40+ Last Chance Email Subject Lines & Real-Life Examples

Email • Email MarketingLaiba Siddiqui • Updated: January 06, 2026 • 7 minutes READ

Did you know that 43% of people decide whether to open an email based solely on the subject line?

So, if you’ve spent hours trying to write the perfect last chance email subject line, you’re not alone. It’s tough to find the right balance, something that grabs attention, creates urgency, and sparks action all at once.

In this article, I’ll explain how to write last chance subject lines that look good and get you real results. You’ll get proven examples to inspire your own subject lines, and a surprise tool at the end that will take the guesswork out of the process.

What Is a Last Chance Email?

A last chance email is that final message you send when time’s almost up, like when the sale’s ending, the event’s closing, or the offer’s about to expire.

These emails create a sense of urgency. They reach the people who’ve been thinking about buying, signing up, or finishing checkout but haven’t done it yet. So, a short and clear note at the right moment can turn hesitation into action.

Last Chance Subject Lines for Different Purposes

Let’s look at some examples of subject lines that you can use when sending last chance emails:

Last Chance Discount & Coupon Subject Lines

These are perfect when your offer is about to expire and you want people to grab the discount before it disappears.

• Here are some common options you can try:
• Only a few hours left to use your 50% off code
• Hurry! Your offer ends tonight!
• Final call: 30% off on premium collection
• Claim your exclusive 35% off before it expires
• Jacob, your 25% off is about to end
• Last chance: your free offer is expiring
• Final call: Black Friday ends tonight at midnight!
• Going… going… gone! Cyber Monday wraps up soon
• Still shopping? Your last chance for Christmas gifts!

These subject lines are short, clear, and urgent. They make readers feel like they’re getting something special that won’t come around again soon.

Last Chance Free Shipping Subject Lines

Everyone loves free shipping. When it’s about to expire, make sure your readers know. For this, you can use subject lines like these:

• Shipping’s on us (but not for long!)
• Enjoy free shipping before it disappears!
• Limited time: 10% off with free shipping
• Free shipping on orders above $100
• Hurry!! It’s the last day for free delivery
• Quick! Check out now and get free shipping
• Your last chance to ship free 🎁
• Enjoy free shipping before it disappears!

Low Stock & Product Availability Subject Lines

If an item is running low, your subject line should be urgent (but honest). Here are some subject line options that perfectly align with this concept:

• Popular item alert — selling out faster than expected!
• Almost gone: only a few left in stock!
• [Product] is selling fast!
• Don’t wait — your favorite item’s nearly sold out!
• Low stock alert ⚠️ grab yours before it’s too late
• Last call for [Product Name]. Limited stock!
• Only [X] left — don’t miss out on this one
• Final call to secure your item before it sells out

These lines trigger FOMO (fear of missing out). They tell the reader this isn’t a fake countdown; it’s a real sell-out risk.

Event or Webinar Subject Lines

If you promote an event for let’s say, increasing webinar registrations, use subject lines that remind people they’re running out of time to join in.

• Final hours to register for (Event Name)
• We’re starting soon! Don’t miss today’s live session
• Don’t miss your chance to attend
• Last chance to save your spot — seats almost gone!
• Secure your spot today – Seats almost gone!
• Doors closing! Join our free training before it’s too late
• Final reminder: register now or miss out
• Starts in a few hours — your exclusive invite inside

Last Chance Bonus Deals & Free Gifts Subject Lines

Use these subject lines when offering something extra, like BOGO (Buy one, get one), freebies, or limited-time perks. They highlight exclusivity and reward fast action.

Here are some options you can try:

• Hey [First Name], your BOGO deal ends today!
• Score $50 on your next order
• Get 20% off your website and a free domain
• Last call for your gift — don’t miss it!
• Shop now before it’s over!
• This deal won’t come back — grab your freebie now!
• Your free bonus disappears at midnight ⏰

How to Write Better Last Chance Email Subject Lines: 3 Crucial Tips

Let’s go over some tips to help you write last chance subject lines that create urgency and make people want to open your email before it’s too late.

