Abandoned subscription recovery flows

You know that feeling when someone’s about to subscribe to your app but then… nothing? They just disappear? Those are abandoned subscriptions, and they’re pure gold if you handle them right.

Here’s the thing - these customers already showed serious interest. They went to your subscription page, maybe even started the process. Something just got in the way. With the right follow-up flow, you can often get them back.

We’ll show you two ways to build these recovery flows:

1. Quick setup - Use Shopify’s abandoned charge detection (fires within 48 hours)
2. Advanced method - Custom triggers for faster response times and more control

Why this matters

When someone visits your subscription page but doesn’t complete the purchase, that’s your moment. The right recovery flow can:

• Remind them of the value they were considering
• Address whatever concerns stopped them
• Offer incentives to complete their subscription
• Provide extra help or information
• Track how well your recovery efforts work

Both methods work great, but they have different timing and complexity trade-offs.

Quick setup method

This uses Shopify’s built-in abandoned charge detection - super easy to set up, and perfect if you want to get recovery flows running quickly.

How it works: Shopify automatically detects when a customer:

• Visits your subscription page in their admin
• Leaves without completing the subscription
• Has an abandoned charge authorization

The trigger fires within 48 hours (usually much faster).

When to use this:

• You want to get started quickly with minimal setup
• 48-hour response time works for your business
• You’re okay with Shopify handling the detection logic

Let’s build it:

Step 1: Create your flow Head to Flows and click Add flow. Name it something like “Abandoned Subscription Recovery”.

Step 2: Set up the trigger

Set your trigger to Shopify abandoned charge event. That’s it - Shopify will automatically detect abandoned subscriptions for you.

Step 3: Add your recovery actions

Now for the good stuff. When someone abandons their subscription, your flow can:

• Send a recovery email - Remind them what they were about to get
• Apply a discount tag - Offer an incentive to come back
• Update custom fields - Track recovery attempts
• Notify your team - Alert someone to follow up personally

Your complete flow:

Advanced method

Want faster response times and more control? This method uses custom triggers so you can respond immediately when someone shows subscription interest but doesn’t follow through.

How it works: Instead of waiting for Shopify’s detection, you trigger recovery flows based on:

• Custom usage events you define
• Page view tracking on your subscription page
• Specific user actions or behaviors

When to use this:

• You need faster response than 48 hours
• You want more control over trigger conditions
• You’re using Mantle Hosted Billing with page view tracking
• You have specific usage patterns to monitor

Let’s build it:

Step 1: Create your flow Create a new flow - something like “Fast Abandoned Subscription Recovery”.

Step 2: Set up custom triggers

You’ve got two main options here:

Option A: Page view tracking If you’re using Mantle Hosted Billing, you can trigger on page views to your subscription page:

• Set trigger to Usage event occurs
• Select Page view as the event type
• Target your plans/subscription page
• Add conditions for time spent or specific actions

Option B: Custom events Create custom events that fire when customers show interest but don’t convert:

• “Viewed pricing” without subscribing
• “Started subscription” without completing
• “Selected plan” without purchasing
• “Clicked subscribe” without following through

Step 3: Add your recovery actions

Wait a bit (maybe 2 hours instead of 48), then add your recovery actions:

Your complete advanced flow:

Tips for better recovery

Whichever method you choose, here are some tips to make your recovery flows more effective:

Timing matters

• Don’t be too pushy - wait at least a couple hours before reaching out
• Test different timing intervals to see what works for your audience
• Consider time zones when scheduling recovery emails

Make it helpful, not salesy

• Focus on solving their problem, not just getting the sale
• Address common concerns or obstacles in your recovery emails
• Offer genuine value, like helpful tips or resources

Test different approaches

• Try different discount amounts to see what motivates action
• A/B test your recovery email subject lines and content
• Track which recovery actions work best for your customers

Know when to stop

• Don’t keep emailing forever - 2-3 attempts is usually enough
• Respect unsubscribe requests immediately
• Consider different messaging for repeat abandoners

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Which method to choose?

• Start simple: Use the Shopify method if you’re new to recovery flows
• Go advanced: Use custom triggers if you need faster response times
• Use both: Combine approaches for maximum coverage

Remember - these customers already showed interest. Your job is to remove whatever obstacle stopped them, not to convince them they need your product. Keep it helpful, keep it genuine, and you’ll see great results.

Ready to build more customer engagement flows? Check out our complete flow creation guide.