Apology Emails: 10 Great Examples (& Other Tips)

In this article, you'll find 10 email examples for apologies that have been sent to customers from various companies. Seeing these examples can help you craft your own effective apology emails with confidence and clarity.

What should go into Apology emails?

A good apology email is sincere and acknowledges the mistake while offering a clear plan for resolution. It should convey empathy, take responsibility, and provide a path forward to rebuild trust.

• Subject Line: Keep it straightforward and honest, such as "We Apologize for the Inconvenience" or "Our Sincere Apologies".
• Opening Statement: Start with a heartfelt apology, for example, "We are truly sorry for the inconvenience caused by...".
• Acknowledgment of the Issue: Clearly state what went wrong, like "We understand that our recent service outage affected your experience...".
• Taking Responsibility: Own up to the mistake with phrases like "We take full responsibility for...".
• Action Plan: Explain the steps being taken to resolve the issue, such as "We are implementing new measures to ensure this doesn't happen again...".
• Closing Statement: End with a commitment to improve and a thank you, for instance, "Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to serve you better."

Let's jump into it and explore 10 email examples of good apology emails!

10 Apology Email Examples

1) OpenTable

OpenTable is a service that allows users to make online reservations at restaurants. The apology email from OpenTable is effective because it acknowledges the mistake with a light-hearted subject line, "Oops, that was embarrassing," and addresses the issue directly, demonstrating transparency and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

2) DoorDash

DoorDash is a food delivery service that connects people with the best in their cities by empowering local businesses and creating new opportunities for people to earn, work, and live. The apology email from DoorDash is effective because it directly addresses the mistake with a clear subject line, "Whoops! We sent you the wrong email," demonstrating accountability and transparency, which helps maintain trust and credibility with the customer.

3) Liquid Death

Liquid Death, known for its unique and edgy marketing, issued a public apology email that stands out for its transparency and straightforwardness. The email effectively communicates the mistake and outlines the steps being taken to rectify the situation, making it a strong example of how to maintain customer trust and satisfaction through clear and honest communication.

4) Thread

Thread's apology email stands out due to its clear acknowledgment of the issue with the shipment and its commitment to resolving the problem promptly. This approach not only demonstrates transparency but also reassures the customer that their satisfaction is a priority, effectively maintaining trust and credibility.

5) Pokémon Center

Pokémon Center is the official online store for Pokémon merchandise, offering a wide range of products including toys, apparel, and collectibles. The company did a good job with this email by providing a clear and concise update on the Pikachu 25th Celebration Skateboard, ensuring that recipients immediately understand the email's purpose and maintaining high standards for both content and presentation.

6) GOBE

GOBE's apology email, titled "Oops, we got a bit excited," stands out for its engaging subject line and transparent communication. The email acknowledges the mistake in a light-hearted manner and provides a clear explanation, which helps to maintain customer trust and satisfaction.

7) Shipt

Shipt is a company that provides delivery services, allowing customers to order groceries and other items online and have them delivered to their doorstep. The apology email from Shipt is effective because it clearly acknowledges the mistake with the subject line "It’s not deja vu," offers a sincere apology, and outlines steps to prevent future issues, thereby maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.

8) Emma

Emma's apology email, titled "Something went wrong today," stands out for its clear acknowledgment of the issue and the steps being taken to resolve it. This approach not only demonstrates transparency but also reassures the customer that their satisfaction is a priority, effectively maintaining trust and credibility.

9) Methodical Coffee

Methodical Coffee's retraction email stands out with its clean design and clear typography, making it easy to read and understand. The subject line, "*Retraction* On Colombia and our last email," is prominently displayed, ensuring that the purpose of the email is immediately clear to the recipient.

10) FilterEasy

FilterEasy, a company specializing in air filter subscriptions, sent an apology email with the subject line "Oops: Someone Hadn’t Had Their Coffee Yet This Morning." This email stands out due to its light-hearted and relatable approach, effectively addressing the mistake while maintaining a friendly tone, which helps to rebuild customer trust and satisfaction.

Why you should use Flodesk to help create your emails

With Flodesk, crafting a compelling apology email is a breeze. Its intuitive design tools and beautiful templates empower you to create visually stunning emails that convey sincerity and professionalism, ensuring your message resonates with your audience. Plus, the platform's simplicity means you can focus on what matters most—rebuilding trust and maintaining strong customer relationships.

What is Flodesk?

Flodesk is the most intuitive email marketing platform for small businesses, designed to help you grow, nurture, and monetize your email list beautifully. Easily create, send, and automate emails that increase your reach and drive sales—no coding or design experience needed. Trusted by over 100,000 businesses globally, Flodesk offers powerful features without the hassle of complicated tools. Plus, with flat-rate pricing, your costs stay the same no matter how big your list grows.