Table of Contents
🛒 Progressive Incentives (Reward Escalation)
Recovering abandoned carts is one of the simplest and most profitable automations you can set up for your Shopify store, especially when done through WhatsApp, which has a higher open rate than emails or SMS, for example.
The key is to use a three-step reminder flow that guides the customer naturally from interest to action without sounding pushy.
First Reminder
Goal: Bring the customer back while their interest is still fresh.
Use a friendly, helpful tone that reminds them what they left behind.
Avoid any discounts here — the purpose is just to re-engage and make it easy for them to pick up where they left off.
Example: “Still thinking about your items? They’re waiting in your cart.”
Second Reminder
Goal: Motivate the customer to complete their purchase.
At this stage, introduce a small incentive such as a 5% discount or free shipping.
Combine it with a mild sense of urgency — something that makes them feel they’re missing out if they don’t act soon.
Example: “Your cart is still waiting — checkout today and get free shipping!”
Final Reminder
Goal: Give them one last opportunity before you close the loop.
This message should sound decisive and time-sensitive — think of it as your final call.
If you offer a discount, make it limited-time, and keep the copy short and direct.
Example: “Final reminder — your cart expires in a few hours. Don’t miss your chance!”
How to Set It Up in eCommix (Step-by-Step)
First Reminder
- Filter carts where Messages Sent is 0 and Created within the last 24 hours.
- Choose a soft reminder template, like “Still thinking about it?”.
- Click Send on each of the filtered carts.
⚡ Tip: Send this reminder 1–3 hours after abandonment for best results.
Second Reminder
How to do it:
- Filter carts where Messages Sent is 1 and Created within the last 48 hours.
- Select a template with a discount or free shipping offer.
- Click Send on each of the filtered carts.
⚡ Tip: Use concise, persuasive language that highlights the incentive.
Final Reminder
How to do it:
- Filter carts where Messages Sent is 2 and Created within the last 48 hours.
- Pick a final call template, like “Last chance to grab your items before they’re gone!”.
- Click Send on each of the filtered carts.
⚡ Tip: Keep it short and urgent. Time-limited incentives work best.
| Step | Goal | Filter | Template Example | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ First Reminder | Friendly reminder | messages_sent = 0 + <24h | “Still thinking about it?” | 1–3 hrs |
| 2️⃣ Second Reminder | Create urgency + incentive | messages_sent = 1 + <48h | “Your cart is waiting! 10% off ends today.” | 24h |
| 3️⃣ Final Reminder | Final call before archive | messages_sent = 2 + <72h | “Last chance to grab your items.” | 48–72h |
Smart Cutoff (Respectful Exit)
After 3 messages, stop automatically if there’s no engagement.
You can tag those carts as INACTIVE or COLD for later retargeting.
⚡ Why it works: It prevents fatigue and keeps your sender reputation strong.
A week or two later, bring them back with a softer message like:
“We saved your cart — still interested?”
or
“Good news! The item you liked is back in stock.”
⚡ Why it works: It gives late buyers a second chance without spamming.