The cart is one of the most critical points in the entire purchase journey. The customer has already decided what they want, but they haven’t clicked “Pay” yet. And in that short moment, one of two things can happen: they confirm the order… or abandon it.
That’s why the cart shouldn’t be a passive space. Instead, it should reinforce the customer’s decision, anticipate their doubts, and remind them why it’s worth completing the purchase now.
If you want to learn more, check out our article on how to use the cart to boost perceived value and skyrocket your sales.
That’s where cart messages come in, short, direct messages placed strategically in the cart that can make all the difference in conversion.
With Planet, you can display segmented messages right where the customer makes decisions: the cart. Discover how to use Planet to boost conversions without friction.
What Are Cart Messages and What Are They For?
Cart messages are visible notes embedded in the cart summary, placed just before the payment button. Unlike promotional blocks elsewhere on your site, their purpose isn’t to grab attention from scratch, they’re there to reinforce a decision that’s already been made.
They help to:
- Remind customers of a benefit (free shipping, gift, points, etc.)
- Address common concerns (delivery time, returns, trust)
- Convey real or limited-time urgency
When used well, these messages increase direct conversion, reduce abandonment, and strengthen brand perception. They’re the digital equivalent of what a great sales associate would say right before closing a sale: helpful, friendly, and perfectly timed.
7 Messages That Work (With Examples and Why)
Here are 7 types of messages you can use in your cart, with their logic, examples, and best-fit store types:
1. “Easy Returns and Exchanges”
Why it works:
Many customers abandon their carts due to fear of making the wrong choice. This message eases friction and builds trust.
Example:
“Not what you expected? You can return or exchange your order hassle-free within 30 days.”
Best for:
Fashion, footwear, home decor, beauty, or any store where personal taste plays a big role.
2. “Only a Few Units Left in Stock”
Why it works:
It creates genuine urgency. If the customer senses that the product could sell out, they’re more likely to act quickly.
Example:
“Only 3 units left. Order now before it’s gone!”
Best for:
Fast-moving products, launches, limited editions, or items with low inventory.
3. “Offer Ends at Midnight”
Why it works:
Time pressure creates FOMO (fear of missing out). A clear deadline drives faster decisions during active campaigns.
Example:
“This promotion ends today at 11:59 PM. Don’t miss out!”
Best for:
Sales, product launches, seasonal campaigns, or flash promos.
4. “Your Order Ships in 24-48h”
Why it works:
Delivery time is one of the biggest concerns in online shopping. A clear promise reduces doubt and adds professionalism.
Example:
“Your order is packed today and delivered in 24-48 hours. Fast shipping guaranteed.”
Best for:
Stores with efficient logistics are especially effective for first-time buyers or gift orders.
5. “Your Order is 100% Safe and Secure”
Why it works:
It boosts trust right when the customer is entering payment details. Especially useful for first-time customers or cold traffic.
Example:
“Your purchase is protected with secure technology and SSL encryption. Shop with total confidence.”
Best for:
Stores targeting new visitors, higher-value items, or trust-sensitive categories like fashion, tech, or beauty.
6. “Pay in 3 Interest-Free Installments”
Why it works:
It reduces price friction. For medium to high-value orders, offering installment options can speed up decision-making.
Example:
“You can now pay in 3 interest-free installments with Shop Pay. Fast, easy, and no fees.”
Best for:
Fashion, electronics, home goods, premium beauty, any store with an average order value above €40-50.
7. “We Prepare Every Order with Care”
Why it works:
It builds a sense of quality, care, and exclusivity. Even a simple product feels special when the brand highlights its attention to detail.
Example:
“We hand-pack every order with care. Your experience starts the moment you click buy.”
Best for:
Beauty, wellness, lifestyle, gourmet, stationery, and fashion, are any brand that wants to highlight craftsmanship and service.
How to Add Cart Messages with Planet
With Planet, you can display custom messages directly in your Shopify store’s cart, no code or external apps required.
These messages appear as short announcements at the top of the cart, designed to:
- Reinforce key benefits
- Remove doubts
- Encourage final conversion
Unlike upsells, cart messages don’t rely on algorithms or product relationships. You decide exactly what to say and when to say it. In our previous article, we show you how to implement upsells with Planet and recommendations of products you can suggest.
Once configured in Planet:
- Your message appears automatically at the top of the cart.
- It’s visually integrated and doesn’t disrupt the shopping flow.
- You can show different messages by language if using Shopify Translate & Adapt.
- You can enable or disable messages anytime, depending on the campaign or season.
This turns your cart into a powerful space to communicate what matters most right before checkout, one last reason to complete the order with confidence.
In eCommerce, the small details matter and the cart is the last moment you can speak directly to your customers before they decide.
A well-placed message doesn’t just inform; it convinces, reassures, and converts.
Ready to say what converts in your cart? Activate your first cart messages with Planet in minutes and turn silence into a message that sells.