6 back-in-stock email examples [+ subject lines] to recover lost sales

Selling out of an in-demand product is a triumph for your Shopify store, right?

However, you weren’t anticipating it to happen so quickly. It will take some time to restock, spelling missed opportunities! How much revenue are you losing out on? 

We’re here to put an end to this downward spiral of thinking. The trick to avoiding such panic-inducing thoughts: the back-in-stock email.  

We’re exploring why you want the back-in-stock email in your rotation, providing examples that convert, and sharing catchy subject lines to reconnect with and attract customers.   
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What are back-in-stock emails?

A back-in-stock email announces when a sold-out product is available for purchase. 

You have two options with Seguno: 

1. Sending a promotional newsletter to your entire email list or just a segment
2. Triggering an email automation immediately upon restock; only those who sign up for a restock alert about the product receive it 

While both types are impactful, Seguno’s back-in-stock automation is an advanced email approach for recovering what could have been a lost sale. It’s proactive, personalized marketing. And it can prevent shoppers from bouncing and looking elsewhere.
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The importance of back-in-stock emails

Email marketing programs that significantly contribute to a business’s revenue stream don’t solely rely on promotional, “it’s-a-sale!” newsletters to get the job done. Core to their success? Incorporating diversity into their email marketing strategy. 

Back-in-stock emails check the box for variety and are advantageous for several other reasons.

Improve customer engagement

Sending a back-in-stock email about a popular product to all subscribers is one thing. But letting shoppers sign up for notifications on a specific out-of-stock product they want is quite another.

With back-in-stock email automations, you collect serious prospects with little effort. Anyone who takes the time to sign up for back-in-stock alerts indicates they want to hear from you. They are genuinely interested in your product and ready to spend money on a purchase.  

So a restock email, at the very least, increases customer engagement. It’s a fantastic form of personalization. And according to one study, 80% of people are more likely to purchase from a brand when it offers personalized experiences. 

Create urgency

Any back-in-stock email contains an underlying message. You’re communicating that this high-demand product merits an email announcement. Therefore, anyone who wants to get their hands on it better act quickly. 

Back-in-stock emails harness the psychology of scarcity. FOMO (fear of missing out) pushes some people to purchase without thinking twice. Whether you choose to weave in “limited stock” wording, restock emails imply that urgency is critical to snatching the product.  

Foster customer loyalty

Any Shopify merchant knows the value of customer loyalty. A brand is likelier to sell to existing customers (between 60% and 70%) versus new prospects (between 5% and 20%). 

Back-in-stock emails are a way to cultivate goodwill. View them as trust-building customer service vessels. You’re looking out for customers’ best interests when notifying them of product restocks, especially with the automation route. You, therefore, are a brand that cares.

Increase sales

Whether a customer impulsively purchases out of urgency or buys the product they’ve been keeping tabs on, back-in-stock emails are a mighty force. Plain and simple, they’re an asset for driving higher conversion rates. 

Reveal customer demand

Adding a restock alert signup to your site can remove some guesswork around inventory planning. Back-in-stock automations gauge customer demand and interest. 

If many people subscribe for notifications, you’ve got a popular product. If signups are a trickle, it might be time to rethink the product’s spot in your portfolio.  
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Effective back-in-stock email examples

Let's look at how brands use back-in-stock emails to engage and convert. 

We’re showing examples first and following up with sample text for you to steal and tweak. Add the flair that suits your brand. 

The examples are appropriate for both back-in-stock alert automations and general newsletters. Incorporate customer names into automations for greater personalization. 

Back-in-stock example 1: The classic notification

Announcing the return of an out-of-stock product doesn’t have to be complicated. OUAI demonstrates the effectiveness of simplicity. You only need a snappy or straightforward title, product photo, succinct description, and call to action (CTA). 

Make it your own

Subject line: [Product name] is back in stock! Get yours now.

‍Body:

Great news! We've restocked our popular [product name], and it's ready for the taking. 

Hurry, as this item tends to sell out quickly! 

‍CTA button: Shop now
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Back-in-stock example 2: Limited-time offer 

Remember the motivational ability of urgency? Slide in a deadline to get that product moving out the door. New Urtopia DE fully embraces this approach with a limited-time sales offer. (PS: adding a countdown timer would heighten the urgency.) 

