50 WhatsApp Auto-Reply Message Examples For Small Businesses

Communication plays a crucial role in how customers perceive and interact with small businesses.

WhatsApp, with its widespread adoption, offers an opportunity for businesses to create a direct, conversational line with their audience.

However, maintaining rapid responsiveness across dozens or even hundreds of incoming messages each week can quickly become overwhelming for small teams.

This is where the auto-reply messages can help.

The automated replies bridge the gap when staff cannot respond instantly, nurturing customer trust and satisfaction.

It also helps small businesses uphold professionalism, manage expectations regarding response times, and reduce the risk of missing valuable inquiries.

This article showcases fifty practical message examples that businesses can use or customize to enhance their customer experience.

Take a look.

What Should You Follow & Avoid While Drafting Auto-Replies?

Before we get down to exploring the auto-reply message examples, let’s take a look at some good and bad practices to keep in mind.

What to follow?

Use a friendly and professional tone for all replies.
Clearly state your business hours or expected response times.
Briefly explain why you aren’t available or when you will reply.
Keep messages concise and to the point for clarity.
Personalize replies with your business name or a relevant greeting.
Add alternative contact options, like email or website, if suitable.
Thank the customer for reaching out or their patience.
Ensure grammar and spelling are correct and error-free.
Use relevant emojis sparingly to convey warmth, not clutter.
Clearly request any information needed for a quicker response.

What to avoid?

Do not use long, complicated paragraphs that are hard to read.
Avoid jargon or technical language unfamiliar to your audience.
Do not send replies too frequently or repetitively.
Don’t promise an unrealistic response time if you can’t keep it.
Avoid informal slang or excessively casual language in business replies.
Do not include sensitive information in auto messages.
Avoid using all capital letters, which can seem aggressive.
Don’t forget to update messages during holidays or big changes.
Avoid sending unsolicited marketing or promotional content.
Don’t ignore feedback—update auto replies based on customer needs.

WhatsApp Auto-Reply Message Examples For Small Businesses

Here are some short and effective auto-reply message examples.

General Out-of-Office or Unavailability

“Hi! Thanks for reaching out. We’re currently away but will get back to you as soon as possible.”
“Hello! We’ve received your message and will be in touch during our business hours.”
“Thanks for contacting [Your Business Name]. We’re not online right now, but we’ll reply shortly.”
“Hi! Our team is currently out of office. We’ll respond when we’re back.”
“Hello! We are closed at the moment but will respond to messages on the next business day.”

During Business Hours

“Thank you for your message! One of our team members will assist you shortly.”
“Hi! Your message is important to us. We will get to you within 15 minutes.”
“Thanks for reaching out to [Business Name]. Please wait while we connect you to a representative.”
“Hello! We’re busy helping other customers but will reply as soon as we’re available.”
“Hello! Our average response time is currently 10 minutes. Thank you for your patience.”

After Hours

“Thank you for messaging. Our office is currently closed. Business hours are Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm.”
“Hi! We appreciate your message. We’ll respond first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Hello! It’s outside our working hours but we’ll get in touch at the earliest opportunity.”
“Thanks for reaching out! We’ll be back online at 9:00 am and will reply then.”
“Hi! Our team is away for the day. We’ll respond on the next working day.”

Lead or Inquiry Collection

“Thank you for your interest in our products! Kindly share your requirements, and we’ll get back to you soon.”
“Hi! Please leave your name and query. Our team will contact you for more details.”
“Thank you for contacting us. For a quick quote, please provide your name, email, and the service required.”
“Hello! Let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll respond with more info soon.”
“Hi! Your inquiry has been received. Our sales team will follow up shortly.”

Support & Complaint Acknowledgment

“Thank you for contacting support! We’ve received your request and will reply as soon as possible.”
“Hi! Sorry to hear you’ve had an issue. Please describe your problem, and support will assist soon.”
“Thanks for your feedback or complaint. Our team is reviewing and will respond soon.”
“Hello! Our support staff will review your message and respond with a solution shortly.”
“Hi! We appreciate your patience while our team looks into your ticket.”

Frequently Asked Questions

“Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Please message us then.”
“You can check your order status at [link].”
“Our return policy allows returns within 30 days of purchase.”
“For quick help, please visit our FAQ page [link].”
“We accept payments by credit card, PayPal & UPI.”

Sales & Promotions

“We offer a 20% discount for first-time customers! Ask for your code.”
“Our product pricing starts at $99. Need details?”
“This week’s offer: Buy 2, Get 1 Free!”
“Get free shipping on orders above $50.”
“Thank you for your interest. Get your free consultation here: [link].”

Appointment Booking

“To book an appointment, please click: [link].”
“Would you like to schedule a consultation? Slots available this week!”
“Your appointment is confirmed for [date and time].”
“Running late? Message us to reschedule.”
“Please send your preferred date/time for a booking.”

