Most shoppers who add something to their cart leave without paying. Shopify can email them, but many Indian shoppers check WhatsApp far more often than email. This guide shows how to set up a WhatsApp cart reminder that brings them back. (For why WhatsApp works for carts, read Abandoned carts got you down?.)
What you need
- A Shopify store that collects the shopper’s phone number at checkout, with marketing consent.
- A WhatsApp Business API number. The WhatsApp Business app can’t send automatic messages.
- A tool that reads Shopify’s abandoned checkouts and sends the message, such as the Hello24 Shopify app.
Step 1: Collect phone numbers early
Shopify only knows about an abandoned checkout once the shopper enters contact details. In Settings → Checkout, make the phone number required (or “phone or email”) and put it near the top. Add a WhatsApp opt-in tick box so you have consent to send marketing messages.
Step 2: Write the reminder template
Cart reminders are marketing templates in Meta’s rules. Keep them short and specific:
Hi {{1}}, you left {{2}} in your cart at {{3}}. It’s still saved for you. Tap below to finish your order.
[Complete my order]
Tips:
- Use the product name and image (an image header) so the shopper remembers what they picked.
- Make the button open the saved checkout, not your home page.
- Add a “Stop reminders” quick reply. It lowers blocks.
Check it with the free template preview tool and our template approval guide.
Step 3: Get the timing right
A good starting sequence:
- 30–60 minutes after the checkout is abandoned: a plain reminder.
- About 24 hours later: answer a doubt (delivery time, returns, sizing) or offer help from a person.
- 2–3 days later (optional): a small incentive such as free shipping, for high-value carts only.
Stop the sequence as soon as the order is placed.
Step 4: Let them pay inside WhatsApp
Every extra screen loses buyers. Hello24 can send a payment link in the chat, so the shopper pays without reloading the checkout. Nutrabox, one of our customers, recovered 2x more abandoned carts after switching to pay-on-WhatsApp.
Step 5: Measure what matters
Track, per message in the sequence:
- Recovery rate: recovered orders ÷ reminders sent.
- Revenue recovered against WhatsApp charges (about ₹0.86 per marketing message in India; try the pricing calculator).
- Block and opt-out rate. If it rises, send fewer reminders or improve the copy.
Common mistakes
- Sending the first reminder after a day: the intent has gone.
- Giving a discount in every reminder: shoppers learn to abandon on purpose.
- Linking to the product page instead of the filled checkout.
Want it set up for you? Hello24 includes abandoned cart recovery on every plan, with 1:1 onboarding. Get a demo.