A customer messages at 11 pm. If nobody replies, they may message your competitor too. An away message is an automatic reply that tells them you got the message and when you will answer. Here are simple examples you can copy.
What a good away message includes
- A thank-you for writing.
- Your working hours.
- When they can expect a reply.
- Where to go for urgent help, if needed.
Keep it under three lines. Customers read it on a phone.
Shops and stores
1. "Thanks for messaging Sharma Sarees! We're closed now. Our shop is open 10 am – 9 pm, Monday to Saturday. We'll reply first thing in the morning."
2. "Hi! We're busy with customers right now. Please share what you're looking for, and we'll send photos and prices shortly."
Clinics and doctors
3. "Thank you for contacting CityCare Clinic. Our desk is open 9 am – 7 pm. We'll call back to confirm your appointment. For an emergency, please go to the nearest hospital."
Restaurants and cloud kitchens
4. "Our kitchen is closed for today. We open at 12 noon tomorrow. Leave your order and we'll confirm it when we open."
Salons
5. "Thanks for writing to Glow Salon! We're with clients right now. Share your preferred day and time, and we'll confirm your slot within the hour."
Suppliers and B2B
6. "Thank you for your enquiry. Our office works 9:30 am – 6:30 pm IST, Monday to Saturday. Our sales team will reply on the next working day."
Holidays and festivals
7. "Happy Diwali! Our store is closed from 8 to 10 November. Orders placed now will be packed on 11 November. Thank you for your patience."
Mistakes to avoid
- Promising "we'll reply in 5 minutes" when you can't.
- Long messages with offers and links — save offers for later.
- Leaving a holiday message on after you reopen.
- Forgetting to follow up the next morning.
App vs API
The free WhatsApp Business app has a basic away message for one phone. With the WhatsApp Business API, the same number is shared by your whole team in one inbox, so when the morning shift starts, anyone can pick up last night's chats with the full history.
On our Growth and Pro plans, you can set an away message along with a welcome message and keyword replies — for example, sending your price list when someone types "rates". See WhatsApp auto-reply for business or our plans.
Also read WhatsApp greeting message examples.
FAQs
What is a WhatsApp away message?
An automatic reply sent when you are closed or busy, telling the customer you got their message and when you will answer.
What should an away message say?
A thank-you, your working hours, when you will reply and, if needed, where to get urgent help — in under three lines.
Can I set an away message on the WhatsApp Business API?
Yes. On our Growth and Pro plans, away messages work together with welcome messages and keyword replies.
Should I put offers in an away message?
No. Keep it short and helpful. Share offers after you reply properly.
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