30+ Impactful Last Chance Email Subject Lines to Boost Sales

last chance email subject lines cover image with a spread of cards

Last chance email subject lines that create a sense of urgency and exclusivity typically give 22% higher open rates.

These emails can ignite curiosity, drive immediate action, and boost your conversions. They’re your last chance to create a scarcity effect, pique customers’ interest, and, ultimately, persuade them to click through to the purchase page.

We’ll delve into the psychology behind effective last chance emails and understand the best time to send them. We’ll also review 30+ actionable examples to inspire your next email campaign.

Feel free to skip to the examples section straight away or read through the key elements of last chance email subject lines to maximize impact.



What is a Last Chance Email Subject Line?

A last chance email subject line is a powerful marketing strategy to prompt customers to take immediate action by offering them exclusive email coupons, discounts, and time-limited offers. You’ll typically tap into their FOMO (Fear of missing out) to convince them to take action.

These emails are sent at the end of sales promotions, event registrations, or limited-time offers, informing recipients that they have one last opportunity to take advantage of the deal or event before it expires.


Key Elements of a Proper Last Chance Email Subject Line

A compelling last chance email subject line must entice recipients to open and read the email fully. This means adding valuable information instead of merely including “Last chance” or “Free” in your email subject lines.

The table below contains the key elements of effective subject lines.

Key ElementHow to do it
UrgencyUse words such as “Last chance,” “Final call,” and “Ending soon” to create immediacy and drive action
RelevanceConsider the recipient’s past behavior to personalize the subject lines
ClarityMention the email content in the subject line for increased clarity
Actionable languageUtilize verbs such as “Exclusive last chance access” to encourage action
PersonalizationUse the recipient’s name to sound familiar and relevant
ExclusivityMake the recipient feel like they are getting an exclusive deal
Time-sensitivityHighlight the limited time frame and encourage participation
Key elements of last chance email subject lines

Using one or all of the above elements will enhance your subject lines, increasing the likelihood of customer action.


How Effective Subject Lines Can Increase Conversions

An intriguing subject line is the gateway to your email content. It gives the first impression and determines your email open rates and conversion rates.

Effective subject lines contribute to the following:

  • Enhanced open rates: Curiosity-driven subject lines entice readers to open emails and interact with the content.
  • Improved click-through rates: Relevant subject lines encourage recipients to interact with your email content, increasing click-through rates. In addition, personalized subject lines provide a sense of belonging and increase trust.
  • Enhanced brand reputation: Consistent use of strong subject lines builds credibility and positions your brand as a go-to source in the industry.
  • Increased sales: People engaging with your emails increases the likelihood of higher sales and conversions.

By carefully evaluating email subject lines, you can boost overall email campaign metrics and gain customer trust.

We’ll assess the psychology behind last chance email subject lines to help you craft better ones.


Understanding the Psychology Behind Last Chance Email Subject Lines

Email marketing psychology principles are the core factor that drives consumers’ activities and decisions. For example, people are more motivated by the fear of loss than the potential of gain.

That’s one reason creating a sense of urgency can work well to persuade consumers.

Here are important psychological attributes to give you a better idea.

1. Creating a Sense of Urgency

Clearly stating the deadline instills FOMO in people, urging them to make a quicker purchase decision. According to a study by OnePoll, 69% of Americans have experienced FOMO in their lives.

Additionally, highlighting what customers might lose if they don’t act can trigger loss aversion leading to immediate action.

2. Scarcity Principle

Implying that a product is available only for a limited time increases its perceived value. For example, when a customer walks into a store and reads the signboard, “10% off only today”, they are more likely to buy the product on the same day rather than later.

To further enhance the appeal of the offer, create a feeling of exclusivity. Making the consumers feel good about themselves can indirectly enhance how they perceive the product or service.

3. FOMO (Fear of missing out)

While including limited quantity items can speed up the purchase process, social proof is a strong indicator of your brand presence. Online reviews, client testimonials, and user-generated content are powerful proof of your brand doing really well.

You can present this information and suggest that potential customers take advantage of it. In fact, 92% of the consumers hesitate to buy without a customer review. According to the same study, an average person expects to see 112 reviews before they make a purchase decision.

Understanding these key factors will help you craft relevant last chance email subject lines. Ensure your subject lines address potential problems and provide a preview of what’s inside the email.


When to Send Last Chance Emails to Maximize the Impact?

A last chance email must be the final message to the recipient. Sending these emails often or bombarding customers with untimely offers can lead to an increase in unsubscribe rates.

That’s why it’s important to know which situation demands a last chance email.

