The best flash sale email subject lines to draw readers in
By: Bernard Meyer — Nov 07, 2022
Reading Time: 10minutes
A well-executed flash sale has lots of benefits.
Research shows that the scarcity factor in flash sales stimulates impulse buying among consumers. They also promote shopping enjoyment.
But unless you capture the attention of your target customers and get them to open your flash sale email, you won’t really enjoy these benefits.
And this starts with getting your flash sale subject lines right.
We’ll show you what goes into creating the best flash sale subject lines and give you 20 examples of the best subject lines and emails to inspire you.
How to write the best flash sale email subject lines
The subject line is the first thing a recipient sees when they receive an email. Whether they open the email or not really depends on whether a subject line catches their attention.
The best flash sale subject lines have the following features.
1. They create a sense of urgency
Creating urgency is an effective method to promote the offer in your email and compel your customers to take action.
By setting timeframes and using the right words in your flash sale subject lines, you play on your readers’ fear of missing out (FOMO), which can boost sales.
You can create a sense of urgency using words and phrases like:
Sale starts [soon/today/now]
Limited time offer
Don’t miss this
Now
Fast
Save today
Act now
In fact, Omnisend’s post-Black Friday research showed that “Sale starts…” and “Last chance” had the highest effect on open rates:
2. They provide value
Mentioning the value you’re providing in your flash sale email subject lines motivates your subscribers to open the email.
The allusion to something free or discounted brought directly into their inbox will make them more inclined to open the related email.
What value will they gain from opening your email? A discount? Free shipping? Mention these in your flash sale email subject lines.
3. They make use of emojis
Make use of emojis in flash sale subject lines to:
Pro tip: Use emojis to emphasize something in a positive context.
4. They provide the flash sale details
Telling subscribers what’s in the email can increase your open rates and clicks. Use your flash sale subject lines to tell them the products or categories in the flash sale.
Assuming you’re targeting subscribers based on their buying behavior, they’re likely to find something they’re interested in.
Pro tip: Don’t give them too much information. Provide limited (but adequate) information that generates curiosity to open an email and find out more.
5. They evoke curiosity
Get your subscribers curious about the content in your email by providing open-ended details in your flash sale subject lines.
Tease them with a question or promise something interesting that compels them to read the email.
Make it funny. Flash sale subject lines that make subscribers laugh make them curious to see what’s inside.
You could also say something unusual, such as a cliffhanger that tempts readers to open the email.
Click through each to get deeper insights into what makes these subject lines great, or continue reading below.
1. FLASH SALE | 30% Off Starts NOW
Brand: Fanatics.com
Why this flash sales email subject line is good:
It goes straight into the most important details—what the email is about and the benefits subscribers will get by opening it.
It creates urgency by mentioning when the sale starts and the size of the discounts to further attract the subscribers.
It’s less than 40 characters, which keeps it from getting cut short in the subscribers’ inbox.
Here’s how the email looks:
2. Rarer than a hairless cat.
Preview text: A one day flash sale!
Brand: Meow Meow Tweet
What makes this flash sale subject line good:
It’s surprising and intriguing, which is likely to make it different from other emails subscribers may have in their inboxes. While the subject line doesn't explicitly state that it's a flash sale email, the preview text clears up any confusion.
The tone of the subject line reflects the brand’s playful personality
It’s not something people expect from a sales email. Such a subject line is bound to get your subscribers curious enough to open your email.
Why this is one of the best flash sale subject lines:
It’s a straightforward subject line that provides relevant details about the offer upfront.
The use of emojis turns the subject line into a visual treat that captures the attention of recipients.
It states the exact price the item in the flash sale is going for, which gathers more attention than a vague offer would.
How the email looks:
8. Foam + springs = our favorite things!
Brand: Leesa
Why this is one of the best flash sale subject lines:
It’s intriguing. The subject line presents a mystery and compels the readers to open the email to satisfy their curiosity.
With 37 characters, it’s brief and effective at grabbing the attention of subscribers who scan their inboxes before opening their emails.
It hints at the product that’s on offer without being obvious, which inspires a higher open rate.
How the flash sale email looks:
9. 🤫Shh... Mystery Discount INSIDE
Preview text: Flash Mystery Sale🔥
Brand: Cupshe
What makes this one of the best flash sale subject lines:
It sets clear expectations. Subscribers know what they’ll get if they open the email.
It’s mysterious, which hooks readers and sparks their interest. The same mystery is reflected in the body of the email.
A cheeky emoji at the start of the subject line adds context to the subject line.
