Overview
Abandoned cart emails have collapsed to the same 10%-off template. This Make scenario writes a per-cart email that references the specific product left behind, ties it to a real use case, and — for repeat customers — nods to previous purchases. Conversion lifts because it doesn't feel like an autoresponder.
How it works
- Trigger: Shopify webhook on checkout abandonment (1 hour after last activity).
- Enrichment: pull the customer's past orders and any tags.
- OpenAI prompt writes a short, personal email referencing product name(s), a use case tied to past purchases, and a soft CTA.
- The draft is sent via Klaviyo (or SendGrid) with UTM tagging.
- A separate reporting scenario tracks open, click, and conversion per generated email.
Benefits
- Higher open + reply rates than templated abandoned cart flows.
- Feels human because it references specifics only your store would know.
- Preserves brand voice via a shared voice guide.
Use cases
- Mid-market DTC brands with AOV > $60.
- Stores with strong repeat-purchase behavior.
- Any category where the product needs context (skincare, cookware, hobbies).
Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Whitelist the products worth personalizing
For low-AOV items the ROI is negative. Filter carts to >$40 and to products where you have clear use-case copy.
Step 2: Author the voice guide
Same rules as your blog voice, plus: no discount language, no fake urgency, no emojis. Personal, not salesy.
Step 3: Build the enrichment step
Past orders + customer tags. This is what turns 'come back' into 'you loved X, this is its category upgrade'.
Step 4: Constrain the model's output length
80-120 words. Longer feels like a newsletter; shorter feels like a bot.
Step 5: A/B against your current flow
50/50 split for 2 weeks. Measure reply rate, not just click rate — replies indicate the email felt personal.
Example
Email body: 'Hey Amy — you left the ceramic braiser in your cart. Since you bought the Dutch oven in March, I thought you'd want to know these two are our team's most-recommended pair for winter braising. No rush — the cart holds for 14 days.'