We know you know the power of great marketing emails, but have you transferred that strategy to your transactional emails? If you’re still using your ecommerce platform’s default emails, you’re missing out. Transactional email marketing is how Shopify brands are standing out.
In this guide, we’ll show you:
-
What makes a great transactional email template
-
Real ecommerce email examples that convert
-
Why transactional emails matter for retention
-
Where to find and customize templates for transactional email examples that drive ROI
What Is a Transactional Email Template?
A transactional email template is a pre-designed format used to send automated, event-triggered transactional messages like:
-
Order confirmations
-
Shipping notifications
-
Delivery updates
-
Account creation emails
-
Password resets
These templates focus on functionality first—but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be beautiful, branded, and revenue-driving.
Why Ecommerce Brands Should Care About Transactional Emails
Here’s the thing: transactional emails have the highest engagement rates of any email. Customers are actively waiting for them—so they actually read them.
That’s why smart brands treat them like mini retention campaigns, not just receipts.
✨ Branded transactional emails = more trust + more repeat purchases.
When you use a strong transactional mail template, you can:
-
Reinforce your brand at every touchpoint
-
Upsell or cross-sell relevant products
-
Educate customers on how to get the most from their purchase
-
Proactively reduce support tickets by answering common questions
5 Transactional Email Templates That Actually Work (With Examples)
Here are real-world transactional email templates used by top ecommerce brands to drive customer delight and long-term value:
1. Order Confirmation Template
Why it works: Confirms the purchase clearly, includes product thumbnails, sets shipping expectations, and offers a referral incentive.
Subject: “Thanks for your order! Here’s what’s next”
Preview: “We’ve got your order and it’s being prepared. Here are the details…”
📌 Pro tip: Include customer support contact info and a link to a branded tracking page.
2. Shipping Confirmation Template
Why it works: Real-time updates with a visual progress tracker. Option to add related product suggestions to fuel your retention engine.
Subject: “Your order is on the move 🚚”
Preview: “Track your order and get excited—it’s on the way!”
📌 Pro tip: Use dynamic product feeds to suggest add-ons based on the original purchase.
3. Out for Delivery Template
Why it works: Heightens anticipation with a clear status and final delivery window. Great time to offer care tips or product usage content.
Subject: “Out for delivery today! 📦”
Preview: “Your order is almost there. Here's when to expect it.”
📌 Pro tip: Add an FAQ on what to do if the package is missed or delayed.
4. Stalled Shipment Template
Why it works: This is an exception shipment status for orders that are delayed. Transparency builds trust. This template notifies the customer that a shipment is delayed and offers proactive support.
Subject: “Heads up: your shipment’s been delayed”
Preview: “We’re on it—and we’ll keep you in the loop.”
📌 Pro tip: Include a “contact support” button and explain what’s happening with the carrier.
5. Ready for Pickup Template
Why it works: This is also an exception shipment status. Perfect for local delivery or BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store). This template is clean and action-focused.
Subject: “Your order’s ready for pickup!”
Preview: “Come by anytime during store hours to grab it.”
📌 Pro tip: Add directions, parking info, or pickup instructions to avoid confusion.
6. Delivery Confirmation Template
Why it works: Confirms delivery while inviting feedback or offering helpful next steps (like care instructions or tutorials).
Subject: “Delivered! Tell us how we did”
Preview: “Your order was just dropped off. Here’s what to do next.”
📌 Pro tip: Add a review CTA or a post-purchase education video.
Where to Find Transactional Email Templates (and Make Them Yours)
You’ve got options:
-
DIY with HTML – If you’re a dev or using an ESP, you can likely build and customize templates from scratch.
-
Use Pre-Built Libraries – Platforms like Malomo provide beautiful, branded transactional templates out of the box, no code required.
-
Customize Your Ecommerce Platform Defaults – Shopify, WooCommerce, and others offer basic templates—but they often need polish.
How Malomo Helps
If you're on Shopify, Malomo makes it easy to take control of your transactional emails. In three words?
➡️ Branded. Automated. Revenue-driving.
With Malomo, you can:
-
Replace your default Shopify transactional emails with custom templates
-
Sync with Klaviyo and other ESPs for full flow control
-
Add product recommendations and brand content to every message to increase your repeat purchases
-
Track performance with built-in analytics
→ Explore how Malomo works with Shopify for free
FAQs
How can a post-purchase experience drive retention?
By keeping customers informed and engaged after checkout, you reduce anxiety, build trust, stay top of mind, and offer other product recommendations for customers—leading to more repeat purchases.
Why does the post-purchase experience matter?
It’s where most brands drop the ball. Done right, it’s a chance to surprise and delight customers, build loyalty, and reduce churn.
What makes Malomo’s order tracking pages unique?
They’re fully branded, customizable, and integrate product feeds, educational content, and promos—turning every shipment into a retention moment.
What platforms does Malomo integrate with?
Malomo integrates with Shopify, Klaviyo, Attentive, Yotpo, Rebuy, Recharge, and more.
Final Thoughts
You're already sending shipping emails—why not make sure they’re doing the most? Whether you use a plug-and-play transactional email template or design your own, the goal is the same:
Delight your customers. Drive retention. Grow revenue.
Looking for templates built for ecommerce? Want to see what your transactional emails could look like? Get your free design mockup of your transactional email & SMS!
