Unfortunately, customer issues and questions don’t adhere to office hours. Customers will inevitably reach out to your business when it’s closed, support lines are flooded, or a key staff member is out on vacation. In these scenarios, don’t leave your customers waiting for a reply – set auto-reply messages instead.
Auto-reply texts help maintain transparency, keep customers informed, and ensure your response time remains low. This article will share 35 ready-to-use auto-reply text message examples, along with best practices for autoresponders.
Jump right to:
- What are auto-reply texts?
- 35 auto-reply message samples for business
- How to set up auto-replies
- Best practices for auto-reply messages
<h2 id="What">What are auto-reply texts?</h2>
Auto-reply texts are pre-written messages which are automatically sent in response to an inbound text message, typically used to acknowledge customer messages, respond to FAQs, or set expectations.
Unlike automated messages, which are pre-scheduled or event-based, auto-replies are only triggered after someone messages into your texting service. For example, if a customer texts your business after hours, an auto-reply message can be configured to trigger a reply message that thanks the customer for their message and shares your business hours.
Auto-replies enhance customer satisfaction and retain engagement, ensuring customer messages don’t go unanswered, even when your office is closed or all support agents are busy.
<h2 id="Examples">35 auto-reply message samples for business</h2>
Customers expect short response times no matter the communication channel. Use these auto-reply text message samples when you can’t reply quickly to help meet and manage customer expectations.
Out-of-office
Share with contacts that you’re out of the office, when you return, and how they can get more information.
Hi [name]. Sorry I missed you! I’m OOO, returning [date]. I’ll reply ASAP when I return. Contact [team member] at [phone number] for immediate assistance.
Hi [name]. I’m on vacation until [date] 🌴 If you’re looking to book an appointment with me, set up a time on my calendar: [link]
Hi [name]. Thanks for your message! I’m OOO, returning [date]. I look forward to connecting with you then. In the meantime, check out our latest blog: [link]
Holiday business closure
Businesses all observe different holidays, making it difficult for customers to know when certain offices will be open or closed. Ensure you share with contacts when you are closed to celebrate a holiday.
Hi [name]. [Business name] is currently closed in observance of [holiday]. Our office will reopen on [date]. Once back, we’ll reply ASAP.
Hi [name], we’re currently spreading holiday cheer and taking a break for [holiday] 🎉 [Business name] will reopen on [date]. We’ll get back to you as soon as we’re back from our holiday festivities.
[Name], the [holiday] magic has taken over, and we’re out of the office enjoying the celebrations! [Business name] will be back on [date] to get back to business. If you have an urgent issue, please email [email address].
After-hours
Don’t leave customers hanging when they reach out outside of business hours. Provide your hours and when they’ll hear from you.
Hi, thanks for contacting [business name] 😃 Our hours are [time] to [time] Monday through Friday. We’ll get back to you when we return!
Hello! Thanks for your message. We’re closed for the day, but our hours are [time] to [time], Monday to Friday. If it’s urgent, please email us at [email]. Otherwise, we’ll reply when we’re back!
Hey [name]. We’ve received your message, and we’re currently away from the desk. Our office hours are [time] to [time]. We’ll get back to you ASAP. Thanks for your patience!
Slow to respond
Are you on-site at a work conference, hosting an open house, or at a company happy hour? Use an auto-reply to inform contacts to expect a reply, but it may take longer than usual.
Hi [name]. I’m currently attending [work event]. I’ll be slow to respond, but you can expect a reply by [time] today.
Hi [name]. Our company is at [work event] today. We’ll be slow to respond, but you can expect a team member to reply by [time].
[Name], thanks for your message! Our team is traveling today and will be slow to respond. You can expect a reply by the end of business today. Thanks for your patience!
We got your message
Give customers a heads-up that you received their message. You can also provide a timeframe for when they can expect a reply.
Hi [name]. [Business name] wanted to let you know we received your message. A team member will be in touch in [time frame].
Hi [name]. Thanks for contacting [business name]! We got your message. You’re currently [number in line] to reach a team member.
Thanks for contacting [business name]! We’ve received your message. Due to high demand, please allow up to [time frame] for a response. We appreciate your patience!
Support line busy
Are you facing an influx of support inquiries? Let customers know that your support team is slammed but working on getting to their tickets.
Hi [name]. Thanks for reaching out. Our support line is facing an influx of inquiries. We’re working hard to get to yours as soon as we can!
Hi [name]. Our texting support line is busy right now! You’re in the queue, but please call [phone number] for quicker assistance.
Hi [name]. We’re working hard to get to your message. While you wait, here’s a link to our help center: [link]
Inbox not monitored
Certain inboxes are not monitored or managed if they’re being used to send automated or transactional emails and don’t expect replies. Let customers know where they can reach you if they happen to message into your unmonitored inbox.
Thanks for reaching out! This inbox is not monitored. For assistance, please visit [website] or contact [support email/phone number].
This is an automated message. Our inbox is not monitored, but our support team is happy to help! Please reach us at [support email] or [phone number] for assistance.
