100 High-Converting Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines (Tips + Examples)

Abandoned cart emails are a goldmine, because even though about 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned, a well-crafted email can recover between 10–15% of those lost sales.

Abandoned cart email subject lines can make or break cart recovery because they’re the first, and sometimes only, chance to re-engage a shopper who’s already shown interest but didn’t convert. These emails leverage emotions like urgency, fear of missing out (FOMO), or desire for savings. This can reactivate intent and push a customer back into the purchase journey.

Since email typically delivers a return on investment (ROI) of $36 for every $1 spent, every extra recovered order means a big boost in revenue. For example, a 5% increase in opens might mean dozens more purchases.

In this blog, we share 100+ high-performing abandoned cart email subject lines plus in-depth tips. We cover urgency-based, discount-focused, funny, personalized, and curiosity-driven subjects, as well as multi-email flows. The blog also covers real-world examples and testing strategies to help you maximize opens and recover more carts.

Anatomy of High-Converting Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines

The subject lines of emails with high open rates typically spark curiosity by hinting at a deal, create urgency by highlighting a deadline, or feel personal. The best abandoned cart email subject lines remind people what they want and give them a good reason to click. Keep the content short, clear, and actionable. Now, let’s break down key elements:

• Tone: Use language customers expect from your brand and pick a voice that fits the brand image. It can be playful, friendly, urgent, or straightforward. For example, some brands spark humor, others stick to no-nonsense reminders. Choose what resonates with your audience.
  
• Emojis and  Symbols: Emojis and symbols can grab attention, especially on mobile. One relevant emoji, like 🛒, ⏰, etc., is often enough. A well-placed emoji can boost opens by 56%. Just be careful as too many emojis or spammy punctuation can backfire.
  
• Personalization and Product Recall: Mention the customer or their item. For instance, “Left your [Product] behind, [Name]?” directly references the abandoned item and name. Personalized lines like this can significantly improve open rates by 22%, because the email feels custom-made for the user.
  
• Conciseness and Testing: Short lines win. Aim for around 50 characters or fewer, as mobile inboxes often show only the first 33–41 characters. Always A/B test your ideas, send a few variants, and see what works. CleverTap’s email A/B testing tool can send multiple subject variants and automatically use the highest-opener.

Extra Tips: An ideal subject line gives a clear, single message. Capitalize major words for readability and avoid clickbait. By blending a creative hook with the right emotional trigger and continuous testing, you’ll maximize your open rate.

100 Best Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines

We’ve grouped 100 high-performing subject lines by theme. Feel free to mix and match or use them as inspiration for new ideas. The placeholders [Name] and [Product] indicate personalization. Include your brand name or the actual item for each customer.

Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines with Urgency and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Example: Abandoned cart email from Manana

Subject Line: Last Chance to Save!

The phrase “Last Chance” immediately signals urgency, a classic FOMO trigger. The tone of this subject line is direct, decisive, and results-oriented. At just four words, it’s optimized for mobile and desktop inboxes. The “to Save” wording adds a motivational benefit. Not only are they about to miss out, but they’re also missing a deal. It subtly implies a financial loss if no action is taken.

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Mentioned below are some more abandoned cart email subject lines of this type.

Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines with Discount and Offers 

Example: Email from Pulp & Press

Subject Line: Hey [Customer Name]! Get 30% off if you check out now.

The abandoned cart subject line from Pulp & Press puts the value front and centre. 30% off on checkout is a substantial discount, making the email instantly appealing. Including the actual percentage instead of a vague “special offer” makes the benefit concrete and immediate. The subject line follows a two-part structure:

• Greeting + Name personalization: “Hey [Customer Name]!”
• Offer + Urgency: “Get 30% off if you check out now.”

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This structure front-loads familiarity, then delivers value and urgency in a single glance. It’s skimmable, effective for mobile users, and optimized for fast reading.

Here are 15 more abandoned cart subject lines like this one:

Pro Tip: You can automate discount thresholds: for example, trigger a “10% off” email whenever a cart exceeds a certain value. This ensures every shopper gets an appropriate deal just when they need it.

Funny and Witty Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines

Example: Email from Jack Wills

Subject Line: Your basket is having abandonment issues… 🙁

This line is lighthearted and self-aware, using humor to reframe a sales nudge. The phrase “abandonment issues” is a clever, tongue-in-cheek twist on a psychological term, giving personality to the cart. The sad-face emoji “:(” adds emotional flavor without being over the top. The joke encourages the user to make things right by returning to their cart via a soft but effective motivator.

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Here are 15 more funny abandoned cart email subject lines:

31. Was it something we said?

32. Your cart misses you 😢

33. Even [Brand] carts get lonely

34. Help – our cart is trapped!

35. PSA: Your cart called, it needs a hug

36. Your shopping cart’s having abandonment issues

37. We found your cart… it looks heartbroken

38. Come on back – promise your cart isn’t broken

39. Your cart checked out without you!

40. Your items are lonely without you 😜

41. Not to nag… but your cart is still full

42. Your cart is crying on the inside

43. It’s not you, it’s your cart. Come back!

44. If this were a rom-com, you’d be reunited already

45. This cart has serious abandonment issues

Abandoned Cart Email Subject Line Examples Showing Personalization with Product Recall 

Example: Email from Medley Wine Co.

