WhatsApp Business greeting and away messages: examples you can copy
How to set up the WhatsApp Business greeting message, away message and quick replies, with ready examples for shops, restaurants, clinics and salons.
The first message a customer gets from your business sets the tone. Yet most WhatsApp Business accounts either send nothing, or send a dull "Hi, how can I help you?".
WhatsApp Business gives you three free tools to fix this: a greeting message, an away message and quick replies. Here's how to set them up, with ready examples you can copy.
Where to find them
Open WhatsApp Business → Settings → Business tools:
- Greeting message: sent automatically when a customer messages you for the first time, or after 14 days with no messages.
- Away message: sent automatically outside the schedule you choose, such as after closing time or on holidays.
- Quick replies: saved messages you send by typing
/and a shortcut word.
What makes a good greeting message
- Welcome them by your business name.
- Tell them what to send, so you can answer in one go: product name, photo, date or area.
- Set expectations: when you usually reply.
Shop
Hi! 👋 Welcome to Bedi Electricals. Send us the product name or a photo, and we'll reply with the price and availability. Open 10 am – 8 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Restaurant
Namaste! 🍛 Thanks for messaging Spice Route. Type MENU for today's menu, or send your order with your address for home delivery.
Clinic
Hello, and welcome to City Care Clinic. To book an appointment, please share the patient's name, your preferred date and time, and the doctor's name if you know it.
Salon (Hinglish)
Hi! 💇♀️ Glam Studio mein aapka swagat hai. Service ka naam aur preferred date/time bhej dijiye, hum slot confirm kar denge.
What makes a good away message
Say when you'll reply, so they don't go to a competitor thinking you're ignoring them. If possible, give them something useful meanwhile.
Thanks for your message! 🙏 We're closed right now. Our hours are 10 am – 8 pm, Monday to Saturday. We'll reply first thing tomorrow. Meanwhile, you can browse our catalogue here: [link]
We're on a short Diwali break until 3 November. 🪔 Your message is safe with us, and we'll reply as soon as we're back!
5 quick replies every business needs
/price→ "Here is our price list: [prices]. Tell us what you need and we'll suggest the best option."/location→ "We're at [address]. Google Maps: [link]. Parking is available nearby."/timings→ "We're open [days and hours]."/payment→ "You can pay by UPI to [UPI ID], or by cash or card at the store."/order→ "Please share your order number, and we'll check the status right away."
Write yours in seconds
Our free WhatsApp Auto-Reply Message Writer asks for your business name, hours and what customers usually ask. It writes your greeting, your away message and 5 quick replies in English, Hindi or Hinglish, ready to paste.
When auto-replies aren't enough
Greeting and away messages send the same fixed text to everyone. They can't tell a customer whether the 1.5 ton AC is in stock, or book the 6:15 pm slot. If you get a lot of chats, read WhatsApp auto-reply vs AI chatbot to see when it's time to upgrade.
