Abandoned cart flow
Abandoned cart flow (abandoned checkout flow)
Email Marketing
An abandoned cart flow is a set of automated emails or texts that remind shoppers who left items in their cart or checkout to come back and finish.
What is Abandoned cart flow?
Many shoppers leave before paying. An abandoned cart flow reminds them with the items they chose and a link straight back to checkout.
Cart vs checkout: cart abandonment means items were added; checkout abandonment means the shopper started checkout, so you usually know their email or phone. Checkout flows reach more people.
A common shape: a reminder within an hour, a second message the next day, and sometimes a small incentive last. In SmartyTap, the abandoned checkout flow is live and stops as soon as the shopper orders.
Example
A shopper leaves a $90 checkout. An hour later she gets an email with her cart; the next day a text with a link back; she orders that evening.
Why Abandoned cart flow Matters
These shoppers were seconds from buying, so a reminder is one of the most profitable messages a store can send.
Abandoned cart flow FAQ
When should the first abandoned cart email go out?
Within an hour or so, while the shopper still remembers the cart.
Should abandoned cart emails always include a discount?
No. Lead with a reminder; save incentives for a later step so you don't train shoppers to abandon.
Explore More Terms
Browse our complete glossary of e-commerce and subscription terms.