Subject Line: Hey, you left some really good wine behind

The sentence is simple and fluid, almost like a spoken sentence rather than a typical marketing headline. By referencing the specific product category as “really good wine”, the subject line taps into the shopper’s existing desire or taste, boosting engagement. The lack of aggressive sales language makes it especially effective for premium or experiential products, where mood and emotional connection matter.

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Here are some best subject lines for abandoned cart emails similar to the example shared:

46. [Name], did you forget something?

47. Your [Product] is still waiting, [Name]!

48. Left your [Product] behind, [Name]?

49. Quick reminder: [Product] in your cart

50. Your cart misses you, [Name]

51. [Name], your [Brand] finds are on hold

52. We saved your [Product] for you, [Name]

53. Still thinking it over, [Name]?

54. Looks like you left this [Product] behind

55. The [Product] you wanted is still waiting

56. [Name], ready to complete your order?

57. [Product] misses you, [Name]

58. [Name], your picks are lonely in the cart

59. Hey [Name] – finish checking out [Product]!

60. Return to checkout, [Name] – [Product] is waiting

Pro Tip: CleverTap’s personalization can automatically insert each customer’s name or cart item into the subject line, making these lines unique for every recipient.

Abandoned Cart Subject Line Examples with Reminders and Curiosity Hooks 

Example: Email from PlayStation

Subject Line: 🤔 Did you forget something? COCOON is waiting for you in your basket

The front-loaded emoji makes the email stand out visually in the inbox. It’s mobile-friendly and stops the scroll. The question “Did you forget something?” works as a curiosity hook; it’s a gentle prompt that makes the reader stop and think, even if they already know the answer. The final part, “ COCOON is waiting for you…” incorporates a product tease that acts as a reminder.

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Here are some similar good abandoned cart subject lines:

61. You forgot something…

62. Your cart is still here!

63. Did you leave these behind?

64. You left this in your cart…

65. Friendly reminder: items waiting

66. Hey, your cart misses you!

67. Guess what’s in your cart?

68. Quick reminder – your items await

69. Still interested in your picks?

70. Your cart’s waiting patiently

71. This is a quick reminder – complete your order?

72. Your order is still pending

73. Still on the fence? Your cart’s waiting

74. The items you chose are still here

75. Just a nudge: your cart is ready

Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines Showing Social Proof and Trust 

Example: Email from NOMAD

Subject Line: Nomad Gear is Selling Out Quick

The tone is confident and informative, not pushy. It tells the customer that others are buying the product, implying it’s popular and valuable. The brand name “Nomad Gear” adds specificity and credibility. This isn’t just any gear; it’s gear from a known brand that the user has already browsed. The social proof is subtle here; it doesn’t say “Everyone is buying it,” but the implication is clear: you’re not alone in wanting this product. 

“Selling Out Quick” adds urgency without using high-pressure language. It simply states a fact in a way that encourages action.

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Mentioned below are some more examples of abandoned cart subject lines of this kind.

76. Customers love what you left behind

77. Join thousands who’ve bought [Product]

78. [Product] is a fan favorite

79. Top sellers alert: [Product]

80. Trending now – [Product]

81. Don’t miss a best-seller!

82. Our customers can’t stop talking about [Product]

83. Others have claimed it. Claim your [Product] now!

84. Be part of the [Product] hype

85. See why everyone loves [Product]

Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines with Multi-Email Drip Subject Line Flow

When sending multiple reminders, vary the subject lines to keep customers engaged. Here are some examples of 3-step drip email subject lines.

86. Email 1: Forgot something in your cart?
87. Email 2: Friendly reminder – your items await
88. Email 3: Final chance to claim your cart!

89. Email 1: [Name], your cart is waiting
90. Email 2: Is your [Product] still up for grabs?
91. Email 3: Hurry! [Product] is selling out

92. Email 1: We saved your picks 🛒
93. Email 2: Can we help you complete your order?
94. Email 3: Your cart expires soon

95. Email 1: [Name], come back to your cart
96. Email 2: Your cart items are almost gone
97. Email 3: Last reminder – your cart expires soon

98. Email 1: Your [Category] cart is ready for checkout
99. Email 2: Last reminder – your cart expires soon
100. Email 3: Complete your order now to avoid missing out!

Pro Tip: CleverTap’s Journey Builder can automate these sequences across channels. For instance, you might send a push notification a few hours after abandonment, then Email 1 the next day, followed by a second email after 48 hours, all without manual effort.

Copywriting Tips to Write the Best Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines

Mentioned below are five useful copywriting tips to write the best subject lines for abandoned cart emails.

