Abandoned checkout flow teardown.

An abandoned checkout flow follows up with a shopper who entered their details but did not pay. It triggers on Checkout Started, sends a fast reminder, addresses payment and delivery worries, and exits on order. It uses shorter delays than the abandoned cart flow because intent is higher.

Trigger and filters.

Started Checkout metric, which means the shopper has typically provided an email address and reached the payment stage.

• Flow filter: has not placed an order since starting this flow
• Trigger filter: checkout has a recoverable link and items still in stock
• Trigger filter: not already inside the abandoned cart flow
• Flow filter: not received this flow in the last few days

Sequence and timing.

1. 1. Email one: you were nearly there (About 1 hour after checkout starts)

   Return them to the checkout with items and totals visible.

2. 2. Email two: need a hand? (1 day later)

   Offer help, answer shipping, payment and returns questions.

3. 3. Email three: final reminder (2 days later)

   A last nudge, optionally with a small free delivery or incentive step.

4. 4. Exit and hand over (On order)

   Remove the profile as soon as an order is placed so the post purchase flow starts cleanly.

Branch logic.

• Conditional split on order value, so larger baskets get support led contact
• Split on shipping cost visible at checkout, with a delivery explanation where cost is the likely blocker
• Split on payment method, adding reassurance on buy now pay later or wallet options

Copy outline.

• Nearly there

  Plain subject, item list and one button straight to the saved checkout.

• Need a hand

  List the common blockers with short answers and a reply address.

• Final reminder

  State when the saved basket may expire, with a gentle close.

What to watch.

• Recovery rate by email step
• Spam complaint rate, since this audience is sensitive to chasing
• Orders recovered from email two, to see if help content works
• Overlap with the cart flow

Common mistakes.

• Waiting a full day before email one
• Running cart and checkout flows with no priority between them
• Discounting immediately
• Broken checkout links that open an empty basket

This is a starting structure, not a promise of results. Timing and offers depend on your product, your repurchase window and your list, so test and adjust.

Want this built and tested for you? See our email flows & automation service or book a free audit.