15 Back In Stock Email Examples To Drive Sales & Conversions

Written by: Chris Donald

Published on: 23-05-2023

Chris is Managing Partner at InboxArmy and has more than 25 years of experience in email marketing

Every e-commerce business must contend with issues such as out-of-stock products. Fortunately, one way to minimize the impact of out-of-stock issues is by telling your customers you’ve got what they need and that can be easily done with the help of back in stock email.
In fact, per
studies, in 2022:

  • More than half of online shoppers worldwide stated being unable to complete purchases as the products were out-of-stock.
  • Nearly 60% of online shoppers in the US felt that out-of-stock issues affected their shopping behavior.

While out-of-stock problems can frustrate customers, they also impact e-commerce businesses, from leaking brand revenues to lost page views and lower search rankings

This article will teach you the significance of back in stock emails and how to create engaging emails to drive conversion.

What Are Back In Stock Emails?

A back in stock email is typically a customer outreach email communication. It informs a potential buyer that the product they had shown interest in – but was unavailable as it had been sold out or, because of technical or logistical reasons, could not proceed with purchase – has become available again.

Where a prospective customer wants to purchase an item that is not in stock, this directed reminder can help rekindle interest and increase sales. Typically, these emails can be sent to your entire contact list or to a specific segment of shoppers who have opted in to receive notifications when a particular product of interest becomes available again.

Notably, These emails are sent for physical products and services. So, for instance, if you are selling your online courses with a fixed number of participants, you can send these emails to prospects when a desired course or session is opened for new registrations again. Simply put, though not a literal ‘back in stock message, the logic same logic can be applied when services become available after becoming out of stock/reserved/locked.

Are Back In Stock Emails Effective?

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For starters, the success depends on the impact the campaign can generate and the specific product itself. Here’s an overview of how back in stock email marketing can help your business.

1) Gives You A Second Chance:

Every customer counts, and these emails can give you a valuable lead-saving second chance. Where your prospect may directly move to a competitor, some customers will likely opt-in to be notified via email about when the product returns in stock. Once you have an email id, you can promptly inform the customer that the product is now available.

2) Facilitates Urgency Of Purchase: 

These emails are an excellent way to remind your loyal, existing customers that their desired products have become available. 

Furthermore, reminding customers that a previously sold-out item is accessible again can trigger urgency to purchase the product before it goes out of stock again. The FOMO (fear of missing out) psychologically works on customers to make the most of the opportunity so they don’t miss out on a good product or deal!

3) Instills Trust In The Brand: 

These emails reassure buyers and keep them engaged so that they remember about the out-of-stock product. Staying connected with customers and personalized attention to their shopping nurtures trust and confidence in the brand.

4) Serves As A Timely Reminder: 

Sometimes, customers forget that an item they liked was out of stock. These emails offer a gentle and timely reminder, reigniting their interest and nudging them back to the shopping bag.

5) Develop Customer Insights: 

Back-in-stock notification subscriptions enable marketers to measure customer demand easily without the need for hoarding stockpiles for months together.

When a customer signs up for your emails, it gives you insights about the product demand based on customer interest. This will facilitate better planning of future product launches.

6) Opportunity To Boost Revenues: 

These emails are an excellent opportunity to engage with customers through cross-selling and upselling, even if you lost out on the initial sale.

To explain, if your customer switches to a competitor, your email could also include accessories or upgrades to enhance their overall product experience. This could very well inspire them to return to your store, considering you were their first preference. Having taken a positive step toward customer care, it will be much easier.

15 Back In Stock Email Examples To Enable You Get Customers to Checkout

Keep The Spotlight On A Single Product. 

Back In Stock Email Example from Haus

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By focusing on a single out-of-stock item that is now back, beverage brand Haus highlights critical features of the product, usage recommendations, and customer reviews.

The latter acts as social proof, reassuring customers. Prominent CTAs directly take customers to the page where they can shop for the product rather than a general webpage. In addition, plugging in social media handles helps boost the number of followers.

Create A Sense Of Urgency

Back in stock email from Patgonia Action work.

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This email by outdoor clothing brand Patagonia infuses a sense of urgency into the email by announcing its availability in the headline while urging the shopper to purchase quickly before it sells out again soon. 

It also cross-sells its repair services. In addition, the ad features its environmental initiatives as a reflection of its values and connects with customers.

Promote Different Popular-Selling Items.