1. Use of Action Verbs: Start with an action word like “Grab,” “Claim,” “Complete,” “Return,” to push customers toward purchase.
   
2. Psychological Tactics: Scarcity and loss aversion are powerful emotions. Phrases like “last chance,” “exclusive offer,” or “ending soon” create urgency and FOMO. Similarly, highlighting a benefit in the subject can pull people back.
   
3. Keep Tone On-Brand: Keep it playful if that’s you, or straightforward if not. Avoid obvious spam triggers like all-caps, excessive exclamation marks, or misleading wording.
   
4. CTA Placement: Sometimes it’s fine to include a subtle CTA in the subject, “Grab 10% off now”, but often you save the big CTA like “Shop Now” for the email body or preview text. The subject line’s main job is to tease the value.
   
5. Test Everything: To optimize open rates, run A/B tests comparing variations like emoji use, tone, or personalization. For deeper insights, use multivariate testing to evaluate the combined impact of multiple elements like word choice, structure, and length on subject line performance.

How to Test and Optimize Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines

Follow the tips mentioned below to optimize abandoned cart email open rates.

1. Metrics to Track: Start by benchmarking your campaign’s open and recovery rates. Abandoned-cart emails have a 39.07% open rate and a 23.33% click-through rate. If you’re well below that, your subject line or timing may need work. Also, measure your recovery rate (orders recovered vs. total abandoned carts), which is often between 10 and 15%. Keep improving both to boost your email marketing metrics.
   
2. Multi-Step Flows: Remember that more reminders usually pay off. This means each subject in a series matters. Make Email 1 attention-grabbing, Email 2 add urgency, and Email 3 a final push like a bigger discount with a deadline. Use email automation workflows to set up these flows.
   
3. A/B Testing: Set up a systematic test each time. Change only one element per test, e.g., emoji vs no emoji, ”Hurry” vs “Last chance”, funny vs direct. Send each version to a test segment and run the test for a few hours or until you have enough opens, then let the winning subject go to the remaining list.
   
4. Beyond Opens: Don’t judge success by opens alone. Track clicks and actual email conversions too. It’s possible one subject gets slightly fewer opens but more clicks or sales. Over time, use these insights to refine your strategy. Even a 2–3% lift in open or click rate can mean a big jump in recovered revenue on a large list. Continuously iterate and try new ideas, learn from the data, and apply winners quickly.
   
5. Advanced Tips: For very large audiences, consider multivariate tests by testing multiple subject versions simultaneously. Also, watch the timing by testing sending the email immediately versus delaying by an hour or a day, as timing can affect opens, too. Always compare results back to benchmarks and past campaigns. 

Use CleverTap for a live A/B test insights dashboard and personalization rules engine.

Segment-Based Abandoned Cart Email Subject Lines Using User Data

Not all cart abandoners are the same. Tailoring subject lines by customer segment can significantly increase relevance.

• First-time vs. Returning: New visitors may need more encouragement, while loyal customers might appreciate exclusivity. For example, a first-timer might see “Enjoy 10% off your first order,” whereas a returning shopper gets “Welcome back [Name], complete your cart for a reward.” Use names or loyalty status to set the tone.
  
• Cart Value: The size of the abandoned cart can guide the message. For large carts, emphasize their premium nature or special perks, “Free shipping on orders over $200!”. For small carts, stress convenience or a modest incentive, “Your items are ready to check out” or “Complete purchase and earn 50 reward points”.
  
• Stage of Abandonment: Consider where they left off. If someone abandoned the cart at checkout, they may respond to a helpful tone: “Need assistance completing your order?” If they left at product view, a playful tease works: “This [Category] item is waiting for you!”.
  
• Customer Activity: CleverTap’s advanced segmentations and RFM analysis tools automatically classify users and increase targeting precision. You might identify high-value “Champion” customers versus “Hibernating” inactive ones. For instance, Champions could get an urgent VIP subject (“Hurry, [Name] – your premium picks are almost gone”), while lapsed users see a gentle re-engagement line (“We miss you – here’s 10% off to come back”).

How CleverTap Can Power Your Abandoned Cart Email Strategy

CleverTap brings all of the above strategies into one platform. It can help create subject lines that hook the reader and increase open rates in the following ways.

1. Its AI copywriter, Scribe, can generate subject line suggestions based on your brand and goals. Enter relevant keywords like product names and discount terms to craft multiple headline options in different tones for you to consider.
   
2. It comes with campaign orchestration capabilities. You can automate complex flows across email and push notifications, for example, trigger a push notification one hour after abandonment and an email the next day, then monitor which channel and subject line performs best.
   
3. User events, such as cart additions, checkouts, purchases, sync to CleverTap in real time, so your triggered emails always use the latest data. For instance, it can automatically insert the exact cart value or items into the subject line for each user.
   
4. CleverTap’s analytics provide full visibility. The dashboard breaks down open rates, click-throughs, and conversions for each subject line variant and segment. This rich data lets you continuously refine your strategy.