When choosing a timeframe, consider the following factors:

  • What’s the offer duration?
  • When are customers most active?
  • Are there competing offers or sales similar to yours?

Once you’ve answered those questions, follow these general guidelines below:

  • Early bird: Remind customers a few days before the sale ends to build anticipation.
  • Mid-point push: Send another email halfway through the offer period to nudge users to consider the products or services.
  • Final countdown: Send a series of emails until the final countdown to increase urgency.
  • Last-minute rush: Send a final reminder or last chance email before closing the sale.

General Timing Guidelines

Below, we’ll discuss specifics to help you determine the right email send times:

  • Consider the end of season sale: Send the last chance email a few hours before the final sale ends.
  • Think about the behavioral cues: Send last chance emails based on customer behavior such as cart abandonment or browsing history.
  • Remember holidays and special events: Implement holiday email marketing and send last chance emails a day before or on the morning of the holidays.
  • Consider weekends and weekdays: Use customer data to determine the habits of weekday and weekend shoppers and send emails accordingly.
  • Utilize hourly countdown: For major sales, send hourly countdown emails in batches. Campaign Refinery allows clients to include third-party countdown timers in all their emails to promote urgency and drive action.

You’ll also likely tailor the subject lines depending on the types of emails you send. Remember to keep the style consistent and customize the subject lines to suit the overall email content.

Let’s review the different angles and approaches you can take with your last chance email subject lines.


Different Types of Last Chance Email Subject Lines

Most last chance email subject lines can be categorized based on the psychological triggers they employ.

Let’s review few of them below.

9 Urgency-Driven Subject Lines

  1. Last chance: The sale ends tonight. Grab the offer before its gone
  2. Final call: Your discount expires in 5 hours
  3. Last chance to save 25%
  4. Only 24 hours left, don’t miss out
  5. Only 5 items remaining in your favorite summer dress collection
  6. Only 1 day left to save big
  7. Time’s running out: Offer ends at midnight
  8. This is it. Last chance to save 70% off luxury brands
  9. Act now. Last chance to enjoy an additional 10% discount

6 Scarcity-Based Subject Lines

  1. Final hours: VIP access to exclusive [Show/event name]
  2. Last chance to grab the [Product name]
  3. Almost gone, grab yours now
  4. Going fast: only limited stock remaining
  5. Final call: Items selling out quickly
  6. Final few, secure yours now

8 Benefit Focused Last Chance Email Subject Lines

  1. Final chance: achieve huge savings
  2. Last call for unbelievable perks
  3. Your last chance for a better [Problem]
  4. Solve your issues with [Product name] – Last chance to grab it
  5. Last chance: Enjoy free shipping today only
  6. Last chance to access exclusive membership benefits
  7. Final call: Boost your fitness with our best workout attire
  8. Last chance: Enhance your style with our latest collection

8 FOMO Inducing Last Chance Subject Lines

  1. Final chance to wear [Dress name] at 50% off
  2. Last call: Shop before it’s too late
  3. Don’t miss out: Last day to save big on [Service name]
  4. Your last opportunity: Take your favorite Tees at $10 off
  5. Closing soon: Your last chance to grab [product name]
  6. Everyone’s buying it, join the trend
  7. This deal won’t last forever
  8. Something big is ending tonight

4 Question-based Last Chance Email Subject Lines

  1. Can you resist this deal? — $15 off on your purchase
  2. Are you ready to save big?
  3. Are you missing out on the big savings? Join in now
  4. Want the last piece of [Product name]? We got you covered

4 Generic Last Chance Email Subject Lines

  1. Do you have the memo? Last chance for great deals
  2. Don’t miss out on this exclusive deal
  3. Your exclusive opportunity is expiring soon
  4. Now or never: Enjoy the deal now

Depending on your industry, your last chance email subject line could vary.

Let’s surf through last chance email subject line examples for different industries.


Last Chance Email Subject Line: Industry-Specific Examples

Use the below table as a guide to craft yours according to your industry type and business needs.

Industry TypeLast Chance Email Subject Line Example
FashionFinal hours: 40% off on your favorite styles
ElectronicsLast chance on tech deals – ends at midnight
BeautyYour skin’s last chance to glow up
TravelVacation ends tomorrow: book now and save big
SaaSLast day to claim your free trial upgrade
Education and online servicesFinal enrollment: Get fluent in a flash
Fitness and wellnessLast chance to transform your body
Industry-specific last chance email subject lines

In any scenario, include clear and concise subject lines where recipients can easily understand them without confusion.

Let’s discuss best practices to help you write in compelling language.