Sonos Back in stock email shows a range of products

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Innovative home sound system brand Sonos’ back in stock emails to its contact list comprise a simple, straightforward message showcasing the range of products for which the wait is over! 

Each of the products is supported by its own CTA button. Further, multiple product recommendations enhance the chances of a more significant sale value. At the same time, free shipping, a free trial, and positive customer reviews serve as an extra incentive to complete the purchase.

Bring Back A ‘Bestselling Favorite’ For A Limited Time.

Bloomscape's bestselling Favorite' For A Limited Time. examples

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Online plant shopping platform Bloomscape’s email stresses its commitment to meeting customer expectations by bringing back a bestseller for a limited time. Leveraging the customer care theme, the email also features a care guide – with suitable CTAs. 

Along with a detailed description of the restocked product, Bloomscape promotes gifting and sales across other product categories. The clear visuals and reader-friendly template make the email easy to comprehend.

Highlight The Colors/Sizes That Have Become Available Again.

Everlane shows the different colors which are back in stock again

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Often, the colors or sizes of products, such as clothing and accessories, go out of stock quickly and remain in the sold-out phase for an extended amount of time. 

Everlane sends out back in stock emails showcasing the different colors, which are back in stock again. This aesthetically organized product range and clear images gently nudge shoppers to initiate and complete the purchase once their preferred color becomes available.

Simple And Plainspoken

UGG Back-in-stock email

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Fashion footwear brand UGG keeps it simple and straightforward, with the oversized pic speaking for itself. 

The email template assimilates the key offerings – free shipping, loyalty program, store finders, and giveaways – into reader-friendly units that enable the reader to get the message at a glance. 

Overall, the CTAs address the different requirements of the buyer and entice them to make a purchase.

Compelling Subject Lines That Generate Excitement

Firebox Back-in-stock email example

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Online retail brand Firebox creates a buzz around a specific product in the subject line of its email campaign. Thereon the copy gives the reader a quick idea of what to expect. 

While featuring some of the popular items along with CTAS for each, the well-organized layout also leverages the opportunity to promote Father’s Day gifts, a gift guide to help uncertain shoppers, and a dynamic mystery box gift that continues to build excitement and engagement around the email and facilitate engagement.

Seasonal Restocking And Re-Release

Yellow 108 email

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Headwear brand Yellow 108 innovatively promotes back-in-stock products by creating new segments – seasonal restocks and general re-releases – that remind customers of their specific needs.

In addition, the distinct CTAs and the straightforward product display enable users to quickly browse through the primary content with the option to shop the entire collection. 

Back In Stock Emails That Also Support A Cause

Ujji's back-in-stock email connected audience emotionally

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This email by dietary beverage brand Ujji seeks to connect with audiences by supporting an emotionally and socially relevant cause. 

The stark contrasts resonate both with the product packaging and the social message, while the concise subsections explain how the product usage will contribute to the cause. Such emails will likely influence buyer segments looking to support the cause in their individual capacity.

Promote Back-In-Stock Items As Gifts.

Alltrails Promoted Back-In-Stock Items As Gifts.

Source

If certain products become available again just before a holiday season, it can double up as an excellent sales pitch. In this example, AllTrails uses the strategy to inform subscribers that its bestselling blanket is back in stock right in time for winter.

The email then expands the back in stock email to cross-sell other products by leveraging the gifting pitch, thus encouraging subscribers to browse the store.

Thank Customers Who Have Asked For Notifications

Kauffman Mercantile sends an email to thank customers

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Kauffman Mercantile sends a personalized email from the company owner thanking customers who’ve signed up for notifications when a product becomes available. 

This highly-targeted mail leverages strong purchase intent. The friendly tone, relevant product images, links, and CTAs, with contact information for addressing queries, impart a personal touch to the email and entice shoppers awaiting this notification.

Build Anticipation And Positivity.

Uniqlo back-in-stock campaign

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This back-in-stock campaign by Uniqlo creates a positive vibe around a favourite product becoming available again. 

From a subject line that builds anticipation to striking product visuals of the back-in-stock product, and a vibrant color palette, this email offers a very reader-friendly experience. In addition, the CTAs for other product categories attract customers to explore the range and make a purchase.

Provide The Shipping Status Of A Back-In-Stock Product.

Experiment's witty email assures customers aj

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Beauty care brand Experiment’s witty email campaign reassures customers that a favourite product is now back in stock. 

Even though the copy is minimal, this peppy email convinces customers that they can go ahead and make a purchase without stressing about shipping, as the product is all ready to be shipped.

