Checkout recovery
Shopify Abandoned Checkout Recovery: The Complete Playbook
Abandoned checkout recovery is different from abandoned cart recovery. These shoppers entered payment details or reached the final step — they were seconds from buying. This playbook shows how to win them back.
Why checkout abandoners are your best recovery targets
Checkout abandoners convert at 2–3× the rate of cart abandoners in recovery campaigns. They already decided to buy — something stopped them. Payment failure, shipping sticker shock, or distraction. Your job is to remove the blocker and make returning effortless.
Checkout recovery email timing
Send faster than cart recovery. First email at 30–60 minutes (not 24 hours). Include the exact checkout URL, not just the cart. Show the full order summary with shipping included.
If the likely cause was shipping cost, address it directly: 'Complete your order — free shipping on this cart' (if you can offer it).
Automate checkout-specific recovery
Many tools only trigger on cart events. RevWatch monitors checkout abandonment specifically and sends targeted recovery sequences. Run the free audit to see how much checkout abandonment costs your store.