the customer about their abandoned purchase and highlights the free shipping offer with a clear call to action to use the provided code at checkout.

#6) Limited Stock Warning

⚠️ “Uh-oh, [Name]! Items in your cart are selling out fast. Don’t miss your chance—checkout now before it’s too late! [Link]”

❓ When to Use: This message is perfect when you have limited stock of a particular item or when a product is in high demand. It’s also a good option for seasonal items or special collections.

✅ Why it works: Scarcity psychology makes people act faster. When customers know that something is in limited supply, they are more likely to feel a sense of urgency and make a purchase to avoid missing out.

Example in Action: Chubbies nails the scarcity tactic with this SMS message. It announces “LIMITED STOCK” of their FreeFlow Shorts and urges customers to “Get in there” before they’re gone. The message is concise, creates a sense of excitement, and includes a clear call to action with a direct link to the product page.

#7) Friendly Customer Support Nudge

💬 “Need help? If you have any questions before checking out, our team is happy to assist! Reply to this text, and we’ll sort it out. 😊 [Link]”

❓ When to Use: This message is ideal if you believe a customer might be hesitant due to uncertainty about the product, shipping, or payment process.

✅ Why it works: Removes friction by offering support. It shows customers that you’re available to help and answer any questions they might have, making them feel more comfortable completing their purchase.

Example in Action: This SMS message from Brooklinen demonstrates a friendly and helpful approach to customer support. It reminds the customer about their expiring cart and provides a clear call to action to return to it. Additionally, it explicitly offers assistance from their customer service team for any questions or concerns. This proactive approach can help alleviate any hesitations and encourage customers to complete their purchase.

#8) Follow-Up Reminder

💬 “Hey [Name], we noticed you haven’t checked out yet! Just a quick reminder that your cart is still saved. Come back now and complete your order before your favorites sell out! [Link]”

❓ When to Use: This message is perfect for following up with customers who have not responded to previous abandoned cart messages. It’s best to send this a few days after the initial messages, giving the customer some space but still keeping the items on their radar.

✅ Why it works: Some customers need multiple reminders before taking action, and a gentle follow-up can help convert hesitant buyers. This message reminds them about their saved cart and creates a subtle sense of urgency by mentioning the possibility of items selling out.

Example in Action: This SMS message from Needskin demonstrates a visually appealing follow-up reminder. It includes an image of the product and a friendly message reminding the customer about their abandoned cart. The message also offers a 10% discount as an incentive to complete the purchase. This combination of visual appeal, personalization, and a discount offer can be very effective in re-engaging customers and driving conversions.

#9) Cross-Sell & Upsell

💡 “Hey [Name], before you checkout—customers who bought [Product] also loved [Suggested Product]! Grab both now and enjoy 10% off. Complete your order here: [Link]”

🔥 “Upgrade your order, [Name]! Get [Premium Product] instead of [Current Product] for just $[Discounted Price]. Plus, we’ll throw in free shipping! Tap here to claim your exclusive upgrade: [Link]”

❓ When to Use: Cross-selling and upselling are great ways to increase average order value (AOV). You can use these messages when a customer has added a product to their cart or has just completed a purchase.

✅ Why it works: These messages encourage customers to spend more by either adding complementary products (cross-sell) or choosing a higher-value option (upsell). The discount or bonus offer (like free shipping) provides an extra incentive to take action.

Example in Action: This SMS message from an online store selling winter accessories demonstrates effective cross-selling. After Lana purchased a pink puffer jacket, the brand suggests a white fur hat as a complementary item. When Lana inquires about a pink hat instead, TxtCart’s AI seamlessly provides the information and offers a discount code. This showcases how TxtCart can be used to personalize recommendations and engage in natural conversations that lead to upselling and cross-selling opportunities.

