In eCommerce, cart abandonment is inevitable, but not all products are abandoned equally. Some have significantly higher abandonment rates than others, and understanding why helps you make smarter decisions.
In this article, we analyze the types of products most commonly left behind just before checkout, and what you can do about it.
Planet lets you display dynamic messages, apply specific incentives, and activate promotions only for products most likely to be abandoned.
Get started with Planet and recover sales directly from the cart.
If you’re looking for a broader view, we also recommend reading this article: What to Do When a Customer Abandons Their Cart in Shopify.
Why are some products abandoned more often?
Cart abandonment isn't always due to a "lack of intent." Often, the issue lies in the product itself or how it’s perceived during the buying process. Here are the most common reasons:
1. High price (without clear perceived value)
A high price isn’t always a problem if the customer understands what they’re paying for. But if you fail to communicate value (materials, durability, exclusivity, real benefits), the customer will likely walk away.
2. Unexpected additional costs
Shipping fees, taxes, or added charges at checkout create immediate friction. If a product is already pricey and then adds €6 shipping at the end, the customer feels blindsided. That perceived “bait-and-switch” increases abandonment.
3. Lack of trust in the product
When customers can’t touch, try, or visualize a product, doubts arise. If you don’t build trust (via guarantees, reviews, visuals), people will abandon you out of uncertainty.
4. Doubts about fit or functionality
Sometimes the issue is practical: “Is this the right size?” “Will it work with what I already have?” If you don’t resolve these doubts, the product stays in the cart.
5. Low urgency or postponable purchase
If the product seems like it can be bought “another day,” the customer delays the decision, and that “later” often never comes. This is common for high-ticket or non-urgent items that require reflection.
Products at higher risk of abandonment
Based on trends from hundreds of Shopify stores, the following types of products tend to have higher abandonment rates:
- Tech & Electronics – Often compared and overanalyzed.
- Fashion & Footwear – Uncertainty about sizing or style fit.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care – Especially for first-time buyers or products without samples.
- High-Ticket Items – Furniture, jewelry, appliances.
- Low-stock or Slow-shipping Items – Create insecurity or lost interest.
How to identify the most abandoned products
Finding out which products get abandoned the most isn’t always obvious, but here are some reliable methods:
1. Review Shopify’s abandoned cart reports
Shopify stores abandoned cart data with details on added products, dates, and customer info. Look for recurring product patterns.
2. Compare add-to-cart vs. purchase ratios
Tools like Google Analytics can show how often a product is added to the cart versus how often it’s purchased. A large gap signals friction.
3. Use post-abandonment surveys or retargeting
Automate follow-ups (e.g., via email) asking why the purchase wasn’t completed. Test product-specific retargeting messages and see what performs poorly.
4. Listen to support and social channels
Customers often voice their concerns via email, chat, or social media. If multiple people ask the same questions, it's probably a source of hesitation.
How to act based on the product type
If the issue is price:
- Emphasize value (testimonials, guarantees, benefits).
- Use flash sales or volume discounts strategically.
If the issue is sizing or fit:
- Add visible size guides.
- Include customer photos or reviews.
- Offer free returns or exchanges.
If the issue is trust:
- Add a free sample with purchase.
- Show how-to videos or tutorials.
- Offer first-time buyer discounts.
If the issue is urgent:
- Display countdowns in the cart.
- Use “limited stock” or “free shipping today only” messages.
How Planet can help
Planet helps you act right when the customer is hesitating, in the cart. With Planet, you can:
- Show urgency or value-based messages directly in the cart.
- Offer discounts or gifts based on the product added (e.g., free gift or free shipping for expensive items).
- Segment promotions by product type, customer behavior, or cart value.
- Combine incentives like 10% off plus a gift over a certain amount.
You can also exclude specific products (like gift cards) from promotions to protect your margins.
Not all cart abandonments are created equal. Some products just need an extra push, and identifying which ones help you act with precision.
If you sell on Shopify, Planet gives you the tools to detect friction points and apply the right solution, right when it matters most.
Ready to turn more carts into conversions?
Start today with Planet and turn every abandoned cart into a new opportunity.