Why Auto-Reply Templates Matter
The first 5 minutes after a customer sends a WhatsApp message determine whether they stay engaged or move to a competitor. Data from businesses using AutoChat shows that response within 2 minutes gets a 40% higher conversion rate compared to response after 30 minutes.
Auto-reply templates ensure every customer gets an instant acknowledgment, even when your team is busy or offline.
Welcome Messages (First Contact)
Template 1: General Welcome
"Hi {{name}}! Welcome to [Business Name]. How can we help you today? Reply with a number: 1. Product inquiry 2. Place an order 3. Track existing order 4. Talk to our team"
Template 2: E-commerce Welcome
"Hello {{name}}! Thanks for messaging [Store Name]. Browse our catalog here: [catalog link]. Or tell us what you're looking for, and we'll find it for you."
Template 3: Service Business Welcome
"Hi {{name}}, thanks for contacting [Business Name]! Would you like to: 1. Book an appointment 2. Get a quote 3. Ask a question โ Our team typically responds within 10 minutes during business hours."
Template 4: Lead Capture Welcome
"Welcome to [Business Name], {{name}}! To help you better, could you share: what you're looking for, your budget range, and your preferred timeline. We'll get back with personalized options."
Out-of-Hours Replies
Template 5: After Hours (Standard)
"Thanks for your message, {{name}}. Our business hours are [hours]. We've received your message and will respond first thing when we're back. If urgent, please call [emergency number]."
Template 6: After Hours (E-commerce)
"Hi {{name}}! We're currently offline but your message is saved. Our team will reply by [time]. Meanwhile: Track your order: [link] | Browse products: [catalog link]"
Template 7: Holiday Closure
"Happy [Festival Name]! Our office is closed from [date] to [date]. We'll respond to all messages on [return date]. For urgent orders, visit our website: [link]."
Order & Purchase Related
Template 8: Order Confirmation
"Order confirmed! Order #{{order_id}} โ Items: {{items}} โ Total: โน{{amount}} โ Expected delivery: {{delivery_date}}. You'll receive tracking details once shipped. Reply 'STATUS' anytime to check."
Template 9: Payment Received
"Payment received! โน{{amount}} for Order #{{order_id}}. Your order is being processed and you'll get a shipping update within {{timeline}}."
Template 10: Shipping Update
"Your order #{{order_id}} has been shipped! Courier: {{courier_name}} | Tracking: {{tracking_id}} | Track here: {{tracking_link}} | Expected delivery: {{date}}"
Template 11: Delivery Confirmation
"Hi {{name}}, your order #{{order_id}} has been delivered! If everything looks good, we'd appreciate a quick review: [review link]. Any issues? Just reply here."
Appointment & Booking
Template 12: Booking Confirmation
"Appointment confirmed! Date: {{date}} | Time: {{time}} | Location: {{location}} | With: {{provider_name}}. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Reply 'CANCEL' to cancel or 'CHANGE' to reschedule."
Template 13: Appointment Reminder (48 hours)
"Reminder: Your appointment with {{provider}} is on {{date}} at {{time}}. Reply: CONFIRM, CANCEL, or CHANGE."
Template 14: Appointment Reminder (2 hours)
"Hi {{name}}, your appointment is in 2 hours at {{time}}. Address: {{address}}. See you soon!"
FAQ & Information Responses
Template 15: Pricing Inquiry
"Thanks for asking about pricing, {{name}}! [Product 1]: โน{{price1}} | [Product 2]: โน{{price2}} | [Product 3]: โน{{price3}}. For a detailed quote, reply with your specific requirements."
Template 16: Store Location/Hours
"Here are our details: Address: {{address}} | Hours: {{hours}} | Phone: {{phone}} | Google Maps: {{maps_link}}. We're located near [landmark]."
Template 17: Return/Exchange Policy
"Our return policy: Returns accepted within {{days}} days, item must be unused with original packaging. To start a return: share your order number, reason, and a photo of the item. We'll process within 24 hours."
Payment Reminders
Template 18: Payment Due
"Hi {{name}}, reminder that your payment of โน{{amount}} for {{service}} is due on {{date}}. Pay via UPI: {{upi_id}} or payment link: {{link}}. Reply 'PAID' once done."
Template 19: Overdue Payment
"Hi {{name}}, your payment of โน{{amount}} was due on {{date}}. Please complete payment to avoid service interruption. Payment link: {{link}}. Questions? Reply here."
Feedback & Reviews
Template 20: Post-Purchase Feedback
"Hi {{name}}! You purchased {{product}} recently. Rate your experience: 1. Excellent 2. Good 3. Average 4. Needs improvement โ Your feedback helps us improve."
Template 21: Review Request
"Hi {{name}}, glad you had a good experience! Would you mind leaving a 30-second review? [review_link] โ Thank you!"
Seasonal & Promotional
Template 22: Sale Announcement
"{{name}}, our {{sale_name}} is LIVE! Up to {{discount}}% off on {{categories}}. Valid: {{start_date}} to {{end_date}}. Shop now: {{link}}. Reply 'DEALS' to see top picks."
Template 23: New Product Launch
"{{name}}, introducing {{product_name}} โ {{description}}. Starting at โน{{price}}. Early bird offer: {{offer_details}} valid till {{date}}. Reply 'ORDER' to grab yours."
Escalation & Handoff
Template 24: Transferring to Agent
"Thanks for your patience, {{name}}. Connecting you with {{agent_name}} who will message you within {{timeframe}}. Reference: {{ticket_id}}."
Template 25: Issue Acknowledgment
"We're sorry about this, {{name}}. Your complaint regarding {{issue}} has been registered (Ticket #{{ticket_id}}). We'll investigate and respond within {{resolution_time}}."
Tips for Meta Template Approval
Common rejection reasons and how to avoid them:
- **Vague content**: Be specific. "We have an update" gets rejected. "Your order #{{order_id}} has shipped" gets approved. - **Missing opt-out**: Include "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" on marketing templates. - **Wrong category**: Marketing messages submitted as utility get rejected. Categorize honestly. - **Variable-heavy messages**: Have enough static text for Meta to understand the purpose.
Approval typically takes 1-24 hours. Submit English templates first (faster approval), then add translations.
Personalization Variables
Variables like {{name}} and {{order_id}} get replaced with real customer data when sent. AutoChat pulls these from your connected systems. Personalized messages see 60% higher engagement than generic broadcasts.
[Set up auto-replies with AutoChat](https://autochat.in/contact) โ we'll customize these templates for your business and get them approved.