SMS template · Marketing
Abandoned Cart Reminder SMS Template for E-commerce & D2C Brands
A ready-to-adapt SMS message for e-commerce stores and D2C brands, with placeholders, sample values and compliance notes.
When to Send This Message
Send to opted-in shoppers a few hours after they leave items in the cart. For e-commerce stores and D2C brands, this is one of the everyday messages that keeps shoppers informed without a phone call. It can be sent manually from a panel at first and automated later through an API.
Online shoppers compare prices and reviews across marketplaces, social media and brand websites.
The SMS Template
India (DLT format)
Hi {#var#}, you left {#var#} in your cart at [Business Name]. Your cart is saved: {#var#}
To opt out, SMS STOP to [opt-out number].International (plain text)
Hi {customer}, you left {item} in your cart at [Business Name]. Your cart is saved: {link}
Reply STOP to opt out.Example with sample values
Hi Sneha, you left Cotton Kurta Set in your cart at [Business Name]. Your cart is saved: https://example.com/c/EC2 To opt out, SMS STOP to [opt-out number].
With these sample values the message is 160 characters in the standard GSM-7 character set, which is 1 SMS part (square brackets count as two characters each). Long links or local-language (Unicode) text increase the count, as Unicode SMS allow 70 characters per single part.
Replace [Business Name] with your registered brand name. Links shown use example.com as a placeholder; use your own domain.
Placeholders and Sample Values
| Placeholder | Meaning | Sample value |
|---|---|---|
| {#var#} | Customer | Sneha |
| {#var#} | Item | Cotton Kurta Set |
| {#var#} | Link | https://example.com/c/EC2 |
Filling in each placeholder
- Customer (sample: Sneha): Use the first name or the salutation the customer gave you; fall back to a neutral greeting if the field is empty.
- Item (sample: Cotton Kurta Set): Keep the value short and specific; test the longest realistic value to check the message still reads well.
- Link (sample: https://example.com/c/EC2): Use your own short, recognisable domain; for SMS in India the domain must be whitelisted on DLT, and each variable is usually limited to 30 characters.
This template has 3 placeholders and a body of 90 characters before values are filled in. Shorter messages cost less and are more likely to be read in full; aim to keep the filled-in message within one or two SMS parts.
Category and Approval
In India this is a Promotional template. It can only be sent to customers who have not blocked promotional messages, within the permitted time window, from a promotional header. Include an opt-out instruction as required by your operator.
Compliance Checklist
- The brand name in the message matches your registered business or header.
- Promotional versions are sent only within the permitted hours and only to recipients who have not opted out.
- The header (sender ID) and the template are registered on a DLT platform, and the template text matches exactly, apart from the variables.
Rules to keep in mind for E-commerce & D2C Brands
The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 require clear seller details, prices, return and refund policies and grievance officer information. The CCPA's 2023 guidelines prohibit dark patterns such as false urgency and drip pricing, and marketing messages need opt-in.
General guidance, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements before launch. See our SMS compliance guide for India.
Tips for Better Results
- Send only to people who have opted in, and record when and where they did so.
- Make the offer specific and honest, with a clear end date and any conditions stated.
Need this SMS template set up?
We register, submit and connect templates for you, and send test messages before launch.
Questions About This Template
When should a online store send the abandoned cart reminder message?
Send to opted-in shoppers a few hours after they leave items in the cart. If customers reply, make sure someone on your team monitors and answers.
Can I send this SMS in India without DLT registration?
No. Commercial SMS in India must use a header and a content template registered on a DLT platform. Messages that do not match a registered template are blocked by the operator.
What does {#var#} mean?
It marks the variable part of a DLT template, such as a name, date or amount. Everything outside the variables must be sent exactly as registered.
Can DND Teams set this up for my online store?
Yes. We adapt the template to your business, register or submit it, and connect it to your software or our panel. Share your use case on WhatsApp or through the form.
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