---
title: "Abandoned checkout: SmartyTap docs | Chargezen"
description: "Bring back shoppers who started checkout and didn’t buy: the SmartyTap abandoned checkout flow, its pixel trigger, the exit filter, timing and example emails."
url: "https://chargezen.com/docs/smartytap/flows/abandoned-checkout"
lang: "en"
updated: "2026-10-19"
---

Canonical URL: https://chargezen.com/docs/smartytap/flows/abandoned-checkout

# Abandoned checkout

Bring back shoppers who started checkout and didn’t buy: the SmartyTap abandoned checkout flow, its pixel trigger, the exit filter, timing and example emails.

Last updated: 2026-10-19

A shopper who reached checkout already wanted to buy. Something got in the way: a price question, a shipping cost, a phone call. An abandoned checkout flow catches them while the cart is still on their mind, and stops the moment they order.

## Before you start

*   **The Chargezen pixel** must be on your store. It records when a shopper starts checkout.
*   **Only known shoppers enter.** The flow reaches shoppers SmartyTap can link to a customer, for example someone signed in or who typed their email at checkout. Anonymous visitors never enter.
*   **Emails are marketing.** Storefront flows send marketing email only, so customers need to have agreed to it.

## Build the flow

1

#### Trigger

Create a workflow and choose **Customer abandons checkout** (the **Checkout Started** event). Each checkout starts the flow once.

2

#### Trigger filters (optional)

Filter on **Checkout total** or **Currency**, for example only checkouts over 30.

3

#### Re-entry

Keep **Allow re-entry after a time period**. It starts at 30 days; shorten it if your customers buy often.

4

#### Exit

Add the profile filter **Placed order = 0 since starting this flow**. It's checked before every step, so a shopper who buys leaves at once.

5

#### Wait, then email 1

Add a **Time delay** of a few hours, then an **Email**: the items, a link back to checkout, and an answer to the usual question (shipping, returns, sizing).

6

#### Wait, then email 2

Add a **Time delay** of 1 day and a second, shorter email. If you offer a discount, offer it here, not in the first email.

7

#### Turn it on

Preview, then **Turn on workflow**.

## Example first email

*   **Subject**: You left something at checkout
*   **Preview text**: Your cart is saved. Here's what people ask before buying.
*   **Body**: The items, one sentence on shipping and returns, and a button back to checkout.
*   **Footer**: your mailing address and the unsubscribe link.

Split new and returning customers

Add a **Conditional split** on **What someone has done** > **Placed order** over all time. First-time shoppers may need reassurance (reviews, returns); returning customers just need the link.

## FAQ

### Abandoned cart or abandoned checkout?

Checkout shows stronger intent, and it's when SmartyTap usually knows the shopper's email. You can also start a flow on **Added to Cart** for known shoppers. Use one or the other for the same shopper, so they don't get both.

### Does it stop if they buy?

Yes, with the **Placed order = 0 since starting this flow** profile filter. It's checked before every step.

### How many reminders should I send?

Two is plenty for most stores. A third rarely adds sales and often adds unsubscribes.

## Related

**Guides**

*   [Anatomy of a flow](https://chargezen.com/docs/smartytap/flows)
*   [Browse abandonment](https://chargezen.com/docs/smartytap/flows/browse-abandonment)

**On the product page**

*   [Abandoned cart emails and texts](https://chargezen.com/smartytap/abandoned-cart)
*   [Flow library](https://chargezen.com/smartytap/flows)

**Learn more**

*   [What is cart abandonment?](https://chargezen.com/glossary/cart-abandonment)
*   [What is add to cart?](https://chargezen.com/glossary/add-to-cart)

### Related Articles

[

#### Anatomy of a flow

The parts every flow shares



](https://chargezen.com/docs/smartytap/flows)[

#### Browse abandonment

For shoppers who only looked



](https://chargezen.com/docs/smartytap/flows/browse-abandonment)[

#### A/B tests

Test offers in campaigns



](https://chargezen.com/docs/smartytap/campaigns/ab-tests)

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