Make it your own

‍Subject line: [Product name] is back, but the stock won't last — hurry!

‍Body:

The wait is over —  [product name] is back in stock! This time we don't want you to miss out. We've only restocked a limited quantity, and they're selling fast.

You have just [X hours/days] to grab your [product name] before it goes out of stock again.

‍CTA button: Get it now
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Never miss another sale from stock outages. Seguno’s back-in-stock email automation lets you notify interested shoppers of restocks without ever leaving Shopify.

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Back-in-stock example 3: Social proof and testimonials

Most consumers want validation that the product they’re eyeing is worth their money. Social proof — customer testimonials, a social post or any other form of user-generated content — can be pretty convincing. 

Or, in the case of a bestseller that goes viral, follow Clutch by B’s lead. Leverage your product’s fame in the back-in-stock email. 

Make it your own

‍Subject line: [Product name] is back! See why our customers love it.

‍Body:

Exciting news! Our much-loved [product name] is back in stock. See what our happy customers have to say:

"[Customer testimonial 1]"

"[Customer testimonial 2]"

"[Customer testimonial 3]"

Don't miss out on the chance to experience it for yourself!

‍CTA button: Add to cart
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Back-in-stock example 4: Highlight product benefits

Your Shopify store faces competition daily, so we advocate setting yourself apart from the pack. 

The same is true for your products. Persuade subscribers of your solution by listing some value propositions. How will your product improve your customer’s life? Bathing Culture playfully summarizes the benefits in a short paragraph. (And gifs are always a fun touch, too.)

Make it your own

‍Subject line: Why you need our restocked [product name] 

‍Body:

Our best-selling [product name] is back by popular demand. There’s a reason why it regularly sells out:  

• [Value proposition 1]
• [Value proposition 2]
• [Value proposition 3]

Experience the difference for yourself. 

‍CTA button: Grab yours now
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Back-in-stock example 5: Feature a collection

Back-in-stock emails can apply to product collections. Do you have any seasonal collections that make a return each year? Perhaps a back-in-stock collection that appears for the holidays? 

Burnt Soul makes a splash by announcing the restock of a hot product collaboration line. 

Make it your own

‍Subject line: The wait is over … the [product collection] is back

‍Body:

If you’ve been anxiously awaiting the return of the [production collection], relax because it’s finally here!

Pick up your favorite now so you can enjoy it all season long.  

‍CTA button: Shop now 
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Back-in-stock example 6: Inform them you’ve got back-in-stock alerts

Though this final example strays from the product restock promotional angle, we couldn’t help but add it. Sauce Warehouse uses a newsletter to explain how its back-in-stock alert tool works. 

We like it because they highlight a valuable service not all brands provide. The message communicates, “Always check with us first. We’ve got you covered, even when out of stock.”

Make it your own

‍Subject line: Introducing our back-in-stock alerts

‍Body:

No shopper likes to see the “out of stock” sign when ready to purchase. That’s why we added a back-in-stock alert feature to our store site. 

See something out of stock that you want? Sign up to receive a notification on the product page, and you’ll be the first to know once it’s back on the shelves. 

‍CTA button: Visit the shop 
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Catchy back-in-stock email subject lines

‍Attention-grabbing subject lines are crucial to ensuring that your back-in-stock email gets opened. Here are some subject line ideas for attracting eyeballs:

Back by popular demand: [product name] is back in stock

Hurry, [product name] is back — limited stock available!

You asked, we delivered. [Product name] is back!

[Product name] has returned. Get yours before it's gone again!

Guess who's back? [Product name] 

Your wishlist comes true: [product name] is back in stock!

Act fast: [Product name] is back and ready to ship

Don't miss out again — [product name] is back in store!

Back-in-stock alert: show now for [product name]

It’s the return of [product name]

This bestseller never sticks around for long
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Recover lost sales and revenue with back-in-stock emails 

Back-in-stock emails are a powerful thing. You can pack in personalization, urgency, social proof and more. 

Sent as a newsletter, they’re the ticket to driving sales quickly. 

The rewards multiply when you automate with back-in-stock alerts. Because when you do, you don’t just capitalize on the interest already there. You signify that you're a responsive brand attuned to customer wants. That’s the makings of customer loyalty.