Read Next:

• eCommerce Upselling Guide From 9 Figure Brands
• We Tested The Top 7 Upsell Apps on Shopify – Here’s #1 (2025)

#10) Feedback Request

📝 “Hey [Name], we noticed you didn’t complete your purchase. Was something missing? Let us know! We’re here to help—and as a thank you, enjoy 10% off when you check out today: [Link]”

❓ When to Use: This message is a good option to send a few days after the initial abandoned cart messages, especially if the customer hasn’t responded to previous attempts to re-engage them.

✅ Why it works: It encourages engagement by allowing customers to share why they didn’t check out. This valuable feedback can help you identify potential issues in your checkout process or product offerings. Additionally, offering a discount as a thank you for their feedback can incentivize them to complete their purchase.

Example in Action: While this SMS message from Marissa Ellis focuses on requesting a review after a photography session, the underlying principle can be applied to eCommerce. It expresses gratitude for the customer’s business and encourages them to provide feedback. You can adapt this approach by thanking customers for considering your products and asking for their honest opinion about why they didn’t complete their purchase. You can also offer an incentive, like a discount code, to show your appreciation for their time.

Read Next:

• What Is Cart Abandonment? (And How to Prevent It)
• How to Recover $10,000s By Reducing Cart Abandonment
• How to Calculate Cart Abandonment Rate (Formula + Examples)

Best Practices for Abandoned Cart SMS Messages in 2025

You’ve got the examples, now let’s refine your strategy. These best practices will help you get the most out of your abandoned cart SMS campaigns.

1. Timing is Everything – When to Send Your SMS

Don’t jump the gun. If someone abandons their cart, give them a bit of breathing room. An hour or two is usually a good starting point. You want to be helpful, not annoying. But don’t wait too long either. After a day or two, their interest might fade.

Ideal Timeframes:

• Initial message: 1-2 hours after abandonment
• Follow-up message: 24-48 hours after the initial message
• Final nudge (if needed): 3-7 days after the first follow-up

Pro Tip: TxtCart’s scheduler allows you to automate cart abandonment messages effortlessly. You can even time them to send based on the subscriber’s time zone, ensuring they’re not bothered at odd times.

Read Next: The Best Time to Send SMS Marketing Messages

2. Keep It Short, Clear, and Actionable

No one wants to read a novel on their phone. Get to the point. Remind them what they left behind, offer an incentive, and make it super easy to complete their purchase.

Why brevity matters:

• Attention spans are short: People skim. Make your message scannable.
• Character limits: SMS messages have limits. Make every word count.
• Urgency: Short messages convey urgency better than long ones.

How to create urgency (without being pushy):

• Use action words: “Grab,” “Snag,” “Don’t miss out”
• Time-sensitive language: “Today only,” “Expires soon”
• Limited-time offers: “24-hour flash sale”

3. Personalization Drives Conversions

Generic messages are boring. Use the customer’s name. Mention the specific product they left behind. This shows you care, and it makes the message more relevant.

AI-powered personalization:

TxtCart takes personalization to the next level. Its AI can:

• Suggest related products: Based on browsing history and cart contents.
• Offer personalized discounts: Tailored to the customer’s value.
• Answer questions in real-time: Providing instant support.

This creates a more engaging and human-like experience, leading to higher conversions.

Read Next:

• How to Send Personalized Text Messages That Sell
• Why Personalized Marketing Services Are So Important

4. Two-Way Conversations Increase Engagement

Static reminders are okay, but they’re kinda… basic. Conversational SMS is where the magic happens. It’s like having a real-time chat with your customer, addressing their concerns and guiding them towards a purchase.

Why static reminders fall short:

• One-size-fits-all: They don’t address individual needs.
• No room for questions: Customers might have doubts.
• Less engaging: It’s a one-way street.

How conversational SMS builds trust and boosts sales:

• Personalized responses: Answers specific questions.
• Human-like interaction: Feels like talking to a friend.
• Problem-solving: Removes obstacles to purchase.
• Upselling/cross-selling: Suggests relevant products.

