Cart abandonment is one of the biggest challenges eCommerce brands face today.
In fact, nearly 70% of online shoppers abandon their carts before completing a purchase. That means 7 out of 10 potential customers leave without buying, leading to significant lost revenue.
But what if you could bring them back?
That’s where WhatsApp API comes in. With real-time messaging and automation, businesses can re-engage lost shoppers, send timely reminders, and even offer incentives to nudge them toward checkout.
In this post, we’ll show you how to use WhatsApp Business API to recover abandoned carts and turn missed opportunities into conversions.
Understanding Cart Abandonment
Cart abandonment happens when shoppers add items to their cart but leave without checking out, leading to billions in lost sales every year. Around $4.6 trillion worth of merchandise is left behind annually, making it a huge missed opportunity for eCommerce brands. Even recovering a small portion of these lost sales can significantly impact revenue.
While some shoppers walk away due to indecision, many abandon their carts for reasons that can be fixed. Understanding why this happens is the first step to turning those lost checkouts into completed purchases.
Common Reasons for Cart Abandonment
Several factors contribute to cart abandonment. Here are the most common ones:
– Unexpected extra costs: Around 47% of shoppers abandon their carts when faced with unexpected charges, such as shipping fees or taxes.
– Complicated checkout process: A long or confusing checkout process causes 28% of shoppers to leave before completing their purchase.
– Discount code issues: Around 46% of customers abandon their carts when discount codes fail to work, leading to frustration and lost sales.
– Mandatory account creation: About 25% of shoppers abandon their carts when a website requires them to create an account before they can check out.
– Limited payment options: Nearly 48% of business buyers leave their carts due to a lack of preferred payment methods.
Benefits of Using WhatsApp API for Cart Recovery
Here are some key benefits of using WhatsApp API for cart recovery:
Higher open and response rates
Unlike emails that often go unread or ads that get ignored, WhatsApp messages are almost always opened. With a read rate of over 90%, your cart recovery messages are far more likely to reach customers and get a response. The quicker they see your message, the higher the chances they return to complete their purchase.
Personalised and timely reminders
With WhatsApp API, businesses can send personalised messages that address customers by name, mention the exact products left in their carts, and even include discounts. Sending timely reminders helps bring back shoppers before they lose interest or choose a competitor.
Automated yet conversational follow-ups
WhatsApp API allows businesses to set up automated follow-ups that feel natural and engaging. Instead of generic reminders, customers receive interactive messages that guide them back to their cart in a conversational manner, improving engagement without feeling like spam.
Seamless checkout experience
WhatsApp API helps businesses send direct checkout links on WhatsApp, allowing customers to return to their cart instantly. Additionally, WhatsApp’s in-app payment feature allows customers to complete their purchase without leaving the app or filling out lengthy details.
Rich media support for better engagement
WhatsApp API supports images, videos, PDFs, and interactive buttons, making cart recovery messages more effective. Sending product images, demo videos, or customer reviews helps remind shoppers of what they left behind and reinforces their purchase decision.
Direct customer interaction for quick query resolution
Many customers abandon their carts due to unanswered questions about payment, shipping, or product details. WhatsApp API allows real-time two-way communication, helping businesses to address customer concerns and remove purchase barriers instantly.
Best Practices for Implementing WhatsApp API in Cart Recovery
Here are some best practices you can follow to maximise the effectiveness of WhatsApp API for cart recovery:
1. Obtain user consent before messaging
Ensure customers opt-in before sending cart recovery messages to comply with WhatsApp policies and avoid spam complaints. Without consent, businesses risk being flagged, which can affect message deliverability.
2. Send cart recovery messages at optimal times
Reach out within an hour of cart abandonment for the best response. Avoid late-night or off-peak hours when engagement is low. The sooner the reminder, the better the chances of recovering the sale.
3. Personalise messages with customer and product details
Use the customer’s name and abandoned product details to make messages feel personal and relevant. A personalized message increases engagement and reminds them of their interest.
4. Use a conversational and friendly tone
WhatsApp is a personal messaging platform, so messages should feel natural and engaging. A formal or robotic approach can make customers ignore the message. Instead, keep it casual and friendly, making it feel like a helpful reminder rather than a sales push.
5. Incorporate rich media like product images and videos
Use product images, videos, or PDFs to visually remind customers of what they left behind. A product image can reignite interest, while a short video or customer review can reinforce trust and purchase confidence.
Conclusion
Abandoned carts don’t have to mean lost sales.
Many shoppers just need a reminder at the right time to complete their purchase. WhatsApp API helps businesses re-engage them with personalized messages and quick checkout options.
Adding images, videos, or limited-time discounts can make these reminders more effective, while automated follow-ups ensure no potential sale is missed.
If you want to do the same, Interakt makes it easy to automate cart recovery, handle customer queries, and send timely reminders.
