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5 SMS Templates That Convert Abandoned Carts to Sales

Did you know? 70% of online shoppers abandon their carts, causing $4.6 trillion in lost sales annually. But SMS can help, boasting a 98% open rate within 5 minutes and 20–35% click-through rates. It's faster and more effective than email for re-engaging shoppers.

Here's what works best for SMS cart recovery:

  • Personalized Reminders: Use the customer's name and mention their cart items.
  • Time-Limited Discounts: Create urgency with a short-term offer.
  • Free Shipping Alerts: Address one of the top reasons for cart abandonment.
  • Stock Alerts: Highlight low inventory to drive action.
  • Help Desk Support: Offer assistance to hesitant buyers.

These templates are simple, effective, and easy to customize. Start recovering lost sales today by combining personalization, urgency, and clear calls-to-action in your SMS campaigns.

TxtCart Tutorial: Shopify Cart Recovery & Checkout Recovery

What Makes SMS Cart Recovery Work

SMS cart recovery works by focusing on instant visibility, personalized messaging, and an easy checkout process. With an impressive 98% open rate within five minutes, SMS quickly reconnects with shoppers who left items behind.

How Personalization Drives Results

Adding the shopper's name and details about their abandoned items makes the message feel relevant. Retailers have seen click-through rates increase by up to 400% compared to email[3].

Quick Checkout Links That Convert

Mobile-friendly checkout links make it easy for shoppers to return to their carts with just one tap. These links achieve click-through rates between 20–35%, far outpacing email's 1–10%. SMS also requires only a phone number, simplifying the setup process[1]. Timing is key - sending a message within minutes of cart abandonment captures the shopper's intent while it's still fresh. Campaigns that combine SMS with other channels convert 47.7% more shoppers[3].

These three factors - instant visibility, personalization, and easy checkout - are the backbone of every effective SMS cart recovery strategy.

Tips for Crafting Effective Messages

To make your cart recovery messages stand out, follow these guidelines:

  • Include the customer's name for a personal touch
  • Mention the specific items left in their cart
  • Add a clear call-to-action
  • Provide a mobile-friendly checkout link
  • Offer an incentive, like a discount or free shipping

Up next: five SMS templates designed to put these strategies into action.

1. Simple Name-Based Reminder

Reach out to shoppers personally by using their name right after they leave items in their cart. This strategy taps into personalization, a key element of effective SMS cart recovery.

[Company]: Hi [Name]! We noticed you left items in your cart. Complete your order now: [Link]

Here's why this works:

  • Personal greeting: Using the customer's name makes the message feel tailored.
  • Clear observation: Points out the abandoned cart directly.
  • Direct call-to-action: Offers an easy way to complete the purchase.

Example That Gets Results

OSEA, a skincare brand, uses this tactic effectively with messages like:

"OSEA: Hi Donald, we saved your cart - secure your goodies here: https://oseamalibu.smsb.co/2b2O7d"

How to Tailor It for Your Brand

Try these variations to match your brand's tone:

  • Casual: "Hey [Name], you left something behind. Ready to order?"
  • Professional: "Hi [Name], your items are still waiting. Complete checkout now."
  • Product-specific: "Hi [Name], still thinking about [Product]? It's still in stock."
  • Keep it short: Concise messages often perform better than lengthy ones.

Consider adding a time-sensitive discount to encourage shoppers to complete their purchase quickly.

2. Time-Limited Discount Offer

Adding a time-sensitive discount can encourage quick action. When paired with personalization, this approach creates a sense of urgency that motivates customers to complete their purchase[2].

SMS Template

[Company]: Complete your purchase in the next 72 hours and save [X]%! Use code [CODE] at checkout: [Link] (Offer expires [Date/Time])

Why It Works

  • Sets a clear deadline paired with a percentage-based discount.
  • Provides a direct link to the checkout page for convenience.
  • Includes a simple, easy-to-remember discount code.

Example in Action

BELLAMI Hair uses this strategy effectively by offering a 5% discount in their abandoned cart SMS. Their 72-hour time frame and small discount create just enough urgency to drive conversions[2].

Tips for Customization

  • Use the customer's name to make the message feel personal.
  • Add a clear call-to-action along with a direct checkout link.
  • Send the message shortly after the cart is abandoned to maximize its impact.

Next, we'll explore how free-shipping alerts can encourage customers to complete their purchase.

3. Free Shipping Alert

Nearly half of shoppers (47%) abandon their carts due to shipping costs[1]. A well-timed free shipping SMS can bring them back and save the sale.

SMS Template

[Company]: Hey [Name]! Great news – your cart is saved, and it qualifies for FREE shipping! Complete your order before it expires: [Link]

Why This Works

  • Tackles one of the biggest reasons for cart abandonment: shipping fees.
  • Emphasizes free shipping, even if it's already a standard offer.
  • Creates a sense of urgency with a cart expiration notice.
  • Includes a direct link to make checkout fast and easy.

Tips for Best Results

  • Send the message within 1–2 hours of cart abandonment[1].
  • Put "free shipping" front and center[2].
  • Add an expiration time to encourage quick action[2].
  • Personalize the message with the shopper's name[2].

