If you’re an ecommerce operator or founder, you already know transactional emails are the most opened messages in your customers’ inboxes. But most brands still treat them like receipts—boring, basic, and brandless.
That’s a massive missed opportunity.
In this post, we’ll break down 11 real transactional ecommerce email examples that not only deliver critical order info, but also drive retention, upsells, and brand love—all while being powered by modern SaaS tools designed for ecommerce.
You’ll leave with:
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Real transactional email examples from high-performing brands
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Tips to increase open and click rates
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A better way to send transactional emails without fighting your ESP
What Are Transactional Emails?
Transactional notifications are system-triggered messages sent after a user takes an action—like placing an order, resetting a password, or getting a shipping update. In ecommerce, they include:
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Order confirmation emails
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Shipping confirmation emails
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Delivery updates
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Account creation emails
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Password reset messages
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Return confirmation emails
These aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. And when done right, they can double as high-ROI marketing channels.
Why Ecommerce Brands Should Rethink Transactional Emails
You’ve probably felt the friction:
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Your ESP (like Klaviyo or Attentive) limits or doesn't make styling or segmenting easy
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Transactional messages live in a separate part of your tech stack
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You’re paying marketing rates for non-marketing emails
That’s where Shopify brands are turning to tools like Malomo —purpose-built for ecommerce transactional messaging with full brand control, analytics, and up to 50% cost savings.
But before we dive into the best transactional email platforms, let’s look at the good stuff: the emails themselves.
11 Ecommerce Transactional Email Examples That Actually Perform
Here are examples that go beyond “thanks for your order” and actually drive value and revenue for your brand:
1. Briogeo – Pre-Transit Shipping Notification
Message: "Your order is packed and will ship soon."
- What works: Friendly brand tone ("Healthy hair days are ahead!"), clear next steps, and a strong CTA to view the order. It builds anticipation while reinforcing the brand promise.
- Bonus: Branded imagery and product photography makes the email feel premium.
2. BrüMate – In-Transit Shipping Notification
Message: "Your order has shipped. Track it now."
- What works: Creative brand tone ("It's a Brütiful day!"), large CTA button, and product-forward imagery. The minimalist design emphasizes clarity.
- Bonus: Order summary at the bottom for transparency and fewer support questions.
3. Proper Good – Order Delivered
Message: "Your order has been delivered."
- What works: On-brand humor ("Current mood" image), bold design, and a visible CTA. Also includes marketing blocks for upsell/referral at the bottom.
- Bonus: Cross-promotes savings for recurring delivery and referrals right in the delivery email.
4. Who Gives A Crap – Out-for-Delivery Notification
Message: "Your order is leaving the warehouse."
- What works: Playful, conversational tone ("Exciting stuff, eh?"), and a straightforward CTA. The progress dots imply a journey, making the customer feel informed.
- Bonus: Simple layout keeps focus on the message and call-to-action.
5. DRMTLGY – Delivery Confirmation
Message: "Your order was marked delivered."
- What works: Anticipates customer confusion with delivery timing and offers proactive help. Branded visuals and iconography make it easy to scan.
- Bonus: The "Need a hand?" block with icons reinforces trust with customer service guarantees.
6. Better Family – Order Confirmation & What’s Next
Message: "Thanks for your order. Here's what happens next."
- What works: Educational flow outlining each stage of the post-purchase experience. Sets expectations around delivery and future replenishment.
- Bonus: Reassures the customer by making their next steps obvious, reducing post-purchase anxiety.
7. Flamingo Estate – Order Delayed Notification
Message: "There’s been a delay."
- What works: Calming tone ("The garden hasn't forgotten about you"), clean visual design, and immediate reassurance.
- Bonus: Ends on a positive note with a $20 referral offer to shift attention from the delay to a reward.
8. Jaxxon – Packed and Ready to Go
Message: "Your order will ship within 24 hours."
- What works: Luxe product photography, minimal design, and concise message. The bold headline creates clarity and excitement.
- Bonus: Promises another email with tracking info, maintaining engagement throughout the fulfillment process.
How to Build These Emails Without Fighting Your ESP
Most ESPs aren’t built for transactional emails. They treat these critical messages like second-class citizens.
Here’s what ecommerce brands are switching to instead:
✅ SaaS platforms like Malomo let you:
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Send transactional emails with full brand control
Brand your order tracking page to impress and convert
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Save up to 50% vs. traditional ESPs
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Track every open, click, and delivery
Want to see what your transactional mail could look like?
👉 Start Malomo free and we’ll show you how top brands are using it.
Transactional emails aren’t just operational—they’re strategic. A thoughtful transactional email campaign doesn't take a lot of energy, but it will pay off big time. Check out some more templates that you could use to maximize your transactional emails.
If you’re running an ecommerce brand and not optimizing these high-engagement moments, you’re leaving money on the table. With tools like Malomo, it’s never been easier to send better emails, for less.
Brand your order confirmation receipts. Turn shipping updates into sales. And do it all without breaking your stack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a transactional email?
A transactional email is an automated message triggered by a user action—like placing an order or resetting a password. It delivers critical info and is not promotional in nature.
What’s the difference between transactional and marketing emails?
Marketing emails are sent in bulk and promote products or offers. Transactional emails are triggered 1:1 and contain info a user expects or needs. There are different regulations around each type of email and transactional emails have a much higher open rate as they contain important information about a transaction. This is why a transactional email marketing strategy dominates for Shopify brands.
Can I send transactional emails through Shopify or Klaviyo?
Yes, but they often come with limitations in styling, analytics, and cost. That’s why many brands use specialized platforms like Malomo.
How do I improve my transactional emails?
Start by branding them, adding cross-sell or review CTAs, using real-time triggers, and analyzing engagement. And ditch ESPs that charge bloated fees for basic messages.