Create Urgency and Scarcity

Good subject lines make people feel that time is running out or that something’s almost gone. Phrases like “Final hours” or “Ends tonight” encourage quick action before it’s too late.

But you should be honest about deadlines or limits. Don’t fake urgency or exaggerate your offer.

For example, avoid saying “ONLY 2 HOURS LEFT” if the deal actually runs for two more days, because only real urgency builds trust; fake urgency kills it.

Keep It Clear and Concise

Short and to-the-point subject lines grab attention faster because people scroll through emails quickly. This means you only have a second to make your point. So say what’s ending and when; no extra fluff.

Tip: Limit your subject lines to 6 words or fewer.

Long or confusing email subject lines may get cut off on mobile screens. So something like “Final day for 25% off everything” works better than “Don’t miss your chance to take advantage of our limited-time discount offer.”

Add a Personal Touch

When you use someone’s name in an email’s subject line, open rates could increase by 50%. But personalization is not limited to names; you can also get personal in other ways, like through product personalization.

If someone left something in their cart or looked at a product, mention it.

For example, “Drake, your favorite sneakers are almost gone” feels much warmer than a generic “Sale ends soon.” But if you plan

to use this approach, make sure the details are real and fit naturally.

Make It Mobile-Friendly

We know that many people open emails on their smartphones, so your subject lines should look good on small screens too. The best option is to keep them under 50 characters whenever possible.

In addition, place the most critical line at the beginning, like “Ends tonight” or “20% off”, so it doesn’t get cut off. If it suits your brand, add a small emoji to catch the eye, but don’t overuse it.

Sound Natural Rather Than Spammy

70% of people mark emails as spam if they look like spam. And you likely don’t want them to do the same with your emails. So avoid excessive punctuation, capitalization, or overused phrases like “FREE!!!” or “URGENT!!” because they sound fake and may trigger spam filters. Instead, specify in fewer words the reason behind your email, like if an email is urgent, why it’s urgent.

And while writing, use a conversational tone, like you’re talking to someone you know. For example, “Just a few hours left to save 20%” sounds friendly and believable.

3 Last Chance Email Examples With Subject Lines

Here are a few real-world examples of last chance email subject lines to inspire you.

1. Jenpharm’s Last Chance Email Example

This is a product-availability last-chance message from Jenpharm. The subject line, “Dermive Oil Free Moisturizer is Selling Fast,” creates urgency by warning that stock is running low.

2. Alison’s Last Chance Email Example

This subject line used in Alison’s email uses both personalization and urgency to grab attention.

It clearly highlights the 25% discount while keeping the subject line short, clear, and compelling, prompting readers to act before the offer ends.

3. Unspam.email’s Last Chance Email Example

The subject line from Unspam.email, “Webinar: 48 Hours Left to Strengthen Your Holiday Email Strategy” creates urgency and highlights the event’s main topic, which is a great way to attract the right people.

This is a perfect example of how to combine urgency with a clear call to action. You can use this approach when promoting time-sensitive offers.

Bonus: Generate Better Subject Lines in Less Time with Designmodo

Now that you’ve got the examples and tips for better last chance email subject lines, check out our free AI subject line generator.

It’s super easy to use:

1. Enter some details about your campaign
2. Select your audience
3. Fill in a few other bits of info

The tool will then give you a bunch of subject line suggestions based on what you’ve shared.

It takes the guesswork out of the process and gives you subject lines that are more likely to grab attention. You can tweak them however you like, but it’s a great starting point. Give it a try and see how it works for you!

FAQs

Can Last Chance Emails Work for Non-Sales Campaigns?

Yes, last chance emails can also be used for events, subscription renewals, or registration deadlines.

Is It a Good Idea to Send Multiple Last Chance Emails?

It’s generally best to send one or two reminders. More than that may come off as aggressive and could annoy subscribers.

Can I Use Countdown Timers in Last Chance Emails for Non-Sales Campaigns?

Yes, countdown timers can be effective for event registrations or deadlines for free trials and memberships.

What’s the Difference Between a Flash Sale and a Last Chance Email?

A flash sale is usually a quick, limited-time sale, while a last chance email targets customers who are on the verge of missing out on an offer or deadline.