Next up: Learn how stock alerts can drive urgency and boost sales.

4. Time-Sensitive Stock Alert

Stock alerts are a great way to create urgency by emphasizing limited inventory. They build on strategies like discounts and shipping offers, adding scarcity to the mix to encourage quick action.

SMS Template

[Company]: [Name], only [X] of [Product] left in stock! Complete your purchase before it sells out: [Link]

Why This Works

  • Taps into FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
  • Creates urgency by referencing current stock levels
  • Includes a direct call-to-action with an easy link to the cart
  • Adds a personal touch with product-specific details

Tips for Effective Stock Alerts

  • Use clear language to emphasize limited stock or restocks.
  • Include phrases like "today only" or "before it's gone" to drive action.
  • Add reminders about cart expiration to increase urgency.

Real-World Success

Atlantic Rancher's Boatyard Shirt and Sweet Cookies restock alerts delivered impressive results, achieving 27X and 19X returns, respectively.

Pro Tip: Combine stock scarcity with cart expiration for even more impact:
"Only 5 left in stock, and your cart expires in 2 hours!"

Up next, learn how support-focused SMS messages can help win back hesitant shoppers.

5. Help Desk Support Message

A help desk support message addresses potential concerns while offering immediate guidance to help customers complete their purchases.

SMS Template

[Company]: Hi [Name], still interested in your cart items? Questions? Text us – we're here to help! Complete your purchase here: [Link]

Why This Works

  • Provides personalized assistance to help customers overcome obstacles during checkout
  • Demonstrates proactive customer service by reaching out first
  • Encourages engagement with an open invitation to ask questions
  • Adds a personal touch by using the customer's name

Here's an example from QALO, a company that successfully uses this approach:

"Hi Timothy, items in your cart are waiting. Complete your order: https://qalo.vip/SPrUI Reply with any questions."

Studies suggest that timing plays a crucial role in improving conversion rates[4]. For the best results:

  • Send the first support SMS 50 minutes after cart abandonment for a 42% ROI
  • Follow up 8 hours later for a 23% ROI
  • Send another 23 hours later for a 15.8% ROI

Best Practices for Support Messages

  • Include a clear call-to-action that encourages customers to act
  • Make it simple for customers to reply with questions
  • Highlight your availability to assist
  • Use the customer's name to create a more personal connection
  • Send the initial support message within 50 minutes for the best engagement

Next: How to adjust these five templates for maximum impact.

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How to Adjust These Templates

Now that you've explored five high-performing SMS templates, here's how to fine-tune them for your specific needs using these practical tips:

Tips for Better Results

  • Target the right audience: Use Bombocart's segmentation tools to focus on:
    • New vs. returning customers
    • Geographic location and time zones
    • Purchase history and cart value
  • Keep messages concise and clear:
    • Stick to 160 characters or less to avoid splitting messages
    • Include one clear, trackable call-to-action link[1]
    • Send messages within the first hour after abandonment[2]
  • Continuously improve performance:
    • Use Bombocart's analytics dashboard to monitor conversion rates
    • Experiment with different offers like discounts or free shipping
    • Adjust timing and messaging based on customer response patterns
  • Ensure compliance and message delivery:
    • Provide clear opt-out instructions
    • Adhere to local messaging laws
    • Track delivery rates and engagement metrics[1]

Combining these tactics with personalization and strategic timing (covered earlier) can boost your cart recovery efforts. Use Bombocart's analytics tools to measure success and fine-tune your approach as you go.

Template Performance Overview

Here's a breakdown of how different SMS templates perform, based on Bombocart customer data. Click-through rates (CTR) typically range from 20% to 35%, depending on the type of message and timing:

  • Simple Name-Based Reminder: Adding a personal touch with the recipient's name results in a 20%–25% CTR.
  • Time-Limited Discount Offer: These messages, powered by Bombocart's automatic discount feature, perform the best, often achieving a 35% CTR.
  • Free Shipping Alert: Shipping promotions hit a solid mid-range CTR of around 27%.
  • Stock Alerts and Live-Support Messages: Both types maintain a 20%–25% CTR by creating urgency or offering immediate assistance.

How to Improve Results

  • Timing Matters: Use Bombocart's tools to send messages based on recipients' time zones.
  • Switch It Up: Rotate templates to align with customers' past purchase behaviors.

These insights can help you adjust and improve your Bombocart SMS campaigns for better results.

Cart Abandonment and SMS Recovery

Cart abandonment results in a staggering $4.6 trillion in lost revenue every year[1]. SMS stands out as a powerful tool to recover these lost sales, boasting 98% open rates and 20–35% click-through rates within minutes. It transforms customer hesitation into completed purchases.

To make the most of SMS recovery templates, here are some key strategies:

  • Personalize your messages: Mention the customer's name or reference specific items left in their cart to make the message more engaging.
  • Experiment with incentives: Try offering discounts, free shipping, or time-sensitive deals to see what resonates best with your audience.
  • Leverage Bombocart's tools: Use automated triggers and analytics to fine-tune your timing and measure the effectiveness of your templates.