Read Next:

• Conversational SMS Guide: 15+ Best Examples, Uses, & Tips
• 9 Conversational SMS Examples that Generated $6 Million+

5. Smart Segmentation for Higher ROI

Not all customers are the same. Segment your audience and tailor your messages accordingly. This leads to higher engagement and better results.

Targeting different customer groups:

• VIPs: Offer exclusive deals and early access.
• First-time buyers: Provide reassurance and support.
• Repeat customers: Reward loyalty with special offers.
• High-value customers: Offer personalized incentives.

Using behavioral data:

TxtCart’s smart segmentation lets you target based on:

• Purchase history: What they’ve bought before
• Browsing behavior: What they’re interested in
• Cart contents: What they’re considering now
• Engagement levels: How they interact with your messages

This allows you to craft the perfect abandoned cart recovery message for each individual.

Read Next: What is SMS Segmentation, Best Practices & Examples

6. The Right Incentives at the Right Time

Discounts are great, but they’re not the only option. Sometimes, a value-add (like free shipping or a bonus item) can be more effective.

When to offer a discount vs. a value-add:

• Discounts: Best for price-sensitive customers or high-value carts.
• Value-adds: Good for building brand loyalty and perceived value.

Avoiding discount fatigue:

Don’t overdo it with discounts. This can devalue your brand and train customers to only buy when there’s a sale. Mix it up with different incentives and focus on building value.

Read Next:

• 11 Types of Discounts to Use in SMS Marketing Campaigns to Drive More Sales
• How to Create Gift Cards on Shopify That Sell Like Crazy

7. A/B Testing and Optimization

Don’t just set it and forget it. A/B test different elements of your SMS campaigns to see what works best. This is how you continuously improve and get those sweet, sweet conversions.

Experiment with:

• Message tone: Casual vs. formal, humorous vs. serious
• Timing: Different times of day, days of the week
• Offers: Discounts vs. value-adds
• Call to action: Different wording, button colors

How to track performance and improve:

• Use TxtCart’s analytics dashboard: Monitor open rates, click-through rates, and conversions.
• A/B test different versions: See which performs better.
• Analyze the data: Identify what resonates with your audience.
• Refine your strategy: Make data-driven decisions.

Read Next: 15+ Text A/B Testing Examples to Boost Your SMS Marketing Results

8. Compliance and Respecting Customer Preferences

SMS marketing is powerful, but you gotta play by the rules. This means following regulations like TCPA, GDPR, and carrier guidelines.

Key compliance points:

• Get consent: Make sure customers opt-in to receive your messages.
• Be transparent: Clearly state your brand and the purpose of your message.
• Offer opt-out: Make it easy for customers to unsubscribe.
• Respect quiet hours: Avoid sending messages late at night or early in the morning.

Pro Tip: TxtCart makes compliance easy. It helps you manage opt-ins, provides clear unsubscribe options, and allows you to schedule messages within appropriate hours.

Read Next: 

• SMS Marketing Compliance 101: A Guide For Shopify Businesses
• TCPA Compliance Guide for SMS Marketing [+ Checklist]

Use TxtCart to Turn Missed Cart into a Sales Opportunity

Abandoned carts don’t have to be lost sales. With the right strategy and tools, you can turn them into revenue.

Here are the key takeaways:

• SMS is king: It’s fast, direct, and gets high engagement.
• Conversations matter: Two-way communication builds trust and solves problems.
• Personalization is key: Tailor messages to individual needs and preferences.
• Timing is crucial: Don’t be too pushy, but don’t wait too long either.
• A/B test everything: Optimize your campaigns for maximum impact.

TxtCart gives you the power to do all this and more. The AI-driven platform makes it easy to automate, personalize, and optimize your SMS campaigns, turning abandoned carts into recovered sales.

Read Next: 

• How to Get the Most Out of TxtCart for SMS Marketing
• Why TxtCart Is the Best Shopify SMS Marketing App for Your Store