Best Practices and Tips for Perfecting Last Chance Email Subject Lines

Capturing audience’s attention starts with understanding their customer journey. For example, if a consumer values sustainability, craft subject lines that tap into this emotion, like “Final call to shop our eco-friendly collection.”

Here is a summary of our 9 useful tips to craft compelling last chance email subject lines:

  1. Keep it short and sweet: Aim for 50 characters or less to ensure the subject lines display well across all devices.
  2. Personalize when possible: Include the recipient’s name and refer to their past purchases or action.
  3. Highlight benefits: Introduce the value of your offer and what the recipient gains from it. For example, “Last chance to get BOGO on the winter collection.”
  4. Include numbers and specifics: Specific details such as mentioning the percentage off or number-based offers can increase the chances of purchase.
  5. Use emojis sparingly: Emojis can make your subject lines stand out, but use them sparingly to maintain professionalism and steer clear of spam traps.
  6. Avoid spammy language: It’s easy to sound over-excited and use spammy words such as “Free”, “Hurry”, and “Urgent.” Remember, these words can trigger spam filters and, in worse cases, get your domain blacklisted.
  7. A/B test subject lines: Mix different phrases and split test offers to see what resonates with your audience. For example, you can test two variations like “Last chance to grab your offer” vs. “Final call for exclusive discounts.”
  8. Use action-oriented words: Utilize verbs such as “Act now” to encourage immediate responses.
  9. Monitor timing: Find out the best time to send emails to maximize email response rate.

Want to know how the other brands use these aspects to perfect their subject lines? Let’s review real-life examples of last chance subject lines.


4 Best Last Chance Email Subject Line Examples

Here are last chance subject line examples to inspire you.

1. Goodles

Subject Line: “Last chance for 20% off on smokey dokey”

Goodles last chance email 1
Goodles last chance email subject line example. Source.

This subject line promotes urgency and clearly outlines the next steps. For example, the customer does not need to remember codes during the checkout process. The 20% off will automatically be applied for the selected product.

2. Outsite

Subject Line: “Your last chance to bid”

Outsite last chance email 2
Outsite last chance email subject line example. Source.

Outsite uses urgency to encourage recipients to bid for their favorite place. The brand cleverly mentions that the bidding closes at midnight to instill quickness in the readers.

3. Grammarly

Subject Line: “Last chance for 50% off premium”

Grammarly last chance email 3
Grammarly last chance email example. Source.

Grammarly uses the phrase “Last chance for 50% off” to create a sense of urgency and highlight what the customer might miss if they don’t act immediately.

The subject line also acts as a clear call-to-action, encouraging users to secure the benefits before it’s too late.

4. Selfmade

Subject Line: “One more day”

Skincare last chance email example 4
Selfmade last chance email example. Full version at the source.

Selfmade uses an intriguing subject line to increase customer curiosity. When someone reads “One more day” in the subject line, they are more likely to open the email and take action.

The brand also captures user attention by offering a free serum with any order of the Buff and Smooth Duo. This can increase the likelihood of customers purchasing the duo for a value of $36.


Power Words to Use in Your Last Chance Email Subject Lines

Power words in email marketing help you capture customer focus and most likely drive action.

Use the following power words in combination with verbs to increase impact:

  • Now
  • Quick
  • Immediate
  • Final
  • Ending
  • Exclusive
  • Free
  • Instant
  • Few
  • Luxurious
  • Amazing
  • Incredible
  • Popular
  • Hot
  • Trending
  • Selling fast
  • Don’t miss out
  • Grab
  • Claim
  • Secure
  • Act

Be mindful and use them sparingly to avoid becoming a spam email sender. Maintaining email security best practices is paramount to protecting your email deliverability.

Email deliverability is the mechanism ensuring your emails reach your recipients’ primary inboxes rather than the spam folders. This helps more people view your last chance emails and increases the likelihood of action.


Get the Highest Email Deliverability for Your Last Chance Emails

Proper and compelling subject lines can help you get noticed in a crowded inbox. However, to get there, you need a solid email deliverability rate.

And most importantly, using a reputable email service provider.

Campaign Refinery takes care of all of the above aspects and provides the highest email deliverability rate on the market. All our clients are required to undergo mandatory domain authentication and our team constantly keeps a check on their email deliverability rate and sending best practices.

Our platform’s strict security protocols, combined with a robust sending engine and email deliverability ecosystem, help clients maximize their email marketing.

The best part is that you can enjoy premium features, tools, and the highest inbox placement rate on all pricing tiers.

Maximize your email marketing revenue with Campaign Refinery

Apply to become a client today!

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