Replenishment Email Sequences Guide

Automate timely restock reminders for consumable products (supplements, cosmetics, coffee beans, pet supplies, printer cartridges) to capture repeat orders right before customers run out.

Overview: How Replenishment Sequences Work

Replenishment sequences predict when a customer is about to deplete a previously purchased consumable item. Cartwheel tracks customer purchase dates, computes the expected product usage lifecycle (replenishmentDays), and dispatches automated reminder emails with single-click re-order links.

Creating a Replenishment Sequence

To create and publish a replenishment workflow:

1. In your Shopify Admin, navigate to Apps → Cartwheel → Retention Emails.
2. In the top sub-navigation menu, select the Replenishment tab.
3. In the top right header, click Create sequence.

Step 1: Configure Sequence Settings

In the Sequence settings card:

1. Sequence Type: Displays Replenishment (fixed system type).
2. Name: Enter an internal reference name (e.g. Monthly Skincare Restock Reminder).
3. Replenishment Days: Specify the typical consumption timeframe in days (e.g., enter 30 for monthly products or 60 for two-month supplies).
4. Status: Select operational status:
   • Draft: Keep selected while configuring copy and templates.
   • Active: Dispatches automated restock reminders when items become due.
   • Paused: Temporarily suspends sends without losing customer queue data.

Step 2: Set Audience Triggers (Product & Collection Filters)

In the Audience triggers card:

1. Click + Add products to select specific consumable items or variants (e.g. Organic Daily Multivitamin - 60ct).
2. Click + Add collections to include entire consumable categories (e.g. Coffee & Beans, Daily Essentials).
3. Trigger Logic: The sequence only enrolls orders that contain at least one of the selected products or collections.

Step 3: Filter by Customer Segments (Optional)

In the Customer segments card:

1. Target synced Shopify customer cohorts (e.g. Repeat Customers, VIP Tier Shoppers).
2. Check the box next to desired segments, or leave empty to include all customers purchasing the trigger products.

Step 4: Define Local Audience Rules (Optional)

In the Local audience rules card:

1. Buyer Type: Select Any buyer, First-time buyer, or Returning buyer.
2. Min Purchase Count: Require a minimum number of prior store orders (e.g., enter 1 for verified repeat buyers).
3. Min / Max Order Value: Set optional dollar bounds on past orders.

Step 5: Configure Multi-Step Timeline & Templates

In the Email steps card:

1. Step 1 (Restock Notice):
   • Delay: Set the numeric delay (e.g. 0) and unit dropdown (minutes, hours, days — e.g., 0 days sends when the replenishment due date arrives).
   • Linked Offer: (Optional) Link an active offer to populate the email with dynamic product recommendations or re-order links.
   • Email Template: Select the Replenishment email template from the dropdown.
2. Step 2 (Follow-Up Reminder — Optional):
   • Click + Add step.
   • Delay: Set the follow-up interval (e.g. 7 days).
   • Linked Offer: Attach an offer.
   • Email Template: Select your follow-up replenishment template.

Step 6: Save and Publish

1. Set sequence status to Active.
2. In the top right header, click Save sequence to launch automated restock tracking.

Best Practices for High-Converting Replenishment Emails

• Align Timing with Real Usage: Underestimating usage timing can annoy customers, while overestimating lets them buy from competitors. Check your Shopify order frequency data to pinpoint accurate depletion days.
• Single-Click Cart Links: Ensure your email template includes a direct Re-order Now button that reloads the exact variant into checkout.
• Bundle Upgrades: Use the Linked Offer feature to recommend double-packs or complete routine sets at a small volume discount.

Related Guides

• Retention Sequences Overview — managing all lifecycle email flows
• Win-Back Sequences Guide — re-engaging lapsed customers
• Loyalty Program & Tiers — awarding loyalty points for repeat restocks
• Email Template Builder — customizing MJML replenishment templates
• Email Provider Setup & Diagnostics — mail gateway authentication and webhook health