Order Updates & Delivery

“Your order has shipped! Track it here: [link].”
“There’s a slight delay with your delivery. We’ll keep you informed.”
“Your package has arrived. Let us know if you need anything.”
“We’ve received your request and will get back to you within 24 hours.”
“Is this order urgent? Please confirm so we can prioritize it.”

Payment & Invoicing

“You can pay securely via [mode]. Here’s the payment link: [link].”
“Your invoice for the recent order is attached. Let us know if you need any changes.”
“Payment received! Thank you for your business.”
“Payment pending. Please let us know once completed.”
“For billing questions, message us anytime and we’ll revert asap.”

How To Set Auto-Reply Messages On WhatsApp?

If you haven’t been using WhatsApp to connect with your customers but planning to get on with it, here are simple steps to set the auto-replys on WhatsApp.

Open WhatsApp Business App
Launch the WhatsApp Business app on your phone.
Access Business Tools
On Android: Tap the three dots in the upper right, select Settings, then Business Tools.
On iOS: Tap Settings at the bottom right, then select Business Tools.
Choose Away Message or Greeting Message
In Business Tools, find either Away Message or Greeting Message, depending on your needs.
Tap to enter its settings.
Turn on and customize your message
Toggle on Send Away/Greeting Message.
Tap the text field and write your auto-reply. Make it informative, relevant, and friendly.
Choose a schedule. Select when the auto-reply should be active
Always send for all times
Custom schedule for specific times
Outside business hours for non-working times (set your business hours in your profile)
Select recipients. Decide who will get the auto-reply. Everyone, Everyone not in your address book, Everyone except selected contacts, Specific contacts only
Save settings. Tap Save or the checkmark to activate your message.
Test your auto-reply. Ask a friend to message you during the set period and confirm your auto-reply works.

That’s it. You’re done!

What exact menu taps differ between Android and iPhone settings?

The menu taps for setting WhatsApp Business auto replies differ slightly between Android and iPhone devices, mainly in how you access Settings and Business Tools.

Here’s the difference you’ll notice.

Tap three dots: Top right corner of the WhatsApp Business home screen.
Select “Settings”
Tap “Business Tools”
Choose “Away Message,” “Greeting Message,” or “Quick Replies”
Draft, schedule, and save your message.

Tap “Settings”: Bottom right corner of the WhatsApp Business home screen.
Tap “Business Tools”
Choose “Away Message,” “Greeting Message,” or “Quick Replies”
Draft, schedule, and save your message.

Can I Include Images or Buttons in Automated WhatsApp Replies?

Yes, images and buttons can be included in automated WhatsApp replies, but with important limitations based on the version used.

WhatsApp Business App (Free Version)

Images in Quick Replies: The regular WhatsApp Business app supports sending images and videos with “Quick Replies.” You can pre-save media in your quick reply shortcuts and manually send them when replying.
Limitations: Automated “Away” or “Greeting” messages sent automatically (not manual quick replies) cannot contain images or interactive buttons; they are strictly text-only.

WhatsApp Business API

Images & Media: With the API, businesses can send automated replies that include images, videos, documents, and even interactive elements such as lists and quick reply buttons.
Interactive Buttons: The API allows message templates enriched with buttons for quick actions (e.g., “Buy Now,” “Get Info”) or menu/list selections.
Advanced Automation: Rich media and interactive features require API access, approval of message templates, and typically integration with CRM or automation platforms.

For most small businesses, auto replies with images or interactive buttons require upgrading to the WhatsApp Business API rather than using the free app version.

How Can I Target Auto-Replies to Only Unknown Customers?

WhatsApp Business allows auto-replies to be specifically targeted to unknown customers by using the recipient selection feature.

This means your automated message can be set to respond only to people not saved in your phone’s address book. Follow these steps to achieve it:

Open WhatsApp Business app and go to Settings → Business Tools.
Select “Away Message” or “Greeting Message.”
Enable your auto-reply by toggling the send option.
Customize your message in the message field.
Set recipient options. Choose “Everyone not in address book” to send automatic replies only to new or unknown customers, i.e., those whose numbers are not saved as contacts.
Save your settings to activate the targeted auto-reply.

What happens?

Anyone whose number is not saved to your contact list will receive this auto-reply when they message your business.
Your existing customers (contacts) will not get the auto-reply, keeping communication relevant and less repetitive.

This feature is built-in to WhatsApp Business, letting small businesses welcome and filter out new or unknown inquiries automatically.

Final Thoughts

So here we are, everything that small businesses need to know about WhatsApp auto-reply function.

If you’re a small business, you can’t do away with WhatsApp communication with your customers. It enables instant, direct interaction on a platform they frequently use, fostering trust and loyalty.

Rapid responses and convenient messaging boost customer satisfaction, streamline service, and also help small businesses compete effectively against larger firms in a fast-paced marketplace.

Thoughtfully drafted automated messages demonstrate care for customers and reinforce a commitment to excellent communication.

As customer needs and business operations evolve, regularly reviewing and updating auto-reply templates ensures that these automated interactions remain relevant and impactful.

50 WhatsApp Auto-Reply Message Examples For Small Businesses