Leverage Aspirations

Snowe taps into social and emotional

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This email by home essentials brand Snowe taps into the psychological, emotional, and social elements of the human desire to engage customers.

The soothing palette, the narrative woven into the out-of-stock experience, and the aspirational copy accompanying the available products with clear CTAs inspire the customer to continue the purchase journey.

Emphasise Product Popularity

Fulton example

Source

The high sales volumes of Fulton insoles provide sufficient evidence of the quality of the product and the increased demand for it. 

The brand leverages this data in its simple yet effective back-in-stock campaign to remind customers that all the sizes are back in stock (for now) and to shop for them before they get sold out again. 

The template also offers information about contact details and social media handles for customers seeking social proof.

How To Create Back In Stock Email Campaigns That Drive Conversion?

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Informing your customers that an item they had shown interest in has become available is a friendly, personal gesture. Nonetheless, for a positive response from buyers, you will still need a compelling an email that helps translate your outreach into a done deal.

These tried and tested techniques will make creating appealing back-in-stock campaigns that bring your customer back to your store easier.

Collect Customer Details Accurately.

At the outset, you must ensure that your site is organized to collect customers’ emails in case of out-of-stock product encounters – if not, your customer will leave you for your competitor.

Implement an email pop-up form fill on the item’s product page whenever an item becomes unavailable. This will help you notify customers once the product or a similar product item returns in stock. Notably, you can leverage browsing data to recommend relevant stock availability emails. Once the product is restocked, the email can be triggered.

Craft Appealing Emails.

Your email needs to be straightforward so that your customers remain engaged. Focusing on the following elements can help create a winning email message:

  • Subject line: A catchy, memorable email subject line can improve the chances of your email getting opened. Per survey findings, 64% decide whether or not to open emails depending on subject lines, making it hard to ignore the importance of a well-crafted subject line. Furthermore, subject lines containing 6 -10 words have the highest open rate of 21%.

Another proven method to attract attention is building urgency in your subject line. Some common examples are:

  • Hurry, the countdown has begun!
  • Only ten left in stock
  • Limited edition stocks
  • Back-in-stock sale with a fabulous discount
  • Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity (again!)

You may find these emails are overtly pushy, but the shopper will most likely be happy to open the email -especially since they signed up to receive it. On the other hand, if you go low-key with the subject line, it may not excite them, and they may give your email a pass.

  • Copy: The main message can include more information about the back-in-stock item. Briefly explain the product’s benefits and the reasons which make it a popular item in your store. Overall, keep the email simple, sans long descriptions, and preferably with a short product list. Ensure the email contains links to your website.
  • Call-to-action (CTAs): Finally, provide a robust and visible call-to-action in email that triggers urgency and motivates purchase.

Leverage Data For Personalized Back In Stock Emails

Personalized emails show your customers that you know them and understand their reasons for purchasing your products. It also helps make your customer feel valued, as though you are talking directly and exclusively to them. In fact, personalized emails witness almost 6x the revenue production compared to non-personalized forms.

Leverage relevant data insights from your CRM to customize your email campaigns targeting the right audience segment.

Provide Social Proof Of Back-In-Stock Products.

While you want your shoppers to get excited when an item is back in stock, it’s essential for them to feel confident about the product too. Social proof plays a significant role in showcasing satisfied customers and your best product reviews.

Not only does the user-generated content ease the pressure of promoting yourself, but it also reminds shoppers why your product was a sell-out.

Reward Loyal Customers Who Have Been Waiting For Your Product.

Often shoppers who wanted to buy a product earlier could change their minds by the time the product is restocked. In such scenarios, discounts are a great incentive to encourage customers to return and complete checkout.

According to a survey, 84% of respondents stated that price influences their purchase decision, while 61% claimed it was the single most critical factor. Notably, packing in a juicy discount with your email can influence your customers to purchase the back-in-stock product they were waiting for.

Make The Most Of Automation.

For e-commerce retailers selling multiple products, sending one-on-one emails informing customers that their searched products are back-in-stock items can get overwhelming. Automation can help you trigger emails based on restocked items while dynamically pulling in product images from your website.

However, your email team should be accessible to manually send out the back-in-stock notifications if the situation calls for it. After all, this customer segment is literally waiting to buy your product once it becomes available!

Conduct Regular A/B Tests.

Create different restock email templates for each email type being A/B tested. Then, whenever a particular test shows up with better outcomes than before, the template can be fine-tuned and implemented in the future.

