Order Confirmation Email
Order confirmation emails are sent immediately after an order is placed. They send the customer a digital receipt to confirm the order. That is, they are sent in response to each customer’s order.
Confirming an order is a basic customer service step that every ecommerce business should take. In the absence of a confirmation email, people may question the process. They’d keep your phone lines busy all day.
Luckily, it can be easily automated with a transactional email service.
What is in order confirmation emails?
The primary purpose of confirmation emails is to ensure the customer’s order is correct. So they usually include order details like:
- the products ordered;
- the sum paid (or to be paid on delivery);
- the order number;
- package tracking information;
- expected delivery date;
- customer service contacts.
Optional elements include shipping method, shipping address, and payment method. A link to a FAQ page or customer service is also welcome.
Why are confirmation emails important?
First, the order summary assures the customer that your system is working properly. The payment has already been made. Everyone wants to avoid getting promotional emails, but they also want to ensure their transaction went smoothly.
Likewise, order confirmation emails can include shipping info. So the customer knows what to expect and when. They’d appreciate your initiative in this case. Those who enjoy online shopping are more likely to do so again.
Third, ecommerce emails have the highest open rate of around 64%! None will ever get as many eyeballs. So they’re prime real estate to upsell related products.
In short, order confirmation emails improve customer satisfaction.
Order Confirmation Guidelines
Now that we know the basics of receipt emails, let’s look at best practices and tactics to maximize their effectiveness.
1. Time it right
Once the order is complete, send a confirmation email. So the customer knows everything worked immediately. Worrying them makes shopping more difficult.
2. Thank you
Simple things are sometimes overlooked. You’d thank a customer if you were dealing with them in person! Putting in an order is the best they can do for you.
3. Seek loyalty
A good customer experience includes confirmation emails. They will return to you if you do things correctly, provide all information promptly, and keep their money safe.
4. Mark out a good deal
Of course, including the order total is good. But it would be better if you broke it down to show the savings they made. This will help with buyer’s remorse, or regret over unnecessary purchases.
5. Aim for customer satisfaction
Making a customer happy takes time. Buying is one thing, but using and enjoying the product is crucial.
To get people excited about the product they’ll receive, use the order confirmation email. Send us your best usage ideas. This will increase their satisfaction and lead to more repeat orders.
6. Brand every email
Email design is important for both promotional and transactional emails. You can use order confirmation emails to reinforce brand awareness.
7. Send a shipping confirmation email.
You can add one more touch point to increase delivery excitement. Send them an order status update to reassure them.
8. Promote your community
You want to keep customers engaged between orders. You can ask them to join your mailing list in the order confirmation email. Include links to your forum, social media, and events to encourage participation.