Customers want immediate responses when they text your team during business hours—even if everyone’s busy. Luckily, it’s easy to set up a during-hours auto reply with your business SMS platform. This reply will reassure customers that you got their messages, and give them a good idea of when they can expect a response.
First, you’ll create a template that you want each customer who texts in to receive. Then, you’ll select the day (or date) and time you’d like your business SMS platform to send the auto reply. When customers text in during those hours, they’ll receive that templated message. The Auto Reply will trigger only once per contact in a 24-hour period, unless you’d prefer otherwise.
Setting up an auto reply is easy, but sometimes it can be difficult coming up with informative yet personable templates. To help, we’ve pulled together samples of business SMS auto replies from various industries and brand tones. Feel free to adjust and use any templates you like.
Looking for more ways to streamline your customer service with texting? Read our SMS Customer Service Handbook.
Get the guideAutomotive
If you run an automotive business, your customer service agents or salespeople are bound to be constantly busy. An auto reply will let customers know you’ll be back as soon as you get out from under the hood.
Hello, thanks for reaching out to Auto Dealers West. Please expect a response within 30 minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hey there, you’ve reached Sam at Sam’s Auto. I’m with a customer or under a hood right now, but should be back with you within an hour. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hiya, you’ve reached Neighborhood Auto Shop—and we’re swamped! We’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Expect a text in 5-15 minutes. 🚗 Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Higher Education
Students, applicants, and parents have a lot of questions for your administrative teams. But with so many admissions and business tasks to manage plus in-office visitors, it’s hard to answer incoming texts immediately. With an auto reply, you can reassure them that they’ll have their answers soon.
Hello, you’ve reached the admissions office. We’ll get back to you within the hour. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hi! Business office here. We can answer your questions about bills, enrollment, or other administrative items. Expect an answer within 2 hours. If you’re a prospective student looking for the admissions office, text 948-9385. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
You’ve reached the Dean of Students’ office! We’ll get to your question in about 1 hour. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Professional Services
More than ever before, your clients expect prompt responses. An auto reply lets your team focus on the task at hand without alienating them.
Hello, you have reached Bay Area Legal. We will be able to respond to your query in around 40 minutes. Please call if this is an emergency question. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hi! Estate Law here. Please expect a reply to your query within an hour. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hey there, Smith Accounting here. We’re busy helping clients, but we’ll be with you as soon as we can. Expect a response within 1 business day. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Real Estate
As a real estate agent, you’re always on the go. Texting is one of the best ways to connect with clients while you’re in the field. But sometimes, you’re driving or chatting with clients in person and can’t text back right away. An auto reply lets clients know you’re engaged but will get back with them soon.
This is Mountain Area Real Estate. If you have a question for a specific agent, please reply with their name. Otherwise, please expect a reply to your query within one business day. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
This is Sheryl with Homebound Real Estate. I’m out and about, but I’ll text back as soon as I have a spare minute! Give it about an hour. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hiya! Baker&Sons Real Estate here. Joe or Kenny will reply to your dream-home queries within the hour. Be sure to check out our newest listing on our Facebook page while you wait! 🏠 Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Recruiting
It’s been a candidate’s job market for a long time, but with text recruiting, your team can attract and hire top-notch professionals for your most in-demand roles. But you don’t want to miss any incoming texts from excited candidates. With an auto reply you can reassure clients that your team will be with them soon.
Hello, you have reached Harrison Staffing. Our team will reach out to you within the hour with a reply. Thanks for your patience. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hey, thanks for reaching out to Big Firm’s recruiting department. We’re happy to hear from you. Due to a high volume of incoming texts, please expect a reply from an agent in 30-40 minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hi there! NewStyles Recruiting Firm here. Hold tight—an agent be with you in 10 minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Salons and Spas
You spend a lot of time talking with clients. From scheduling appointments to answering pricing questions, you do it all. Business SMS helps you manage these tasks faster, but it’s difficult to answer all incoming texts immediately. Auto replies are a great way to let clients know you’ll be with them soon, and set the tone for your conversation.
You’ve reached Southside Salon. We’re pleased you’ve chosen us for your hair, nail, or massage experience. Please expect a reply within 20 minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hey! This is Nails&Such. We’ll be with you in 10 minutes, tops. While you wait, check out our newest polish colors at www.nailsandsuch.com. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hi hi hi! Electric Hair here. We’re making some hair look fabulous right now, but we should be back to answer you in around 30 mins. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hospitality
Upcoming and current guests are your highest priority—but you can’t answer all of their questions all at once. Auto replies are a great way to politely let guests know you’re busy, but you’ll answer as soon as you can.
Hello, you’ve reached Elegant Hotel Chain corporate. Please expect a reply from one of our hospitality agents within the hour. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hi there, this is the FlowerPower Hotel Front Desk. 🌼 We’re so glad you’re interested in our unique experience. One of our guest happiness agents will be with you in a few minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hiya, you’ve reached MillennialDream Hostel East! We’re excited to hear from you. A front desk agent will be with you in a few minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Fitness
Gyms and fitness studios are high-traffic establishments, especially on weekday evenings and weekends. Your team members are manning the front desk, working with potential members, and answering member questions. An auto reply will reassure on-the-go members or potential members that you’ll answer as soon as you get a break.
Hello, this is the Always On Fitness front desk. One of our team members will be with you within 30 minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hey there, Sally’s Yoga here. We’re in the middle of class or with another member right now, but we’ll get back to you as soon as we can! Give it around 45 minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hey hey hey, SuperEnergy Studios here. Great to hear from you! We’ll reply in around 10 minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Politics
Many constituents don’t have time to attend rallies or meet-and-greets, but they do have time to text in. Let them know that they’ve made the best choice with an auto reply that shows that your team—and your candidate—cares.
Your text has reached the Local Political Party Office. A staffer will reply to your query within the hour. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Welcome, constituent! 🇺🇸 The Adam Brown campaign is thrilled to hear from you. Expect a reply within ten minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Hiya! Thanks so much for reaching out to Elena Smart’s campaign. YOUR participation in the political system is what makes this country great! One of our staffers will be with you in around 30 minutes. Text STOP to stop receiving texts.
Want more ideas for building an excellent customer experience with texting? Read our SMS Customer Service Handbook.
