12 ready-to-use templates

WhatsApp & SMS Message Templates

Copy, paste, customise. These are the exact wording patterns we've seen recover the most carts — written for real people, not marketing slides.

5 min read 4 WhatsApp + 4 SMS + 4 Voice No signup required

How to use these templates

1Copy the template that matches the stage in your recovery flow (15 min, 1 hour, 24 hour, 48 hour).
2Paste into your Cartio pipeline node — variables in {{double_braces}} are filled automatically.
3Tweak the tone to match your brand. Templates are starting points, not finished copy.
4Send a test to your own number first. Always.

Available variables

Drop these into any template — Cartio replaces them with real values when the message is sent.

{{first_name}}

Customer's first name from Shopify checkout

{{store_name}}

Your store name as configured in Cartio

{{product_name}}

The headline product in the abandoned cart

{{checkout_url}}

Pre-filled Shopify checkout link (long form)

{{short_url}}

Shortened tracking URL for SMS (Cartio-generated)

{{cart_total}}

Total cart value with currency symbol

{{agent_name}}

Name your AI voice agent introduces itself with

WhatsApp templates

Highest open rate. Best for the first three touches.

Soft reminder (15-30 min after abandonment)

Friendly nudge before frustration sets in

WhatsApp #1

Hey {{first_name}}! 👋

Looks like you left some items in your cart at {{store_name}}. We saved them for you so you don't have to start over.

Pick up where you left off: {{checkout_url}}

Anything you'd like us to answer? Just reply here.

Reassurance + delivery promise (1-2 hours)

Address quiet concerns about shipping and trust

WhatsApp #2

Hi {{first_name}} — still thinking about the {{product_name}}? 🛍️

Quick reminder:
✅ Free delivery in 2-3 days
✅ 7-day return, no questions asked
✅ Cash on delivery available

Complete your order: {{checkout_url}}

Last chance + 10% discount (24 hours)

Convert hesitant buyers with a small incentive

WhatsApp #3

{{first_name}}, your cart's about to expire ⏳

We don't want you to miss out on the {{product_name}}, so here's 10% off if you check out today.

🎟️ Code: COMEBACK10
🛒 Cart: {{checkout_url}}

Expires tonight — talk soon!

Final follow-up (48 hours)

One last polite touch — never pushy

WhatsApp #4

Hey {{first_name}}, last message from us 💚

Your cart's still here if you want it: {{checkout_url}}

If you've decided not to go ahead, no worries at all — just reply STOP and we won't message you again about it.

SMS templates

Use as fallback when WhatsApp isn't delivered. Always include opt-out.

Keep SMS under 160 characters — anything longer splits into multiple billed messages and looks spammy. Always include "Reply STOP to opt out" for compliance.

Short reminder (30 min)

Plain text, under 160 characters

SMS #1

Hey {{first_name}}! Your cart at {{store_name}} is saved. Finish here: {{short_url}} Reply STOP to opt out.

Length: 107 chars

Urgency + low stock (3-6 hours)

Drive scarcity without lying

SMS #2

{{first_name}}, the {{product_name}} you saved is selling fast. Order now: {{short_url}} Reply STOP to opt out.

Length: 111 chars

Discount drop (24 hours)

Push the offer in the SMS itself — no link clicks needed to see it

SMS #3

{{first_name}}, here's 10% off your cart at {{store_name}}: code COMEBACK10. Expires today. {{short_url}} Reply STOP to opt out.

Length: 128 chars

Final SMS (48 hours)

Closing message — also serves as opt-out reminder

SMS #4

Last note from {{store_name}} — your cart's still saved: {{short_url}} Reply STOP to stop these messages.

Length: 105 chars

AI voice call scripts

For high-value carts (typically > $80). Use as the prompt for your AI agent.

AI agent opener

First 8 seconds of the call — earn the right to keep talking

Call #1

Hi, is this {{first_name}}? This is {{agent_name}} calling from {{store_name}}. I'm reaching out because you started an order with us earlier today and I wanted to check if everything was okay with checkout. Do you have a minute?

Objection handling

When customer says "I'm not sure" or "I'll think about it"

Call #2

Totally understand, {{first_name}}. A lot of customers feel the same way before their first order. Just so you know — we offer cash on delivery and a 7-day return, so there's really no risk on your side. Would you like me to text you the secure checkout link so you can finish whenever you're ready?

Discount close

Offer the discount only after the objection is heard

Call #3

I hear you. Let me do this — I'll apply a one-time 10% discount to your cart, valid for the next two hours. I'll send you the link by SMS now. Sound fair?

Polite exit

Customer says no — leave the door open

Call #4

No problem at all, {{first_name}}. I'll save your cart for the next 24 hours in case you change your mind. Have a great day, and thanks for considering {{store_name}}.

Five rules for editing these templates

Speak how you'd speak to a friend, not a customer

Drop the "Dear Valued Customer" energy. Read your message out loud — if it sounds awkward, rewrite it.

Always include the cart link in the first line

On mobile, customers preview the message. If the link is buried at the bottom, you lose the click.

Use one emoji, max two

A single emoji feels human. Three or more feels like marketing spam — and WhatsApp scores you down for it.

Never lie about scarcity

"Only 2 left!" when there are 200 destroys trust the moment they see it on the product page. Use real stock data only.

Localise the language

Templates are written in casual English. Translate to your customers' actual language — including local slang where appropriate.

Want these wired into a real flow?

Open your Cartio pipeline, drop these into the message nodes, and you've got a recovery sequence running in under five minutes.

Open Pipeline Editor Read the Full Guide