Send Emails As Soon As Possible.

Be sure to immediately notify your customers who have opted in for your emails when the product becomes available. Long waiting periods can wane customer interest and turn them towards your competitors.

Do Not Send Emails To Recent Recipients.

Sending too many emails all at once can seem suspicious. Instead, consider skipping the recent recipients. so they’re not overwhelmed with too many reminders within a short time.

As you may have realized, these emails can be relatively easy to create. Though you may not be unable to prevent your marketplace items from going out of stock, you can use them to help minimize the extent it eats into your revenues and customer base.

30 Back In Stock Email Subject Lines

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Now, enthralling back-in-stock emails deserve equally enticing subject lines. If the subject line isn’t interesting, your subscribers will gloss over them without opening it. So, here is a list of interesting subject lines to inspire you for your next back-in-stock email campaign. 

FOMO Inducing Back In Stock Subject lines 

The best way to create fabricated urgency is to tap into your subscriber’s FOMO. Setting limited-time offers or including the stock number in your subject line is one way to achieve this. 

  • Hurry! Your favorite item is back in stock – Don’t miss out.
  • It’s back and better than ever.
  • You asked, and we listened – Limited quantities now available!
  • Don’t let FOMO get the best of you – Restocked and ready to ship!
  • Get your hands on the hottest item in town.
  • Act fast! The wait is over (the product) is back in stock.
  • Missed out last time? Don’t make the same mistake again!
  • Last chance to snag your must-have item.
  • Back by popular demand – Get it before it’s gone again!
  • Limited restock alert! Grab it now, or regret it later!

Offer Discounts In Your Out of Stock Emails 

Offering discounts incentivizes the customers to interact with the email. Discounts can also seem like a reward for customers who have been eagerly waiting for the product to be back in stock. 

  • It’s back! And it brought a discount – Get your happy dance ready!
  • Good news! Your favorite item is back (and 10% off) – Let the celebration begin!
  • Rejoice! The prodigal product returns with a discounted twist – Limited time offer!
  • Guess who’s back? The item you’ve been pining for now with a sneaky discount.
  • Don’t pinch yourself; it’s real! The restocked item is here, and so is a discount.
  • The comeback you’ve been waiting for – with a price drop twist! Get it while it’s hot!
  • Back in stock now with a discount that’ll make your wallet do a happy dance!
  • Alert: Unicorns spotted! Your beloved item is back, and we’re feeling generous with a discount.
  • The wait is over! Back in stock with a delightful discount!
  • The prodigal product returns, armed with a discount! Grab it before it’s gone (and save some dough)!

Use subject lines with simpler reminders. 

If you are struggling to come up with something creative, you can always include simpler reminders to make the subject lines more engaging. 

  • Just a friendly reminder: Your favorite item is back in stock!
  • Remember that item you loved? It’s back and ready for you!
  • Don’t forget to grab it: Back in stock and waiting for you!
  • It’s back! Time for a gentle nudge to get your hands on it again.
  • We didn’t want you to miss out: Back in stock and calling your name!
  • Reminder: The item you’ve been waiting for is back and available!
  • Get excited! It’s back in stock, and we thought you’d like to know.
  • We saved you a spot: Your desired item is back and waiting for you.
  • Just in case you missed it: Your coveted item is back in stock!
  • A quick reminder: That must-have item is back and ready to be yours!

Wrapping It Up

In an ideal world, you’d never have to stress over out-of-stock products in your store and their effect on your sales. But when it does happen, fortunately, back in stock emails can minimize the impact on your brand – and help you recover your customers who may be looking elsewhere for a similar deal.

In fact, a well-planned back-in-stock campaign with attractive incentives can boost your credibility and build loyalty in the long term.

This article should boost your confidence in drafting successful back in stock emails that work wonders for your brand, as they have done with other established brands.

Suppose you prefer to let the experts take care of your email marketing needs while you concentrate on your primary business. In that case, InboxArmy  can help you. We are one of the best email marketing companies in US that has all the expertise and resources to create an incredibly effective email flow that becomes a revenue driver for your store

About Author

Chris sent his first email campaign in 1995. He’s worked directly with Fortune 500 companies, retail giants, nonprofits, SMBs and government agencies in all facets of their email marketing and marketing automation programs. He’s also a BIG baseball fan, loves a good steak, and is mildly obsessed with zombie movies. For more information follow him on linkedin

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