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Abandoned Cart Recovery Automation

The Abandoned Cart Recovery automation targets potential guests who start the booking process but don't complete their reservation, using strategic reminders and incentives to convert lost sales.

Overview​

Purpose: Recover abandoned bookings through timely, personalized follow-up emails.

Trigger: User abandons checkout process without completing payment.

Channels: Email (primary), optional SMS for high-value bookings.

Setup Instructions​

  1. Navigate to Automations in your SendSquared dashboard
  2. Click + Create New Automation
  3. Select Abandoned Cart from the template library
  4. Configure the automation with the following nodes:

Step 1: Configure Abandonment Detection​

  1. Set up Cart Abandonment triggers:
    • Time threshold: 30+ minutes no activity
    • Page exit without completion
    • Payment form abandoned
    • Application closed/tab left

Step 2: Create Email Sequence​

  1. Design Three-Touch Series:
    • Reminder email (1 hour after)
    • Incentive email (6 hours after)
    • Last chance email (24 hours after)

Step 3: Add Personalization​

  1. Configure Dynamic Elements:
    • Property details
    • Search dates
    • Guest count
    • Previous browsing history

Email Templates​

Abandoned Cart Email #1 (1 hour after)​

Subject: You left something behind...

Hi [Guest Name],

We noticed you were planning a trip to [Property Name] for [Dates].

Your cart details:
• [Property Name]
• Check-in: [Arrival Date]
• Check-out: [Departure Date]
• Guests: [X] adults, [X] children
• Total: $[Amount]

Quick reminder: This property is currently available for your dates, but our inventory changes rapidly.

Continue where you left off:
[Complete Booking Button]

Need assistance? Our team is here to help:
• Call: [Phone Number]
• Email: [Email]
• Live chat available now

Best regards,
[Guest Relations Team]

P.S. Properties in [Location] for your dates are booking up fast!

Abandoned Cart Email #2 (6 hours after)​

Subject: Save 5% on your [Location] getaway

[Guest Name],

We'd hate for you to miss out on this amazing property!

[Property Name] - [Location]
$[Original Price] → $[Discounted Price] per night

Your exclusive offer:
• 5% off total stay
• Free early check-in
• Flexible cancellation policy
• Limited time: Next 12 hours

Booking summary:
[Image of property]
[Property Name]
✓ [X] bedrooms, [X] bathrooms
✓ [Notable amenity 1]
✓ [Notable amenity 2]
✓ Only [X] similar properties still available

[Book Now & Save 5%]

Time-sensitive offer expires in 12 hours!

Why book with us:
• Price match guarantee
• 24/7 customer support
• Professional cleaning standards
• Secure payment processing

Questions? Reply to this email or call [Phone].

Looking forward to hosting you!
[Sales Team]

Abandoned Cart Email #3 (24 hours after)​

Subject: Final notice: Your [Property] booking expires soon

Dear [Guest Name],

This is your final reminder about the property you were interested in:

[Property Name]
[Dates]
Total: $[Amount]

⚠️ Your shopping cart expires in 6 hours

Alternative options nearby:
1. [Similar property] - $[Price]/night
2. [Another option] - $[Price]/night
3. [Third option] - $[Price]/night

Not ready to book yet? Here's what's happening:
• Your search showed [X] properties available
• In the last 24 hours, [X] have been booked
• Very few options remain for peak dates

Still interested in [Original Property]?
[Finish Booking Now]

Or explore alternatives:
[Browse Similar Properties]

Need help? We're here for you:
[Phone] - Available until 10 PM EST

Best regards,
[Customer Care Team]

P.S. Booking with [Company] guarantees you're getting the best published rates.

High-Value Cart SMS Follow-up​

Hi [Name], just 1 click to book [Property] for [Dates]. Save 5% - complete now: [Link]. Questions? Text or call [Phone].

Email Variations by Cart Value​

High-Value Abandonment ($1000+)​

Subject: Personal assistance with your $[Amount] vacation booking

Dear [Guest Name],

I'm personally reaching out about your recent search for [Property Name] - a premium property I know well.