How the email looks:
10. Take your sneakers up a notch | 30% off FLASH SALE
Brand: TOMS
What makes this flash sale subject line good:
It starts with an action verb that tells subscribers exactly what you want them to do and triggers a response.
It promises the subscribers a better experience. And when this improved experience comes at a discount, you can be sure of high engagement.
The subject line answers the question “what’s in it for me”—30% off sneakers.
How the email looks:
11. 🤤 Big Flavor Flash Sale! Two for Tuesday is back!
Brand: Man Crates
Why this is one of the best flash sale subject lines:
An excellent choice of emoji to evoke emotion and create excitement around the flash sale.
The language is conversational and casual, which gives it some personality.
It hints at the content of the email but doesn’t give it all away. They’ll still need to open the email to know which product is on offer and how much the discount is.
How the email looks:
12. FLASH SALE 🛍 Perfect Gifts for Father's Day! 🛍
Brand: Valerie confections
What makes this one of the best flash sale subject lines:
Emojis make it more expressive and grab subscribers’ attention.
It’s front-loaded with the most important information in caps—a flash sale.
The subject line communicates the value of the email clearly—a flash sale on gifts fit for Father’s day.
Here’s how the actual email looks:
13. FREE COOLER BAG
Brand: Chubbies Shorts
What makes this flash sale subject line good:
It’s direct. Busy subscribers don’t have to go through a block of text to know what the email is about.
In one word—free—the benefit of opening the email becomes apparent to the readers. And once they open the email, another pleasant surprise of a 50% discount awaits them.
With only 3 words and 15 characters, the entire subject line is fully visible in subscribers’ inboxes. It’s in caps so it doesn’t go unnoticed.
How the flash sale email looks:
14. We've got a little secret to getting endless healthy recipes.
Brand: Sunbasket
Why this email subject line for flash sales is good:
It’s intriguing. The mention of a “secret” creates a mystery that attracts more opens.
The value of “endless healthy benefits” is tailored for its target customers, which is people seeking healthy food.
It’s conversational. It speaks directly to subscribers, which inspires action.
How the actual email looks:
15. Friends & Family sale + email exclusive offer inside!
Brand: Vistaprint
Why this is one of the best flash sale subject lines:
The use of the words “email exclusive” makes the recipients feel special, which drives more engagement.
It promises immense benefits from opening the email—a friends and family sale plus an email exclusive offer—attracting more opens.
It communicates the value while still evoking curiosity.
How the email looked like:
16. STARTS NOW 50-75% OFF EVERYTHING!
Brand: Aeropostale
What makes this flash sale subject line good:
The mention of a crazy discount of up to 75% on everything is bound to draw engagement as recipients would want to learn more.
Beginning with the words “STARTS NOW” creates a sense of urgency.
It goes straight to the point while still communicating the value to the subscribers.
How the email looks:
17. FLASH Sale inside
Brand: No Days Wasted
What makes this flash sale subject line good:
With only 3 words, it’s easy to spot in the inbox.
The word “FLASH” is capitalized to bring attention to the value inside.
Simply telling the recipients what’s inside encourages them to look.
Here’s what the email looks like:
18. Quick! 20% off until 10 pm tonight
Brand: Liz Earle Beauty
What makes this flash sale subject line good:
The value the subscriber will get from opening the email is clear.
The clear deadline creates a sense of urgency and increases engagement.
The use of the word “quick” further encourages readers to take quick action.
How the email looks:
19. Up to 25% off on Select Categories Sale Ends Sunday
Brand: BannerBuzz
What makes this flash sale subject line good:
It’s informative. The recipient knows how much discount they’ll be getting, on what, and when it ends.
Making it known that the flash sale has an expiry date prompts action from the recipient.
The words “Select Categories” mentions the value without giving it all away. The recipient will want to know what categories are on offer.
Here’s the flash sale email:
20. 🤑 NOVEMBER 🤑CLEARANCE 🤑
Brand: Wayfair.com
What makes this flash sale subject line good:
Three emojis and two words in caps is a unique subject line that stands out in the inbox visually.
Emojis with dollar signs creates excitement around the big saving customers will be making, which increases engagement.
The word clearance communicates the value of the email.
How the email looks:
Next steps
You already put a lot of effort into organizing your flash sales. Don’t allow ineffective flash sale email subject lines to make them a flop.
Ensure your flash sale subject lines are unique enough to capture the recipients’ eyes and make them eager to know more.
Check out these other useful guides to create powerful email subject lines.
Go beyond boring email marketing with Omnisend! Get started for free, all features included.
Bernard is the Director of Content at Omnisend, with a passion for good research, helping ecommerce businesses with their marketing automation needs, and beating absolutely everyone in Mario Kart 64.
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