Hello, [name]. This inbox is not monitored. Our team is available [business hours]. Please contact us at [email/phone] for urgent matters.
Keyword trigger
Provide instant responses to common inquiries based on keywords used in inbound messages.
Trigger message: ‘SUPPORT’
Response: Thanks for reaching out! A support agent will assist you shortly. If this is urgent, please call us at [phone number].
Trigger message: ‘JOIN’
Response: Hi [name]! Thanks for subscribing 🌟 You’ll be the first to hear about exclusive deals and offers. Reply STOP to unsubscribe
.
Trigger message: ‘TRACK’
Response: [Brand name]: Hey [name], your order is on the way! 🚚 Track it here: [tracking link]. Need more help? Reply SUPPORT.
Opt-in confirmation text
Trigger this auto-reply message to send after customers text in a keyword like “JOIN” to subscribe to your SMS marketing texts.
Reply YES to confirm you want to get recurring automated marketing alerts from [business name]. Reply STOP at any time.
Welcome to the [business name] family! Reply YES to get all our special deals, news, and more delivered straight to your phone. Don’t worry, you can opt-out anytime by replying STOP.
[Name], you're on the verge of something great! Reply YES to receive exciting news, discounts, and more from [business name]. You can always opt-out by replying STOP whenever you choose.
Confirmation auto-reply
Thank customers for booking a service or scheduling an appointment and provide next steps with confirmation auto-reply messages.
[Name], you're all set! Your registration for [event Name] on [event date] has been confirmed. We look forward to seeing you there!
[Business name]: Thank you for booking with us! Your appointment is confirmed for [Date] at [Time]. If you need to cancel, reply 'CANCEL'.
Hi [name], your order has been successfully placed! Order #[Order Number] will be shipped to [Shipping Address]. You’ll receive an update once it’s on its way 🥳
Redirect to a different contact
If you don’t monitor your texting number at certain hours of the day or are experiencing difficulties with your contact channel, provide customers with a different way to reach you.
Hi [name]. Our team is currently unavailable from [time] to [time.] Please contact our support line at [email] for assistance. Thanks for your patience!
Sorry! We’re experiencing technical difficulties. Please call us at [phone number] or email us at [email] for assistance.
This phone number isn’t monitored 24/7. If you need immediate help, please contact us at [email] or call us at [phone number]. We’re here to assist you!
No longer work here
This auto-reply is helpful to set up if you have a team member who no longer works at your business.
Hi [name]. I no longer work for [business name]. Please contact [team member] at [phone number] for assistance.
Hey [name], [previous employee name] no longer works at [business name]. Please reach out to [team member] at [phone number] or [email] for further assistance. Apologies for any inconvenience!
<h2 id="Set">How to set up auto-reply texts on Textline</h2>
Ready to set up your auto-reply texts and keep customers informed around the clock? It’s easy with Textline. Follow these steps to get started:
1. From your Textline inbox, navigate to the Messaging Tools tab and choose Automations.
2. Once you’re in the Automations window, choose New Automation.
3. Select Build From Scratch.
4. Choose a name for your Automation, like “JOIN KEYWORD”, for example. Then, select the Department, or phone number, you’d like the automation to work under.
5. Now, it’s time to set your automation parameters. Under Automation Type, choose the Message Received option. This will instruct Textline to trigger this message after an inbound message is received.
6. Under Automation Conditions, choose Message body must exactly match and enter your keyword.
7. Next, you’ll want to tell Textline what action to take when a customer messages in your chosen keyword. Under Actions, choose Add Action and choose the Send a message option. Then, type your text message.
8. Press Next and preview your Automation. You can choose to save this Automation as a template and use it for other keywords in the future. Once you’ve proofread your message, click Create Automation.
You’ve done it! Your keyword-triggered Automation is ready to go.
<h2 id="Best">Best practices for auto-reply texts</h2>
To ensure customers receive your auto-reply texts well, keep the following tips in mind.
- Be concise. Texting is built for exchanging 160-character messages. Make sure your auto-reply texts are within that limit and to the point.
- Give an estimated response time. Share when your lead, customer, or colleague can expect to hear from you. This keeps them informed.
- Proofread. Don’t let grammatical errors slip through. Ensure your auto-reply texts are accurate, on-brand, and free from mistakes.
- Provide an alternative contact method. Give customers another way to reach your business or another team member while unavailable. This could include providing a different phone number, a teammate's email, or a link to a help center article for further reading.
- Ensure relevant responses. Make sure auto-replies apply to customers’ needs. Don’t reply with irrelevant information.
- Make sure the response triggers quickly. Regularly test your automations to make sure they’re working as they should.
- Personalize. If possible, include the contact’s name or reference their specific inquiries to make your auto-response feel more personal and engaging.
Never miss a message with Textline’s auto-replies
Leverage auto-reply messages to stay in touch with your contacts and provide service around the clock. With Textline, users can create and set time-saving workflow automations to respond instantly, handle inquiries, and ensure no message goes unanswered.
Don’t let customers slip through the cracks. See futuristic automation in action with a Textline demo. Get the Demo