Your travel dates: [Dates]
Estimated value: $[Amount]

Let me help:
• Personal property tour (virtual or in-person)
• Flexible payment plan available
• Complimentary concierge services
• Guaranteed best rate

I can also discuss:
- Nearby activities and events
- Airport transportation
- Chef or grocery delivery services
- Special occasion arrangements

Call me directly at [Phone] or reply to schedule a call.

Best regards,
[Vacation Specialist]
[Direct email]

Repeat Guest Abandonment​

Subject: Welcome back [Guest Name] - we missed you!

Hi [Guest Name],

We noticed you were looking at [Property] for your next trip - great choice!

As a returning guest, we'd like to offer:
• 5% returning guest discount
• Guaranteed room upgrade availability
• Early check-in priority
• Your previous favorite amenities noted

Last year you stayed at [Previous Property] and rated us [Rating] stars. We hope to exceed your expectations again!

[Complete Your Booking]

Can't complete right now? Call me directly at [Phone] to hold your dates.

Looking forward to welcoming you back!
[Loyalty Program Manager]

Recovery Incentives by Segment​

Budget-Conscious Travelers​

Money-Saving Offers:
• 5% cart recovery discount
• Free cleaning fee waiver
• Extended cancellation window
• Price protection guarantee

"Book now, pay later" options available

Luxury Travelers​

VIP Perks:
• Complimentary upgrade request
• Private check-in service
• Welcome amenity package
• Priority communication channel

Exclusive experiences available

Group Bookings​

Group Benefits:
• Additional 3% group discount
• Free event planning consultation
• Group activity coordination
• Shared amenity bookings

Perfect for [Family Reunions/Corporate Retreats/Wedding Parties]

Technical Implementation​

Cart Recovery Triggers​

TRIGGER CONDITIONS:
• Shopping cart created
• Property selected and dated chosen
• Guest information entered
• At checkout page >30 seconds
• No completion in X minutes
• Page closed or navigated away

Dynamic Content Variables​

{property_name}
{check_in_date}
{check_out_date}
{total_price}
{discounted_price}
{nights_count}
{guest_count}
{previously_viewed_properties}
{similar_available_properties}
{competitor_pricing}

Seasonal Campaign Adjustments​

High Season (June-August)​

Urgency Elements:
• "Only [X] properties left for your dates"
• "90% of summer inventory booked"
• "Price may increase without notice"
• "Waitlist forming for this property"

Off-Season (Winter months)​

Value Propositions:
• "Book now, travel later - lock winter rates"
• "Flexible cancellation through [Date]"
• "Extra night free on extended stays"
• "Off-season special activities included"

Holiday Periods​

Holiday Features:
• "New Year's festivities nearby"
• "Holiday decorations included"
• "Family gathering perfect property"
• "Christmas markets within walking distance"

A/B Testing Framework​

Email Elements to Test​

  1. Subject Lines:

    • Question vs. statement
    • Urgency vs. benefit-focused
    • Personalization level

  2. Send Timing:

    • 30 min vs. 1 hour first email
    • 6 hour vs. 12 hour second email
    • 24 hour vs. 48 hour final

  3. Discount Offers:

    • 5% vs. 10% discount
    • Dollar amount vs. percentage
    • Limited time vs. extended offer

  4. Call-to-Action:

    • Button text variations
    • Single vs. multiple CTAs
    • Phone vs. email contact

Success Metrics to Track​

  • Cart abandonment rate by channel
  • Email open rates by sequence position
  • Click-through rates per email
  • Conversion rates by offer type
  • Average order value recovery
  • Revenue recovered per campaign
  • Time to conversion after email

Best Practices​

  • Send first email within 1 hour
  • Personalize with specific property details
  • Use progressive discounting carefully
  • Include property images in emails
  • Offer multiple completion options
  • Provide easy customer support access
  • Test different discount thresholds
  • Monitor inventory levels